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Spring 2025  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (52231)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. The course is designed to help students understand what liberal education is by engaging in the study of American politics as a fundamentally critical and creative enterprise, and by grappling with the most complex and challenging problems of political life, such as the sources of political equality and inequality, and the tension between individual aspirations and political control. Questions of power and choice, opportunity and discrimination, freedom and restrictions on freedom are fundamental to the historical development of and current controversies within the American political system, and we will attend to all of these. We will explore topics including the ideas underlying the nation's founding and its constitutional foundations; civil rights and civil liberties; the role of the United States in an increasingly globalized world; the structure and function of American political institutions; and the behavior of American citizens in the political process. In addition, we will learn to think and communicate like political scientists. We will read primary documents, such as the Federalist papers, engage with scholarly arguments about the way the American political system works, and critically evaluate critiques of the American political system that have been offered from a variety of perspectives. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them. Students will be able to identify, define, and solve problems and to locate and critically evaluate information. Students will have mastered a body of knowledge and a mod
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL1001+Spring2024
Class Description:

Why doesn't Congress seem to work? Why do Americans love democracy, but hate politics? Why are there only two political parties, and why do they seem to despise each other so much? This course will introduce students to politics in the United States, addressing these and many more questions about how the American political system really works. We will begin with the founding principles and historical development of the American system of government and then move on to examine the contemporary structure and function of American political institutions and the role that average citizens play in the political process. Students will exit the class with a better understanding of how the American political system succeeds or fails at living up to our ideals and what we can do about it.

Who Should Take This Class?:
This class will be of interest to anyone who wants a better understanding of how the American political system operates, what is going on in Washington, or how to effect change in our current political climate. The class is also an entry point for the department's upper division American politics classes, including classes on political psychology, social movements, Congress, the Supreme Court, and state and local government.
Grading:
Grades will be based on three elements. Short quizzes at the beginning of each class will evaluate students' comprehension of key concepts from readings and lecture (40%), three long quizzes over the course of the semester will evaluate students' ability to apply these concepts to new situations and problems (40%), and a final paper will evaluate students' ability to use these concepts to advance and defend an argument (20%).
Exam Format:
All short quizzes will be multiple choice. All long quizzes will be short answer/essay.
Class Format:
Class is lecture based, but "lecture" will be broken up by short writing exercises, small group discussion, and other exercises that will ask you to apply the concepts you are learning in real time. While these will not be graded, engaging fully with them will make the subsequent quizzes and essays much, much easier.
Workload:
Each week students should expect to read one textbook chapter and 2-3 additional readings, including academic journal articles, book chapters, or magazine articles.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52231/1253
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2018.docx (Fall 2018)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2017.docx (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
5 January 2024

Spring 2025  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (51237)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Global politics is complex, fast-paced, and often confusing. This introductory course explores both the enduring challenges of international politics as well as more recent transformative trends. The course introduces theoretical traditions, but its focus is on making sense of real-world problems, both today and in the past. Why is the world organized into states, and what implications does the states system have for indigenous populations globally? Why and when do states go to war and use military force? Why do they sign international agreements and treaties, on matters from arms control to investment? In what ways do existing systems of international law and trade exacerbate or mitigate global inequities? Why has human rights emerged as a central problem in world politics? What are the prospects for international cooperation to address climate change? How have inequities and prejudices, along the lines of race and other categorical identities, shaped our world - from the practice of global security to the structures of the international political economy? These are among the pressing real-world questions that this course in Global Politics will address and that it will give you the tools to answer - though particular instructors will naturally emphasize different topics and questions. But the course will also highlight how our answers to these questions are changing along with the deep power structures of global politics - as US dominance wanes and others, most notably China, rise; as core ideas and discourses underpinning the international system, such as sovereignty, come under assault; as institutions, such as those governing international law, thicken; and as attention grows to the structuring effects of race and other ascriptive categories. Global Politics is an essential guide to our increasingly globalized world.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL1025+Spring2024
Class Description:

This course provides an introduction to the study of international relations. We will cover several approaches to and issues in the field, including the causes of war and peace, nuclear proliferation, trade, finance, globalization, international law, the environment, and terrorism. We will discuss several cases, such as the 2003 Iraq War and the 2008 financial crisis, throughout the semester. We will also discuss current events in international relations.

Who Should Take This Class?:
There are no prerequisites for this course. This course is meant as an introduction to international relations, and is thus suitable for any student interested in gaining an entry-level understanding and overview of this topic.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the semester, students should have gained an understanding of:
- The role of the state in international politics
- Basic theories of international relations and their application to questions of conflict and cooperation
- The challenges of international bargaining and diplomacy
- Ongoing issues in international relations
Grading:

Course grades will be based on:


One ~1000 word paper analyzing an in-class exercise (10%)

Statecraft* quizzes and memos (10%)

One in-class mid-term examination (20%)

One ~1500 word policy paper based on critical analysis of course readings, lectures, and your own research (15%)

Final examination (35%)

Participation in Statecraft (10%)


*Statecraft is an online platform that implements a simulation of international politics. Statecraft memos should be at least 300 words and must be posted before each turn starts, beginning with Turn 1. These memos should detail challenges faced and strategies recommended for your country for each turn, and also should focus on your role within the simulation (e.g., the defense minister must include a defense budget for each turn). Each student must take both Statecraft quizzes and complete memos every other week, beginning with Week 1 or Week 2. In addition, students will be evaluated by both the T.A.'s and their peers regarding their participation in Statecraft. Students are responsible for turning memos in and taking quizzes on time. Statecraft will not accept late assignments, and you will lose credit for these assignments if they are submitted late.

Exam Format:
The midterm exam is in-class and closed book.

The final examination will have an in-class component that will be administered on the last day of class and a take-home essay portion that will be distributed on following the final class session and due approximately five days later.

Class Format:
This class will meet twice weekly. Each session is 75 minutes. Class sessions will be a mix of lecture, discussion, and Statecraft.
Workload:
- Approximately 50 pages of reading assigned per session
- Statecraft will begin approximately the fourth week of class. Students should plan to spend at least 30 minutes/week (outside of class) on Statecraft, and may certainly choose to spend additional time.
- Students are expected to attend class.
- Workload for course assignments (see "Grading," above) will vary by student.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51237/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
19 March 2018

Spring 2025  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Politics Around the World (52562)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. It focuses on domestic politics within countries, as opposed to a course in international relations, which focuses on relations between countries. Some of the questions we tackle include: Why are some countries prone to violent conflict while others remain peaceful? Why do some countries grow rich while others remain poor? Why does democracy emerge in some countries, while dictators hold onto power elsewhere? How do attitudes about gender and sexuality influence politics? Do particular religions, or the strength of religious faith, strengthen or weaken democracy? The readings and assignments help you make sense of the complexity of world politics - to sift through and distill the avalanche of information available and learn how to develop your own arguments about pertinent global issues. Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and provide examples of 1) the difference between strong and weak states; 2) the distinctions between democratic and non-democratic forms of government; 3) the various ways democracies are governed; 4) arguments explaining the origin of democracy and the persistence of non-democracy; 5) the significance of different forms of political identity such as ethnicity, religion, and gender; 6) why some countries are rich while others remain poor; and 7) why some countries tax and spend more than others. Assignments seek to develop your skills at developing arguments through logic and evidence and to give you the ability to distinguish between a persuasive argument about politics and simply stating an opinion.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL1054+Spring2024
Class Description:
This course provides an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. We seek to understand how people establish a durable and legitimate political system, and how they seek to benefit from, transform or even overthrow that system. Over the course of the semester we will explore the following questions: 1) How and why do societies establish political order? 2) What is democracy and how is it different from dictatorship? 3) What factors cause democracy to emerge? 4) What are the different kinds of dictatorships? 5) When, where and why does ethnicity impact politics? 6) What is nationalism? 7) How does religion drive conflict in the contemporary world? 8) What is the impact of women in politics around the world? 9) What causes civil wars? 10) Why are some countries rich and some poor? 11) Why do some countries tax and spend quite a lot, while others have lower tax rates and lower levels of redistribution?
Who Should Take This Class?:
Anyone interested in global politics
Exam Format:
30% Reports/Papers
50% Written Homework
20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: There is one five-page paper, and up to 10 short assignments. A draft of the 5-page paper is required; students will receive feedback before turning in the final version.
Class Format:
60% Lecture
25% Discussion
15% Small Group Activities
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Paper(s)
10 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52562/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 March 2017

Spring 2025  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (51212)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
Class Notes:
This course will be meeting synchronously online. https://classinfo.umn.edu/?asinha+POL1201+Spring2024
Class Description:

Aristotle once called human beings "political animals," meaning that, unlike gods or the other animals, we naturally create institutions to govern ourselves. What those institutions should look like, what values they should embody, and who should be in charge prove to be difficult questions that Aristotle leaves for us. Building on Aristotle's definition, this course offers an introduction to political theory, a sub-discipline of political science. By exploring some of the core issues and concepts of political theory, students will grapple with a number of "big questions" about politics in history and in the present: Why and how does politics matter in our everyday lives beyond the voting booth? On what basis is political authority seen as legitimate? How should we understand and embody political values like justice and equality in our own lives? What is the role of economics (capitalism, socialism, etc.) and economic inequality in the creation of political order? What should we think of the use of violence or non-violence in contemporary politics and protests? To explore these "big questions," we will relate historical readings to contemporary "hot-button" issues here in the Twin Cities, the US, and the globe.


Class Format:
Remote Instruction, that will be a mix of synchronous and asynchronous online classes
Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
9-10 Pages Writing Per Term
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51212/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
22 October 2020

Spring 2025  |  POL 3065 Section 001: Political Engagement Careers: Planning and Preparing For Your Future (53161)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Wed, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Are you interested in pursuing a career in public service? Do you plan to run for office in the future, or work in a government agency (such as the State Department or the FBI or the MN DNR), or become a professional campaign manager or lobbyist, or work as an issue activist on a cause important to you? Would you like to learn more about the variety of public service careers open to a college graduate? Do you wonder what motivates people to pursue careers in politics, public administration, and community service, and how these motivations vary across career fields? Would you like to explore some options for future internship or service learning while at the University? Then this course is for you! This course is the Political Science Department's introduction to careers in political and civic engagement. Through readings focused on theories about and case studies of political engagement, and on the ethics of politics and public service, numerous guest speakers with extensive experience as public service professionals, and a discussion-oriented class format, we will explore the meaning of public service and the main types of public service careers that you could pursue. We will think about the virtues and challenges associated with doing public service work, and how these differ across different types of jobs and venues for serving the public. Finally, you will acquire practical knowledge and skills related to the search for public service work opportunities, including how to write a resume and cover letter, how to conduct an informational interview, networking, and the job search and application process. Intended primarily for first- and second-year undergraduates, but open to students of any major at any point in their undergraduate program.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3065+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53161/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (51211)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Field Work
Credits:
3-13 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
15 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
12:00AM - 12:00AM
Off Campus
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 60 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students search for and arrange an internship with an organization or office working in government or politics, and then complete academic coursework in association with their internship. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Spring2024
Class Description:
This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
Learning Objectives:
To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
Grading:
Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
Exam Format:
90% Reports/Papers
10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
Class Format:
100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
Workload:
30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51211/1253
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Spring 2025  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (54711)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 60 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2024
Class Description:
Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Reports/Papers
30% Written Homework
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
Exam Format:
Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Discussion
30% Laboratory
15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for the whole class period!
Workload:
60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
1 Presentation(s)
6 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54711/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
12 October 2022

Spring 2025  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (54712)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Discussion
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Wed 01:00PM - 01:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2024
Class Description:
Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Reports/Papers
30% Written Homework
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
Exam Format:
Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Discussion
30% Laboratory
15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
Workload:
60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
1 Presentation(s)
6 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54712/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
21 March 2013

Spring 2025  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (54713)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Discussion
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Wed 02:00PM - 02:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2024
Class Description:
Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Reports/Papers
30% Written Homework
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
Exam Format:
Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Discussion
30% Laboratory
15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
Workload:
60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
1 Presentation(s)
6 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54713/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
21 March 2013

Spring 2025  |  POL 3108H Section 001: Honors Tutorial: Thesis Preparation and Political Science Inquiry (52857)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Politcal Science honors major, jr or sr
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Mon 01:30PM - 03:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
In this course, students will improve their research skills in preparation to write their senior theses. Students will enter with a few ideas for topics about which they might like to write their theses. They will leave the class with a clear and tractable research question, a literature review that describes how this question fits in with the existing scholarly literature, and a research design that will enable them to answer the question. Along the way, they will advance their understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct political science research. Students will be graded on the basis of drafts of their annotated bibliography, literature review and research design, a class presentation of the "front half" of their senior thesis, and class participation including short weekly assignments. Students are expected to keep up with the reading and, most importantly, to begin to conduct their own independent research. prereq: Pol sci major, honors
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL3108H+Spring2024
Class Description:
In this course, students will advance their research skills and prepare to write their senior theses. Students will gain a deeper understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct research in political science. Most important, students will develop their own thesis topics and research designs, testing out their ideas in a structured and collegial setting. The first half of the course will enhance students? understanding of political science research, and the second half of the course will focus on the students? own research. Students will be graded on the basis of several short assignments and two revised papers, a class presentation, and class participation. Students are expected to keep up with course reading and conduct their own independent research. Students will turn in two drafts of a literature review and their research design.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52857/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
11 November 2011

Spring 2025  |  POL 3308 Section 001: Congressional Politics and Institutions (54316)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the politics of the U.S. Congress and the federal legislative process. Throughout the semester, we will focus on the behavior of individual legislators and the role that they play in crafting federal legislation in policy areas such as healthcare, civil rights and the environment. We will devote special attention to changes in Congress, as well as current political and scholarly controversies such as congressional confirmation process of Supreme Court justices, congressional war powers, the influence of parties, and campaign finance. The theme of the course is why do legislators behave as they do and who interests do they represent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL3308+Spring2024
Class Description:
This course is a comprehensive survey of the contemporary U.S. Congress. We will begin by analyzing congressional elections, how members of Congress represent their states and districts, and the links between elections and governance. Then we will focus on the organization of Congress, including the interplay between parties and the committee system. We will then analyze the legislative process, rules and procedure, the budget process, interest groups, and the interaction between the Congress and the White House. The current Congress is deeply polarized along partisan lines. We will investigate the implications of this partisan polarization, along with the consequences of divided and unified party control of government and important institutional features of Congress, such as the Senate filibuster and the House Committee on Rules. Class sessions will include lecture and discussion. It is important that students keep up with the assigned reading to understand the lectures and participate in class. Although attention to current congressional politics will enhance the value of this course, it is no substitute for careful reading and classroom discussion. Students will write two short papers, an 8-10 page paper, and take a midterm and a final exam.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54316/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 November 2014

Spring 2025  |  POL 3309 Section 001: U.S. Supreme Court Decision-Making, Process, and Politics (64890)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to judicial politics and decision-making of the U.S. Supreme Court. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. Unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, this course does not study legal doctrine. Rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system with an emphasis on the social scientific literature about how the U.S. Supreme Court functions. Thus, we will cover nominations of justices, decision making models, and how justices interact with one another and the political world beyond the ivory tower. Recommended prerequisite: POL 1001
Class Description:
The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to the scientific study of judicial politics. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. This course, unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, does not study legal doctrine; rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system, with an emphasis on the social scientific literature on law and legal process.
Grading:
70% Midterm Exam
30% Final Exam
Exam Format:
Essay
Class Format:
80% Lecture
20% Discussion
Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
3 Exam(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/64890/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
10 April 2014

Spring 2025  |  POL 3409 Section 001: Introduction to Authoritarian Politics (64891)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
For much of history, states were largely organized along dictatorial principles. There were the days of emperors and empresses, of kings and queens, of rulers who ruled not because they were elected by their subjects, but because they saw it as their right to reign and were shrewd enough to maintain their position in power. While it is true that monarchies have virtually disappeared from the modern political landscape, the same cannot be said about dictatorships. The purpose of this class is to examine this regime type by introducing students to the current literature on dictatorships. The core questions that will be addressed in the class are as follows: Are dictatorships qualitatively different from democracies or do regimes instead lie somewhere on a democracy-dictatorship continuum? How do dictators survive in power? In the absence of free and fair elections, how does the transfer of power occur in this political setting? In asking these questions, the goal is to go beyond the often simplistic descriptions of dictators as the all-powerful and omnipotent tyrant, the one who does as he pleases without having to fear any repercussions for his actions. Instead, we will learn that the dictator is only one among may other political elites that make up the regime and to survive, much less thrive, he must traverse the terrain of power politics with the utmost care.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/64891/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 3423 Section 001: Politics of Disruption: Violence and Its Alternatives (54685)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Political struggles aimed at undermining the existing political order have been a pervasive feature of global politics. Modern states have constantly been sites of relentless challenges from their citizenry, which sometimes take the form of non-violent action while on other occasions manifest in terrorism and violence. This course introduces students to the politics of disruption and violent and non-violent struggles targeted at bringing about political change. We will study a range of manifestations of such struggles focusing on some well-known cases such as the US civil rights movement, the Arab Springs, the Ferguson riots and the Islamic State (ISIS). Can non-violent resistance succeed against a coercive state? Why do individuals and groups participate in high-risk political struggles? What explains patterns of violence in civil conflicts? What are the effects of violence? What facilitates peace? This course will enable you to answer these questions.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL3423+Spring2024
Class Description:
Political struggles aimed at undermining the existing political order have been a pervasive feature of global politics. Modern states have constantly been sites of relentless challenges from their citizenry, which sometimes take the form of non-violent action while on other occasions manifest in terrorism and violence. This course introduces students to the politics of disruption - violent and non-violent struggles targeted at bringing about political change. We will study a range of manifestations of such struggles focusing on some well-known cases such as the US civil rights movement, the Arab Springs, the Ferguson riots and the Islamic State (ISIS). Can non-violent resistance succeed against a coercive state? Why do individuals and groups participate in high-risk political struggles? What explains patterns of violence in civil conflicts? What are the effects of violence? What facilitates peace? This course will enable you to answer these questions.

The course will begin with an examination of alternatives to political violence. The focus will be primarily on India's non-violent struggle for independence from the British rule under the leadership of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, but we will also spend some time on the US civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa with Dr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in the lead. Students will be familiarized with definitional, conceptual and practical distinctions between various forms and manifestations of violent and non-violent struggles. To facilitate a better understanding, we will study a carefully-selected list of cases in-depth during the course of the semester.

Our discussion on political violence will be structured around four broad themes, which are:

1. Causes underlying violence;
2. Dynamics of conflict -- focusing on such questions as who participates in violent activities, how violence and violent actors are organized, and what can we learn from the pattern of violence;
3. Consequences of violence, both short-term and long-term; and,
4. Prevention and termination of violence.

This course will instill in students a strong sense of their role as historical agents by: a) facilitating a deeper understanding of the problems and challenges confronting much of humanity; b) inculcating an ability to assess the performance of policies, programs, actions and interventions aimed at addressing these challenges; c) imparting knowledge about the continuous struggles of individuals and groups against the existing political order; and, d) demonstrating the working, performance and implications of the methods and techniques deployed by individuals and groups to change political order. Students will learn that the issues raised by this course confront the larger global community including both the developing and the developed world. The course materials, assignments and class discussions are all directed towards encouraging students to reflect on the implications of the issues and themes covered across diverse cultural and political contexts across the world. We will be constantly engaged in deliberating and discussing the wider applicability and relevance of arguments advanced or developed and experiences acquired in the studied cases.

The class time will be apportioned between lectures (40 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (25 percent). The multimedia presentations will incorporate movies, documentaries, media reports, speeches, memoirs, etc.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Open to all undergraduate students
Learning Objectives:
This course fulfills the Council on Liberal Education (CLE) Global Perspectives Theme. The first four weeks of the course will be devoted to nonviolent resistance. The remainder of the course will cover key topical issues related to political violence mentioned above. During the course of the semester, we will:
1. Undertake a close examination of approaches to nonviolent resistance;
2. Learn about the dynamics of mass protest, especially conditions underlying successful mobilization and action;
3. Examine factors contributing to political violence;
4. Study violent action involving mass killing and the role of international community in mitigating such episodes;
5. Study the global problem of terrorism and approaches to addressing it; and,
6. Examine the challenge of ending violent conflict and problems of peace-making and peace-building
Grading:
1. Class Participation: 15%
2. Seven Short Assignments: 40%
a. In-class (Three):} 12% (100-150 words)
b. Homework (Four):} 28% (1-2 pages, single-space)
3. Individual/Group Research Assignment: 20% (7-8 pages, double-space)
4. Final Paper: 25% (9-10 pages, double-space)
Exam Format:
No exams
Class Format:
40% Lecture
35% Film/Video
25% Discussion
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54685/1253
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/sarbahi_POL3423_Spring2018.pdf (Spring 2018)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
17 October 2017

Spring 2025  |  POL 3475 Section 001: Islamist Politics (54686)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The relationship between Islam and politics-both in the Muslim world and in the West-is one of the most important political issues of our day. This class will address these issues by taking a historical and political look at the development of Islam (the religion) and Islamism (Islamic political movements) in many areas of the Muslim world. We will begin by discussing the Islamic faith and historical debates about its relationship to politics. Then we will turn to the twentieth century, and examine the rise of Islamist politics in the Middle East and North Africa (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Sudan) and south central Asia (e.g. Pakistan, Afghanistan). We will study the successes and failures of Islamist revolutions. Then we will focus on the evolution of the "Arab Spring" and its implications for both Islamism and democracy. In doing so, we will discuss debates about the compatibility of Islam and democracy, and examine attempts at democracy in the Muslim World (e.g. Tunisia). We will examine the revival of Islam and rise of post-Soviet Islamism in Eurasia (Central Asia, Russia, and the Caucasus) during the last two to three decades. We will examine the effects of state repression of Islam and religious freedom in those countries. We will also discuss varying ideas about jihad, and the rise of global jihadists and terrorist groups, such as Al Qaeda and ISIS. We will study the jihads waged by Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and ISIS, and the implications of militancy and terrorism for establishing stability and democracy in the Muslim world. We will read both Muslim and non-Muslim, American and non-American perspectives on these problems. Understanding these issues is critical to gaining perspective on the troubling state of today's complex global politics, and US foreign policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL3475+Spring2024
Class Description:
Course Description: From the bloody battles of ISIS, to the Taliban in Afghanistan, to terrorism across the globe, "Islamist politics" has been at the center of political debates and US foreign policy. Particularly since 9/11, scholars and policymakers around the world have been debating the consequences of U.S. policy in the Middle East, the roots of rising Islamist movements in the 20th century, the causes of terrorism and suicide bombings, and the clash or compatibility of Islam and democracy. This class will address these issues by taking a historical and comparative political approach to the development of Islam (the religion) and Islamism (Islamic political movements) in many areas of the Muslim world. We will begin by discussing the early historical relationship between Islam and state. Then we will turn to the twentieth century, and examine the rise of Islamist politics in the Middle East and North Africa (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran) and central Asia (e.g. Pakistan, Afghanistan). We will study the successes and failures of Islamist revolutions. We will focus on the successful Islamist revolution in Iran, failed Islamist politics in Sudan. We will trace the causes of 9/11 and the subsequent US war in Afghanistan, and then the rise of ISIS in Iraq/Syria). We will study the Arab Spring and its implications for Islamic parties and democracy in that region, and the Syrian civil war. We will examine the rise of Islamist violence in Eurasia (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and the Caucasus). We will also discuss varying ideas about jihad, and the rise of global jihadists and terrorist groups, such as Al Qaeda and ISIS. We will study the implications of militancy and terrorism for establishing stability and democracy in the Muslim world. We will read both diverse Muslim and non-Muslim perspectives on these issues. Understanding these issues is critical to gaining perspective on today's complex global politics, and US foreign policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere. This course aims at increasing our knowledge and understanding, tolerance, and wisdom in dealing with these critical issues.
Who Should Take This Class?:
The class is designed for students with an interest in policy-relevant political science-- US policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria!
Grading:
Grading will likely be based on class participation and several short papers. Final requirements will be printed on the syllabus in January.
Exam Format:
no exams; short papers will replace exams due to covid
Class Format:
lecture and discussion
Workload:
about 75 pages of reading per week
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54686/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 November 2020

Spring 2025  |  POL 3476 Section 001: Chinese Politics: History and Contemporary Issues (64892)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How has Chinese history, in the forms of Confucian, republican, nationalist, and communist legacies, informed and shaped political issues in China today? This course seeks to provide an introductory survey of Chinese politics, starting with the Republican revolution in the early 20th century, and ending with critical challenges in the current era. Throughout the semester, we will be juxtaposing historical lessons with contemporary reflections on different themes, ranging from revolution, state power, socioeconomic reform and development, civil society, and foreign relations. We will be examining a diverse set of perspectives from political leaders, scholars, and everyday citizens, through a combination of academic analyses, nonfiction reporting, primary sources, and other mediums. The goal for this course is to not only familiarize students with important issues facing Chinese political leaders and citizens at both the domestic and international level today, but to also provide students with a historicized and grounded approach towards the study of Chinese politics and society.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/64892/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 3479 Section 001: Latin American Politics (64893)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course offers an introduction to the political history and contemporary politics of Latin America, along with some of the main concepts and theories used by social scientists to explain the region's political dynamics. Through a comparative, historical approach, the course aims to help students understand the continued challenges faced by countries in the region-- to the establishment of security, the rule of law and rights protection, to the stability and quality of democracy, and to sustainable and equitable economic growth - and how these interact. The objective of the course is not only to help students understand the similarities and differences in outcomes in Latin America over time, but also to reflect on what the region's experiences can teach us about the requirements of and barriers to meaningful democracy and sustainable and equitable development around the world, including "north of the border." In other words, the course seeks not just to provide students' knowledge about Latin America, but to help them learn from Latin America.
Class Description:
This course introduces students to the main contours of political and economic development in Latin America. It aims not only to help students understand the similarities and differences in outcomes in the region over the past several decades, but also to reflect on what Latin America's experiences can teach us about the requirements of and barriers to meaningful democracy and sustainable and equitable development around the world. The course presents key concepts and theories in the study of the region's development and discusses them as they pertain to five main country cases: Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, and Venezuela. Readings on other countries are occasionally assigned and students have opportunities to draw on other cases for class assignments.
Grading:
45% Reports/Papers
25% Final Exam
15% Quizzes
15% Class Participation
Exam Format:
Combo of short answer, IDs, and essay
Class Format:
65% Lecture
35% Discussion
Workload:
125 Pages Reading Per Week
10 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Short Paper(s)
1 Report
1 Exam (Final)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/64893/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 November 2015

Spring 2025  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (55093)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How do people develop their political opinions? What makes people vote the way that they do? Why do some people love, and other loathe, Donald Trump? Understanding how ordinary citizens engage with the political sphere is essential to understanding how politics work. This course applies a psychological approach to understanding how average people - members of the mass public - think about politics, make political decisions, and decide how (and whether) to take political actions. We will explore arguments about the role that ideology, biological and evolutionary factors, personality, identity and partisanship, racial attitudes, and political discussion play in shaping the opinion and behavior of members of the mass public. In addition, this class introduces students to the methodology of political psychology and how political psychologists approach questions and attempt to understand the political world. Students will exit the class having mastered a body of knowledge about how they and their fellow citizens think about politics and the different approaches that scholars take to study these decisions. They will also gain the critical capacity to judge arguments about politics, the ability to identify, define, and solve problems, and the skill to locate and critically evaluate information relevant to these tasks. Finally, this course takes a cooperative approach to learning, and many course activities will be structured around learning and working with a group of fellow students over the course of the semester.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?tpcollin+POL3766+Spring2024
Class Description:
This course examines the influence of human nature on political decision making among members of the mass public, asking questions about how human thought processes, emotions, and personality influence political judgments. Political theorists have long disagreed over basic human nature and have advanced different solutions to political governance as a consequence, ranging from participatory democracy to authoritarian regimes. In this course, we carefully consider how well we, as humans, are equipped to deal with different forms of political governance, especially democracy. We examine different aspects of human psychology, including personality, motivation, values, information processing, emotion and intergroup behavior, as well as proximal and distal biological processes (e.g., physiology, genetics, evolution), and consider their influence on political decision making. Readings are drawn from psychology and political science. No prior in-depth knowledge of either psychology or political science is needed to succeed in the course. It would help to have a general interest in politics, however. The course begins with an introductory reading in political psychology, designed to provide an overview of the field. We will then begin a section of the course on obedience to authority, which examines the power of social context and perceptions of legitimate authority in altering social and political behavior. We then consider the impact of group life on political preferences. To what extent do political preferences spring from our membership in groups and our views of other groups in society (including nations)? We will consider the impact of in-group attachments (to one's race, gender or nation), followed by a consideration of how animosity towards outsiders can escalate into prejudice, or even genocide.
Grading:
15% - Attendance, Bi-Weekly "Discussion Tweets"
25% - Midterm Exam
25% - Election 2016 Analysis (Research Paper)
35% - Final Exam - 35%
Exam Format:
Both the Midterm and Final Exams will feature multiple choice and short answer questions (defining key concepts). The final exam will also include an essay question touching on major themes in the course. The final exam is cumulative.
Class Format:
50% lecture, 50% discussion.
Workload:
In addition to regular class attendance and completion of the exams/paper, students are expected to complete a short set of readings about relevant research and concepts prior to each class.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55093/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
16 March 2017

Spring 2025  |  POL 3769 Section 001: Public Opinion and Voting Behavior (54687)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Polls are ubiquitous, measuring what Americans think on topics big and small. This course examines the nature, measurement, and consequences of public opinion in the contemporary United States, with a particular emphasis on understanding why some voters preferred Donald Trump to Hillary Clinton - vice versa - in the 2016 presidential election. We'll address the following questions throughout the term. First, how do pollsters measure what the public thinks about government and public affairs? Second, can we assume that the responses people give to survey questions reflect their true thoughts and feelings about politics? Third, what are the major factors that shape voter decision making in U.S. presidential elections? By the end of this semester you will have a broader and deeper understanding of the nature, measurement, meaning, and consequences of public opinion.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?pgoren+POL3769+Spring2024
Class Description:
This course focuses on whether citizens and the broader public make sensible political decisions. We will assess whether ordinary citizens are capable of meeting their responsibilities as democratic citizens. The first part of the course focuses on what public opinion means, how it is measured, and how it changes over time. The second part of the course focuses on how voters decide which presidential candidate to vote for and whether to turn out on election day. Class time will feature lecturing, classroom discussion and debate, viewing political films/video, and evaluating the videos. Note finally that I will provide pdf copies of slides for each lecture a day or two before the materials are formally presented in class.
Grading:
25% Midterm Exam
25% Final Exam
25% Special Projects
15% Attendance
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: If you do the readings, show up regularly, pay attention in class, and study, you will do well in this course.
Exam Format:
A combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. There will also be extra credit opportunities on the exams.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
20% Film/Video
40% Discussion I will strive for the right mix of lecture and classroom discussion each day. In no case will I lecture for 3 straight hours. I lack sufficient charm to pull that off!
Workload:
50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
3 Exams
2 medium-length writing assignments
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54687/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 October 2017

Spring 2025  |  POL 3833 Section 001: The United States and the Global Economy (64894)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3833 teaches students about the politics of the global economy with a focus on the role the United States plays within it. The class covers a variety of topics in international political economy, including international trade, international investment, and international finance. Students will learn about the factors that drive politicians' decision-making, interest-group stances, and citizens' preferences over such salient issues as tariffs and other forms of trade protection, trade and investment agreements, central banking, interest rates, international migration, and more. No background in economics is required or assumed.
Class Description:
Globalization has been a defining force driving markets - and, hence, shaping politics - over the past 20 years. Global financial flows and imbalances are implicated in financial crises both recent and past, and the mobility of firms and migrants across international borders has important distributional and regulatory consequences. Yet, the impact of the U.S. on the global economy is not exclusive to purely financial phenomena: conflict and peace, technological innovation, natural resources, and economic development are all affected as rising levels of trade create new "winners" and "losers." This class examines some of the broad themes that characterize globalization with a focus on - but not only on - the U.S. and the ways in which its policy responses shape and are being shaped by globalization.
Who Should Take This Class?:
This class may interest students who are interested in international relations, American politics, political economy, or economics. No background in economics is necessary.
Learning Objectives:

By the end of this class, students will be able to:


- Understand many important concepts in the global economy: including, but not limited to, trade policy, the politics of multinational investment, and monetary policy.


- Comprehend different perspectives on political economic policy


- Discuss those concepts and perspectives in ways that are accessible to a broader population.

Grading:
The main graded items are:
- Short (2-4 page) writing assignments, due about every other week, in which students will respond to a specific essay prompt.
- A final project, in which students choose one of their shorter written assignments to expand into a creative project intended to teach people about something you've learned this semester. The medium for this is flexible: in the past students have written songs (mostly parodies, few original compositions), made posters, recorded podcasts, etc.
- Quizzes. There are approximately six quizzes throughout the semester that are for the purpose of helping you assess what you've learned and what you still need to work on. They are online, untimed, and can be retaken.
Exam Format:
This class has no exams.
Class Format:
The class consists of lecture and small- and large-group discussions.
Workload:
In addition to the assignments listed in the Grading section, students are expected to either read approximately 30 pages before class (although it varies *a lot* from class to class) or do a pre-class (ungraded) assignment. In both cases, the intent of the work the student is supposed to do before class is to give the student some experience or understanding of the topic before class so that the material covered in class has something in their brains to attach to. It's a lot easier to learn a new topic if you know even a tiny bit about it beforehand than if you don't.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/64894/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
4 March 2024

Spring 2025  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (51614)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 149 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL3835+Spring2024
Class Description:
Why does war occur? What role do international institutions and international law play in international politics? Do ideas and culture matter in a world dominated by power politics? This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of theoretical approaches for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. Specific topics will include: the causes and consequences of war; the role of law and institutions; human rights and humanitarian intervention; transnational activism and environmental politics; the regulation of arms and conflict; globalization and political economy; and the role of ideas, norms, and culture. By the end of the course, students will gain a better understanding of why and how events happen in global politics, and will be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical cases in global politics.
Who Should Take This Class?:
There are no formal prerequisites for the course, but students who have taken a previous introductory course on international politics (for example, POL 1025: Global Politics or POL 1026: U.S. Foreign Policy) are likely to get more out of the course. If you do not have any background of this sort, it would be advisable to speak with the TA or instructor before committing to take the course.
Learning Objectives:
Students who complete this course will gain a better understanding of why and how things happen in international relations. They will be able to critically analyze scholarly and popular articles, and by the end of the term should be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical events in international relations. They should be able to apply analytical frameworks and tools to understand the political world.
Grading:
TBC
Exam Format:
TBC
Class Format:
A mix of lecture, discussion, and in-class activities.
Workload:
TBC
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51614/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
14 April 2023

Spring 2025  |  POL 3843W Section 001: Night Raids, Detention, Torture, and Drones: Methods of War (54689)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Mon, Wed 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
In this class, we will be examining the use of particular tactics of war-night raids, detention, torture, and drones-as deployed, primarily, but not only, in the US-led war on terror. The purpose of this class is to grapple with the fundamental questions such tactics raise about what is right in war, and the costs and consequences of such tactics on both those who choose to use them and those that are targeted by them.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kins0017+POL3843W+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54689/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 3994 Section 001: Directed Research: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program (53049)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students accepted into the Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, students will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers. Students are chosen through a highly competitive online application the semester prior to registration. Students should check with Political Science advising for details about the application process. This course is only open to Political Science majors.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3994+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53049/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 4403W Section 001: Constitutions, Democracy, and Rights: Comparative Perspectives (64895)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Around the world, fundamental political questions are often debated and decided in constitutional terms, and in the United States, the constitution is invoked at almost every turn to endorse or condemn different policies. Is adhering to constitutional terms the best way to safeguard rights and to achieve a successful democracy? When and how do constitutions matter to political outcomes? This course centers on these questions as it moves from debates over how constitutional drafting processes should be structured and how detailed constitutions should be, to the risks and benefits of different institutional structures (federal v. unitary, and the distribution of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary), to which rights (if any) should be constitutionalized and when and why different rights are protected, closing with a discussion of what rules should guide constitutional amendment and rewrite. For each topic, we compare how these issues have been resolved in the U.S. with alternative approaches in a wide variety of other countries around the globe. The goal is not only to expose students to the variety of ways, successful or unsuccessful, that other political communities have addressed these issues, but also to gain a more contextualized and clearer understanding of the pros and cons of the U.S. model, its relevance for other democratic or democratizing countries, whether and how it might be reformed, and, generally speaking, when/how constitutions matter for democratic quality and stability.
Class Description:
Around the world, fundamental political questions are often debated and decided in constitutional terms, and in the United States, the constitution is invoked at almost every turn to endorse or condemn different policies. Is adhering to constitutional terms the best way to safeguard rights and to achieve a successful democracy? When and how do constitutions matter to political outcomes? This course centers on these questions as it moves from empirically-informed debates over how constitutional drafting processes should be structured and how detailed constitutions should be, to the risks and benefits of different institutional structures(federal v. unitary, and the distribution of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary), to which rights (if any) should be constitutionalized and when and why different rights are protected in practice, closing with a discussion of what rules should guide constitutional amendment and rewrite. For each topic, we compare how these issues have been resolved in the U.S. with alternative approaches in a wide variety of other countries around the globe, paying particular attention to how constitutional design matters for women, indigenous peoples, and racial, ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities. The goal is not only to expose students to the variety of ways, successful or unsuccessful, that other political communities have addressed these issues, but also to gain a more contextualized and clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the U.S. model, whether and how it might be reformed, and, generally speaking, when/how constitutions matter for democratic quality and stability.
Grading:
50% Reports/Papers
10% Final Group Activity
20% Class Participation
20% Quizzes
Other Grading Information: Some quizzes will be in the form of take-home questions. All quizzes will check for reading/reading comprehension.
Class Format:
50% Lecture
30% Discussion
20% Small Group Activities
Workload:
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
10 Quiz(zes)
Other Workload: The paper assignment will be cumulative, with the various steps in the research and writing process due across the term, and the final, polished version due during finals week.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/64895/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
29 April 2022

Spring 2025  |  POL 4463 Section 001: The Cuban Revolution Through the Words of Cuban Revolutionaries (53194)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do policy makers in Washington, D.C. continue to rail against the Cuban Revolution? Despite their best efforts, both Republican and Democratic administrations, the Revolution is still in place after six decades. How to explain? This is the central research question of the course. A definitive answer would require a thorough examination of the revolution from its initiation until today - which is beyond what can be done in a semester. The focus, rather, is more limited. First, how was the revolution made and consolidated - from 1953 until about 1969 - and, second, how has it been able to survive and advance since the collapse of the Soviet Union, that is, since 1991? The emphasis here is on the role of leadership and strategy, how the Cubans and their leaders saw and see what they are doing - in their own words. This is an attempt to get into their heads, their understandings, through documents, speeches and writings. In keeping with the goals of liberal education, this course helps students to think outside the box of conventional wisdom. Why, for example, an underdeveloped society lacking many of the characteristics of a liberal democracy can do a better job in meeting the basic needs of its citizens than its far richer neighbor to the north? What the Cubans seek to do is reorganize human relations on the basis of solidarity and not individual self-interest. How successful they have been in that pursuit is exactly one of the questions to which the course seeks to provide an answer. These questions are not simply of intellectual interest. Given the deepening crisis of world capitalism with the accompanying human misery, to know about Cuba's reality can have life and death consequences. Given, also, that the U.S. government doesn't make it easy for most of its citizens to travel to the island to make up their own minds about its reality, this course is a unique educational opportunity.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4463+Spring2024
Class Description:
The history of socialist revolutions over the course of a century or more reveals that what occurred in Cuba has proven to have more lasting power. In spite of all the challenges it continues to face, what explains why the Cuban Revolution is still in place after six decades? This is the central research question of the course. A definitive answer would require a thorough examination of the revolution from its initiation until today, which is beyond what can be done in a semester or its equivalent. The focus, rather, will be more limited. First, how was the revolution made and consolidated, from 1953 until about 1969. Second, how has it been able to survive and advance since the collapse of the Soviet Union, that is, since 1991? The emphasis here is on the role of leadership and strategy and how the Cubans and their leaders saw and see what they are doing, in their own words. This is an attempt to get into their heads, their understandings, through documents, speeches and writings. For the first question I will also draw on the data from a research/film documentary project that I'm involved in at this moment: the participation of women and men in the guerrilla army and underground movement.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53194/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 October 2021

Spring 2025  |  POL 4487 Section 001: Democracy and the Class Struggle from Athens to the Present (54317)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How best to advance democracy?through the ballot box or in the streets? This question more than any other is what informs the course. As well as the streets, the barricades and the battlefields, it argues, are decisive in the democratic quest. If democracy means the rule of the demos, the people, then who gets to be included in ?the people"? An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of the people, the citizens, is due to social struggles or the threat of such?an assumption to be examined in the course. Struggles refer to any kinds of movement for social change, from protests and strikes to revolutions broadly defined. This course seeks to see if there are lessons of struggle. The course traces the history of the democratic movement from its earliest moments in human history and attempts to draw a balance sheet. In the process, it seeks to answer a number of questions. Did social inequality always exist? How do property rights figure in the inclusion process? What is the relationship between the state, social inequality and democracy? Which social layers played a decisive role in the democratic breakthrough? What are the effective strategies and tactics in the democratic struggle? How crucial is leadership? And lastly, can the lessons of the past inform current practice? A particular feature of the course is to read about the thinking and actions of activists on both sides of the democratic struggle in, as much as possible, their own words.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4487+Spring2024
Class Description:
The setting for this course is the mounting effort on the part of states and a variety of social forces to roll back the historic gains of the world-wide democratic movement--from anti-immigrant campaigns (in both fascist and non-fascist clothing) that would limit citizenship rights to efforts that undermine civil liberties in the guise of combatting terrorisim. This takes place in a larger context in which increasing numbers of citizens feel disempowered and alienated from the state. As democracy and popular participation are central to citizenship the course traces the origins of the democratic process with particular emphasis on how the disenfranchised fought to become included. Both implicitly and explicitly it seeks to understand how that occured in order to see if there are lessons of the past that that might have appllicability for the defense and extension of democratic rights today. To understand it was the disenfranchised who empowered themselves is in itself empowering. An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of citizens is due to social struggles or the threat of such--an assumption to be examined in the course.
Grading:
25% Midterm Exam
50% Final Exam
25% Reports/Papers
Exam Format:
Essay
Class Format:
75% Lecture
25% Discussion
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exam(s)
2 Paper(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54317/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 October 2011

Spring 2025  |  POL 4497W Section 001: Patronage & Corruption (64936)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course examines dysfunction within the state apparatus -- in the specific forms of patronage, corruption, and clientalism -- and asks why such dysfunction persists and what factors drive it to change. The first half of the course will be primarily devoted to patronage. It will examine the functioning of the patronage mechanism; ask when and why patronage is abandoned in favor of meritocracy; and will assess the relationship between merit reforms and changes in the quality of governance. The second half of the course will be devoted to corruption. Specific topics to be covered will include: an examination of different forms of corruption, both at the level of political leaders and of bureaucratic officials; the relationship between corruption, democracy, transparency and accountability; governments' manipulation of corruption to provide incentives to bureaucratic and party officials; and different means of combating corruption. The course will conclude with an examination of the relationship between patronage, corruption, clientalism and party politics, with a particular focus on the mechanisms that cause the correlation between these different forms of mis-governance.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/64936/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 4502W Section 001: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights (51236)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Today, more than anytime since the civil rights movement of the 1960s, individual liberties are at the heart of controversial debate in the U.S. Groups, from the far left and far right of the political spectrum have pushed free speech towards the boundaries set by the Supreme Court. At the same time, the religion clauses have become as controversial as ever, with corporations and local governments using them in ways they have not been used before. Finally, the right to privacy is at a crossroads as the U.S. Supreme Court considers cases about reproductive rights and personal privacy. Given these issues, this course allows students to read all the major cases where the U.S. Supreme Court interprets the balance of protecting civil liberties versus allowing government to limit or suppress such liberties. Specifically, the course covers the 14th Amendment, freedom of speech, press, religion, and the limits of the free speech clause of the 1st Amendment. It also covers the 2nd Amendment and the right to privacy found in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, and 14th Amendments.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4502W+Spring2024
Class Description:
This course deals with civil liberties in the United States and how the United States Supreme Court decides which rights and liberties get which protections, at which times. Specifically, our focus will be on the First Amendment, and the Right to Privacy. Special emphasis will be placed on how the Supreme Court defines, establishes, and protects these liberties through its interpretation of the Constitution.
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Final Exam
30% Reports/Papers
10% Class Participation
Exam Format:
Exam -- Hypothetical Questions
Class Format:
40% Lecture
60% Discussion
Workload:
50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
40-50 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exam(s)
5 Paper(s)
25 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51236/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
22 October 2012

Spring 2025  |  POL 4891 Section 001: The Politics of Nuclear Weapons (54691)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 70 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Nuclear weapons have been a feature of international politics since the development of nuclear weapons by the United States during World War II. But how exactly do nuclear weapons affect international politics? This course tackles this question. In doing so, we examine the history of the nuclear era, the theories we can use to try to understand the ways in which nuclear weapons affect international politics, and key current policy challenges associated with nuclear weapons. For example, we'll ask: how do nuclear weapons work and how are nuclear materials created? Are nuclear weapons a force for peace or for instability and war? How likely is a nuclear war and how close did we come to nuclear war in the Cuban Missile Crisis or other crises? How dangerous is nuclear proliferation and why does the United States go to such lengths to stop other countries acquiring nuclear weapons? Why does the United States have so many nuclear weapons and what drove the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union? Why have indigenous populations often borne the brunt of nuclear testing and how have issues of race and gender played into the history of nuclear weapons? What role do nuclear weapons play in India-Pakistan relations and what role will they play in future U.S.-China relations? How likely is nuclear terrorism? Is nuclear disarmament possible? Is it desirable?
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL4891+Spring2024
Class Description:
How do nuclear weapons affect international politics? How likely is nuclear war or nuclear terrorism? How dangerous is nuclear proliferation? Is nuclear disarmament possible? Is it desirable? This course examines these questions. In doing so, students will be introduced to the technological underpinnings of nuclear weapons and their effects; key theories used to understand nuclear weapons and their effects; the history of the nuclear age and the complicated ways in which nuclear weapons have affected it; and a range of contemporary issues relating to nuclear weapons, including the possibility of nuclear terrorism; the role nuclear energy will (and should) play in the future, the feasibility of nuclear disarmament; the role of nuclear weapons in future US-China relations; the role of nuclear weapons in South Asia; the Iran nuclear deal and potential future proliferation; and the ways in which current and future technological developments may impact nuclear issues. Students will also participate in a substantial simulation exercise to wrestle with the complexity and difficulty of solving these issues.
Who Should Take This Class?:
There are no formal prerequisites for the course, but students who have taken a previous course on international politics (for example, POL 1025: Global Politics, POL 1026: U.S. Foreign Policy, POL 3835: International Relations, POL 3810: International Law, or POL 4885: International Conflict and Security) will likely get the most out of the course. If you don't have any background of this sort, it would be advisable to speak with the TA or instructor before committing to take the class.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54691/1253
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
20 October 2023

Spring 2025  |  POL 4991 Section 001: Political Science Capstone (53309)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science senior
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Mon 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 105 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL4991+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53309/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 4991 Section 002: Political Science Capstone (53563)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53563/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 4991 Section 003: Political Science Capstone (53562)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53562/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 4993 Section 001: Honors Thesis: Directed Studies (51875)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Instructor Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol 3108H, political science major, honors
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4993+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51875/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 4994 Section 001: Directed Research: Individual (51689)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4994+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51689/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (53615)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 15 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL5970+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53615/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 8104 Section 001: Professional Development I (54319)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
First Half of Term
 
01/21/2025 - 03/17/2025
Tue 11:00AM - 12:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The objectives of this course are as follows: (1) to provide students with professional advice that will help them move with dispatch through the graduate program; (2) to learn the formal and informal norms of the discipline; and (3) to help them prepare to do independent research and dissertation research. prereq: 1st year Pol graduate student
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL8104+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54319/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 8107 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science II (54320)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Multiple linear regression model applied to political science data. How to use regression techniques to analyze data, interpret statistical results, and summarize/report the findings. Estimation of model. Underlying assumptions. Inference. Model diagnostics. Extensions of model. prereq: Political science grad major or instr consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?federico+POL8107+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54320/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 8120 Section 001: Core Course in Political Methodology: Modeling Political Processes (64896)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major or Pol Psy minor
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Methods used and potential for creating models of political processes. Designing political institutions, discerning/forecasting election outcomes, producing early warnings of international conflicts, increasing turnout in elections. Using mathematics to study political strategy and collective decision making in committees/legislatures. Using statistics to measure political variables, design experiments with human subjects, and test micro/macro political theories. prereq: Pol sci grad major or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/64896/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 8124 Section 001: Game Theory (54695)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science grad student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Tue 03:35PM - 05:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Application of noncooperative game theory in political science. Equilibrium concepts, bargaining, repeated games, games of incomplete information, signaling games, reputation, learning in games.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL8124+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54695/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 8251 Section 001: Ancient and Medieval Political Thought (64897)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Tue 03:35PM - 05:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Politics and ethics in Greece, Rome, Christendom: Thucydides, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Marsilius. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/64897/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 8308 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology II (54315)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major or Pol Psy minor
Meets With:
PSY 8212 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 5 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL8308+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54315/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 8311 Section 001: Political Psychology and Socialization (64898)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major or Pol Psy minor
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Wed 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Introduction to political psychology. Personality and politics; political cognition, emotion, and political behavior; political expertise; media and politics; aggression, authoritarianism, and political behavior; altruism and politics. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/64898/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (51731)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1 Credit
Repeat Credit Limit:
10 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Advanced Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8444+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51731/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 8621 Section 001: Comparative and Case Study Methods (54699)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option No Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
Fri 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course will provide students with a basic introduction to methodological debates surrounding comparative and case study methods in political science. Although the course is designed primarily with an eye to the needs of students in comparative politics, this course will also be useful to students in other subfields who wish to learn more about comparative and/or case study methods. This course is primarily for students in their 2nd year and beyond in the Political Science PhD program.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL8621+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54699/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (51804)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-24 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
100 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science PhD, Doct or ETCR
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8888+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51804/1253

Spring 2025  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (51269)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-7 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
7 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/21/2025 - 05/05/2025
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8990+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51269/1253

Fall 2024  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (18067)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 330
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 116 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. The course is designed to help students understand what liberal education is by engaging in the study of American politics as a fundamentally critical and creative enterprise, and by grappling with the most complex and challenging problems of political life, such as the sources of political equality and inequality, and the tension between individual aspirations and political control. Questions of power and choice, opportunity and discrimination, freedom and restrictions on freedom are fundamental to the historical development of and current controversies within the American political system, and we will attend to all of these. We will explore topics including the ideas underlying the nation's founding and its constitutional foundations; civil rights and civil liberties; the role of the United States in an increasingly globalized world; the structure and function of American political institutions; and the behavior of American citizens in the political process. In addition, we will learn to think and communicate like political scientists. We will read primary documents, such as the Federalist papers, engage with scholarly arguments about the way the American political system works, and critically evaluate critiques of the American political system that have been offered from a variety of perspectives. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them. Students will be able to identify, define, and solve problems and to locate and critically evaluate information. Students will have mastered a body of knowledge and a mod
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL1001+Fall2024
Class Description:
This course is intended to introduce you to the institutions, policies, and processes that comprise the American political system. There are three basic questions to be addressed: . what are the fundamental characteristics of American political institutions and the people who run them? . how do the rules of the game (institutional rules and norms) affect politics? . what is the relationship between the government and "the people," and does it live up to the ideals of democracy? We will address these questions through a focus primarily on national politics and Washington, D.C., with due attention to historical events (things that have shaped the system) and contemporary political issues (things being debated today). By the end of the class, you should be a more informed citizen, whether you want to be or not (and hopefully you will want to be!).
Grading:
45% Midterm Exam
22% Final Exam
33% Reports/Papers
Exam Format:
Multiple Choice and short answer
Class Format:
90% Lecture
10% Discussion
Workload:
60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
6-8 Pages Writing Per Term
3 Exam(s)
3 Paper(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18067/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
28 February 2008

Fall 2024  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (17176)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 250
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Global politics is complex, fast-paced, and often confusing. This introductory course explores both the enduring challenges of international politics as well as more recent transformative trends. The course introduces theoretical traditions, but its focus is on making sense of real-world problems, both today and in the past. Why is the world organized into states, and what implications does the states system have for indigenous populations globally? Why and when do states go to war and use military force? Why do they sign international agreements and treaties, on matters from arms control to investment? In what ways do existing systems of international law and trade exacerbate or mitigate global inequities? Why has human rights emerged as a central problem in world politics? What are the prospects for international cooperation to address climate change? How have inequities and prejudices, along the lines of race and other categorical identities, shaped our world - from the practice of global security to the structures of the international political economy? These are among the pressing real-world questions that this course in Global Politics will address and that it will give you the tools to answer - though particular instructors will naturally emphasize different topics and questions. But the course will also highlight how our answers to these questions are changing along with the deep power structures of global politics - as US dominance wanes and others, most notably China, rise; as core ideas and discourses underpinning the international system, such as sovereignty, come under assault; as institutions, such as those governing international law, thicken; and as attention grows to the structuring effects of race and other ascriptive categories. Global Politics is an essential guide to our increasingly globalized world.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL1025+Fall2024
Class Description:
Americans hardly need to be told that international politics matters. US forces are still deployed around the globe, and economic uncertainty has barely abated. Knowing that international politics matters is one thing, making sense of it is another. This course will give students the tools they need to begin to understand patterns and trends in global politics. Students will be introduced to international relations' theoretical traditions, but the course will focus primarily on explaining and understanding historical and especially current problems in world politics. It will explore, among other issues, the causes of war and peace, the limited use of force, humanitarian intervention, nuclear proliferation, nationalist conflict, international ethics, the politics of international trade and finance, foreign aid, globalization, the prospects for environmental cooperation and human rights norms, migration, terrorism, and the future of world politics. By the end of the course, students should be familiar with all these issues and others, should have developed their own views on these much-debated questions, and should be able to apply basic analytical frameworks to answer them.
Grading:
25% Midterm Exam
40% Final Exam
20% Essay, Quizzes
15% Class Participation
Exam Format:
Identifications; short paragraphs; essays; reading quizzes
Class Format:
80% Lecture
20% Discussion
Workload:
50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17176/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 October 2015

Fall 2024  |  POL 1026 Section 001: U.S. Foreign Policy (19500)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Walter F. Mondale Hall 40
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This means that how the United States behaves in the world is hugely important. As a result, we should all try to better understand U.S. foreign policy: why the U.S. behaves in the way it does, how the U.S. should behave, and how it has behaved in the past. These are the questions that this class tackles. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and has the United States always behaved in this way? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily powerful and secure? What role has race and racism played in key episodes of U.S. foreign policy? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from acquiring nuclear weapons? Should addressing climate change be a key priority of U.S. foreign policy and how should it be addressed?
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL1026+Fall2024
Class Description:
The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This means that how the the United States behaves in the world is hugely important. As a result, we should all try to better understand U.S. foreign policy: why the U.S. behaves in the way it does, how the U.S. should behave, and how it has behaved in the past. These are the questions that this class tackles. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and has the United States always behaved in this way? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily powerful and secure? What role has race and racism played in key episodes of U.S foreign policy? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from acquiring nuclear weapons? Should addressing climate change be a key priority of U.S. foreign policy and how should it be addressed?
Who Should Take This Class?:
This is an introductory class and all students are welcome to enroll
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19500/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
16 March 2022

Fall 2024  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Politics Around the World (17168)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Walter F. Mondale Hall 40
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. It focuses on domestic politics within countries, as opposed to a course in international relations, which focuses on relations between countries. Some of the questions we tackle include: Why are some countries prone to violent conflict while others remain peaceful? Why do some countries grow rich while others remain poor? Why does democracy emerge in some countries, while dictators hold onto power elsewhere? How do attitudes about gender and sexuality influence politics? Do particular religions, or the strength of religious faith, strengthen or weaken democracy? The readings and assignments help you make sense of the complexity of world politics - to sift through and distill the avalanche of information available and learn how to develop your own arguments about pertinent global issues. Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and provide examples of 1) the difference between strong and weak states; 2) the distinctions between democratic and non-democratic forms of government; 3) the various ways democracies are governed; 4) arguments explaining the origin of democracy and the persistence of non-democracy; 5) the significance of different forms of political identity such as ethnicity, religion, and gender; 6) why some countries are rich while others remain poor; and 7) why some countries tax and spend more than others. Assignments seek to develop your skills at developing arguments through logic and evidence and to give you the ability to distinguish between a persuasive argument about politics and simply stating an opinion.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL1054+Fall2024
Class Description:
Why are some countries democratic while others are authoritarian? Why do seemingly parochial identities such as race, ethnicity and religion continue to play a powerful role in modern politics? What accounts for the variation in the prevalence of civil wars and other forms of political violence across countries? Why are some countries still plagued by poverty and underdevelopment? This introductory course in comparative politics will provide you with the skills and knowledge to answer these and other intriguing questions in world politics. You will be able to recognize, understand and explain the variation in political systems, which includes political institutions, processes, behavior, culture and outcomes, across countries. Students will be introduced to terminology, concepts, issues and approaches that would provide the foundation for upper division courses in political science. They will read some of the classic and path-breaking works and will be familiarized with cutting-edge research in the discipline.
Grading:
Three In-class assignments: 12%
Four homework assignments: 28%
Two individual/group research assignments: 40%
Class Participation: 20%
Class Format:
60% Lecture
20% Film/Video
20% Discussion
Workload:

https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17168/1249

Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
31 October 2022

Fall 2024  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (17149)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 350
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 149 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL1201+Fall2024
Class Description:

Aristotle once called human beings "political animals,"meaning that, unlike gods or the other animals, we naturally create institutions to govern ourselves. What those institutions should look like, what values they should embody, and who should be in charge prove to be difficult questions that Aristotle leaves for us. Building on Aristotle's definition, this course offers an introduction to political theory, a sub-discipline of political science. By exploring some of the core issues and concepts of political theory, students will grapple with a number of "big questions" about politics in history and in the present: Why and how does politics matter in our everyday lives beyond the voting booth? On what basis is political authority seen as legitimate? How should we understand and embody political values like justice and equality in our own lives? What is the role of economics (capitalism, socialism, etc.) and economic inequality in the creation of political order? What should we think of the use of violence or non-violence in contemporary politics and protests? To explore these "big questions," we will relate historical readings to contemporary "hot-button" issues here in the Twin Cities, the US, and the globe.


Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
9-10 Pages Writing Per Term
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17149/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 January 2017

Fall 2024  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (17148)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Field Work
Credits:
3-13 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
15 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
Off Campus
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 50 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students search for and arrange an internship with an organization or office working in government or politics, and then complete academic coursework in association with their internship. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Fall2024
Class Description:
This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
Learning Objectives:
To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
Grading:
Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
Exam Format:
90% Reports/Papers
10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
Class Format:
100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
Workload:
30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17148/1249
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Fall 2024  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (21076)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 60 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Fall2024
Class Description:
POL 3085 Section 003 is the lab for POL 3085. See the entry for POL 3085 Section 001 for more information.
Who Should Take This Class?:
See POL 3085 Section 001.
Learning Objectives:
See POL 3085 Section 001.
Grading:
See POL 3085 Section 001.
Exam Format:
See POL 3085 Section 001.
Class Format:
See POL 3085 Section 001.
Workload:
See POL 3085 Section 001.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21076/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
4 March 2024

Fall 2024  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (21077)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Discussion
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Thu 03:00PM - 03:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 330
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3085+Fall2024
Class Description:
Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Reports/Papers
30% Written Homework
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
Exam Format:
Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Discussion
30% Laboratory
15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
Workload:
60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
1 Presentation(s)
6 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21077/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
21 March 2013

Fall 2024  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (21078)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Discussion
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Thu 04:00PM - 04:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 205
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3085+Fall2024
Class Description:
Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Reports/Papers
30% Written Homework
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
Exam Format:
Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Discussion
30% Laboratory
15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
Workload:
60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
1 Presentation(s)
6 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21078/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
21 March 2013

Fall 2024  |  POL 3225 Section 001: American Political Thought (18822)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 130
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course provides an introduction to several key periods and some of the leading concepts and debates in American political thought. It might also focus on a broader theme such as: conceptions of destiny, mission, and exceptionalism; arguments over economic development and inequality; or debates over government and corporate power. The course will begin with Puritan religious and political thought, tracing its secularization over time. Considerable attention will be paid to the ideas behind the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, such as the social contract and the right of resistance to civil authority, civic republicanism, and the founders' new science of politics and government. The course will consider some if not all of the following: debates over slavery and emancipation, women's rights, the rise of imperialism and nationalism, race and racism, and the rise of rule by public and private bureaucratic organizations, and the consequences of these developments for the possibility of continued individual liberty, equality, and justice. This course requires considerable reading of difficult texts. The ultimate goal of this course is for students to gain a deeper understanding of American political thought as a product of the country's ever-evolving political discourse. prereq: Suggested prerequisite POL 1201
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3225+Fall2024
Class Description:
In this course we will examine classic texts in the history of American political thought in order to understand how Americans have theorized about and argued over their political system, and to consider how we can draw upon these texts to address contemporary American political problems. Some of the questions we will address: What political and moral obligations do citizens have to the state, and to each other? What is the basis of legitimate state authority? What is the social contract, and how have Americans used social contract theory to legitimate their governments? What is the right of resistance, and when is it acceptable for individuals or a people to resist or rebel against their government? Does the Declaration of Independence merely list the reasons for separating from Great Britain, or is it also a founding document establishing American principles of liberty and equality? How does the Constitution limit (or fail to limit) the power of the state, and protect (or fail to protect) individual and corporate rights? Is class conflict over the distribution of wealth in society a recent development or a long-standing feature of American political discourse? How have religious texts and ideas been used as a basis for political argument? How relevant to our century and our political problems are the ideas of 50, 100, 150, 200, or more years ago? What, if anything, can we still learn and use from these past ideas and theories? How might they help us, or lead us astray, in addressing our own problems today? Prominent theorists covered include Winthrop, Franklin, Paine, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, the Anti-Federalist "Brutus," Thoreau, Calhoun, Douglass, Lincoln, Sumner.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any student interested in political theory, philosophy, American history, American politics, textual interpretation and analysis, or the roles of ideas, race, gender, and religion in politics.
Learning Objectives:
To understand significant texts in history of American political thought, both in relation to their original historical context and in terms of how they still resonate with our political concerns and problems today; to understand how Americans have thought about and argued over politics from the colonial period through the present; to cultivate students' analytical reasoning.
Exam Format:
80% Reports/Papers
20% Quizzes
Class Format:
80% Lecture
20% Discussion
Workload:
150 Pages Reading Per Week
30 Pages Writing Per Term
3 Paper(s)
2 Quiz(zes)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18822/1249
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3225_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Fall 2024  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (19501)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course considers the nature of contemporary democracy and the role that members of the political community do, can, and should play. While approaches in teaching the class vary, students can expect to read historical and contemporary texts, see films and videos, to approach questions about the nature of democracy, justifications for democracy, and challenges faced by contemporary democracy as it relates to racial inequality, immigration, gender inequality, and ecological crises. Topics will include: the centrality of social movements for democracies; deliberative and participatory democracy; as well as questions about how members of political communities can best participate in democratic life to address structural inequalities. Students will write a longer essay that allows them to demonstrate their capacities to understand and explain complex ideas and to make a theoretically compelling argument, using appropriate supporting evidence. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?a-bose+POL3235W+Fall2024
Class Description:
Democracy seems to be an intuitively simple concept to many Americans. Americans know what democracy, and the corresponding values of freedom and equality mean because they live under a democratic system of government that guarantees liberty and justice for all, and equality regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Likewise, Americans know that being a citizen means we have certain rights. (and duties?) When we delve a little deeper into what these concepts mean, however, we discover that this apparent certainty papers over a host of disagreements, divisions, and uncertainties. These complexities have bubbled up to the surface today, as they have historically, through a number of contemporary concerns espoused by the Occupy Movement, the Tea Party Movement, Black Lives Matter, anti-establishment politics, etc.

This class helps students to engage in the contemporary problems of democracy, in the United States and beyond, by grounding the conversation in the historical debates of democratic theory. Rather than suggesting any simple answers, our class will instead pose questions with which we, together, must wrestle. What is democracy? How should we understand basic concepts of democracy like freedom, equality, and solidarity? How should we respond when these concepts come into conflict? Is capitalism inherently in conflict with democracy? Working through these questions, we will tack back and forth between theoretical debates and contemporary and historical political problems, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the political stakes behind these questions, as well as a more critical perspective from which to understand the political challenges of this moment in history.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
Learning Objectives:

To master a body of knowledge

To critically evaluate

To understand diverse philosophies

To understand the role of creativity, innovation, discovery, and expression across disciplines

To acquire the skills for effective citizenship and life-long learning

To communicate effectively

Grading:

A combination of essays, exams and attendance.

Workload:
approximatley 40 pages of reading per class
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19501/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
1 November 2023

Fall 2024  |  POL 3282 Section 001: Black Political Thought: Conceptions of Freedom (32366)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
On January 21, 1964, Ella Baker, one of the most important Black leaders of the Civil Rights Movement stood in front of a large crowd in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and said: "Even if segregation is gone, we will still need to be free; we will still have to see that everyone has a job. Even if we can all vote, but if people are still hungry, we will not be free. Remember, we are not fighting for the freedom of the Negro alone, but for the freedom of the human spirit, a larger freedom that encompasses all mankind." With these words, Baker held before the crowd a political vision that went beyond the immediate goals of social struggle and defined one of the central impulses of Black political thought: to articulate a large and expansive conception of freedom. In this course, our main objective is to enter an intellectual terrain of rich and vibrant debates between African American political thinkers over the meaning of Black freedom. We will explore questions about 1) the geographical reach of their visions of freedom 2) their strategies for agitating for and achieving freedom 3) their different understandings of the nature of domination and how this informs their conception of freedom and 4) their emphasis on political affect in the struggle for freedom. Our orientation will be historical and theoretical. To this end, we reconstruct theoretical debates from four important periods of African American history. 1) pre-Civil War debates about the abolition of slavery (1830-1860) 2) Turn of the century debates about racial progress (1880-1910) 3) Civil rights era debates about integration and separatism (1950-1970) and 4) contemporary debates about law enforcement, police killings, mass incarceration, and political disenfranchisement (1990-present).
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?a-bose+POL3282+Fall2024
Class Description:

This course turns to the tradition of Black political thought (which developed through interaction and tension with Western political thought) to consider how thinkers within this tradition develop novel conceptions of freedom that emerged from their efforts to theorize and transform conditions of racial domination in the form of slavery, apartheid, and colonialism - regimes of racial domination that inaugurated and constituted the modern world in deeply formative ways. We turn to this tradition of political thought to ask: How do the conceptions of freedom that were born from the underside of modernity redefine and weigh in on the central political issues that animate society?
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any student is welcome to take this class. This course invites students to think critically about the foundations of political life by turning to a wide range of texts from the tradition of Black political thought. Students interested in questions of race and racism; gender and race; colonialism and slavery and its afterlife should take this class.
Learning Objectives:
- to expose students to think about modern politics and its institutions from a new perspective that is traditionally marginalized in political science
- to learn new ways of thinking about society from the position of exclusion, marginalization, domination, and exploitation
- to use the historical knowledge that they acquire about evolving conceptions of the freedom in Black political thought to wrestle with how race, power, and justice interact to constitute the United States as a diverse nation.
- to think about which strategies of social struggle from the past are viable today and what new methods are required to address power hierarchies and promote social justice in the contemporary moment.

Grading:
A combination of essays, exams and attendance.
Workload:
approximately 50 pages of reading per week.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32366/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
1 November 2023

Fall 2024  |  POL 3306 Section 001: Presidential Leadership and American Democracy (32367)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 10
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
To most Americans - if not most human beings - the President of the United States is probably the most powerful person on the planet. This course examines how, why, and whether that is the case. What does the US President do, and why? Why is so much power entrusted to just one person? Students will critically analyze these questions and synthesize answers by evaluating the history, evolution, and current state of the "highest office in the land."
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?tpcollin+POL3306+Fall2024
Class Description:
This course's primary objectives are for you to come away with a full, foundational, and detailed comprehension of the current state of the American presidency, along with the histories and philosophies that got us here
Grading:
Term Paper = 30%
Midterm Exam = 20%
Final Exam = 25%
Quizzes = 15%
Participation = 10%
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32367/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
20 October 2023

Fall 2024  |  POL 3308 Section 001: Congressional Politics and Institutions (32368)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 270
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the politics of the U.S. Congress and the federal legislative process. Throughout the semester, we will focus on the behavior of individual legislators and the role that they play in crafting federal legislation in policy areas such as healthcare, civil rights and the environment. We will devote special attention to changes in Congress, as well as current political and scholarly controversies such as congressional confirmation process of Supreme Court justices, congressional war powers, the influence of parties, and campaign finance. The theme of the course is why do legislators behave as they do and who interests do they represent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL3308+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32368/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 3321 Section 001: Issues in American Public Policy (32369)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 230
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. Recent controversies over Social Security reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (?Obamacare?), and the No Child Left Behind Act and Common Core showcase the profound political and substantive impact of this topic. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars typically describe the United States as a ?laggard? where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than are corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. Is this an accurate portrayal of American social policy? Recent scholarship challenges the conventional wisdom, suggesting that the United States does not necessarily do less in terms of social policy but that it relies on an unusual set of policy tools to pursue objectives like poverty alleviation. What explains the distinctive shape of American social policy? This course investigates the impact of political culture, the relative power of various interest groups, the American constitutional system, and other factors. The second half of the course examines recent trends in American social policy, focusing on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. It examines both the historical origins of contemporary American policies and recent reform proposals. A major theme of the course is that it is impossible to understand the contemporary shape of social policy, and the positions of specific stakeholders, without understanding the long-term historical processes that have shaped, and that continue to shape, the present political terrain of preferences and actors. New generations of leaders do not have the opportunity to build social policy from scratch. Rather, they have to react to what already exists. Some reforms will seem like logical extensions of what is already in place, while existing programs might make other alternative
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL3321+Fall2024
Class Description:
This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars typically describe the United States as a "laggard" where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than are corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. Is this an accurate portrayal of American social policy? Recent scholarship challenges the conventional wisdom, suggesting that the United States does not necessarily do less in terms of social policy but that it relies on an unusual set of policy tools to pursue objectives like poverty alleviation. What explains the distinctive shape of American social policy? This course investigates the impact of political culture, the politics of race, the relative power of various interest groups, the American constitutional system, and other factors.

The second half of the course examines recent trends in American social policy, focusing on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. It examines both the historical origins of contemporary American policies and recent reform proposals. A major theme of the course is that it is impossible to understand the contemporary shape of social policy, and the positions of specific stakeholders, without understanding the long-term historical processes that have shaped, and that continue to shape, the present terrain of preferences and actors. New generations of leaders do not have the opportunity to build social policy from scratch. Rather, they have to react to what already exists. Some reforms will seem like logical extensions of what is already in place, while existing programs might make other alternatives difficult if not impossible to pursue. By understanding the roots of contemporary American social policy it becomes possible to devise a political strategy for major policy change.
Grading:
15% Midterm Exam I
15% Social Security Reform Policy Analysis
15% Health Care Reform Policy Analysis
15% Midterm Exam II
20% Education Policy Memo
20% Final Exam
Exam Format:
All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
Class Format:
75% Lecture
15% Discussion
10% Small Group Activities
Workload:
75-100 pages of reading per week
Three exams
Three papers (2-4 double-spaced pages each)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32369/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
17 December 2021

Fall 2024  |  POL 3325 Section 001: U.S. Campaigns and Elections (32370)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 230
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 116 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Presidential/congressional campaigns/elections in the United States. How political scientists study electoral politics. Theoretical generalizations about candidates, voters, parties, and the media. Ways electoral context and "rules of the game" matter.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL3325+Fall2024
Class Description:
This course examines presidential and congressional campaigns and elections in the United States. We will explore how political scientists study and understand electoral politics. What theoretical generalizations can we make about candidates, voters, parties, and the media? In what ways do the electoral context and the "rules of the game" matter? What are the effects of incumbency and the economy? How do gender and race affect campaigns and elections? The 2020 elections promise to be interesting for many reasons. Students will monitor the presidential campaigns and some congressional campaigns to asses how theory and practice converge in 2020. In addition to exams, students will write short papers analyzing specific elements of major campaigns and elections and a research paper of around eight to ten pages that addresses one of the themes of the course.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32370/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 March 2020

Fall 2024  |  POL 3431 Section 001: Politics of India (32371)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 230
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The course introduces students to the politics of India; a non-Western, parliamentary political system that stands out as a bastion of democracy in the developing world, despite underdevelopment & significant ethno-religious divisions. By focusing on India, we offer an understanding of the problems of democratization, underdevelopment, governance & political violence. We examine India's political institutions & challenges confronting the institutions such as socio-economic inequalities, social exclusion, social divisions, ethno-religious & ideological insurgencies, criminalization of politics & rampant corruption. The course enables students to answer important questions: Why did democracy endure in post-colonial India when much of the developing world endured authoritarian regimes? What accounts for the persistence of ethno-religious conflict & violence? What determines a country's approach to socio-economic development? What accounts for India's economic development over the last few decades? How do we explain the existence of political democracy and rampant corruption?
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL3431+Fall2024
Class Description:
This course will introduce you to the politics of India - the world's largest democracy (over 800 million voters - 2.5 times the US population), the world's third largest economy (in purchasing power parity), and one of the most ethnically-diverse nations (over 4,500 ethno-cultural groups from all major world religions and speaking more than 750 languages). You will not only learn more about India, a fifth of world's population, but through a focus on India, this course will offer you an understanding of the problems of democratization, underdevelopment, governance and political violence.

We will learn about India's political institutions as well as challenges confronting these institutions such as widespread socio-economic inequalities, social exclusion, deep-seated societal divisions, ethno-religious and ideological insurgencies, continued criminalization of politics and rampant corruption. The course will enable students to answer such important questions as: Why did democracy endure in post-colonial India when much of the developing world endured authoritarian regimes? How do political institutions and processes interact with socio-cultural factors? What accounts for the persistence of ethno-religious conflict and violence? What factors determine a country's approach to socio-economic development? What accounts for India's rapid economic development over the last couple of decades? How do we explain the co-existence of political democracy with rampant institutional corruption?

Grading:
Three In-class assignments: 12%
Four homework assignments: 28%
One individual/group research assignment: 15%
Final paper: 25%
Class Participation: 20%
Exam Format:
No exam
Class Format:
50% Lecture
25% Film/Video
25% Discussion
Workload:
Around 100 pages of readings per week; four homework assignments;
three in-class assignments, a research assignment and a final paper.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32371/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
1 December 2016

Fall 2024  |  POL 3451W Section 001: Politics and Society in the New Europe (20055)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The devastation of Europe through two World Wars put the deadly results of ultra-nationalism on full display. To avoid such destruction again, a group of European technocrats and leaders embarked on a mission of incrementally deepening economic and later, social partnerships between an ever-expanding number of European countries. These efforts culminated in the birth of the European Union in the late 20th Century. From its inception, the Union has found obstacles in the forms of a weak institutional structure and authority, deep skepticism of a central European authority, financial crisis, ethnic anxiety, and resurgent nationalism. Yet, the continuation and strengthening of the Union is seen as the antidote to the rise of anti-democratic and authoritarian tendencies on the continent. Some of the key questions that we will engage in are: What are the ideological and historical roots of the European Union? What are the structural flaws of the Union? What are the obstacles to a stronger Union? Is the Union still or even more essential than ever? What are the ways the Union could collapse from within and from the intervention of outside forces?
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?moha0030+POL3451W+Fall2024
Class Description:
This course examines the establishment, institutions and functions of the European Union, with an overview of the political processes in European countries and the European Union. Students will examine the history behind the EU's construction, theories of European integration, the EU's institutions and policy competencies, reoccurring problems with democratic representation in the EU, and the EU's political and economic influence over candidate countries via requirements for entry. We will exam the causes and effects of Brexit. The class will also discuss the creation of the European Monetary Union and the Euro currency, and challenges it faced during the sovereign debt crisis. Special focus will be given to the War in Ukraine throughout the semester. Finally, we will address challenges of migration, integration and the rise of nationalist parties across Europe.
Grading:
20% Midterm Exam
20% Final Exam
20% Research Paper
20% Attendance
20% Short Reflection Papers
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exams
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20055/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
4 April 2023

Fall 2024  |  POL 3462 Section 001: The Politics of Race, Class, and Ethnicity in the United States, South Africa and Cuba (20334)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 140
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Is it true that since the election of Donald Trump, the United States is more racist than ever? Is racism on the rise elsewhere in the world? Consistent with the goals of liberal education, this course helps students navigate their way through what is often seen as one of the most perplexing and intractable problems in today's world - racial and ethnic conflicts. It supplies a set of theoretical tools that can be utilized in the most diverse of settings - including, though to a lesser extent, gender. Rather than looking at these conflicts, as the media and popular knowledge often does, as centuries-old conflicts deeply set in our memory banks, a script from which none of us can escape, the course argues that inequalities in power and authority - in other words, class - go a long way in explaining racial and ethnic dynamics. To support this argument, the course examines the so-called "black-white" conflict in three settings, the U.S., South Africa, and Cuba. While all three share certain similarities, their differences provide the most explanatory power. Most instructive is the Cuba versus U.S. and South Africa comparison. Specifically, what are the consequences for race relations when a society, Cuba, attempts to eliminate class inequalities? The course hopes to show that while we all carry with us the legacy of the past, we are not necessarily its prisoners.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL3462+Fall2024
Class Description:
Is it true that since the election of Donald Trump the United States is more racist than ever? Is racism on the rise elsewhere in the world? Consistent with the goals of liberal education, this course helps students navigate their way through what is often seen as one of the most perplexing and intractable problems in today's world, racial and ethnic conflicts. It supplies a set of theoretical tools that can be utilized in the most diverse of settings, including, race, class, ethnicity, and to a lesser extent, gender. Rather than looking at these conflicts, as the media and popular knowledge often does, as centuries-old conflicts deeply set in our memory banks, a script from which none of us can escape, the course argues that inequalities in power and authority, in other words, class, go a long way in explaining racial and ethnic dynamics. To support this argument, the course examines the so-called "black-white" conflict in three settings, the U.S., South Africa, and Cuba. While all three share certain similarities, their differences provide the most explanatory power. Most instructive is the Cuba versus U.S. and South Africa comparison. Specifically, what are the consequences for race relations when a society, Cuba, attempts to eliminate class inequalities? The course hopes to show that while we all carry with us the legacy of the past, we are not necessarily its prisoners.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20334/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 March 2020

Fall 2024  |  POL 3475 Section 001: Islamist Politics (32372)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The relationship between Islam and politics-both in the Muslim world and in the West-is one of the most important political issues of our day. This class will address these issues by taking a historical and political look at the development of Islam (the religion) and Islamism (Islamic political movements) in many areas of the Muslim world. We will begin by discussing the Islamic faith and historical debates about its relationship to politics. Then we will turn to the twentieth century, and examine the rise of Islamist politics in the Middle East and North Africa (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Sudan) and south central Asia (e.g. Pakistan, Afghanistan). We will study the successes and failures of Islamist revolutions. Then we will focus on the evolution of the "Arab Spring" and its implications for both Islamism and democracy. In doing so, we will discuss debates about the compatibility of Islam and democracy, and examine attempts at democracy in the Muslim World (e.g. Tunisia). We will examine the revival of Islam and rise of post-Soviet Islamism in Eurasia (Central Asia, Russia, and the Caucasus) during the last two to three decades. We will examine the effects of state repression of Islam and religious freedom in those countries. We will also discuss varying ideas about jihad, and the rise of global jihadists and terrorist groups, such as Al Qaeda and ISIS. We will study the jihads waged by Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and ISIS, and the implications of militancy and terrorism for establishing stability and democracy in the Muslim world. We will read both Muslim and non-Muslim, American and non-American perspectives on these problems. Understanding these issues is critical to gaining perspective on the troubling state of today's complex global politics, and US foreign policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL3475+Fall2024
Class Description:
Course Description: From the bloody battles of ISIS, to the Taliban in Afghanistan, to terrorism across the globe, "Islamist politics" has been at the center of political debates and US foreign policy. Particularly since 9/11, scholars and policymakers around the world have been debating the consequences of U.S. policy in the Middle East, the roots of rising Islamist movements in the 20th century, the causes of terrorism and suicide bombings, and the clash or compatibility of Islam and democracy. This class will address these issues by taking a historical and comparative political approach to the development of Islam (the religion) and Islamism (Islamic political movements) in many areas of the Muslim world. We will begin by discussing the early historical relationship between Islam and state. Then we will turn to the twentieth century, and examine the rise of Islamist politics in the Middle East and North Africa (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran) and central Asia (e.g. Pakistan, Afghanistan). We will study the successes and failures of Islamist revolutions. We will focus on the successful Islamist revolution in Iran, failed Islamist politics in Sudan. We will trace the causes of 9/11 and the subsequent US war in Afghanistan, and then the rise of ISIS in Iraq/Syria). We will study the Arab Spring and its implications for Islamic parties and democracy in that region, and the Syrian civil war. We will examine the rise of Islamist violence in Eurasia (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and the Caucasus). We will also discuss varying ideas about jihad, and the rise of global jihadists and terrorist groups, such as Al Qaeda and ISIS. We will study the implications of militancy and terrorism for establishing stability and democracy in the Muslim world. We will read both diverse Muslim and non-Muslim perspectives on these issues. Understanding these issues is critical to gaining perspective on today's complex global politics, and US foreign policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere. This course aims at increasing our knowledge and understanding, tolerance, and wisdom in dealing with these critical issues.
Who Should Take This Class?:
The class is designed for students with an interest in policy-relevant political science-- US policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria!
Grading:
Grading will likely be based on class participation and several short papers. Final requirements will be printed on the syllabus in January.
Exam Format:
no exams; short papers will replace exams due to covid
Class Format:
lecture and discussion
Workload:
about 75 pages of reading per week
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32372/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 November 2020

Fall 2024  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (20939)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular, those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in other parts have not? We will explore inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course also examines what we mean by "development" and exposes students to cutting-edge debates in contemporary development studies. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3477+Fall2024
Class Description:
The world today is characterized by vast disparities of wealth between countries. In this course, students will learn about contending explanations for the historical roots of these global inequalities, as well as about why some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular those of East Asia, have experienced stunning economic growth, while those in others parts of the world have not. 3 credits.
Grading:
20% Midterm Exam
20% Final Exam
40% Reports/Papers
20% Class Participation
Exam Format:
The exams will be a combination of essay, multiple choice, and short answer questions. They will focus on topics not covered in the short papers, so collectively the exams and the essays function as four midterms. The final exam is not cumulative.
Class Format:
45% Lecture
15% Film/Video
20% Discussion
20% Small Group Activities
Workload:
80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
2 Exam(s)
2 4-5 page essays
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20939/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
17 April 2023

Fall 2024  |  POL 3489W Section 001: Citizens, Consumers, and Corporations (20559)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 140
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Corporations are the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a wide variety of goods, and have massive effects on the communities where they do business. Although considered to be "legal persons," corporations are not living beings with a conscience. Milton Friedman famously proclaimed that the only moral obligation of corporations is the maximize shareholder returns. Yet maximizing financial returns may negatively affect humans, other living beings, and the planet. This potential conflict between profit and ethics is at the heart of this course, which focuses on how people have mobilized as citizens and consumers to demand ethical behavior from corporations. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of corporate social responsibility for sweatshops, the industrial food system in the United States, and the privatization of life, water, and war. The course also considers how corporations exploit racial hierarchies and immigration status in their pursuit of profit.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3489W+Fall2024
Class Description:

Corporations are perhaps the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a wide variety of goods, and have massive effects on the ecological and social environments in which they do business. Although considered to be "legal persons," corporations are not living beings with a conscience. Milton Friedman is famously known for his view that the only moral obligation of corporations is to maximize shareholder returns. Yet maximizing financial returns may result in behavior that negatively affects humanity, other living beings, and the planet. This potential conflict between profit and ethics is at the heart of this course.


We will think carefully about what it means for corporations to behave ethically. Doing so necessarily means that we will also think about our own values and the extent to which markets and politics should be employed to change corporate behavior. Are sweatshops immoral? Do corporations have ethical obligations to their employees and to the communities in which they do business? How do corporations exploit racial hierarchies and immigration status in their pursuit of profit? Should there be limits to what corporations can own or to the services that they supply? How do we balance costly labor and environmental regulations with our economic dependence on corporations? Does imposing our moral values on corporations risk killing the goose that lays the golden egg?


This course focuses on two ways that people have mobilized to demand ethical behavior from corporations - as citizens and as consumers. When people mobilize as citizens, we put pressure on corporations through the political system - e.g., through protests, lobbying, and pursuing claims through the courts. When people act as consumers, we use the power of our purchasing decisions to encourage corporations to change their behavior. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of the following topics: corporate social responsibility (with special attention to sweatshops); the industrial food system in the United States; and the privatization of life, water, and war.
Grading:
25% Final Exam
50% Reports/Papers
25% Class Participation
Exam Format:
The final exam will be an essay exam.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Film/Video
30% Discussion
15% Small Group Activities
Workload:
80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
1 Final Exam (essay format)
2 short papers (about 9 pages total)
2 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20559/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
17 April 2023

Fall 2024  |  POL 3733 Section 001: From Suffragettes to Senators: Gender, Politics & Policy in the U.S. (20335)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 235
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Overview to field of gender/politics. Examine role women play in U.S. policy process. How public policies are "gendered." How policies compare to feminist thinking about related issue area. Theories of role(s) gender plays in various aspects of politics.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL3733+Fall2024
Class Description:
This in-person lecture course examines gender dynamics in several domains of the American political system, including the mass public, electoral politics, legislative politics, and the policymaking process. We explore the interaction of gender and race and challenges and opportunities for women of color. Throughout the course, we focus on gender differences that affect various aspects of the political process. We begin by analyzing differences in the ways that women and men conceptualize politics. We study gender stereotypes among the public and their influence on attitudes toward women in politics and vote choice. We ask why women are underrepresented in public office. We examine gender dynamics in electoral politics, asking what barriers women may face when running for office. We consider whether women and men advocate different policy agendas and issue positions when serving in office. We consider the representational implications of the gender differences we uncover, including substantive policy differences and non-policy benefits that are conferred to citizens when women serve in office. We analyze the institutional features of the American political process, asking how institutions and organized interests may help and hinder women pursuing power and policy.
Grading:

20% Class participation

40% 2 midterm exams (20% each)

15% 1 short paper (15%)

25% Research paper and presentation
Class Format:
online only, synchronous.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20335/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
6 September 2022

Fall 2024  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (32373)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How do people develop their political opinions? What makes people vote the way that they do? Why do some people love, and other loathe, Donald Trump? Understanding how ordinary citizens engage with the political sphere is essential to understanding how politics work. This course applies a psychological approach to understanding how average people - members of the mass public - think about politics, make political decisions, and decide how (and whether) to take political actions. We will explore arguments about the role that ideology, biological and evolutionary factors, personality, identity and partisanship, racial attitudes, and political discussion play in shaping the opinion and behavior of members of the mass public. In addition, this class introduces students to the methodology of political psychology and how political psychologists approach questions and attempt to understand the political world. Students will exit the class having mastered a body of knowledge about how they and their fellow citizens think about politics and the different approaches that scholars take to study these decisions. They will also gain the critical capacity to judge arguments about politics, the ability to identify, define, and solve problems, and the skill to locate and critically evaluate information relevant to these tasks. Finally, this course takes a cooperative approach to learning, and many course activities will be structured around learning and working with a group of fellow students over the course of the semester.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?lavine+POL3766+Fall2024
Class Description:
This course examines the influence of human nature on political decision making among members of the mass public, asking questions about how human thought processes, emotions, and personality influence political judgments. Political theorists have long disagreed over basic human nature and have advanced different solutions to political governance as a consequence, ranging from participatory democracy to authoritarian regimes. In this course, we carefully consider how well we, as humans, are equipped to deal with different forms of political governance, especially democracy. We examine different aspects of human psychology, including personality, motivation, values, information processing, emotion and intergroup behavior, as well as proximal and distal biological processes (e.g., physiology, genetics, evolution), and consider their influence on political decision making. Readings are drawn from psychology and political science. No prior in-depth knowledge of either psychology or political science is needed to succeed in the course. It would help to have a general interest in politics, however. The course begins with an introductory reading in political psychology, designed to provide an overview of the field. We will then begin a section of the course on obedience to authority, which examines the power of social context and perceptions of legitimate authority in altering social and political behavior. We then consider the impact of group life on political preferences. To what extent do political preferences spring from our membership in groups and our views of other groups in society (including nations)? We will consider the impact of in-group attachments (to one's race, gender or nation), followed by a consideration of how animosity towards outsiders can escalate into prejudice, or even genocide.
Grading:
15% - Attendance, Bi-Weekly "Discussion Tweets"
25% - Midterm Exam
25% - Election 2016 Analysis (Research Paper)
35% - Final Exam - 35%
Exam Format:
Both the Midterm and Final Exams will feature multiple choice and short answer questions (defining key concepts). The final exam will also include an essay question touching on major themes in the course. The final exam is cumulative.
Class Format:
50% lecture, 50% discussion.
Workload:
In addition to regular class attendance and completion of the exams/paper, students are expected to complete a short set of readings about relevant research and concepts prior to each class.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32373/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
16 March 2017

Fall 2024  |  POL 3786 Section 001: Media and Politics (19768)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Meets With:
JOUR 3786 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Murphy Hall 130
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 45 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Do facts matter anymore? Is press freedom under threat? Are audiences trapped in filter bubbles? Why do people hate the media, and how can the news be improved to better serve citizens? Explore the historical and contemporary dynamics that shape the relationship between professionals in the media, the mass public, and political actors across different parts of government. Study major forms of mass media, including television and newspapers, alongside new forms such as digital and social media. Look at specific reporting rituals and practices, as well as issues involving media ownership, regulation, ethics, and press freedom. We will study politicians? efforts to craft messages, advertise strategically, and target select audiences for political gain. The course will focus primarily, but not exclusively, on the United States, and you will be asked to engage with current events and the role of communication technologies in political and civic life.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3786+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19768/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 3810 Section 001: Topics in International Relations and Foreign Policy -- The Global Politics of Climate Change (32728)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
6 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Topics courses delve in-depth into important issues in contemporary international politics. They aim to give students the theoretical, conceptual, and historical understanding, and/or empirical tools needed to understand the complexity of international politics today. Topics courses vary substantially from year to year as specified in the class schedule, but recent topics courses have included: 'Technology and War', International Law', 'Drones, Detention and Torture: The Laws of War', and 'The Consequences of War.'
Class Notes:
Climate change is the existential crisis of our time. Climate change mitigation requires strong global action, but the global community has been slow to respond. This course will ask why. We will consider various international aspects central to the causes and consequences of, and possible solutions to, the climate crisis. The course aims to provide a broad overview of the key concepts, actors, debates, and issues around the global climate crisis. It demonstrates the complexities of both the nature of the problems as well as the solutions. We will consider such questions as: 1) What are the political and economic challenges to creating strong and effective international agreements to address the climate crisis? 2) What role can and do non-state actors, including corporations, nongovernmental organizations, and even subnational entities such as cities, play in mitigating climate change? 3) How can global concerns over climate (in)justice be best served, and how likely is it that these concerns will be addressed? In addition to lectures and discussion, one pillar of this course will be an ongoing simulation around climate change. Students will be assigned specific roles in specific countries or organizations. Each week, they will respond to a new set of challenges. Through lectures, discussion, written assignments, and simulation, students will take a deep dive into the global politics of climate change. By the end of this course, students will have: 1) Advanced their critical thinking regarding global responses to the climate crisis. 2) Engaged with arguments representing a wide diversity of voices, especially from the Global South. 3) Clearly identified specific problems pertaining to the climate crisis, and worked toward potential solutions. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?fazal007+POL3810+Fall2024
Class Description:

Climate change is the existential crisis of our time. Climate change mitigation requires strong global action, but the global community has been slow to respond. This course will ask why. We will consider various international aspects central to the causes and consequences of, and possible solutions to, the climate crisis. The course aims to provide a broad overview of the key concepts, actors, debates, and issues around the global climate crisis. It demonstrates the complexities of both the nature of the problems as well as the solutions. We will consider such questions as:

- What are the political and economic challenges to creating strong and effective international agreements to address the climate crisis?

- What role can and do non-state actors, including corporations, nongovernmental organizations, and even subnational entities such as cities, play in mitigating climate change?

- How can global concerns over climate (in)justice be best served, and how likely is it that these concerns will be addressed?


Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will have:

- Advanced their critical thinking regarding global responses to the climate crisis;

- Engaged with arguments representing a wide diversity of voices, especially from the Global South;

- Clearly identified specific political problems pertaining to the climate crisis, and worked toward potential solutions.


Class Format:

In addition to lectures and discussion, one pillar of this course will be an ongoing simulation around climate change. Students will be assigned specific roles in specific countries or organizations. Each week, they will respond to a new set of challenges. Through lectures, discussion, written assignments, and simulation, students will take a deep dive into the global politics of climate change.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32728/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
26 October 2023

Fall 2024  |  POL 3833 Section 001: The United States and the Global Economy (32374)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Walter F. Mondale Hall 40
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3833 teaches students about the politics of the global economy with a focus on the role the United States plays within it. The class covers a variety of topics in international political economy, including international trade, international investment, and international finance. Students will learn about the factors that drive politicians' decision-making, interest-group stances, and citizens' preferences over such salient issues as tariffs and other forms of trade protection, trade and investment agreements, central banking, interest rates, international migration, and more. No background in economics is required or assumed.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3833+Fall2024
Class Description:
Globalization has been a defining force driving markets - and, hence, shaping politics - over the past 20 years. Global financial flows and imbalances are implicated in financial crises both recent and past, and the mobility of firms and migrants across international borders has important distributional and regulatory consequences. Yet, the impact of the U.S. on the global economy is not exclusive to purely financial phenomena: conflict and peace, technological innovation, natural resources, and economic development are all affected as rising levels of trade create new "winners" and "losers." This class examines some of the broad themes that characterize globalization with a focus on - but not only on - the U.S. and the ways in which its policy responses shape and are being shaped by globalization.
Who Should Take This Class?:
This class may interest students who are interested in international relations, American politics, political economy, or economics. No background in economics is necessary.
Learning Objectives:

By the end of this class, students will be able to:


- Understand many important concepts in the global economy: including, but not limited to, trade policy, the politics of multinational investment, and monetary policy.


- Comprehend different perspectives on political economic policy


- Discuss those concepts and perspectives in ways that are accessible to a broader population.

Grading:
The main graded items are:
- Short (2-4 page) writing assignments, due about every other week, in which students will respond to a specific essay prompt.
- A final project, in which students choose one of their shorter written assignments to expand into a creative project intended to teach people about something you've learned this semester. The medium for this is flexible: in the past students have written songs (mostly parodies, few original compositions), made posters, recorded podcasts, etc.
- Quizzes. There are approximately six quizzes throughout the semester that are for the purpose of helping you assess what you've learned and what you still need to work on. They are online, untimed, and can be retaken.
Exam Format:
This class has no exams.
Class Format:
The class consists of lecture and small- and large-group discussions.
Workload:
In addition to the assignments listed in the Grading section, students are expected to either read approximately 30 pages before class (although it varies *a lot* from class to class) or do a pre-class (ungraded) assignment. In both cases, the intent of the work the student is supposed to do before class is to give the student some experience or understanding of the topic before class so that the material covered in class has something in their brains to attach to. It's a lot easier to learn a new topic if you know even a tiny bit about it beforehand than if you don't.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32374/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
4 March 2024

Fall 2024  |  POL 3994 Section 001: Directed Research: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program (19128)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students accepted into the Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, students will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers. Students are chosen through a highly competitive online application the semester prior to registration. Students should check with Political Science advising for details about the application process. This course is only open to Political Science majors.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3994+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19128/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 4087 Section 001: Thinking Strategically About Politics (32375)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 140
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The purpose of this class is threefold. First is to introduce students to the use and value of formal models of strategic interaction (game theoretic models) in political science. Second is to impart some basic tools of such modeling to students. And third is to examine the contribution of theoretical models to several common game theoretic problems that appear across a variety of different political applications. In keeping with these three goals, the course is divided into three sections. The first session will be devoted to such questions as, what is a theoretical model? What are rational choice and game theory? The next portion of the class will introduce students to the basic tools employed in game theoretic analysis. The readings will illustrate the use of the tools introduced in class. Five problem sets will be administered, requiring students to make use of these tools. The final portion of the class will examine types of game theoretic problems that appear in a variety of political settings. These include retrospective voting and accountability, prospective voting and the role of the median voter, problems of coordination and the role of information, problems of collective action and the problem of free riding, and problems of credible commitment.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL4087+Fall2024
Class Description:
Politics is fundamentally concerned with strategic interactions. Actions are said to be strategic if one actor must anticipate how others would respond when formulating their best course of action. A leader issuing a diplomatic threat must consider whether the target of that threat will escalate or back down. A legislator formulating a bill must consider how to build a majority coalition to vote in its favor. A would-be demonstrator against a repressive regime must consider whether others would join in their protest. Game theory is a mathematical tool for representing and analyzing such interactions. This class will introduce students to the basic tools of game theory and will illustrate its application to political settings. Approximately half the class will be devoted to introducing game theoretic concepts -- called equilibrium solution concepts -- the methods through which such models can be solved. Each equilibrium concept will be paired with an illustration of that concept in politics, drawing on both domestic and international examples. The second half of the course will examine several key game theoretic concepts that appear in a variety of different political scenarios, as well as in every day life. These include models of (1) accountability, (2) voting, (3) problems of coordination, (4) problems of collective action, and (5) problems of credible commitment. We will see a variety of instances in which these phenomena appear, drawn from throughout the literature in political science, whether international relations, American politics, comparative politics, or political theory. (While this class will make use of math and satisfies a mathematical thinking liberal education requirement, there is no prerequisite math course. The most complex math you will need to solve any problems in this course is basic algebra -- solving a single equation with a single unknown variable.)
Grading:
Students will be assessed through a series of five problem sets over the first half of the semester. (The lowest scoring problem set will be dropped from one's final grade.) There will be a final exam relating to the readings from the second half of the semester administered online through Canvas. The questions will all be short-answer essay format. And students will complete a final group project, relating to one of the five different models (accountability, voting, coordination, collective action, or credible commitment), involving a 6-9 page paper and short in-class presentation.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32375/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
1 November 2023

Fall 2024  |  POL 4255 Section 001: Comparative Real Time Political Analysis: Marxist versus Liberal Perspectives (19735)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Karl Marx and Frederick Engels had better democratic credentials than Alexis de Tocqueville and John Stuart Mill. Vladimir Lenin, too, had better democratic credentials than Max Weber and Woodrow Wilson. That's the provocative argument of this course. Performing what it calls "comparative real-time political analysis," it presents convincing evidence to sustain both claims. When the two sets of protagonists are compared and contrasted in how they read and responded to big political events in motion, in real-time, the Marxists, it contends, proved to be better democrats than the Liberals. Real-time analysis argues that responding to and making decisions about events in motion is the real test of political perspective and theory; on Monday morning, we can all look smart. The writings and actions of all seven protagonists are the primary course materials - reading them in their own words. The European Spring of 1848, the United States Civil War, the 1905 Russian Revolution and, the 1917 Russian Revolution and end of World War I, all consequential in the democratic quest, are the main scenarios the course employs to test its claims. The findings, course participants will learn, challenge assumed political wisdom like never before. Employing the lessons of the comparisons to trying to make sense of current politics - given the unprecedented moment in which we find ourselves - is the other goal of the course.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4255+Fall2024
Class Description:
Karl Marx and Frederick Engels had better democratic credentials than Alexis de Tocqueville and John Stuart Mill. Vladimir Lenin, too, had better democratic credentials than Max Weber and Woodrow Wilson. That's the provocative argument of this course. Performing what it calls "comparative real-time political analysis," it presents convincing evidence to sustain both claims. When the two sets of protagonists are compared and contrasted in how they read and responded to big political events in motion, in real-time, the Marxists, it contends, proved to be better democrats than the Liberals. Real-time analysis argues that responding to and making decisions about events in motion is the real test of political perspective and theory; on Monday morning, we can all look smart. The writings and actions of all seven protagonists are the primary course materials, reading them in their own words. The European Spring of 1848, the United States Civil War, the 1905 Russian Revolution and, the 1917 Russian Revolution and end of World War I, all consequential in the democratic quest, are the main scenarios the course employs to test its claims. The findings, course participants will learn, challenge assumed political wisdom like never before. Employing the lessons of the comparisons to trying to make sense of current politics, given the unprecedented moment in which we find ourselves, is the other goal of the course.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19735/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
25 March 2021

Fall 2024  |  POL 4474W Section 001: Russian Politics: From Soviet Empire to Post-Soviet State (20941)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Twenty five years ago, Russia appeared to be democratizing and was even on friendly relations with the US and NATO. Now Vladimir Putin runs the state with the FSB (KGB), and US-Russian relations are at their worst point since the 1970s. This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics. It begins with the Russian Revolution of 1917, and continues with a study of the creation of the USSR and Soviet rule under Lenin, Stalin, and later decades. We look in depth at the economic and political system set up by the Communist Party, and at the causes of its collapse in 1991, which has had profound legacies for the post-Soviet development of Russia. Then in the second half of the course we turn to themes of political, economic, social and civic development under Yeltsin and Putin. We will pose the following questions: Why does democratization begin and why does it fail? How is economic reform undermined? What type of state and regime is Russia now? What caused the Chechen wars and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus during this period? Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Are US-Russian relations improving as a result of Obama's "Reset," or are we now in an era of a new Cold War? What is Russia's goal in Syria, Iran, or Central Asia? Is Putin rebuilding Russia, or driving it to disaster, and how will this impact the West?
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL4474W+Fall2024
Class Description:
Thirty years ago, Russia appeared to be democratizing and was even on friendly relations with the US and NATO. Now Vladimir Putin runs the state with the FSB (ex-KGB), and US-Russian relations are at their worst point since the 1970s. This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics. It begins with an overview of Communism, Stalin's use of the KGB, and mass repression, and key moments in the USSR's Cold War foreign policy, which have a legacy for today. We study the Communist economic and political system, and why it collapsed in 1991. We examine Russian foreign policy under Putin: Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Did US-Russian relations improve under Yeltsin, or as a result of Obama's "Reset"? Are we now in a new Cold War? Why and how is Russia attempting to destabilize Western elections? What will be the consequence of US elections in 2020 for US-Russian relations?
What is Russia's goal in Ukraine, Belarus, Syria, and Central Asia? Is it recreating the USSR? We study Russia's failed democratization and how corruption has undermined economic reform. We study the Russian military and the Chechen wars, and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus, leading to Islamist radicalization and fighters joining ISIS. Finally, we ask whether Putin is successfully rebuilding Russia, or driving it to disaster.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Students in any college with an interest in Russia!; Students interested in US policy debates
Grading:
This is a writing class (W). Grading is primarily based on papers (a research paper and several short papers).
Exam Format:
no in class exams
Class Format:
lecture with discussion, especially debates about foreign policy issues related to Russia and the USSR.
Workload:
approximately 75-100 pages of reading a week; approximately 20 pages of writing (W class); no exams; take-home papers in place of exams
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20941/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 November 2020

Fall 2024  |  POL 4492 Section 001: Law and (In)Justice in Latin America (32376)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Meets With:
POL 5492 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 255
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course examines, from various angles, how law and justice function in contemporary Latin America, highlighting similarities and differences within and between countries and issue areas. Students reflect on and debate the causes behind the varied outcomes, as well as the effectiveness, actual and potential, of the different institutional and social change efforts that have been underway in the region since the 1980s. Specific topics addressed include accountability for past and present mass violence; origins of and responses to crime, from "mano dura" policies to criminal justice reform and anti-corruption initiatives; and advances and limitations in equal rights protection. Special attention is paid across the course to issues of indigeneity, race, class, gender, and sexuality. Throughout, students compare situations within Latin America, which is by no means a monolith, as well as consider parallels between Latin America and the United States, where, despite great differences in wealth, history and culture, similar problems of law and justice can be found. The course aims thus not only to teach students about Latin America but also to get students to think about what we might learn from Latin America.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4492+Fall2024
Class Description:
Although democracy is the dominant form of government in Latin America today, most Latin American countries still suffer from a weak rule of law. Across the region, free and fair elections are held on a regular basis and few formal barriers to participation exist, but most countries are still a long way from offering full citizenship rights for all. Even in some of the largest and most economically developed cases, governments are often ineffective at providing basic rights protection, and state officials can abuse their power with impunity. Legal and judicial institutions are often partisan, corrupt, and/or inaccessible, leaving average citizens with no real recourse when their rights are violated. This course will examine, from various angles, how law and justice function in contemporary Latin America, highlighting similarities and differences within and between countries and issue areas. Students will reflect on and debate the causes behind the varied outcomes, as well as the effectiveness, actual and potential, of the different reform efforts that have been underway in the region since the 1980s. Specific topics to be addressed are transitional justice, judicial review, judicial independence, access to justice, criminal justice (including police, courts, and prisons), corruption, and non-state alternatives. Special attention will be paid to issues of race/ethnicity, class, and gender, as well as to what general lessons, if any, can be drawn from analyses of Latin American cases.
Grading:
25% Quizzes
30% Reports/Papers (individual)
10% Group project
20% In-class Presentations (small group)
15% Participation (in-class or online discussion boards)
Class Format:
40% Lecture
35% Discussion and Student Presentations
25% Small Group Activities
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
Up to 10 Pages Writing Per Term (4492)
or up to 20 Pages Writng Per Term (5492)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32376/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
29 April 2022

Fall 2024  |  POL 4501W Section 001: The Supreme Court and Constitutional Interpretation (20336)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of Articles I, II, and III. This means that we will discuss how the nation's Court of last resort has helped shape the powers of and constraints on the three branches of our federal government. We will also discuss and analyze the development of law surrounding the separation of powers, the structure of federalism, congressional power over the commerce clause, and the creation and demise of the concept of substantive due process. Successful completion of this course will satisfy the liberal education requirement of Civic Life and Ethics. Effective citizenship in the 21st century requires an understanding of our how government was created, is structured, and has been interpreted by the Supreme Court over the past two centuries. This course is premised on the notion that such an understanding is best achieved by reading the primary sources that led to these goals - the opinions handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4501W+Fall2024
Class Description:
This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of Articles I, II, and III.
Grading:
33% Midterm Exam
33% Final Exam
33% Reports/Papers
Exam Format:
Exams will be a combination of short answer/multiple choice and essays.
Class Format:
50% Lecture
50% Discussion
Workload:
75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
50 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exam(s)
25 Paper(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20336/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
5 April 2016

Fall 2024  |  POL 4737 Section 001: American Political Parties (32378)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course focuses on U.S. political parties. We will cover the following themes this term: (1) what parties are and what they do; (2) party factions and coalitions; (3) social and issue cleavages; (4) how Democratic and Republicans view the world; (5) elite and mass polarization; and (6) the future of the Democratic and Republican parties. By the end of the semester you'll have a broad and deep understanding of the key role parties play in American politics, where they have been, and where they are going. prereq: 1001 or equiv or instr consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?pgoren+POL4737+Fall2024
Class Description:

This course focuses on American political parties. We will cover the following themes: (1) the inevitability of group conflict; (2) party ID; (3) party coalitions; (4) ambitious politicians; (5) special interests / activists; (6) partisan media; (7) national elections; and (8) congressional parties. By the end of the term you will have a broad and deep understanding of why parties exist; whom they serve; where the parties have been; where the parties are going; what the parties stand for; and why there is so much damn conflict between the parties.

Who Should Take This Class?:
Sophomores, juniors, seniors, and anyone interested in parties.
Grading:
Grading is based on (1) attendance and participation; (2) three exams; (3) two short paper and one longer paper.
Exam Format:
Two in-class exams. You'll be given a number of short-answer questions and get to choose which ones to answer (example: you might get 11 questions and be asked to answer 8). A separate final exam will be similar, but also have an essay (you'll get two essay prompts and answer one)
Class Format:
Lecture, discussion, film/video, and occasional small group activities.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32378/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
14 March 2024

Fall 2024  |  POL 4885W Section 001: International Conflict and Security (20337)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? How can states cope with the threat posed by would-be terrorists? What is counterinsurgency doctrine? What is the future of military force in global politics? This course addresses these questions - and others. The course is organized loosely into three sections or themes. The first section explores the causes and consequences of interstate war and peace. We will examine whether and how the international system, domestic institutions and politics, ideas and culture, ethnic and racial prejudice and inequity, and human psychology shape the path to war. Along the way, we debate whether war has become obsolete and why great power rivalry might be raising its ugly head once again. Attention is also devoted to the impact of war on economy and politics as well as the relations between armed forces and civilian government. The second section of the class explores the possibilities, limits, and challenges of more limited uses of force - such as the threat of force (coercion), peacekeeping and humanitarian intervention, and terrorism and counterterrorism. A third theme explores the strategic and ethical implications of the use of force and especially of innovation in military technologies - nuclear weapons, cyber, drones. Across all three sections, we examine how war and society mutually affect each other, including how racial, ethnic, and other categorical identities affect critical dynamics in security, from threat perception to military mobilization. The course is organized around theoretical arguments, historical cases and data, and policy debates. Sessions are deeply interactive, engaged discussion is a must, and the class often divides into smaller groups for more intensive debate. Class t
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL4885W+Fall2024
Class Description:
With the end of the Cold War, many foresaw the birth of a new world order. Military strategy, strategic bombing and coercive diplomacy, deterrence and compellence, signaling and the escalatory ladder--these concepts, staples of Cold War thinking, were believed to be outmoded and to have little relevance to the emerging world. The events of the past two decades have shown how wrong this conclusion was. Military force is as pertinent to international politics as ever. Unable to reap the peace dividend that was expected to accompany the end of the Cold War, the United States has since 1989 repeatedly deployed its military forces across the globe--from Kuwait to Somalia to Bosnia and Kosovo to Afghanistan and Iraq. These operations have sometimes ended in apparent success, other times in failure. This course explores central issues regarding the use of military force in international politics. Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? Under what conditions is the use of force ethical, and when does it exceed those bounds? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? What is the future of military force in global politics? Through theoretical readings, concrete historical cases, and contemporary policy debates, this course examines these questions and others.
Exam Format:
No exam. Occasional online quizzes. Final research paper, completed in multiple stages. Weekly reading questions.
Class Format:
75% Lecture
25% Discussion
Workload:
~75 pages of reading per week; 15-20 pages of writing per term
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20337/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
26 February 2020

Fall 2024  |  POL 4991 Section 001: Political Science Capstone (19703)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science senior
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Mon 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 90 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL4991+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19703/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 4991 Section 002: Political Science Capstone (19962)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 220
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL4991+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19962/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 4991 Section 003: Political Science Capstone (19963)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 145
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4991+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19963/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 4993 Section 001: Honors Thesis: Directed Studies (17853)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Instructor Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol 3108H, political science major, honors
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4993+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17853/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 4994 Section 001: Directed Research: Individual (17556)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4994+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17556/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 5492 Section 001: Law and (In)Justice in Latin America (32377)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Meets With:
POL 4492 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 255
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 5 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course examines, from various angles, how law and justice function in contemporary Latin America, highlighting similarities and differences within and between countries and issue areas. Students reflect on and debate the causes behind the varied outcomes, as well as the effectiveness, actual and potential, of the different institutional and social change efforts that have been underway in the region since the 1980s. Specific topics addressed include accountability for past and present mass violence; origins of and responses to crime, from "mano dura" policies to criminal justice reform and anti-corruption initiatives; and advances and limitations in equal rights protection. Special attention is paid across the course to issues of indigeneity, race, class, gender, and sexuality. Throughout, students compare situations within Latin America, which is by no means a monolith, as well as consider parallels between Latin America and the United States, where, despite great differences in wealth, history and culture, similar problems of law and justice can be found. The course aims thus not only to teach students about Latin America but also to get students to think about what we might learn from Latin America.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL5492+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Grading:
25% Quizzes
30% Reports/Papers (individual)
10% Group project
20% In-class Presentations (small group)
15% Participation (in-class or online discussion boards)
Class Format:
40% Lecture
35% Discussion and Student Presentations
25% Small Group Activities
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
Up to 10 Pages Writing Per Term (4492)
or up to 20 Pages Writng Per Term (5492)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32377/1249
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
29 April 2022

Fall 2024  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (19840)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 15 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL5970+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19840/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 8105 Section 001: Professional Development II (32379)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
1 Credit
Repeat Credit Limit:
2 Credits
Grading Basis:
S-N or Audit
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Second Half of Term
 
10/22/2024 - 12/11/2024
Wed 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Research ethics. Skills for teaching undergraduate courses in political science. Completion of dissertation prospecti or early chapters. prereq: Pol sci student, ABD, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL8105+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32379/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 8106 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science I (21318)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Laboratory
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course provides a thorough grounding in the quantitative analysis of political science data. The emphasis is on how to analyze such data, interpret statistical results, and summarize and report the findings. By the end of the term you will (1) know how to describe variables; (2) test hypotheses; (3) use measures of association to quantify the relationship between two variables while holding a third variable constant; (4) understand bivariate regression and the basics of multiple regression; (5) understand reliability and validity and how to assess these properties empirically; and (6) know how to use the STATA statistical software program. prereq: political science grad major or instr consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?federico+POL8106+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21318/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 8108 Section 001: Maximum Likelihood Estimation (20946)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue 03:35PM - 05:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course presents an overview of the likelihood theory of statistical inference, and its wide range of uses in applied quantitative political science. When dependent variables take the form of ordered or unordered categories, event counts, or otherwise violate the traditional assumptions of the linear regression model, models estimated by maximum likelihood provide an essential alternative. Topics covered include binary, multinomial, and ordered logit/probit, Poisson regression, and multilevel models. We will rely heavily on computational methods of analysis using the R statistical computing environment, and instruction on how to use R for applied research will be provided throughout the length of the course.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL8108+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20946/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 8160 Section 001: Topics in Models and Methods (33102)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2-3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Wed 01:30PM - 03:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
Class Notes:
ITV course
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33102/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 8160 Section 002: Topics in Models and Methods (33103)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2-3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Fri 11:00AM - 01:00PM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
Class Notes:
ITV course
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33103/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 8307 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology I (20339)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Grading Basis:
S-N or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major or Pol Psy minor
Meets With:
PSY 8211 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, East Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 5 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8307+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20339/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 8360 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- The Political Psychology Underlying Polarization (32900)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
9 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science grad student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Thu 11:00AM - 12:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings and research in special topics or problems.prereq: instr consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?lavine+POL8360+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32900/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 8402 Section 001: International Security (32380)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Introduction to contending theories of international conflict/security. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL8402+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32380/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (17684)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1 Credit
Repeat Credit Limit:
10 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Advanced Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8444+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17684/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 8460 Section 001: Topics in International Relations -- The Politics of Climate Change (32901)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
6 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Tue 11:00AM - 12:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings and research in advanced topics or problems. Recent topics: global environmental issues, morality in world politics, and norms and institutions in world politics.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?fazal007+POL8460+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32901/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 8601 Section 001: Introduction to Comparative Politics (32381)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Mon 05:45PM - 07:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Main theoretical approaches and issues: comparative method, the state and class; political culture; development, democratization, rational choice, social movements. prereq: Grad pol sci major
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL8601+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32381/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 8621 Section 001: Comparative and Case Study Methods (20964)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option No Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Fri 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course will provide students with a basic introduction to methodological debates surrounding comparative and case study methods in political science. Although the course is designed primarily with an eye to the needs of students in comparative politics, this course will also be useful to students in other subfields who wish to learn more about comparative and/or case study methods. This course is primarily for students in their 2nd year and beyond in the Political Science PhD program.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL8621+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20964/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Law and Courts in Emerging Democracies (32998)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
9 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
Class Notes:
This course is designed to introduce students to contemporary debates on the role of law and courts in "emerging democracies," broadly defined. This category encompasses countries outside advanced, industrialized democracies, where, at least to date, independent courts and the rule of law have been thought to be well-established. In other words, it largely (but not entirely) brackets what is a voluminous and important literature on law and courts in the United States and Canada, Western Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. That said, the course has no specific geographic focus but draws on works on a variety of countries that speak to common thematic and theoretical concerns. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL8660+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32998/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (17612)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-24 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
100 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science PhD, Doct or ETCR
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8888+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17612/1249

Fall 2024  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (17217)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-7 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
7 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/03/2024 - 12/11/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8990+Fall2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17217/1249

Summer 2024  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (86860)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/03/2024 - 07/26/2024
Tue, Thu 09:00AM - 11:30AM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (8 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
Class Notes:
This course will be offered online, with class sessions meeting synchronously. https://classinfo.umn.edu/?mccor718+POL1201+Summer2024
Class Description:

What is politics? Many students come to see it as synonymous with government, voting, and campaigns. Political theory looks to retrieve the depth of what politics is and what it can be by asking bigger questions about the ways political institutions gain legitimacy, the ways they shape our lives, and what assumptions they carry and more importantly cast aside. This introductory course offers students an opportunity to examine the rise of modern politics through thinkers like Locke, Marx, and DuBois. Students will confront questions of political legitimacy, how best to institutionalize equality in democratic politics, and consider the role of violence in political competition and social struggle. Students will leave the course with a deeper understanding of the meaning of politics and with a sharpened political lens that will allow them to see past the limitations of our sometimes stunted contemporary political discourse.

Who Should Take This Class?:
Students interested in the history of political thought, political science majors looking to understand the roots of modern politics, and anyone who enjoys asking big questions on politics.
Learning Objectives:
Students should leave the course with a broader understanding of what politics mean and a sharpened political lens that allows them to dissect and question modern political systems and institutions.
Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
9-10 Pages Writing Per Term
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/86860/1245
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
13 February 2024

Summer 2024  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (81783)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Field Work
Credits:
3-13 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
15 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
Pre-Covid
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/03/2024 - 07/26/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
Off Campus
Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students search for and arrange an internship with an organization or office working in government or politics, and then complete academic coursework in association with their internship. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Summer2024
Class Description:
This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
Learning Objectives:
To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
Grading:
Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
Exam Format:
90% Reports/Papers
10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
Class Format:
100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
Workload:
30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81783/1245
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Summer 2024  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (82287)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/03/2024 - 07/26/2024
Tue, Thu 09:00AM - 12:00PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (6 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
This course will be offered online, with class sessions meeting synchronously. https://classinfo.umn.edu/?tpcollin+POL3085+Summer2024
Class Description:
Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Reports/Papers
30% Written Homework
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
Exam Format:
Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Discussion
30% Laboratory
15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
Workload:
60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
1 Presentation(s)
6 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82287/1245
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
21 March 2013

Summer 2024  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (86861)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/03/2024 - 07/26/2024
Mon, Wed 05:30PM - 08:00PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (13 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course considers the nature of contemporary democracy and the role that members of the political community do, can, and should play. While approaches in teaching the class vary, students can expect to read historical and contemporary texts, see films and videos, to approach questions about the nature of democracy, justifications for democracy, and challenges faced by contemporary democracy as it relates to racial inequality, immigration, gender inequality, and ecological crises. Topics will include: the centrality of social movements for democracies; deliberative and participatory democracy; as well as questions about how members of political communities can best participate in democratic life to address structural inequalities. Students will write a longer essay that allows them to demonstrate their capacities to understand and explain complex ideas and to make a theoretically compelling argument, using appropriate supporting evidence. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
Class Notes:
This course will be offered online, with class sessions meeting synchronously. https://classinfo.umn.edu/?ande7715+POL3235w+Summer2024
Class Description:
Democracy seems to be an intuitively simple concept to many Americans. Americans know what democracy, and the corresponding values of freedom and equality mean because they live under a democratic system of government that guarantees liberty and justice for all, and equality regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Likewise, Americans know that being a citizen means we have certain rights. (and duties?) When we delve a little deeper into what these concepts mean, however, we discover that this apparent certainty papers over a host of disagreements, divisions, and uncertainties. These complexities have bubbled up to the surface today, as they have historically, through a number of contemporary concerns espoused by the Occupy Movement, the Tea Party Movement, Black Lives Matter, anti-establishment politics, etc.

This class helps students to engage in the contemporary problems of democracy, in the United States and beyond, by grounding the conversation in the historical debates of democratic theory. Rather than suggesting any simple answers, our class will instead pose questions with which we, together, must wrestle. What is democracy? How should we understand basic concepts of democracy like freedom, equality, and solidarity? How should we respond when these concepts come into conflict? Is capitalism inherently in conflict with democracy? Working through these questions, we will tack back and forth between theoretical debates and contemporary and historical political problems, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the political stakes behind these questions, as well as a more critical perspective from which to understand the political challenges of this moment in history.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
Grading:

50% Reports/Papers
30% Reflection Papers
20% Class Participation

Workload:
approximatley 40 pages of reading per class
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/86861/1245
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 June 2022

Summer 2024  |  POL 3311 Section 001: Law and Justice: The View From Hollywood (82190)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
May Session
 
05/13/2024 - 05/31/2024
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 08:00AM - 11:10AM
UMTC, West Bank
Carlson School of Management 1-127
Enrollment Status:
Open (14 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Politics and the law have played major thematic roles in American films. This course analyzes eight films that focus on justice, the law, and the legal system, to see what they tell us about political and legal culture, and what messages (if any) they have for contemporary politics. To that end, we will read about, watch, talk about, and write about films. Mostly we will be focusing on questions about the relationship between law and justice, the practice of law, and the role of courts and trials in a political system; however, many other issues will arise in the course of these discussions - race/class/gender and the law, legal ethics, legal education, the adversarial system, the relationship between law and popular culture, among others. You should expect to develop a more in-depth understanding of these issues as well as a better appreciation of the cultural and political significance of the way that law, lawyers, and judges are depicted in the movies.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL3311+Summer2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82190/1245

Summer 2024  |  POL 3410 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- The Politics of the Middle East and North Africa (87095)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
9 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/03/2024 - 07/26/2024
Tue, Thu 09:00AM - 11:30AM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (10 of 25 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
Topics of current analytical or policy importance to comparative politics. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
Class Notes:
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) has served as a stage for the formation, dissolution, and reconstruction of authoritarian regimes, accompanied by the rise of political Islam and sectarianism. The region has also borne witness to robust resistance against authoritarianism and political violence. This course aims to thoroughly analyze the underlying factors that sustain authoritarian rule, promote political Islam and sectarianism, and investigate the motivations propelling citizens across the region to challenge and dismantle autocratic regimes. It commences by examining the role of colonialism in nurturing enduring authoritarianism and delves into the internal dynamics of various authoritarian regimes within the region. Additionally, the course scrutinizes the emergence of Islamist movements in several MENA countries and investigates the root causes of sectarianism and sectarian conflicts. Providing a comprehensive understanding of Middle Eastern politics, this course conducts in-depth analysis of fundamental questions and explores diverse trends across countries in the region. It addresses themes including the persistence of authoritarianism, the dynamics of Political Islam, patterns of sectarianism, the trajectories of economic development and stagnation, as well as the catalysts behind the Arab Spring(s), other forms of social mobilization, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This course will be offered online, with class sessions meeting synchronously. https://classinfo.umn.edu/?oker0030+POL3410-1+Summer2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87095/1245

Summer 2024  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (82235)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/03/2024 - 07/26/2024
Mon, Wed 09:00AM - 11:30AM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (12 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How do people develop their political opinions? What makes people vote the way that they do? Why do some people love, and other loathe, Donald Trump? Understanding how ordinary citizens engage with the political sphere is essential to understanding how politics work. This course applies a psychological approach to understanding how average people - members of the mass public - think about politics, make political decisions, and decide how (and whether) to take political actions. We will explore arguments about the role that ideology, biological and evolutionary factors, personality, identity and partisanship, racial attitudes, and political discussion play in shaping the opinion and behavior of members of the mass public. In addition, this class introduces students to the methodology of political psychology and how political psychologists approach questions and attempt to understand the political world. Students will exit the class having mastered a body of knowledge about how they and their fellow citizens think about politics and the different approaches that scholars take to study these decisions. They will also gain the critical capacity to judge arguments about politics, the ability to identify, define, and solve problems, and the skill to locate and critically evaluate information relevant to these tasks. Finally, this course takes a cooperative approach to learning, and many course activities will be structured around learning and working with a group of fellow students over the course of the semester.
Class Notes:
This course will be offered online, with class sessions meeting synchronously. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kim00844+POL3766+Summer2024
Class Description:

What drives average citizens' political behaviors and attitudes? Why do some people love Donald Trump, while others loathe him? Why do some people like to engage in politics while other stay silent? What makes people formulate different opinions about seemingly objective reality? This course applies a psychological approach to understand how the average voters make sense of politics and decide how to take political actions.


We will explore six broad themes: (1) role of ideologies, (2) heritable and biological factors, (3) personality traits, (4) identity and racial attitudes, (5) information processing and role of political discussions, and (6) values and morality.


Who Should Take This Class?:
Anyone who is interested in learning about role of psychology in how citizens understand the political world.
Learning Objectives:
The course will equip students with important body of knowledge about how they and their fellow citizens think about politics and the different approaches that scholars take to study these decisions. The students will gain the critical capacity to judge arguments about politics, the ability to identify and solve problems, and the skills to locate and evaluate information relevant to these tasks. Finally, this course takes a cooperative approach to learning, and many course activities will be structured around learning and working with a group of fellow students, applying the actual methods used by political psychologists.

Grading:
15% - Attendance and Reading Memos
25% - Group Project
35% - Research Paper
25% - Final Exam
Exam Format:
The Final Exam will feature multiple choice and short answer questions (defining key concepts). The final exam will also include a short essay question touching on major themes in the course.
Class Format:
50% lecture, 50% discussion and group activity
Workload:
The class workload includes regular class attendance, completion of readings, a group project, a research paper and a final exam.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82235/1245
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
5 February 2024

Summer 2024  |  POL 4991 Section 001: Political Science Capstone (87124)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science senior
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/03/2024 - 07/26/2024
Tue, Thu 05:30PM - 08:00PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (10 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
This course will be offered online, with class sessions meeting synchronously. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?oker0030+POL4991+Summer2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87124/1245

Summer 2024  |  POL 4993 Section 001: Honors Thesis: Directed Studies (82122)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Independent/Directed Study
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol 3108H, political science major, honors
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/03/2024 - 07/26/2024
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL4993+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82122/1245

Summer 2024  |  POL 4994 Section 001: Directed Research: Individual (81799)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Independent/Directed Study
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/03/2024 - 07/26/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL4994+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81799/1245

Summer 2024  |  POL 4994 Section 101: Directed Research: Individual (81917)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Independent/Directed Study
Times and Locations:
May Session
 
05/13/2024 - 05/31/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL4994+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81917/1245

Summer 2024  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (82093)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Independent/Directed Study
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/03/2024 - 07/26/2024
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL5970+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82093/1245

Summer 2024  |  POL 8333 Section 001: FTE: Master's (81849)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1 Credit
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Independent/Directed Study
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Advanced Master's Student
Times and Locations:
Summer Session 10 wk
 
06/03/2024 - 08/09/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Master's student, adviser and DGS consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL8333+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81849/1245

Summer 2024  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (81871)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1 Credit
Repeat Credit Limit:
10 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Independent/Directed Study
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Advanced Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Summer Session 10 wk
 
06/03/2024 - 08/09/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL8444+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81871/1245

Summer 2024  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (81976)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-24 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
100 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science PhD, Doct or ETCR
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/03/2024 - 07/26/2024
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (15 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL8888+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81976/1245

Summer 2024  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (81784)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-7 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
7 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Independent/Directed Study
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/03/2024 - 07/26/2024
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL8990+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81784/1245

Spring 2024  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (52554)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 435
Enrollment Status:
Open (39 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. The course is designed to help students understand what liberal education is by engaging in the study of American politics as a fundamentally critical and creative enterprise, and by grappling with the most complex and challenging problems of political life, such as the sources of political equality and inequality, and the tension between individual aspirations and political control. Questions of power and choice, opportunity and discrimination, freedom and restrictions on freedom are fundamental to the historical development of and current controversies within the American political system, and we will attend to all of these. We will explore topics including the ideas underlying the nation's founding and its constitutional foundations; civil rights and civil liberties; the role of the United States in an increasingly globalized world; the structure and function of American political institutions; and the behavior of American citizens in the political process. In addition, we will learn to think and communicate like political scientists. We will read primary documents, such as the Federalist papers, engage with scholarly arguments about the way the American political system works, and critically evaluate critiques of the American political system that have been offered from a variety of perspectives. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them. Students will be able to identify, define, and solve problems and to locate and critically evaluate information. Students will have mastered a body of knowledge and a mod
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL1001+Spring2024
Class Description:

Why doesn't Congress seem to work? Why do Americans love democracy, but hate politics? Why are there only two political parties, and why do they seem to despise each other so much? This course will introduce students to politics in the United States, addressing these and many more questions about how the American political system really works. We will begin with the founding principles and historical development of the American system of government and then move on to examine the contemporary structure and function of American political institutions and the role that average citizens play in the political process. Students will exit the class with a better understanding of how the American political system succeeds or fails at living up to our ideals and what we can do about it.

Who Should Take This Class?:
This class will be of interest to anyone who wants a better understanding of how the American political system operates, what is going on in Washington, or how to effect change in our current political climate. The class is also an entry point for the department's upper division American politics classes, including classes on political psychology, social movements, Congress, the Supreme Court, and state and local government.
Grading:
Grades will be based on three elements. Short quizzes at the beginning of each class will evaluate students' comprehension of key concepts from readings and lecture (40%), three long quizzes over the course of the semester will evaluate students' ability to apply these concepts to new situations and problems (40%), and a final paper will evaluate students' ability to use these concepts to advance and defend an argument (20%).
Exam Format:
All short quizzes will be multiple choice. All long quizzes will be short answer/essay.
Class Format:
Class is lecture based, but "lecture" will be broken up by short writing exercises, small group discussion, and other exercises that will ask you to apply the concepts you are learning in real time. While these will not be graded, engaging fully with them will make the subsequent quizzes and essays much, much easier.
Workload:
Each week students should expect to read one textbook chapter and 2-3 additional readings, including academic journal articles, book chapters, or magazine articles.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52554/1243
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2018.docx (Fall 2018)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2017.docx (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
5 January 2024

Spring 2024  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (51514)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 250
Enrollment Status:
Open (51 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Global politics is complex, fast-paced, and often confusing. This introductory course explores both the enduring challenges of international politics as well as more recent transformative trends. The course introduces theoretical traditions, but its focus is on making sense of real-world problems, both today and in the past. Why is the world organized into states, and what implications does the states system have for indigenous populations globally? Why and when do states go to war and use military force? Why do they sign international agreements and treaties, on matters from arms control to investment? In what ways do existing systems of international law and trade exacerbate or mitigate global inequities? Why has human rights emerged as a central problem in world politics? What are the prospects for international cooperation to address climate change? How have inequities and prejudices, along the lines of race and other categorical identities, shaped our world - from the practice of global security to the structures of the international political economy? These are among the pressing real-world questions that this course in Global Politics will address and that it will give you the tools to answer - though particular instructors will naturally emphasize different topics and questions. But the course will also highlight how our answers to these questions are changing along with the deep power structures of global politics - as US dominance wanes and others, most notably China, rise; as core ideas and discourses underpinning the international system, such as sovereignty, come under assault; as institutions, such as those governing international law, thicken; and as attention grows to the structuring effects of race and other ascriptive categories. Global Politics is an essential guide to our increasingly globalized world.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL1025+Spring2024
Class Description:
Americans hardly need to be told that international politics matters. US forces are still deployed around the globe, and economic uncertainty has barely abated. Knowing that international politics matters is one thing, making sense of it is another. This course will give students the tools they need to begin to understand patterns and trends in global politics. Students will be introduced to international relations' theoretical traditions, but the course will focus primarily on explaining and understanding historical and especially current problems in world politics. It will explore, among other issues, the causes of war and peace, the limited use of force, humanitarian intervention, nuclear proliferation, nationalist conflict, international ethics, the politics of international trade and finance, foreign aid, globalization, the prospects for environmental cooperation and human rights norms, migration, terrorism, and the future of world politics. By the end of the course, students should be familiar with all these issues and others, should have developed their own views on these much-debated questions, and should be able to apply basic analytical frameworks to answer them.
Grading:
25% Midterm Exam
40% Final Exam
20% Essay, Quizzes
15% Class Participation
Exam Format:
Identifications; short paragraphs; essays; reading quizzes
Class Format:
80% Lecture
20% Discussion
Workload:
50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51514/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 October 2015

Spring 2024  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Politics Around the World (52911)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (50 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. It focuses on domestic politics within countries, as opposed to a course in international relations, which focuses on relations between countries. Some of the questions we tackle include: Why are some countries prone to violent conflict while others remain peaceful? Why do some countries grow rich while others remain poor? Why does democracy emerge in some countries, while dictators hold onto power elsewhere? How do attitudes about gender and sexuality influence politics? Do particular religions, or the strength of religious faith, strengthen or weaken democracy? The readings and assignments help you make sense of the complexity of world politics - to sift through and distill the avalanche of information available and learn how to develop your own arguments about pertinent global issues. Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and provide examples of 1) the difference between strong and weak states; 2) the distinctions between democratic and non-democratic forms of government; 3) the various ways democracies are governed; 4) arguments explaining the origin of democracy and the persistence of non-democracy; 5) the significance of different forms of political identity such as ethnicity, religion, and gender; 6) why some countries are rich while others remain poor; and 7) why some countries tax and spend more than others. Assignments seek to develop your skills at developing arguments through logic and evidence and to give you the ability to distinguish between a persuasive argument about politics and simply stating an opinion.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL1054+Spring2024
Class Description:
This course provides an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. We seek to understand how people establish a durable and legitimate political system, and how they seek to benefit from, transform or even overthrow that system. Over the course of the semester we will explore the following questions: 1) How and why do societies establish political order? 2) What is democracy and how is it different from dictatorship? 3) What factors cause democracy to emerge? 4) What are the different kinds of dictatorships? 5) When, where and why does ethnicity impact politics? 6) What is nationalism? 7) How does religion drive conflict in the contemporary world? 8) What is the impact of women in politics around the world? 9) What causes civil wars? 10) Why are some countries rich and some poor? 11) Why do some countries tax and spend quite a lot, while others have lower tax rates and lower levels of redistribution?
Who Should Take This Class?:
Anyone interested in global politics
Exam Format:
30% Reports/Papers
50% Written Homework
20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: There is one five-page paper, and up to 10 short assignments. A draft of the 5-page paper is required; students will receive feedback before turning in the final version.
Class Format:
60% Lecture
25% Discussion
15% Small Group Activities
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Paper(s)
10 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52911/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 March 2017

Spring 2024  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (51482)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Closed (87 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
Class Notes:
This course will be meeting synchronously online. https://classinfo.umn.edu/?asinha+POL1201+Spring2024
Class Description:

Aristotle once called human beings "political animals,"meaning that, unlike gods or the other animals, we naturally create institutions to govern ourselves. What those institutions should look like, what values they should embody, and who should be in charge prove to be difficult questions that Aristotle leaves for us. Building on Aristotle's definition, this course offers an introduction to political theory, a sub-discipline of political science. By exploring some of the core issues and concepts of political theory, students will grapple with a number of "big questions" about politics in history and in the present: Why and how does politics matter in our everyday lives beyond the voting booth? On what basis is political authority seen as legitimate? How should we understand and embody political values like justice and equality in our own lives? What is the role of economics (capitalism, socialism, etc.) and economic inequality in the creation of political order? What should we think of the use of violence or non-violence in contemporary politics and protests? To explore these "big questions," we will relate historical readings to contemporary "hot-button" issues here in the Twin Cities, the US, and the globe.

Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
9-10 Pages Writing Per Term
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51482/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
21 March 2022

Spring 2024  |  POL 3065 Section 001: Political Engagement Careers: Planning and Preparing For Your Future (53582)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Wed, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 230
Enrollment Status:
Open (32 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Are you interested in pursuing a career in public service? Do you plan to run for office in the future, or work in a government agency (such as the State Department or the FBI or the MN DNR), or become a professional campaign manager or lobbyist, or work as an issue activist on a cause important to you? Would you like to learn more about the variety of public service careers open to a college graduate? Do you wonder what motivates people to pursue careers in politics, public administration, and community service, and how these motivations vary across career fields? Would you like to explore some options for future internship or service learning while at the University? Then this course is for you! This course is the Political Science Department's introduction to careers in political and civic engagement. Through readings focused on theories about and case studies of political engagement, and on the ethics of politics and public service, numerous guest speakers with extensive experience as public service professionals, and a discussion-oriented class format, we will explore the meaning of public service and the main types of public service careers that you could pursue. We will think about the virtues and challenges associated with doing public service work, and how these differ across different types of jobs and venues for serving the public. Finally, you will acquire practical knowledge and skills related to the search for public service work opportunities, including how to write a resume and cover letter, how to conduct an informational interview, networking, and the job search and application process. Intended primarily for first- and second-year undergraduates, but open to students of any major at any point in their undergraduate program.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3065+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53582/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (51481)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Field Work
Credits:
3-13 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
15 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
Off Campus
Enrollment Status:
Open (46 of 60 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students search for and arrange an internship with an organization or office working in government or politics, and then complete academic coursework in association with their internship. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Spring2024
Class Description:
This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
Learning Objectives:
To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
Grading:
Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
Exam Format:
90% Reports/Papers
10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
Class Format:
100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
Workload:
30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51481/1243
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Spring 2024  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (65412)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, East Bank
Hanson Hall 1-103
Enrollment Status:
Closed (61 of 60 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2024
Class Description:

POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course and students are encouraged to pursue research projects of personal interest to them. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.

Who Should Take This Class?:
This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
Learning Objectives:
The lab section is solely dedicated to understanding the statistical software program R. Learning statistical software is good for several reasons: not only does it give you practical tools for manipulating and analyzing data and making cool graphics, but it also teaches you algorithmic thinking, which is a good skill set for life.
Grading:

There are short assignments intended to be done within lab and mostly-weekly quizzes done outside of class. Quizzes are online and untimed.

Exam Format:
None
Class Format:
Most weeks student will be expected to watch a lecture video before lab. The class period will be dedicated to going through specific activities related to that content and answering student questions.
Workload:
Students have a homework assignment due every 1-2 weeks (depending on how extensive the assignment is). Lectures require some preparation, either in the form of reading and or forms of preparation.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65412/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 December 2021

Spring 2024  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (65413)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Thu 02:30PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, East Bank
Blegen Hall 145
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Closed (31 of 30 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2024
Class Description:

POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course and students are encouraged to pursue research projects of personal interest to them. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.

Who Should Take This Class?:
This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
Learning Objectives:
The lab section is solely dedicated to understanding the statistical software program R. Learning statistical software is good for several reasons: not only does it give you practical tools for manipulating and analyzing data and making cool graphics, but it also teaches you algorithmic thinking, which is a good skill set for life.
Grading:

There are short assignments intended to be done within lab and mostly-weekly quizzes done outside of class. Quizzes are online and untimed.

Exam Format:
None
Class Format:
Most weeks student will be expected to watch a lecture video before lab. The class period will be dedicated to going through specific activities related to that content and answering student questions.
Workload:
Students have a homework assignment due every 1-2 weeks (depending on how extensive the assignment is). Lectures require some preparation, either in the form of reading and or forms of preparation.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65413/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 December 2021

Spring 2024  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (65414)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Thu 04:00PM - 04:50PM
UMTC, East Bank
Blegen Hall 225
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2024
Class Description:

POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course and students are encouraged to pursue research projects of personal interest to them. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.

Who Should Take This Class?:
This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
Learning Objectives:
The lab section is solely dedicated to understanding the statistical software program R. Learning statistical software is good for several reasons: not only does it give you practical tools for manipulating and analyzing data and making cool graphics, but it also teaches you algorithmic thinking, which is a good skill set for life.
Grading:

There are short assignments intended to be done within lab and mostly-weekly quizzes done outside of class. Quizzes are online and untimed.

Exam Format:
None
Class Format:
Most weeks student will be expected to watch a lecture video before lab. The class period will be dedicated to going through specific activities related to that content and answering student questions.
Workload:
Students have a homework assignment due every 1-2 weeks (depending on how extensive the assignment is). Lectures require some preparation, either in the form of reading and or forms of preparation.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65414/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 December 2021

Spring 2024  |  POL 3108H Section 001: Honors Tutorial: Thesis Preparation and Political Science Inquiry (53229)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Politcal Science honors major, jr or sr
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon 01:30PM - 03:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 240
Enrollment Status:
Open (17 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
In this course, students will improve their research skills in preparation to write their senior theses. Students will enter with a few ideas for topics about which they might like to write their theses. They will leave the class with a clear and tractable research question, a literature review that describes how this question fits in with the existing scholarly literature, and a research design that will enable them to answer the question. Along the way, they will advance their understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct political science research. Students will be graded on the basis of drafts of their annotated bibliography, literature review and research design, a class presentation of the "front half" of their senior thesis, and class participation including short weekly assignments. Students are expected to keep up with the reading and, most importantly, to begin to conduct their own independent research. prereq: Pol sci major, honors
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL3108H+Spring2024
Class Description:
In this course, students will advance their research skills and prepare to write their senior theses. Students will gain a deeper understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct research in political science. Most important, students will develop their own thesis topics and research designs, testing out their ideas in a structured and collegial setting. The first half of the course will enhance students? understanding of political science research, and the second half of the course will focus on the students? own research. Students will be graded on the basis of several short assignments and two revised papers, a class presentation, and class participation. Students are expected to keep up with course reading and conduct their own independent research. Students will turn in two drafts of a literature review and their research design.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53229/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
11 November 2011

Spring 2024  |  POL 3210 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- After Empire: Decolonization & Postcolonial Theory (68234)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
18 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
Online Course
Topics Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (29 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Topics courses provide students with the opportunity to study key concepts, thinkers, and themes in Political Theory not normally covered in the standard slate of course offerings. The specific content of these courses varies considerably from year to year. See the current class schedule for details.
Class Notes:
What is distinctive about postcolonial political theory? What lessons does it hold for the history of political thought and contemporary political theory? This course investigates these questions by reconsidering the trajectory of 20th-century anticolonial thought and, especially, its aftermath since the major period of decolonization (1945-1960). The course is divided into five modules. It begins by studying some important threads of anticolonial thought in the first half of the 20th century, concentrating on Gandhi, Fanon, and Senghor, alongside the problem of multiple modernities. Following this introduction, the course adopts a regional focus to understand the distinct legacies of anticolonial thought and decolonization in South Asia, North Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin America. In each of these cases, the focus will be on the work of postcolonial theorists, such as Partha Chatterjee, Dipesh Chakrabarty, Ashis Nandy, Stuart Hall, Timothy Mitchell, and Arturo Escobar. Salient themes of the course will include modernity, nationalism, democracy, religion, freedom, and the role of economics in the postcolonial experiences of the 20th and early-21st centuries. This class will be offered synchronously, online. https://classinfo.umn.edu/?asinha+POL3210+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68234/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (53741)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (47 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course considers the nature of contemporary democracy and the role that members of the political community do, can, and should play. While approaches in teaching the class vary, students can expect to read historical and contemporary texts, see films and videos, to approach questions about the nature of democracy, justifications for democracy, and challenges faced by contemporary democracy as it relates to racial inequality, immigration, gender inequality, and ecological crises. Topics will include: the centrality of social movements for democracies; deliberative and participatory democracy; as well as questions about how members of political communities can best participate in democratic life to address structural inequalities. Students will write a longer essay that allows them to demonstrate their capacities to understand and explain complex ideas and to make a theoretically compelling argument, using appropriate supporting evidence. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?a-bose+POL3235W+Spring2024
Class Description:
Democracy seems to be an intuitively simple concept to many Americans. Americans know what democracy, and the corresponding values of freedom and equality mean because they live under a democratic system of government that guarantees liberty and justice for all, and equality regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Likewise, Americans know that being a citizen means we have certain rights. (and duties?) When we delve a little deeper into what these concepts mean, however, we discover that this apparent certainty papers over a host of disagreements, divisions, and uncertainties. These complexities have bubbled up to the surface today, as they have historically, through a number of contemporary concerns espoused by the Occupy Movement, the Tea Party Movement, Black Lives Matter, anti-establishment politics, etc.

This class helps students to engage in the contemporary problems of democracy, in the United States and beyond, by grounding the conversation in the historical debates of democratic theory. Rather than suggesting any simple answers, our class will instead pose questions with which we, together, must wrestle. What is democracy? How should we understand basic concepts of democracy like freedom, equality, and solidarity? How should we respond when these concepts come into conflict? Is capitalism inherently in conflict with democracy? Working through these questions, we will tack back and forth between theoretical debates and contemporary and historical political problems, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the political stakes behind these questions, as well as a more critical perspective from which to understand the political challenges of this moment in history.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
Learning Objectives:

To master a body of knowledge

To critically evaluate

To understand diverse philosophies

To understand the role of creativity, innovation, discovery, and expression across disciplines

To acquire the skills for effective citizenship and life-long learning

To communicate effectively

Grading:

A combination of essays, exams and attendance.

Workload:
approximatley 40 pages of reading per class
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53741/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
1 November 2023

Spring 2024  |  POL 3251W Section 001: Power, Virtue, and Vice: Ancient and Early Modern Political Theory (65359)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 235
Enrollment Status:
Open (49 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Key concepts of contemporary political life such as 'democracy', 'tyranny', 'authority' - and indeed 'politics' itself - derive from ancient sources. This course offers students an opportunity to return to the foundations of this vocabulary by delving into work by such major thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and Machiavelli. Lectures and discussion shall consider the endurance of certain basic questions of political life, such as: What is justice? What is the best regime? What is the relationship between human nature and political order? Can politics be virtuous and, if so, in what way? The course will also consider the radically diverse responses to these essential questions through examination of a wide range of historical periods and the unique terms of political order each offered. Previous iterations of the course have included examination of the Classical Greek city-state system and its fragile experiments with democracy; the rise and fall of the Roman empire; the establishment of Western Christendom; the Renaissance, so-called 'discovery' of the New World, and dawn of the modern era. Students will gain a glimpse into worlds preoccupied by matters of truth, virtue and nobility, but also widely populated by slavery, imperialism, violence, and religious strife. In this way, the study of ancient theory is intended to serve as both supplement and challenge to the terms of contemporary political life.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3251W+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65359/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 3282 Section 001: Black Political Thought: Conceptions of Freedom (65364)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Open (33 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
On January 21, 1964, Ella Baker, one of the most important Black leaders of the Civil Rights Movement stood in front of a large crowd in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and said: "Even if segregation is gone, we will still need to be free; we will still have to see that everyone has a job. Even if we can all vote, but if people are still hungry, we will not be free. Remember, we are not fighting for the freedom of the Negro alone, but for the freedom of the human spirit, a larger freedom that encompasses all mankind." With these words, Baker held before the crowd a political vision that went beyond the immediate goals of social struggle and defined one of the central impulses of Black political thought: to articulate a large and expansive conception of freedom. In this course, our main objective is to enter an intellectual terrain of rich and vibrant debates between African American political thinkers over the meaning of Black freedom. We will explore questions about 1) the geographical reach of their visions of freedom 2) their strategies for agitating for and achieving freedom 3) their different understandings of the nature of domination and how this informs their conception of freedom and 4) their emphasis on political affect in the struggle for freedom. Our orientation will be historical and theoretical. To this end, we reconstruct theoretical debates from four important periods of African American history. 1) pre-Civil War debates about the abolition of slavery (1830-1860) 2) Turn of the century debates about racial progress (1880-1910) 3) Civil rights era debates about integration and separatism (1950-1970) and 4) contemporary debates about law enforcement, police killings, mass incarceration, and political disenfranchisement (1990-present).
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?a-bose+POL3282+Spring2024
Class Description:

This course turns to the tradition of Black political thought (which developed through interaction and tension with Western political thought) to consider how thinkers within this tradition develop novel conceptions of freedom that emerged from their efforts to theorize and transform conditions of racial domination in the form of slavery, apartheid, and colonialism - regimes of racial domination that inaugurated and constituted the modern world in deeply formative ways. We turn to this tradition of political thought to ask: How do the conceptions of freedom that were born from the underside of modernity redefine and weigh in on the central political issues that animate society?
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any student is welcome to take this class. This course invites students to think critically about the foundations of political life by turning to a wide range of texts from the tradition of Black political thought. Students interested in questions of race and racism; gender and race; colonialism and slavery and its afterlife should take this class.
Learning Objectives:
- to expose students to think about modern politics and its institutions from a new perspective that is traditionally marginalized in political science
- to learn new ways of thinking about society from the position of exclusion, marginalization, domination, and exploitation
- to use the historical knowledge that they acquire about evolving conceptions of the freedom in Black political thought to wrestle with how race, power, and justice interact to constitute the United States as a diverse nation.
- to think about which strategies of social struggle from the past are viable today and what new methods are required to address power hierarchies and promote social justice in the contemporary moment.

Grading:
A combination of essays, exams and attendance.
Workload:
approximately 50 pages of reading per week.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65364/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
1 November 2023

Spring 2024  |  POL 3306 Section 001: Presidential Leadership and American Democracy (55312)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, East Bank
Anderson Hall 350
Enrollment Status:
Open (84 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
To most Americans - if not most human beings - the President of the United States is probably the most powerful person on the planet. This course examines how, why, and whether that is the case. What does the US President do, and why? Why is so much power entrusted to just one person? Students will critically analyze these questions and synthesize answers by evaluating the history, evolution, and current state of the "highest office in the land."
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?tpcollin+POL3306+Spring2024
Class Description:
This course's primary objectives are for you to come away with a full, foundational, and detailed comprehension of the current state of the American presidency, along with the histories and philosophies that got us here
Grading:
Term Paper = 30%
Midterm Exam = 20%
Final Exam = 25%
Quizzes = 15%
Participation = 10%
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55312/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
20 October 2023

Spring 2024  |  POL 3308 Section 001: Congressional Politics and Institutions (54959)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 230
Enrollment Status:
Open (82 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the politics of the U.S. Congress and the federal legislative process. Throughout the semester, we will focus on the behavior of individual legislators and the role that they play in crafting federal legislation in policy areas such as healthcare, civil rights and the environment. We will devote special attention to changes in Congress, as well as current political and scholarly controversies such as congressional confirmation process of Supreme Court justices, congressional war powers, the influence of parties, and campaign finance. The theme of the course is why do legislators behave as they do and who interests do they represent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL3308+Spring2024
Class Description:
This course is a comprehensive survey of the contemporary U.S. Congress. We will begin by analyzing congressional elections, how members of Congress represent their states and districts, and the links between elections and governance. Then we will focus on the organization of Congress, including the interplay between parties and the committee system. We will then analyze the legislative process, rules and procedure, the budget process, interest groups, and the interaction between the Congress and the White House. The current Congress is deeply polarized along partisan lines. We will investigate the implications of this partisan polarization, along with the consequences of divided and unified party control of government and important institutional features of Congress, such as the Senate filibuster and the House Committee on Rules. Class sessions will include lecture and discussion. It is important that students keep up with the assigned reading to understand the lectures and participate in class. Although attention to current congressional politics will enhance the value of this course, it is no substitute for careful reading and classroom discussion. Students will write two short papers, an 8-10 page paper, and take a midterm and a final exam.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54959/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 November 2014

Spring 2024  |  POL 3423 Section 001: Politics of Disruption: Violence and Its Alternatives (65366)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 130
Enrollment Status:
Open (53 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Political struggles aimed at undermining the existing political order have been a pervasive feature of global politics. Modern states have constantly been sites of relentless challenges from their citizenry, which sometimes take the form of non-violent action while on other occasions manifest in terrorism and violence. This course introduces students to the politics of disruption and violent and non-violent struggles targeted at bringing about political change. We will study a range of manifestations of such struggles focusing on some well-known cases such as the US civil rights movement, the Arab Springs, the Ferguson riots and the Islamic State (ISIS). Can non-violent resistance succeed against a coercive state? Why do individuals and groups participate in high-risk political struggles? What explains patterns of violence in civil conflicts? What are the effects of violence? What facilitates peace? This course will enable you to answer these questions.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL3423+Spring2024
Class Description:
Political struggles aimed at undermining the existing political order have been a pervasive feature of global politics. Modern states have constantly been sites of relentless challenges from their citizenry, which sometimes take the form of non-violent action while on other occasions manifest in terrorism and violence. This course introduces students to the politics of disruption - violent and non-violent struggles targeted at bringing about political change. We will study a range of manifestations of such struggles focusing on some well-known cases such as the US civil rights movement, the Arab Springs, the Ferguson riots and the Islamic State (ISIS). Can non-violent resistance succeed against a coercive state? Why do individuals and groups participate in high-risk political struggles? What explains patterns of violence in civil conflicts? What are the effects of violence? What facilitates peace? This course will enable you to answer these questions.

The course will begin with an examination of alternatives to political violence. The focus will be primarily on India's non-violent struggle for independence from the British rule under the leadership of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, but we will also spend some time on the US civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa with Dr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in the lead. Students will be familiarized with definitional, conceptual and practical distinctions between various forms and manifestations of violent and non-violent struggles. To facilitate a better understanding, we will study a carefully-selected list of cases in-depth during the course of the semester.

Our discussion on political violence will be structured around four broad themes, which are:

1. Causes underlying violence;
2. Dynamics of conflict -- focusing on such questions as who participates in violent activities, how violence and violent actors are organized, and what can we learn from the pattern of violence;
3. Consequences of violence, both short-term and long-term; and,
4. Prevention and termination of violence.

This course will instill in students a strong sense of their role as historical agents by: a) facilitating a deeper understanding of the problems and challenges confronting much of humanity; b) inculcating an ability to assess the performance of policies, programs, actions and interventions aimed at addressing these challenges; c) imparting knowledge about the continuous struggles of individuals and groups against the existing political order; and, d) demonstrating the working, performance and implications of the methods and techniques deployed by individuals and groups to change political order. Students will learn that the issues raised by this course confront the larger global community including both the developing and the developed world. The course materials, assignments and class discussions are all directed towards encouraging students to reflect on the implications of the issues and themes covered across diverse cultural and political contexts across the world. We will be constantly engaged in deliberating and discussing the wider applicability and relevance of arguments advanced or developed and experiences acquired in the studied cases.

The class time will be apportioned between lectures (40 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (25 percent). The multimedia presentations will incorporate movies, documentaries, media reports, speeches, memoirs, etc.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Open to all undergraduate students
Learning Objectives:
This course fulfills the Council on Liberal Education (CLE) Global Perspectives Theme. The first four weeks of the course will be devoted to nonviolent resistance. The remainder of the course will cover key topical issues related to political violence mentioned above. During the course of the semester, we will:
1. Undertake a close examination of approaches to nonviolent resistance;
2. Learn about the dynamics of mass protest, especially conditions underlying successful mobilization and action;
3. Examine factors contributing to political violence;
4. Study violent action involving mass killing and the role of international community in mitigating such episodes;
5. Study the global problem of terrorism and approaches to addressing it; and,
6. Examine the challenge of ending violent conflict and problems of peace-making and peace-building
Grading:
1. Class Participation: 15%
2. Seven Short Assignments: 40%
a. In-class (Three):} 12% (100-150 words)
b. Homework (Four):} 28% (1-2 pages, single-space)
3. Individual/Group Research Assignment: 20% (7-8 pages, double-space)
4. Final Paper: 25% (9-10 pages, double-space)
Exam Format:
No exams
Class Format:
40% Lecture
35% Film/Video
25% Discussion
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65366/1243
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/sarbahi_POL3423_Spring2018.pdf (Spring 2018)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
17 October 2017

Spring 2024  |  POL 3475 Section 001: Islamist Politics (65367)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (49 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The relationship between Islam and politics-both in the Muslim world and in the West-is one of the most important political issues of our day. This class will address these issues by taking a historical and political look at the development of Islam (the religion) and Islamism (Islamic political movements) in many areas of the Muslim world. We will begin by discussing the Islamic faith and historical debates about its relationship to politics. Then we will turn to the twentieth century, and examine the rise of Islamist politics in the Middle East and North Africa (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Sudan) and south central Asia (e.g. Pakistan, Afghanistan). We will study the successes and failures of Islamist revolutions. Then we will focus on the evolution of the "Arab Spring" and its implications for both Islamism and democracy. In doing so, we will discuss debates about the compatibility of Islam and democracy, and examine attempts at democracy in the Muslim World (e.g. Tunisia). We will examine the revival of Islam and rise of post-Soviet Islamism in Eurasia (Central Asia, Russia, and the Caucasus) during the last two to three decades. We will examine the effects of state repression of Islam and religious freedom in those countries. We will also discuss varying ideas about jihad, and the rise of global jihadists and terrorist groups, such as Al Qaeda and ISIS. We will study the jihads waged by Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and ISIS, and the implications of militancy and terrorism for establishing stability and democracy in the Muslim world. We will read both Muslim and non-Muslim, American and non-American perspectives on these problems. Understanding these issues is critical to gaining perspective on the troubling state of today's complex global politics, and US foreign policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL3475+Spring2024
Class Description:
Course Description: From the bloody battles of ISIS, to the Taliban in Afghanistan, to terrorism across the globe, "Islamist politics" has been at the center of political debates and US foreign policy. Particularly since 9/11, scholars and policymakers around the world have been debating the consequences of U.S. policy in the Middle East, the roots of rising Islamist movements in the 20th century, the causes of terrorism and suicide bombings, and the clash or compatibility of Islam and democracy. This class will address these issues by taking a historical and comparative political approach to the development of Islam (the religion) and Islamism (Islamic political movements) in many areas of the Muslim world. We will begin by discussing the early historical relationship between Islam and state. Then we will turn to the twentieth century, and examine the rise of Islamist politics in the Middle East and North Africa (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran) and central Asia (e.g. Pakistan, Afghanistan). We will study the successes and failures of Islamist revolutions. We will focus on the successful Islamist revolution in Iran, failed Islamist politics in Sudan. We will trace the causes of 9/11 and the subsequent US war in Afghanistan, and then the rise of ISIS in Iraq/Syria). We will study the Arab Spring and its implications for Islamic parties and democracy in that region, and the Syrian civil war. We will examine the rise of Islamist violence in Eurasia (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and the Caucasus). We will also discuss varying ideas about jihad, and the rise of global jihadists and terrorist groups, such as Al Qaeda and ISIS. We will study the implications of militancy and terrorism for establishing stability and democracy in the Muslim world. We will read both diverse Muslim and non-Muslim perspectives on these issues. Understanding these issues is critical to gaining perspective on today's complex global politics, and US foreign policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere. This course aims at increasing our knowledge and understanding, tolerance, and wisdom in dealing with these critical issues.
Who Should Take This Class?:
The class is designed for students with an interest in policy-relevant political science-- US policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria!
Grading:
Grading will likely be based on class participation and several short papers. Final requirements will be printed on the syllabus in January.
Exam Format:
no exams; short papers will replace exams due to covid
Class Format:
lecture and discussion
Workload:
about 75 pages of reading per week
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65367/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 November 2020

Spring 2024  |  POL 3476 Section 001: Chinese Politics: History and Contemporary Issues (68579)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 235
Enrollment Status:
Open (28 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How has Chinese history, in the forms of Confucian, republican, nationalist, and communist legacies, informed and shaped political issues in China today? This course seeks to provide an introductory survey of Chinese politics, starting with the Republican revolution in the early 20th century, and ending with critical challenges in the current era. Throughout the semester, we will be juxtaposing historical lessons with contemporary reflections on different themes, ranging from revolution, state power, socioeconomic reform and development, civil society, and foreign relations. We will be examining a diverse set of perspectives from political leaders, scholars, and everyday citizens, through a combination of academic analyses, nonfiction reporting, primary sources, and other mediums. The goal for this course is to not only familiarize students with important issues facing Chinese political leaders and citizens at both the domestic and international level today, but to also provide students with a historicized and grounded approach towards the study of Chinese politics and society.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68579/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (67699)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 255
Enrollment Status:
Open (49 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How do people develop their political opinions? What makes people vote the way that they do? Why do some people love, and other loathe, Donald Trump? Understanding how ordinary citizens engage with the political sphere is essential to understanding how politics work. This course applies a psychological approach to understanding how average people - members of the mass public - think about politics, make political decisions, and decide how (and whether) to take political actions. We will explore arguments about the role that ideology, biological and evolutionary factors, personality, identity and partisanship, racial attitudes, and political discussion play in shaping the opinion and behavior of members of the mass public. In addition, this class introduces students to the methodology of political psychology and how political psychologists approach questions and attempt to understand the political world. Students will exit the class having mastered a body of knowledge about how they and their fellow citizens think about politics and the different approaches that scholars take to study these decisions. They will also gain the critical capacity to judge arguments about politics, the ability to identify, define, and solve problems, and the skill to locate and critically evaluate information relevant to these tasks. Finally, this course takes a cooperative approach to learning, and many course activities will be structured around learning and working with a group of fellow students over the course of the semester.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?tpcollin+POL3766+Spring2024
Class Description:
What makes people have the political attitudes and behaviors they do? What drives Americans to be conservatives or liberals? How do those drivers work? And what does all of that mean for American politics?

Through readings, lectures, and discussions, we will work toward answers to those questions in this course, which is divided into three primary sections. In Unit I, we will have a broad overview of the foundational literature in the discipline of political psychology, including journal articles and book chapters. In Unit II, we will use what we learned in Unit I to color our reading of Mason's Uncivil Agreement (2018). Then, in Unit III, we will cover what could be the next frontier of our understanding of who we are as political animals by reading Hibbing, Smith, and Alford's Predisposed (2013), and incorporating related work.
Grading:
Midterm Exam = 25%
Final Exam = 25%
Quizzes = 20%
Term Paper = 20%
Participation = 10%
Exam Format:
Both the Midterm and Final Exams will feature multiple choice and short answer questions (defining key concepts). The final exam will also include an essay question touching on major themes in the course. The final exam is cumulative.
Class Format:
50% lecture, 50% discussion.
Workload:
In addition to regular class attendance and completion of the exams/paper, students are expected to complete a short set of readings about relevant research and concepts prior to each class.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67699/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
20 October 2023

Spring 2024  |  POL 3769 Section 001: Public Opinion and Voting Behavior (65368)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (39 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Polls are ubiquitous, measuring what Americans think on topics big and small. This course examines the nature, measurement, and consequences of public opinion in the contemporary United States, with a particular emphasis on understanding why some voters preferred Donald Trump to Hillary Clinton - vice versa - in the 2016 presidential election. We'll address the following questions throughout the term. First, how do pollsters measure what the public thinks about government and public affairs? Second, can we assume that the responses people give to survey questions reflect their true thoughts and feelings about politics? Third, what are the major factors that shape voter decision making in U.S. presidential elections? By the end of this semester you will have a broader and deeper understanding of the nature, measurement, meaning, and consequences of public opinion.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?pgoren+POL3769+Spring2024
Class Description:
This course focuses on whether citizens and the broader public make sensible political decisions. We will assess whether ordinary citizens are capable of meeting their responsibilities as democratic citizens. The first part of the course focuses on what public opinion means, how it is measured, and how it changes over time. The second part of the course focuses on how voters decide which presidential candidate to vote for and whether to turn out on election day. Class time will feature lecturing, classroom discussion and debate, viewing political films/video, and evaluating the videos. Note finally that I will provide pdf copies of slides for each lecture a day or two before the materials are formally presented in class.
Grading:
25% Midterm Exam
25% Final Exam
25% Special Projects
15% Attendance
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: If you do the readings, show up regularly, pay attention in class, and study, you will do well in this course.
Exam Format:
A combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. There will also be extra credit opportunities on the exams.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
20% Film/Video
40% Discussion I will strive for the right mix of lecture and classroom discussion each day. In no case will I lecture for 3 straight hours. I lack sufficient charm to pull that off!
Workload:
50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
3 Exams
2 medium-length writing assignments
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65368/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 October 2017

Spring 2024  |  POL 3810 Section 001: Topics in International Relations and Foreign Policy -- The Global Politics of Climate Change (67713)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
6 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 215
Enrollment Status:
Open (34 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Topics courses delve in-depth into important issues in contemporary international politics. They aim to give students the theoretical, conceptual, and historical understanding, and/or empirical tools needed to understand the complexity of international politics today. Topics courses vary substantially from year to year as specified in the class schedule, but recent topics courses have included: 'Technology and War', International Law', 'Drones, Detention and Torture: The Laws of War', and 'The Consequences of War.'
Class Notes:
Climate change is the existential crisis of our time. Climate change mitigation requires strong global action, but the global community has been slow to respond. This course will ask why. We will consider various international aspects central to the causes and consequences of, and possible solutions to, the climate crisis. The course aims to provide a broad overview of the key concepts, actors, debates, and issues around the global climate crisis. It demonstrates the complexities of both the nature of the problems as well as the solutions. We will consider such questions as: - What are the political and economic challenges to creating strong and effective international agreements to address the climate crisis? - What role can and do non-state actors, including corporations, nongovernmental organizations, and even subnational entities such as cities, play in mitigating climate change? - How can global concerns over climate (in)justice be best served, and how likely is it that these concerns will be addressed? http://classinfo.umn.edu/?fazal007+POL3810+Spring2024
Class Description:

Climate change is the existential crisis of our time. Climate change mitigation requires strong global action, but the global community has been slow to respond. This course will ask why. We will consider various international aspects central to the causes and consequences of, and possible solutions to, the climate crisis. The course aims to provide a broad overview of the key concepts, actors, debates, and issues around the global climate crisis. It demonstrates the complexities of both the nature of the problems as well as the solutions. We will consider such questions as:

- What are the political and economic challenges to creating strong and effective international agreements to address the climate crisis?

- What role can and do non-state actors, including corporations, nongovernmental organizations, and even subnational entities such as cities, play in mitigating climate change?

- How can global concerns over climate (in)justice be best served, and how likely is it that these concerns will be addressed?


Learning Objectives:

By the end of this course, students will have:

- Advanced their critical thinking regarding global responses to the climate crisis;

- Engaged with arguments representing a wide diversity of voices, especially from the Global South;

- Clearly identified specific political problems pertaining to the climate crisis, and worked toward potential solutions.


Class Format:

In addition to lectures and discussion, one pillar of this course will be an ongoing simulation around climate change. Students will be assigned specific roles in specific countries or organizations. Each week, they will respond to a new set of challenges. Through lectures, discussion, written assignments, and simulation, students will take a deep dive into the global politics of climate change.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67713/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
26 October 2023

Spring 2024  |  POL 3810 Section 002: Topics in International Relations and Foreign Policy -- The Politics of Trade and Money (67189)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
6 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, East Bank
Carlson School of Management 2-215
Enrollment Status:
Open (48 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Topics courses delve in-depth into important issues in contemporary international politics. They aim to give students the theoretical, conceptual, and historical understanding, and/or empirical tools needed to understand the complexity of international politics today. Topics courses vary substantially from year to year as specified in the class schedule, but recent topics courses have included: 'Technology and War', International Law', 'Drones, Detention and Torture: The Laws of War', and 'The Consequences of War.'
Class Notes:
This course introduces students to the study of political economy. After illuminating some current issues about trade and monetary affairs including debates about trade with and investment from China, we study the evolution of the world's trading and monetary systems. Then we analyze the politics of trade. We learn how trade produces skill and occupational cleavages within democratic countries and, in turn, how these cleavages produce populism and other kinds of political movements. Institutions for trade like the World Trade Organization also are studied. The effects of money flows--currency and capital--are examined next. We examine the U.S. Federal Reserve's role as an international lender of last resort and why some groups oppose (support) direct foreign investment. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank are studied in this part. In the closing weeks we take a closer look at trade and monetary issues in Asia and Africa. The claim that countries in these regions are falling into a Chinese debt trap is evaluated in this last part of the class. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL3810+Spring2024
Class Description:
Study of international political economy, in particular, the sources of trade and monetary policies. Focused study of US relations with countries in Asia and other parts of the world
Who Should Take This Class?:
Students interested in politics, economics and international affairs
Learning Objectives:
Knowledge of historical developments in world political and economic relations; knowledge of the workings of important international institutions like the World Trade Organization and International Monetary Fund. Develop the ability to conduct political economic analysis of contemporary issues and developments like protectionism and the nature of and U.S. reaction to China's Belt and Road Initiative
Grading:
three exams, two mid term exams and a final exam. All exams will be closed book in class in format
Exam Format:
Combination of terms (define and explain relevance for study of international political economy) and essays
Class Format:
Lecture and discussion. At least one active learning exercise.
Workload:
Reading of approximately 50 pages per week. This reading will include 1-2 published scholarly articles on the subject of the course
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67189/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
22 October 2023

Spring 2024  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (51912)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 330
Enrollment Status:
Closed (86 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL3835+Spring2024
Class Description:
Why does war occur? What role do international institutions and international law play in international politics? Do ideas and culture matter in a world dominated by power politics? This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of theoretical approaches for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. Specific topics will include: the causes and consequences of war; the role of law and institutions; human rights and humanitarian intervention; transnational activism and environmental politics; the regulation of arms and conflict; globalization and political economy; and the role of ideas, norms, and culture. By the end of the course, students will gain a better understanding of why and how events happen in global politics, and will be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical cases in global politics.
Who Should Take This Class?:
There are no formal prerequisites for the course, but students who have taken a previous introductory course on international politics (for example, POL 1025: Global Politics or POL 1026: U.S. Foreign Policy) are likely to get more out of the course. If you do not have any background of this sort, it would be advisable to speak with the TA or instructor before committing to take the course.
Learning Objectives:
Students who complete this course will gain a better understanding of why and how things happen in international relations. They will be able to critically analyze scholarly and popular articles, and by the end of the term should be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical events in international relations. They should be able to apply analytical frameworks and tools to understand the political world.
Grading:
TBC
Exam Format:
TBC
Class Format:
A mix of lecture, discussion, and in-class activities.
Workload:
TBC
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51912/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
14 April 2023

Spring 2024  |  POL 3841 Section 001: The Consequences of War (65369)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (54 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
War - both between and within states - is often horrific. With good reason, when the field of international relations emerged in the wake of the world wars, it was centrally preoccupied with shedding light on the causes of war so as thereby to prevent another one. But both interstate and civil wars are remarkably complex affairs. Notwithstanding wars' alarming human costs, their consequences are varied, often cross-cutting, and sometimes contradictory, and they resist our efforts to narrate their consequences in simple and straightforward ways. Wars can increase executive authority and strengthen the state, but they can also undermine inequitable international and domestic political orders, empires, and regimes, and make it possible for more just ones to take their place. Wars can permit repression and exploitation along the lines of race and other categorical identities, but those same experiences can also inspire those groups to demand first-class citizenship. In the name of insecurity and war, governments sometimes trample upon liberties, especially those of the politically weak and unpopular, but those measures may eventually come to seem unwarranted and even provoke a backlash that expands human liberty. War is filled with privation and trauma, but its horrors can also inspire veterans and victims to mobilize and promote more humane norms. We are properly taught to hate war, to avoid it at all costs. Yet social and political good has sometimes, surprisingly, come out of war too. This course explores the consequences of violent conflict in all its dimensions - the threat of conflict, mobilization for conflict, and the experience of warfare - on, among others, international order and norms, the fate of states and empires, population movements, state-building, nationalism, democracy, civil society, the citizenship struggles of racial minorities and other groups, gender roles, economic growth and inequality, the military-industrial complex, public health, and polit
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL3841+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65369/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 3843W Section 001: Night Raids, Detention, Torture, and Drones: Methods of War (65370)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon, Wed 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Closed (58 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
In this class, we will be examining the use of particular tactics of war-night raids, detention, torture, and drones-as deployed, primarily, but not only, in the US-led war on terror. The purpose of this class is to grapple with the fundamental questions such tactics raise about what is right in war, and the costs and consequences of such tactics on both those who choose to use them and those that are targeted by them.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kins0017+POL3843W+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65370/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 3994 Section 001: Directed Research: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program (53457)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (14 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students accepted into the Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, students will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers. Students are chosen through a highly competitive online application the semester prior to registration. Students should check with Political Science advising for details about the application process. This course is only open to Political Science majors.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3994+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53457/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 4087 Section 001: Thinking Strategically About Politics (65375)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Molecular Cellular Biology 2-122
Enrollment Status:
Open (22 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The purpose of this class is threefold. First is to introduce students to the use and value of formal models of strategic interaction (game theoretic models) in political science. Second is to impart some basic tools of such modeling to students. And third is to examine the contribution of theoretical models to several common game theoretic problems that appear across a variety of different political applications. In keeping with these three goals, the course is divided into three sections. The first session will be devoted to such questions as, what is a theoretical model? What are rational choice and game theory? The next portion of the class will introduce students to the basic tools employed in game theoretic analysis. The readings will illustrate the use of the tools introduced in class. Five problem sets will be administered, requiring students to make use of these tools. The final portion of the class will examine types of game theoretic problems that appear in a variety of political settings. These include retrospective voting and accountability, prospective voting and the role of the median voter, problems of coordination and the role of information, problems of collective action and the problem of free riding, and problems of credible commitment.
Class Notes:
Credit will not be granted if credit has been received for: POL 4887. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL4087+Spring2024
Class Description:
Politics is fundamentally concerned with strategic interactions. Actions are said to be strategic if one actor must anticipate how others would respond when formulating their best course of action. A leader issuing a diplomatic threat must consider whether the target of that threat will escalate or back down. A legislator formulating a bill must consider how to build a majority coalition to vote in its favor. A would-be demonstrator against a repressive regime must consider whether others would join in their protest. Game theory is a mathematical tool for representing and analyzing such interactions. This class will introduce students to the basic tools of game theory and will illustrate its application to political settings. Approximately half the class will be devoted to introducing game theoretic concepts -- called equilibrium solution concepts -- the methods through which such models can be solved. Each equilibrium concept will be paired with an illustration of that concept in politics, drawing on both domestic and international examples. The second half of the course will examine several key game theoretic concepts that appear in a variety of different political scenarios, as well as in every day life. These include models of (1) accountability, (2) voting, (3) problems of coordination, (4) problems of collective action, and (5) problems of credible commitment. We will see a variety of instances in which these phenomena appear, drawn from throughout the literature in political science, whether international relations, American politics, comparative politics, or political theory. (While this class will make use of math and satisfies a mathematical thinking liberal education requirement, there is no prerequisite math course. The most complex math you will need to solve any problems in this course is basic algebra -- solving a single equation with a single unknown variable.)
Grading:
Students will be assessed through a series of five problem sets over the first half of the semester. (The lowest scoring problem set will be dropped from one's final grade.) There will be a final exam relating to the readings from the second half of the semester administered online through Canvas. The questions will all be short-answer essay format. And students will complete a final group project, relating to one of the five different models (accountability, voting, coordination, collective action, or credible commitment), involving a 6-9 page paper and short in-class presentation.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65375/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
1 November 2023

Spring 2024  |  POL 4275 Section 001: Domination, Exclusion, and Justice: Contemporary Political Thought (54393)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 140
Enrollment Status:
Open (18 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Contemporary Political Theory systematically analyzes the meaning and significance of concepts central to current politics: domination, exclusion, and justice. Starting from basic concerns about the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, this course will explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). Through this course, students will also be introduced to different interpretive approaches, ranging from democratic theory, feminist, queer and critical race theories, as well as ethics and moral philosophy. Organized around the politics of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the course will pursue a range of questions about democratic legitimation, the exclusion of historically marginalized communities, systematic inequalities of different kinds, as well as ideals of democracy and justice. It will range from theoretical inquiry to practical questions of implementing different political projects. Through this course, students will develop skills in critical thinking, careful reading and clear writing, as well as recognizing and constructing arguments. These skills are basic for the critical, lifelong role that all of us play as members of political community. prereq: 1201 recommended
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL4275+Spring2024
Class Description:
Contemporary democracies find themselves faced with relations of domination and exclusion in a number of different sites: prisons, the workplace, politics, and at home. This course will examine different ways to understand the emergence and persistence of relations of domination and exclusion in contemporary politics. Each of these perspectives offers its own way of conceiving of politics, and a different vision of what justice might offer and require. Course readings will explore different theoretical approaches to contemporary politics, while also turning to specific examples to think them through. These examples include: mass incarceration, the persistence of economic and racial hierarchies, and domestic violence. Readings will change from one semester to another, but will include thinkers such as Michel Foucault, Charles Taylor, Iris Marion Young, Michelle Alexander, Audre Lorde, Ruth Wilson Gilmore, Keaanga-YahmattaTaylor, and others. Class sessions will include some lecturing as well as a substantial amount of class discussion.
Grading:
55% Reports/Papers
35% Reflection Papers
10% Class Participation
Class Format:
60% Lecture
40% Discussion
Workload:
75 Pages Reading Per Week
20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Paper(s)
3 Homework Assignment(s)
Other Workload: plus three short "response" papers
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54393/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
31 March 2021

Spring 2024  |  POL 4315W Section 001: State Governments: Laboratories of Democracy (65376)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Meets With:
POL 5315 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (31 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
State governments are rarely at the forefront of the minds of the American public, but in recent years they have made critical decisions about issues like education, health care, climate change, and same-sex marriage. State governments perform a host of vital services, and they regulate and tax a wide array of business activities. Moreover, the states have adopted a very wide range of approaches in addressing these and other policy issues. This course examines the institutional and political changes that sparked the recent "resurgence of the states," and it investigates why state policies differ so dramatically from one another. In addition to playing a central and increasingly important role in the U.S. political system, the American states provide an unusually advantageous venue in which to conduct research about political behavior and policymaking. They are broadly similar in many ways, but they also offer significant variation across a range of social, political, economic, and institutional characteristics that are central to theories about politics. As a result, it becomes possible for scholars to evaluate hypotheses about cause-and-effect relationships in a valid way. This course pursues two related objectives. Its first goal is to give students a better understanding of American state governments' substantive significance. Its second goal is to use the states as an analytical venue in which students can hone their research and writing skills. Students will design and complete an original research paper on an aspect of state politics of their choosing. They will develop a research question, gather and critically evaluate appropriate and relevant evidence, and discuss the implications of their research. prereq: 1001 or equiv, non-pol sci grad major or instr consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL4315W+Spring2024
Class Description:
State governments have been incredibly active in recent years, making critical decisions about such diverse issues as climate change, same-sex marriage, health care, and immigration. This course examines the institutional and political changes that sparked this resurgence of the states and help explain why state policies in these and other areas differ so dramatically.
Grading:
10% Homework Assignments
10% First Writing Assignment
20% Midterm Exam
10% Second Writing Assignment
25% Final Research Paper
25% Final Exam
Exam Format:
All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
Class Format:
75% Lecture
10% Discussion
15% Small Group Activities
Workload:
50-75 pages of reading per week; the three writing assignments use "scaffolding" and culminate in a 15-page original research paper
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65376/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
12 November 2019

Spring 2024  |  POL 4463 Section 001: The Cuban Revolution Through the Words of Cuban Revolutionaries (53615)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 240
Enrollment Status:
Open (10 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do policy makers in Washington, D.C. continue to rail against the Cuban Revolution? Despite their best efforts, both Republican and Democratic administrations, the Revolution is still in place after six decades. How to explain? This is the central research question of the course. A definitive answer would require a thorough examination of the revolution from its initiation until today - which is beyond what can be done in a semester. The focus, rather, is more limited. First, how was the revolution made and consolidated - from 1953 until about 1969 - and, second, how has it been able to survive and advance since the collapse of the Soviet Union, that is, since 1991? The emphasis here is on the role of leadership and strategy, how the Cubans and their leaders saw and see what they are doing - in their own words. This is an attempt to get into their heads, their understandings, through documents, speeches and writings. In keeping with the goals of liberal education, this course helps students to think outside the box of conventional wisdom. Why, for example, an underdeveloped society lacking many of the characteristics of a liberal democracy can do a better job in meeting the basic needs of its citizens than its far richer neighbor to the north? What the Cubans seek to do is reorganize human relations on the basis of solidarity and not individual self-interest. How successful they have been in that pursuit is exactly one of the questions to which the course seeks to provide an answer. These questions are not simply of intellectual interest. Given the deepening crisis of world capitalism with the accompanying human misery, to know about Cuba's reality can have life and death consequences. Given, also, that the U.S. government doesn't make it easy for most of its citizens to travel to the island to make up their own minds about its reality, this course is a unique educational opportunity.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4463+Spring2024
Class Description:
The history of socialist revolutions over the course of a century or more reveals that what occurred in Cuba has proven to have more lasting power. In spite of all the challenges it continues to face, what explains why the Cuban Revolution is still in place after six decades? This is the central research question of the course. A definitive answer would require a thorough examination of the revolution from its initiation until today, which is beyond what can be done in a semester or its equivalent. The focus, rather, will be more limited. First, how was the revolution made and consolidated, from 1953 until about 1969. Second, how has it been able to survive and advance since the collapse of the Soviet Union, that is, since 1991? The emphasis here is on the role of leadership and strategy and how the Cubans and their leaders saw and see what they are doing, in their own words. This is an attempt to get into their heads, their understandings, through documents, speeches and writings. For the first question I will also draw on the data from a research/film documentary project that I'm involved in at this moment: the participation of women and men in the guerrilla army and underground movement.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53615/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 October 2021

Spring 2024  |  POL 4481 Section 001: Comparative Political Economy: Governments and Markets (65371)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 135
Enrollment Status:
Open (28 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course analyzes the compatibility of democracy and markets - whether democratic institutions undermine (enhance) the workings of market institutions and vice versa. Competing theoretical perspectives in political economy are critically evaluated. And the experiences of countries with different forms of democratic market systems are studied. Among the topics singled out for in-depth investigation are the economics of voting, producer group politics, the politics of monetary and fiscal policy, political business cycles, and trade politics.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL4481+Spring2024
Class Description:
This course addresses the question of whether democracy and markets are compatible, whether democratic institutions enhance (undermine) the workings of market institutions and vice versa. Competing theoretical perspectives in the field of political economy are critically evaluated. And the experiences of countries with different forms of democratic market system are studied. Among the topics singled out for in-depth investigation are the economics of voting, politics of money management, political business cycles,and the politics of trade.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Students interested in political science, economics and comparative politics
Learning Objectives:
Learn natures of current political-economic issues and workings of institutions for the making of economic policy (cross nationally). Focus is on national institutions in North America and Europe.
Grading:
Two mid term exams and a final exam. All exams will be in class, closed book.
Exam Format:
Combination of (1) terms (define and explain relevance for the study of comparative political economy) and (2) essays.
Class Format:
75% Lecture
25% Discussion
Workload:
Approximately 50 pages of reading per week including at least one scholarly, published article on the subject of the class.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65371/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
22 October 2023

Spring 2024  |  POL 4487 Section 001: Democracy and the Class Struggle from Athens to the Present (54963)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 140
Enrollment Status:
Open (15 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How best to advance democracy?through the ballot box or in the streets? This question more than any other is what informs the course. As well as the streets, the barricades and the battlefields, it argues, are decisive in the democratic quest. If democracy means the rule of the demos, the people, then who gets to be included in ?the people"? An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of the people, the citizens, is due to social struggles or the threat of such?an assumption to be examined in the course. Struggles refer to any kinds of movement for social change, from protests and strikes to revolutions broadly defined. This course seeks to see if there are lessons of struggle. The course traces the history of the democratic movement from its earliest moments in human history and attempts to draw a balance sheet. In the process, it seeks to answer a number of questions. Did social inequality always exist? How do property rights figure in the inclusion process? What is the relationship between the state, social inequality and democracy? Which social layers played a decisive role in the democratic breakthrough? What are the effective strategies and tactics in the democratic struggle? How crucial is leadership? And lastly, can the lessons of the past inform current practice? A particular feature of the course is to read about the thinking and actions of activists on both sides of the democratic struggle in, as much as possible, their own words.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4487+Spring2024
Class Description:
The setting for this course is the mounting effort on the part of states and a variety of social forces to roll back the historic gains of the world-wide democratic movement--from anti-immigrant campaigns (in both fascist and non-fascist clothing) that would limit citizenship rights to efforts that undermine civil liberties in the guise of combatting terrorisim. This takes place in a larger context in which increasing numbers of citizens feel disempowered and alienated from the state. As democracy and popular participation are central to citizenship the course traces the origins of the democratic process with particular emphasis on how the disenfranchised fought to become included. Both implicitly and explicitly it seeks to understand how that occured in order to see if there are lessons of the past that that might have appllicability for the defense and extension of democratic rights today. To understand it was the disenfranchised who empowered themselves is in itself empowering. An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of citizens is due to social struggles or the threat of such--an assumption to be examined in the course.
Grading:
25% Midterm Exam
50% Final Exam
25% Reports/Papers
Exam Format:
Essay
Class Format:
75% Lecture
25% Discussion
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exam(s)
2 Paper(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54963/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 October 2011

Spring 2024  |  POL 4502W Section 001: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights (51513)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 150
Enrollment Status:
Open (54 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Today, more than anytime since the civil rights movement of the 1960s, individual liberties are at the heart of controversial debate in the U.S. Groups, from the far left and far right of the political spectrum have pushed free speech towards the boundaries set by the Supreme Court. At the same time, the religion clauses have become as controversial as ever, with corporations and local governments using them in ways they have not been used before. Finally, the right to privacy is at a crossroads as the U.S. Supreme Court considers cases about reproductive rights and personal privacy. Given these issues, this course allows students to read all the major cases where the U.S. Supreme Court interprets the balance of protecting civil liberties versus allowing government to limit or suppress such liberties. Specifically, the course covers the 14th Amendment, freedom of speech, press, religion, and the limits of the free speech clause of the 1st Amendment. It also covers the 2nd Amendment and the right to privacy found in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, and 14th Amendments.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4502W+Spring2024
Class Description:
This course deals with civil liberties in the United States and how the United States Supreme Court decides which rights and liberties get which protections, at which times. Specifically, our focus will be on the First Amendment, and the Right to Privacy. Special emphasis will be placed on how the Supreme Court defines, establishes, and protects these liberties through its interpretation of the Constitution.
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Final Exam
30% Reports/Papers
10% Class Participation
Exam Format:
Exam -- Hypothetical Questions
Class Format:
40% Lecture
60% Discussion
Workload:
50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
40-50 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exam(s)
5 Paper(s)
25 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51513/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
22 October 2012

Spring 2024  |  POL 4810 Section 001: Topics in International Politics and Foreign Policy -- Int Law Regulating Armed Conflict & Int Crimes (68166)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
6 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 130
Enrollment Status:
Open (15 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Analysis of selected issues in contemporary international relations. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
Class Notes:
This course is an introduction to international law for political science students, with a focus on international law relating to armed conflict and international crimes. This course introduces students to the international legal system. Students explore the sources of international law and its fundamental principles and learn about the application of these principles and sources in particular contexts, including the use of force. Students examine the use of international legal rules and principles by domestic and international tribunals. The course also offers an introduction to two of the specific areas of international law that interact with armed conflict: international humanitarian law (the laws of war) and international criminal law. This course explores the development and operation of international humanitarian law, which is the body of public international law that regulates conduct during armed conflict. The course examines key issues relating to international humanitarian law and its application, enabling students to examine the historical and theoretical developments, sources, and fundamental principles and objectives of the rules governing armed conflicts. The course also examines the main issues relating to international criminal law, through which students will examine the historical developments, sources, principles, and objectives of international criminal law as well as the main characteristics of international crimes, such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. This course content has a strong legal component. However, while assessments will assess knowledge of the law, assessments will not be strictly legal, to allow political science students to apply the legal learning in a non-legal manner. Students will be assessed through class participation, group presentations, quizzes, a treaty drafting exercise, and a policy brief. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mjobrien+POL4810+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68166/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 4891 Section 001: The Politics of Nuclear Weapons (65373)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 10
Enrollment Status:
Open (84 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Nuclear weapons have been a feature of international politics since the development of nuclear weapons by the United States during World War II. But how exactly do nuclear weapons affect international politics? This course tackles this question. In doing so, we examine the history of the nuclear era, the theories we can use to try to understand the ways in which nuclear weapons affect international politics, and key current policy challenges associated with nuclear weapons. For example, we'll ask: how do nuclear weapons work and how are nuclear materials created? Are nuclear weapons a force for peace or for instability and war? How likely is a nuclear war and how close did we come to nuclear war in the Cuban Missile Crisis or other crises? How dangerous is nuclear proliferation and why does the United States go to such lengths to stop other countries acquiring nuclear weapons? Why does the United States have so many nuclear weapons and what drove the nuclear arms race between the United States and the Soviet Union? Why have indigenous populations often borne the brunt of nuclear testing and how have issues of race and gender played into the history of nuclear weapons? What role do nuclear weapons play in India-Pakistan relations and what role will they play in future U.S.-China relations? How likely is nuclear terrorism? Is nuclear disarmament possible? Is it desirable?
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL4891+Spring2024
Class Description:
How do nuclear weapons affect international politics? How likely is nuclear war or nuclear terrorism? How dangerous is nuclear proliferation? Is nuclear disarmament possible? Is it desirable? This course examines these questions. In doing so, students will be introduced to the technological underpinnings of nuclear weapons and their effects; key theories used to understand nuclear weapons and their effects; the history of the nuclear age and the complicated ways in which nuclear weapons have affected it; and a range of contemporary issues relating to nuclear weapons, including the possibility of nuclear terrorism; the role nuclear energy will (and should) play in the future, the feasibility of nuclear disarmament; the role of nuclear weapons in future US-China relations; the role of nuclear weapons in South Asia; the Iran nuclear deal and potential future proliferation; and the ways in which current and future technological developments may impact nuclear issues. Students will also participate in a substantial simulation exercise to wrestle with the complexity and difficulty of solving these issues.
Who Should Take This Class?:
There are no formal prerequisites for the course, but students who have taken a previous course on international politics (for example, POL 1025: Global Politics, POL 1026: U.S. Foreign Policy, POL 3835: International Relations, POL 3810: International Law, or POL 4885: International Conflict and Security) will likely get the most out of the course. If you don't have any background of this sort, it would be advisable to speak with the TA or instructor before committing to take the class.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65373/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
20 October 2023

Spring 2024  |  POL 4991 Section 001: Political Science Capstone (53752)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science senior
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 230
Enrollment Status:
Closed (96 of 90 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL4991+Spring2024
Class Description:
This is a required course for completion of the Political Science major. The purpose of this capstone course is to provide a common, meaningful, and practical culminating experience for soon-to-be graduating seniors in Political Science. In this course, students will reflect on, articulate, share, and build upon their highly-individualized experiences in the major so that they finish the major with a more complete and synthetic understanding of what they have learned, what their undergraduate work prepares them for, and what questions, old or new, they can and should keep asking, reformulating, and seeking answers for after graduation. In addition, the course is designed to reinforce the fundamental skills associated with evidence-based reasoning and argumentation. These include the location, evaluation, and presentation of different sources of evidence as well as employment of different forms of analysis.

The course is organized around the theme of ‘Democracy under Threat'. This theme stems from the widespread consensus among scholars and observers of democracy that democracy is on the decline around the world. The most recent Freedom House report documents the 14th successive year of decline in global freedom. The most notable aspect of the current phase of democratic decline is that it is affecting the more advanced and established democracies of the world including those in the West. Over the course of this semester, we will be addressing some of the major challenges confronting democracy across the world and will accord special attention to recent developments in the United States. We will approach these challenges from a comparative perspective engaging evidence, accounts, and arguments from across the world.

The delivery modality for POL 4991 005 and the related sections 006, 007, and 008 is online, synchronous.
Who Should Take This Class?:
All graduating seniors majoring in Political Science.
Learning Objectives:
This course will provide you with an opportunity to: a) reflect on what you have learned as a Political Science major; b) demonstrate your knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and, c) think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights acquired in your major experience can be used and applied outside of the university. The main goal of the course is to guide you through the process of preparing your capstone portfolio by providing structure, feedback, and encouragement. Along the way, we will emphasize the relationship between political science perspectives, critical thinking, effective communication, and meaningful civic engagement.
Exam Format:
No exams.
Class Format:
We will meet twice every week - on Tuesdays for lectures and Thursdays for discussion sections. The class time during lectures will be apportioned between lectures (50 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (15 percent).
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53752/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 November 2021

Spring 2024  |  POL 4991 Section 002: Political Science Capstone (54044)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 140
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (32 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Description:
This is a required course for completion of the Political Science major. The purpose of this capstone course is to provide a common, meaningful, and practical culminating experience for soon-to-be graduating seniors in Political Science. In this course, students will reflect on, articulate, share, and build upon their highly-individualized experiences in the major so that they finish the major with a more complete and synthetic understanding of what they have learned, what their undergraduate work prepares them for, and what questions, old or new, they can and should keep asking, reformulating, and seeking answers for after graduation. In addition, the course is designed to reinforce the fundamental skills associated with evidence-based reasoning and argumentation. These include the location, evaluation, and presentation of different sources of evidence as well as employment of different forms of analysis.

The course is organized around the theme of ‘Democracy under Threat'. This theme stems from the widespread consensus among scholars and observers of democracy that democracy is on the decline around the world. The most recent Freedom House report documents the 14th successive year of decline in global freedom. The most notable aspect of the current phase of democratic decline is that it is affecting the more advanced and established democracies of the world including those in the West. Over the course of this semester, we will be addressing some of the major challenges confronting democracy across the world and will accord special attention to recent developments in the United States. We will approach these challenges from a comparative perspective engaging evidence, accounts, and arguments from across the world.

The delivery modality for POL 4991 005 and the related sections 006, 007, and 008 is online, synchronous.
Who Should Take This Class?:
All graduating seniors majoring in Political Science.
Learning Objectives:
This course will provide you with an opportunity to: a) reflect on what you have learned as a Political Science major; b) demonstrate your knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and, c) think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights acquired in your major experience can be used and applied outside of the university. The main goal of the course is to guide you through the process of preparing your capstone portfolio by providing structure, feedback, and encouragement. Along the way, we will emphasize the relationship between political science perspectives, critical thinking, effective communication, and meaningful civic engagement.
Exam Format:
No exams.
Class Format:
We will meet twice every week - on Tuesdays for lectures and Thursdays for discussion sections. The class time during lectures will be apportioned between lectures (50 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (15 percent).
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54044/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 November 2021

Spring 2024  |  POL 4991 Section 003: Political Science Capstone (54043)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 125
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (32 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Description:
This is a required course for completion of the Political Science major. The purpose of this capstone course is to provide a common, meaningful, and practical culminating experience for soon-to-be graduating seniors in Political Science. In this course, students will reflect on, articulate, share, and build upon their highly-individualized experiences in the major so that they finish the major with a more complete and synthetic understanding of what they have learned, what their undergraduate work prepares them for, and what questions, old or new, they can and should keep asking, reformulating, and seeking answers for after graduation. In addition, the course is designed to reinforce the fundamental skills associated with evidence-based reasoning and argumentation. These include the location, evaluation, and presentation of different sources of evidence as well as employment of different forms of analysis.

The course is organized around the theme of ‘Democracy under Threat'. This theme stems from the widespread consensus among scholars and observers of democracy that democracy is on the decline around the world. The most recent Freedom House report documents the 14th successive year of decline in global freedom. The most notable aspect of the current phase of democratic decline is that it is affecting the more advanced and established democracies of the world including those in the West. Over the course of this semester, we will be addressing some of the major challenges confronting democracy across the world and will accord special attention to recent developments in the United States. We will approach these challenges from a comparative perspective engaging evidence, accounts, and arguments from across the world.

The delivery modality for POL 4991 005 and the related sections 006, 007, and 008 is online, synchronous.
Who Should Take This Class?:
All graduating seniors majoring in Political Science.
Learning Objectives:
This course will provide you with an opportunity to: a) reflect on what you have learned as a Political Science major; b) demonstrate your knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and, c) think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights acquired in your major experience can be used and applied outside of the university. The main goal of the course is to guide you through the process of preparing your capstone portfolio by providing structure, feedback, and encouragement. Along the way, we will emphasize the relationship between political science perspectives, critical thinking, effective communication, and meaningful civic engagement.
Exam Format:
No exams.
Class Format:
We will meet twice every week - on Tuesdays for lectures and Thursdays for discussion sections. The class time during lectures will be apportioned between lectures (50 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (15 percent).
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54043/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 November 2021

Spring 2024  |  POL 4991 Section 004: Political Science Capstone (54966)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 125
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Closed (32 of 20 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4991+Spring2024
Class Description:
This is a required course for completion of the Political Science major. The purpose of this capstone course is to provide a common, meaningful, and practical culminating experience for soon-to-be graduating seniors in Political Science. In this course, students will reflect on, articulate, share, and build upon their highly-individualized experiences in the major so that they finish the major with a more complete and synthetic understanding of what they have learned, what their undergraduate work prepares them for, and what questions, old or new, they can and should keep asking, reformulating, and seeking answers for after graduation. In addition, the course is designed to reinforce the fundamental skills associated with evidence-based reasoning and argumentation. These include the location, evaluation, and presentation of different sources of evidence as well as employment of different forms of analysis.

The course is organized around the theme of ‘Democracy under Threat'. This theme stems from the widespread consensus among scholars and observers of democracy that democracy is on the decline around the world. The most recent Freedom House report documents the 14th successive year of decline in global freedom. The most notable aspect of the current phase of democratic decline is that it is affecting the more advanced and established democracies of the world including those in the West. Over the course of this semester, we will be addressing some of the major challenges confronting democracy across the world and will accord special attention to recent developments in the United States. We will approach these challenges from a comparative perspective engaging evidence, accounts, and arguments from across the world.

The delivery modality for POL 4991 005 and the related sections 006, 007, and 008 is online, synchronous.
Who Should Take This Class?:
All graduating seniors majoring in Political Science.
Learning Objectives:
This course will provide you with an opportunity to: a) reflect on what you have learned as a Political Science major; b) demonstrate your knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and, c) think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights acquired in your major experience can be used and applied outside of the university. The main goal of the course is to guide you through the process of preparing your capstone portfolio by providing structure, feedback, and encouragement. Along the way, we will emphasize the relationship between political science perspectives, critical thinking, effective communication, and meaningful civic engagement.
Exam Format:
No exams.
Class Format:
We will meet twice every week - on Tuesdays for lectures and Thursdays for discussion sections. The class time during lectures will be apportioned between lectures (50 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (15 percent).
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54966/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 November 2021

Spring 2024  |  POL 4993 Section 001: Honors Thesis: Directed Studies (52177)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Instructor Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol 3108H, political science major, honors
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (13 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4993+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52177/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 4994 Section 001: Directed Research: Individual (51990)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4994+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51990/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 5315 Section 001: State Governments: Laboratories of Democracy (68884)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Graduate Student
Meets With:
POL 4315W Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (2 of 5 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
State governments are rarely at the forefront of the minds of the American public, but in recent years they have made critical decisions about issues like education, health care, climate change, and same-sex marriage. State governments perform a host of vital services, and they regulate and tax a wide array of business activities. Moreover, the states have adopted a very wide range of approaches in addressing these and other policy issues. This course examines the institutional and political changes that sparked the recent "resurgence of the states," and it investigates why state policies differ so dramatically from one another. In addition to playing a central and increasingly important role in the U.S. political system, the American states provide an unusually advantageous venue in which to conduct research about political behavior and policymaking. They are broadly similar in many ways, but they also offer significant variation across a range of social, political, economic, and institutional characteristics that are central to theories about politics. As a result, it becomes possible for scholars to evaluate hypotheses about cause-and-effect relationships in a valid way. This course pursues two related objectives. Its first goal is to give students a better understanding of American state governments' substantive significance. Its second goal is to use the states as an analytical venue in which students can hone their research and writing skills. Students will design and complete an original research paper on an aspect of state politics of their choosing. They will develop a research question, gather and critically evaluate appropriate and relevant evidence, and discuss the implications of their research. prereq: grad student or instr consent
Class Description:
This course examines the recent revitalization of political institutions in the American states and the implications of this resurgence for the making of public policy. State governments regulate and tax a wide range of business activities and perform a host of vital services. Even though state governments affect our lives every day, however, they are rarely at the forefront of the minds of the American public. The goals of this course are to introduce you to these important arenas of government and to examine the Minnesota political system in a comparative perspective.
Grading:
Other Grading Information: First midterm (30%) Second midterm (30%) Final exam (40%)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68884/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
4 April 2011

Spring 2024  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (54100)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 15 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL5970+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54100/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (54137)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Fri 11:00AM - 12:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
Class Notes:
Power, Equity, & Diversity (PED) Proseminar, http://classinfo.umn.edu/?davar008+POL8060+Spring2024
Class Description:

This course considers approaches to the study of power, equity, and diversity (PED) in American higher education across the social sciences and humanities. It is the Core course of the PED concentration offered by the Department of Political Science.The PED concentration emerged as a counter-weight to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that divorced the pursuit of equity and diversity from critiques of power. On account of this separation, institutions of higher education could appear equitable and diverse without making meaningful changes to enduring hierarchies, the kind of changes required for actual equity and diversity. The PED concentration abandons aspirations for mere inclusion and instead takes recent interest in and support for DEI as an opportunity to advance scholarly agendas that center power. The concentration replaces efforts to superficially administer DEI with intellectual inquiry and cutting-edge research about PED. At root, this course asks, how are the social sciences and humanities disciplines constituted? Who gets to conduct research? What historical struggles have been waged to open these fields to marginalized groups? How has the opening changed the substance of research agendas? And finally, what role have the American social sciences and humanities played in the world at large?


To focus and enrich our investigation, the course pairs a wide-ranging inventory of interdisciplinary approaches to power, equity, and diversity (PED) with a critique of Political Science, the discipline nominally charged with the study of power in the American academy. In the United States, the field of Political Science most conventionally understands power as the capacity of the state or individuals to shift outcomes in their favor. How do other disciplines in this country and/or formations of the discipline in other locales approach the study of power? How must we reconceptualize power - its agents, dynamics, and effects - when we foreground questions of equity and diversity? How, if at all, does a PED framework challenge Political Science as a discipline, i.e., as a provincial formation in the service of empire? And how does it challenge received understandings of power beyond Political Science? What new modes of inquiry are compelled by a cross-disciplinary engagement and/or by an emphasis on equity and diversity? Any attempt to study the intersection of power, equity, and diversity worth its salt must also address questions about knowledge production in the study of politics. Here, again, American higher education reveals a peculiar arrangement. The study of politics nominally falls to the discipline of Political Science, the title of which designates expertise in the service of broader scientific knowledge. Political Science turns the noun "politics" into an adjective ("political") in order to describe a particular type of "science." Meanwhile, every other discipline in the social sciences and humanities features significant studies of politics conducted from their own respective methodological orientations - at times incorporating politics as a case study, at others pursuing approaches that Political Science renders silent. How did this arrangement come to be? What does it make possible and what does it foreclose?

Who Should Take This Class?:
This course is intended for graduate students both inside and outside the Department of Political Science.

Interested students from outside of Political Science are encouraged to contact the instructor for permission to enroll.
Grading:
70% of the final grade is assessed by attendance and active participation in weekly seminars.
30% of the final grade is assessed by a 5 page research proposal due at the end of the semester.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54137/1243
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/davar008_POL8060_Fall2023.pdf (Fall 2023)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
13 July 2023

Spring 2024  |  POL 8104 Section 001: Professional Development I (54968)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
First Half of Term
 
01/16/2024 - 03/11/2024
Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Closed (12 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The objectives of this course are as follows: (1) to provide students with professional advice that will help them move with dispatch through the graduate program; (2) to learn the formal and informal norms of the discipline; and (3) to help them prepare to do independent research and dissertation research. prereq: 1st year Pol graduate student
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL8104+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54968/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 8107 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science II (54969)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Multiple linear regression model applied to political science data. How to use regression techniques to analyze data, interpret statistical results, and summarize/report the findings. Estimation of model. Underlying assumptions. Inference. Model diagnostics. Extensions of model. prereq: Political science grad major or instr consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?federico+POL8107+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54969/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 8124 Section 001: Game Theory (65378)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science grad student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue 05:45PM - 07:40PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Application of noncooperative game theory in political science. Equilibrium concepts, bargaining, repeated games, games of incomplete information, signaling games, reputation, learning in games.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL8124+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65378/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 8160 Section 001: Topics in Models and Methods -- Causal Inference & Experimental Methods (65383)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Fri 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
Class Notes:
Please consult with the instructor and the UMN POL Methods Field Head - James Hollyer - before enrolling in this course. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL8160+Spring2024 Why are experiments useful for making causal inferences about the political world? This course will explore the statistical basis for randomized experiments and provide students a deeper understanding of how this affects experimental design and the interpretation of results from experiments. We will start by introducing the counterfactual approach to thinking about causality and the potential outcomes framework that formalizes this approach. We will then use this framework to describe the unique statistical properties of experiments and the implications of these properties for the design of experiments. We then will build on this framework to discuss issues related to choosing samples and designing experimental treatments. The class will end with a discussion of replication, pre-registration, and the central importance of statistical power in the design of experiments. Each class will open with lecture about the key statistical concepts covered in that week's readings. We will then take a brief break and return to discuss an applied paper that draws on the concepts covered. Class will close with a general discussion of the statistical and substantive issues raised in the week's readings.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65383/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 8160 Section 002: Topics in Models and Methods -- Experimental Methods ITV course (65384)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Thu 01:20PM - 02:10PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
Class Notes:
Please consult with the UMN POL Methods Field Head - James Hollyer - before enrolling in this course. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL8160+Spring2024 ITV Course: "Experimental Methods" with Instructor Jonathan Renshon, UW-Madison. Course description: https://polisci.osu.edu/sites/default/files/2023-07/ITVExperMethods2024.pdf
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65384/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 8253 Section 001: Late Modern Political Thought (65379)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue 03:35PM - 05:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Theoretical responses to and rival interpretations of Western economy, society, politics, and democratic culture in the modern age; theories of history; class struggle; the end of metaphysics and the death of God; technology and bureaucracy; psychology of culture, in Hegel, Marx, Tocqueville, Mill, Nietzsche, Weber, Freud. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL8253+Spring2024
Class Description:
Modernity and its Discontents surveys European political theory of the 19th century, and concentrates on the emergence of capitalism and the liberal state as well as the challenges, alienation and discontent that develop alongside each. With these two historical developments in mind, this course will trace three themes. Central to capitalism and the liberal state both, is the ideal of individuality. To develop our analysis of individuality as an ideal, we will ask, what are the characteristics that define (or ought to define) individuals? What are the terms on which individuals develop themselves and in pursuit of which political, economic, or ethical goals? Second, we will analyze theories of emancipation and freedom. Even as the 19th century witnesses an extension of voting rights to increasing numbers of people, and even as political liberties appear more democratically accessible, thinkers struggle to define the scope and nature of these liberties. What kinds of political institutions and recognition best permit individuals to express themselves as citizens ? and what are the psychological, economic, or political obstacles that might impede this expression? Third, political expression implies knowledge: an ability to analyze one's context and to determine what is to be done. Alongside the thinkers of the period, we will consider the kind of information about the world that is necessary in order to act in ? and perhaps transform ? one's immediate context and longed-for future. Readings for the course include Hegel, Marx, Tocqueville, Mill, Nietzsche, Freud, and Weber.
Grading:
100% Reports/Papers
Class Format:
100% Discussion
Workload:
150-200 Pages Reading Per Week
30 Pages Writing Per Term
5 Paper(s)
1 Presentation(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65379/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
13 June 2008

Spring 2024  |  POL 8301 Section 001: American Politics (65647)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Tue 11:00AM - 12:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Seminar on main themes of theory and research in American politics, institutions, law, and policy. Major works on individual, mass, elite, and institutional behavior and their relationship to each other. Foundation for advanced seminars in American politics. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL8301+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65647/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 8302 Section 001: Public Opinion and Political Behavior (65380)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon 11:00AM - 12:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Major theoretical perspectives/research on political participation, voting behavior, public opinion. Voter turnout, importance of party identification, effects of campaigns, long-term change in public opinion, designing/conducting research. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?pgoren+POL8302+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65380/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 8308 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology II (54956)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major or Pol Psy minor
Meets With:
PSY 8212 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Open (3 of 5 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL8308+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54956/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 8360 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Supreme Court Seminar (65389)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
9 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science grad student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Thu 11:00AM - 12:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings and research in special topics or problems. prereq: instr consent
Class Notes:
The aim of this seminar is to provide an introduction to the literature in the field of judicial politics. Particular emphasis will be placed on the Supreme Court. We will discuss some of the classics in the field of judicial politics as well as some of the more recent work that is being done by scholars of the courts. My goals are to: (1) introduce graduate students to the literature in judicial process and behavior and, in so doing, discuss some of the most important debates (both past and present) in the sub-field; and (2) underscore the importance of sound theoretical arguments, careful research designs, and compelling empirical results. This course is taught from the perspective that the study of courts should be (and currently is) closely connected to the theoretical and empirical traditions in American Politics. As such, we will focus on the scientific study of judicial process and politics, analyzing the substantive, theoretical, and methodological developments in the field. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL8360+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65389/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 8405 Section 001: International Political Economy (65381)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Wed 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Theoretical and policy issues in international economic relations. Different approaches for understanding outcomes in international economy. Trade, finance, labor markets, creation and maintenance of international regimes, and "globalization" of economic liberalism. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL8405+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65381/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (52032)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1 Credit
Repeat Credit Limit:
10 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Advanced Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (18 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8444+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52032/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 8460 Section 001: Topics in International Relations -- Critical International Relations (65390)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
6 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Mon 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, East Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings and research in advanced topics or problems. Recent topics: global environmental issues, morality in world politics, and norms and institutions in world politics.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kins0017+POL8460+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65390/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 8621 Section 001: Comparative and Case Study Methods (65382)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option No Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course will provide students with a basic introduction to methodological debates surrounding comparative and case study methods in political science. Although the course is designed primarily with an eye to the needs of students in comparative politics, this course will also be useful to students in other subfields who wish to learn more about comparative and/or case study methods. This course is primarily for students in their 2nd year and beyond in the Political Science PhD program.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL8621+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65382/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Religion and Politics (65387)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
9 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL8660+Spring2024
Class Description:
This course examines theoretical debates about the role of religion in politics and governance. The course will primarily focus on these debates as they play out in the "Muslim world," that is, primarily in the Middle East, Muslim Eurasia, South and Southeast Asia and Africa. However, the course will discuss comparative political and sociological theories of religion more broadly. The course will also include a number of readings and examples that deal with the role of Christianity in western politics, historically and today. The course is divided into theoretical components, and each one will examine a major debate about the role of religion, especially Islam, in politics, such as: the intricate relationship between religious identity and tribe, ethnicity, nation and nationalism, and citizenship; religion and democracy; religion and gender politics; religion and state-building; religion and conflict; and religion and terrorism. The course will also cover a broad array of methodologies for studying religious identity and politics, from ethnographic to survey methods. These discussions are designed to help graduate students think about developing their own tools for pursuing field research related to religious and identity politics. The course has a political science focus, but is designed to be interdisciplinary. It draws on literature in anthropology (Saba Mahmood), sociology (e.g. Ronald Inglehart, Mounira Charrad), law (e.g. Noah Feldman, Hallaq), Islamic studies (e.g. Asma Afsaruddin) and history (e.g. Benin, John Esposito), as well as political science (Mark Tessler, Amaney Jamal, Robert Pape). Course requirements will include a final research paper and class presentations.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65387/1243
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
1 April 2009

Spring 2024  |  POL 8660 Section 002: Topics in Comparative Politics -- State Building in Comparative Perspective (65388)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
9 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
Thu 03:35PM - 05:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Closed (13 of 13 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kwluo+POL8660+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65388/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (52105)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-24 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
100 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science PhD, Doct or ETCR
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (22 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8888+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52105/1243

Spring 2024  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (51547)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-7 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
7 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/16/2024 - 04/29/2024
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (1 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8990+Spring2024
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51547/1243

Fall 2023  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (18421)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Mon, Wed 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 350
Enrollment Status:
Closed (85 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. The course is designed to help students understand what liberal education is by engaging in the study of American politics as a fundamentally critical and creative enterprise, and by grappling with the most complex and challenging problems of political life, such as the sources of political equality and inequality, and the tension between individual aspirations and political control. Questions of power and choice, opportunity and discrimination, freedom and restrictions on freedom are fundamental to the historical development of and current controversies within the American political system, and we will attend to all of these. We will explore topics including the ideas underlying the nation's founding and its constitutional foundations; civil rights and civil liberties; the role of the United States in an increasingly globalized world; the structure and function of American political institutions; and the behavior of American citizens in the political process. In addition, we will learn to think and communicate like political scientists. We will read primary documents, such as the Federalist papers, engage with scholarly arguments about the way the American political system works, and critically evaluate critiques of the American political system that have been offered from a variety of perspectives. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them. Students will be able to identify, define, and solve problems and to locate and critically evaluate information. Students will have mastered a body of knowledge and a mod
Class Description:
This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? Through an examination of the roles of American political institutions and the behavior of American citizens, we will be able to critically reflect on issues such as political and economic inequality in the U.S., the role of American political and economic power in the world, and the possibility for an American public policy that lives up to the ideals of the founders. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Students who want a basic introduction to American government in a way that connects the core material to current events
Grading:
60% three non-cumulative tests (20% each)
30% written assignment (5-7 pages)
10% in-class assignments (for credit only, not graded)
Exam Format:
short answer
essay
Class Format:
50% Lecture
25% Discussion
25% Small Group Activities
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
3 tests
Periodic in-class assignments (for credit only, not graded)
5-7 page written assignment
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18421/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 October 2022

Fall 2023  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (17483)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 250
Enrollment Status:
Open (80 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Global politics is complex, fast-paced, and often confusing. This introductory course explores both the enduring challenges of international politics as well as more recent transformative trends. The course introduces theoretical traditions, but its focus is on making sense of real-world problems, both today and in the past. Why is the world organized into states, and what implications does the states system have for indigenous populations globally? Why and when do states go to war and use military force? Why do they sign international agreements and treaties, on matters from arms control to investment? In what ways do existing systems of international law and trade exacerbate or mitigate global inequities? Why has human rights emerged as a central problem in world politics? What are the prospects for international cooperation to address climate change? How have inequities and prejudices, along the lines of race and other categorical identities, shaped our world - from the practice of global security to the structures of the international political economy? These are among the pressing real-world questions that this course in Global Politics will address and that it will give you the tools to answer - though particular instructors will naturally emphasize different topics and questions. But the course will also highlight how our answers to these questions are changing along with the deep power structures of global politics - as US dominance wanes and others, most notably China, rise; as core ideas and discourses underpinning the international system, such as sovereignty, come under assault; as institutions, such as those governing international law, thicken; and as attention grows to the structuring effects of race and other ascriptive categories. Global Politics is an essential guide to our increasingly globalized world.
Class Description:

This course provides an introduction to the study of international relations. We will cover several approaches to and issues in the field, including the causes of war and peace, nuclear proliferation, trade, finance, globalization, international law, the environment, and terrorism. We will discuss several cases, such as the 2003 Iraq War and the 2008 financial crisis, throughout the semester. We will also discuss current events in international relations.

Who Should Take This Class?:
There are no prerequisites for this course. This course is meant as an introduction to international relations, and is thus suitable for any student interested in gaining an entry-level understanding and overview of this topic.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the semester, students should have gained an understanding of:
- The role of the state in international politics
- Basic theories of international relations and their application to questions of conflict and cooperation
- The challenges of international bargaining and diplomacy
- Ongoing issues in international relations
Grading:

Course grades will be based on:


One ~1000 word paper analyzing an in-class exercise (10%)

Statecraft* quizzes and memos (10%)

One in-class mid-term examination (20%)

One ~1500 word policy paper based on critical analysis of course readings, lectures, and your own research (15%)

Final examination (35%)

Participation in Statecraft (10%)


*Statecraft is an online platform that implements a simulation of international politics. Statecraft memos should be at least 300 words and must be posted before each turn starts, beginning with Turn 1. These memos should detail challenges faced and strategies recommended for your country for each turn, and also should focus on your role within the simulation (e.g., the defense minister must include a defense budget for each turn). Each student must take both Statecraft quizzes and complete memos every other week, beginning with Week 1 or Week 2. In addition, students will be evaluated by both the T.A.'s and their peers regarding their participation in Statecraft. Students are responsible for turning memos in and taking quizzes on time. Statecraft will not accept late assignments, and you will lose credit for these assignments if they are submitted late.

Exam Format:
The midterm exam is in-class and closed book.

The final examination will have an in-class component that will be administered on the last day of class and a take-home essay portion that will be distributed on following the final class session and due approximately five days later.

Class Format:
This class will meet twice weekly. Each session is 75 minutes. Class sessions will be a mix of lecture, discussion, and Statecraft.
Workload:
- Approximately 50 pages of reading assigned per session
- Statecraft will begin approximately the fourth week of class. Students should plan to spend at least 30 minutes/week (outside of class) on Statecraft, and may certainly choose to spend additional time.
- Students are expected to attend class.
- Workload for course assignments (see "Grading," above) will vary by student.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17483/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
19 March 2018

Fall 2023  |  POL 1026 Section 001: U.S. Foreign Policy (19998)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 330
Enrollment Status:
Open (55 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This means that how the United States behaves in the world is hugely important. As a result, we should all try to better understand U.S. foreign policy: why the U.S. behaves in the way it does, how the U.S. should behave, and how it has behaved in the past. These are the questions that this class tackles. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and has the United States always behaved in this way? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily powerful and secure? What role has race and racism played in key episodes of U.S. foreign policy? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from acquiring nuclear weapons? Should addressing climate change be a key priority of U.S. foreign policy and how should it be addressed?
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19998/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Politics Around the World (17474)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 5
Enrollment Status:
Open (81 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. It focuses on domestic politics within countries, as opposed to a course in international relations, which focuses on relations between countries. Some of the questions we tackle include: Why are some countries prone to violent conflict while others remain peaceful? Why do some countries grow rich while others remain poor? Why does democracy emerge in some countries, while dictators hold onto power elsewhere? How do attitudes about gender and sexuality influence politics? Do particular religions, or the strength of religious faith, strengthen or weaken democracy? The readings and assignments help you make sense of the complexity of world politics - to sift through and distill the avalanche of information available and learn how to develop your own arguments about pertinent global issues. Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and provide examples of 1) the difference between strong and weak states; 2) the distinctions between democratic and non-democratic forms of government; 3) the various ways democracies are governed; 4) arguments explaining the origin of democracy and the persistence of non-democracy; 5) the significance of different forms of political identity such as ethnicity, religion, and gender; 6) why some countries are rich while others remain poor; and 7) why some countries tax and spend more than others. Assignments seek to develop your skills at developing arguments through logic and evidence and to give you the ability to distinguish between a persuasive argument about politics and simply stating an opinion.
Class Description:
This course provides an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. We seek to understand how people establish a durable and legitimate political system, and how they seek to benefit from, transform or even overthrow that system. Over the course of the semester we will explore the following questions: 1) How and why do societies establish political order? 2) What is democracy and how is it different from dictatorship? 3) What factors cause democracy to emerge? 4) What are the different kinds of dictatorships? 5) When, where and why does ethnicity impact politics? 6) What is nationalism? 7) How does religion drive conflict in the contemporary world? 8) What is the impact of women in politics around the world? 9) What causes civil wars? 10) Why are some countries rich and some poor? 11) Why do some countries tax and spend quite a lot, while others have lower tax rates and lower levels of redistribution?
Who Should Take This Class?:
Anyone interested in global politics
Exam Format:
30% Reports/Papers
50% Written Homework
20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: There is one five-page paper, and up to 10 short assignments. A draft of the 5-page paper is required; students will receive feedback before turning in the final version.
Class Format:
60% Lecture
25% Discussion
15% Small Group Activities
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Paper(s)
10 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17474/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 March 2017

Fall 2023  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (17450)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 350
Enrollment Status:
Open (136 of 149 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
Class Description:
This course examines different models of political rule. What models of politics, throughout history, have structure those relations of rulers and ruled? How does each model for rule try to grapple with questions of inequality, power and domination, justice and equality? To answer these questions, we will range across the globe (looking at examples that bear on contemporary politics both in the US and elsewhere), and also across history.
Grading:
50% Reports/Papers
20% Journal
30% Reflection Papers
Class Format:
70% Lecture
30% Discussion
Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
4 Paper(s)
Other Workload: 2 of the papers will be 1-2 page micro-papers; the others will be 4-5 pages each
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17450/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
19 December 2018

Fall 2023  |  POL 1916 Section 001: The Politics of Trade and Money (33520)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Freshman Seminar
Enrollment Requirements:
Freshman and FRFY
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Hubert H Humphrey Center 60
Enrollment Status:
Open (16 of 19 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This seminar introduces students to the study of international political economy. After illuminating some important current issues about trade and monetary affairs, including recent efforts to restrict trade with China and China's effort to promote economic development through its Belt and Road Initiative, we study the post-World War II evolution of the global trading and monetary systems. This includes evaluating some contending theoretical perspectives about these systems. Then we analyze the politics of trade. Among the topics singled out for close study are the distributional consequences of trade, particularly, how trade produces skill and occupational cleavages within democratic countries and, in turn, these cleavages produce populism. Institutions for governing trade like the World Trade Organization also are studied. The effects of monetary flows - both of currency and capital - are examined next. Topics in this part of the class include the American Federal Reserve as a world lender of last resort, the reasons why countries adopt the U.S. dollar as their currency, the demand for and consequence of direct foreign investment, and the workings and activities of the World Bank. In the closing weeks of the class we take a closer look at trade and monetary developments in Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The recent claim that developing countries are falling into to Chinese financed "debt trap" is studied in these weeks.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Students interested in political science and economics as well as current, international events. No prerequisites.
Grading:
Combination of class participation, one or two mid term exams and a final exam, and a short paper (based on a short class presentation)
Exam Format:
Define and explain the relevance for class themes of a set of terms; one essay per mid term exam and one or two on final eam.
Class Format:
Seminar format--combination of lecture and class discussion and short class member presentations
Workload:
In addition to written work above (see grading) 40-60 pages of reading per week
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33520/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 April 2023

Fall 2023  |  POL 1921 Section 001: Dictatorship, Democracy, and Development in East Asia (33524)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Freshman Seminar
Enrollment Requirements:
Freshman and FRFY
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 215
Enrollment Status:
Open (16 of 19 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Home to the world's most advanced economies and mature democracies, but also history's biggest authoritarian party and one of the poorest totalitarian states - East Asia is a region full of contrasts despite their interconnected pasts. How do we understand the political trajectories of China, Japan, North/South Korea, and Taiwan, as they experienced significant socioeconomic transformations from the late 19th century up until the present? In this freshman seminar, we will examine the entangled relationship between modernization and political systems through a comparative lens, and ask what East Asia can teach us about the evolution and persistence of democratic and authoritarian regimes in the rest of the world.
Class Notes:
Instructor: Asst. Prof. Kevin Luo
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33524/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (17449)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Field Work
Credits:
3-13 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
15 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
Off Campus
Enrollment Status:
Open (20 of 50 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students search for and arrange an internship with an organization or office working in government or politics, and then complete academic coursework in association with their internship. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
Class Description:
This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
Learning Objectives:
To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
Grading:
Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
Exam Format:
90% Reports/Papers
10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
Class Format:
100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
Workload:
30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17449/1239
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Fall 2023  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (33390)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, East Bank
Blegen Hall 317
Enrollment Status:
Open (52 of 60 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
https://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3085+001+Fall2023
Class Description:
Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Reports/Papers
30% Written Homework
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
Exam Format:
Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Discussion
30% Laboratory
15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for the whole class period!
Workload:
60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
1 Presentation(s)
6 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33390/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
12 October 2022

Fall 2023  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (33391)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Thu 03:00PM - 03:50PM
UMTC, East Bank
Blegen Hall 130
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (26 of 30 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3085+Fall2023
Class Description:
Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Reports/Papers
30% Written Homework
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
Exam Format:
Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Discussion
30% Laboratory
15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for the whole class period!
Workload:
60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
1 Presentation(s)
6 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33391/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
12 October 2022

Fall 2023  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (33392)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Thu 04:00PM - 04:50PM
UMTC, East Bank
Blegen Hall 130
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (26 of 30 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3085+Fall2023
Class Description:
Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Reports/Papers
30% Written Homework
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
Exam Format:
Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Discussion
30% Laboratory
15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for the whole class period!
Workload:
60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
1 Presentation(s)
6 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33392/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
12 October 2022

Fall 2023  |  POL 3225 Section 001: American Political Thought (19238)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 150
Enrollment Status:
Open (53 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course provides an introduction to several key periods and some of the leading concepts and debates in American political thought. It might also focus on a broader theme such as: conceptions of destiny, mission, and exceptionalism; arguments over economic development and inequality; or debates over government and corporate power. The course will begin with Puritan religious and political thought, tracing its secularization over time. Considerable attention will be paid to the ideas behind the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, such as the social contract and the right of resistance to civil authority, civic republicanism, and the founders' new science of politics and government. The course will consider some if not all of the following: debates over slavery and emancipation, women's rights, the rise of imperialism and nationalism, race and racism, and the rise of rule by public and private bureaucratic organizations, and the consequences of these developments for the possibility of continued individual liberty, equality, and justice. This course requires considerable reading of difficult texts. The ultimate goal of this course is for students to gain a deeper understanding of American political thought as a product of the country's ever-evolving political discourse. prereq: Suggested prerequisite POL 1201
Class Description:
In this course we will examine classic texts in the history of American political thought in order to understand how Americans have theorized about and argued over their political system, and to consider how we can draw upon these texts to address contemporary American political problems. Some of the questions we will address: What political and moral obligations do citizens have to the state, and to each other? What is the basis of legitimate state authority? What is the social contract, and how have Americans used social contract theory to legitimate their governments? What is the right of resistance, and when is it acceptable for individuals or a people to resist or rebel against their government? Does the Declaration of Independence merely list the reasons for separating from Great Britain, or is it also a founding document establishing American principles of liberty and equality? How does the Constitution limit (or fail to limit) the power of the state, and protect (or fail to protect) individual and corporate rights? Is class conflict over the distribution of wealth in society a recent development or a long-standing feature of American political discourse? How have religious texts and ideas been used as a basis for political argument? How relevant to our century and our political problems are the ideas of 50, 100, 150, 200, or more years ago? What, if anything, can we still learn and use from these past ideas and theories? How might they help us, or lead us astray, in addressing our own problems today? Prominent theorists covered include Winthrop, Franklin, Paine, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, the Anti-Federalist "Brutus," Thoreau, Calhoun, Douglass, Lincoln, Sumner.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any student interested in political theory, philosophy, American history, American politics, textual interpretation and analysis, or the roles of ideas, race, gender, and religion in politics.
Learning Objectives:
To understand significant texts in history of American political thought, both in relation to their original historical context and in terms of how they still resonate with our political concerns and problems today; to understand how Americans have thought about and argued over politics from the colonial period through the present; to cultivate students' analytical reasoning.
Exam Format:
80% Reports/Papers
20% Quizzes
Class Format:
80% Lecture
20% Discussion
Workload:
150 Pages Reading Per Week
30 Pages Writing Per Term
3 Paper(s)
2 Quiz(zes)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19238/1239
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3225_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Fall 2023  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (19999)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 255
Enrollment Status:
Open (54 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course considers the nature of contemporary democracy and the role that members of the political community do, can, and should play. While approaches in teaching the class vary, students can expect to read historical and contemporary texts, see films and videos, to approach questions about the nature of democracy, justifications for democracy, and challenges faced by contemporary democracy as it relates to racial inequality, immigration, gender inequality, and ecological crises. Topics will include: the centrality of social movements for democracies; deliberative and participatory democracy; as well as questions about how members of political communities can best participate in democratic life to address structural inequalities. Students will write a longer essay that allows them to demonstrate their capacities to understand and explain complex ideas and to make a theoretically compelling argument, using appropriate supporting evidence. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
Class Description:
Democracy seems to be an intuitively simple concept to many Americans. Americans know what democracy, and the corresponding values of freedom and equality mean because they live under a democratic system of government that guarantees liberty and justice for all, and equality regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Likewise, Americans know that being a citizen means we have certain rights. (and duties?) When we delve a little deeper into what these concepts mean, however, we discover that this apparent certainty papers over a host of disagreements, divisions, and uncertainties. These complexities have bubbled up to the surface today, as they have historically, through a number of contemporary concerns espoused by the Occupy Movement, the Tea Party Movement, Black Lives Matter, anti-establishment politics, etc.

This class helps students to engage in the contemporary problems of democracy, in the United States and beyond, by grounding the conversation in the historical debates of democratic theory. Rather than suggesting any simple answers, our class will instead pose questions with which we, together, must wrestle. What is democracy? How should we understand basic concepts of democracy like freedom, equality, and solidarity? How should we respond when these concepts come into conflict? Is capitalism inherently in conflict with democracy? Working through these questions, we will tack back and forth between theoretical debates and contemporary and historical political problems, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the political stakes behind these questions, as well as a more critical perspective from which to understand the political challenges of this moment in history.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
Grading:


Workload:
approximatley 40 pages of reading per class
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19999/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
13 July 2023

Fall 2023  |  POL 3252W Section 001: Revolution, Democracy, and Empire: Modern Political Thought (32792)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Wed, Fri 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, East Bank
Carlson School of Management 1-123
Enrollment Status:
Open (32 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
From the seventeenth through the nineteenth centuries, Europe and its colonies were wracked by large scale, sweeping changes: from the violent emergence of the sovereign state, to intense religious conflict, to geographic expansions at once transformative and brutal in search of new economic markets. These changes posed extraordinary challenges to usual ways of conceiving of political order and governance. Our course this semester will read these changes through three key concepts - revolution, democracy, and empire. Class discussion will seek to understand different meanings of these concepts, their political stakes, and ways of knowing how to move between political ideals and historical examples. Students will read a range of materials - from primary historical sources, to philosophic texts, political pamphlets and treatises, and travel journals - so as to study the effects on both the European context and beyond. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
Class Description:
LE Core: Arts & Humanities
LE Theme: Civic Life & Ethics

This course considers essential themes - revolution, democracy, and empire - in the development of modern political thought between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. Students will learn about key historical moments, such as the French Revolution and the American Revolution, and the long chains of antecedent events and political thought that precipitated these world-historical transformations. Students will also learn about the ramifications of these events and how they shaped politics in the nineteenth century and beyond.
We begin with the natural law tradition, considering the intersections of liberty, equality, and authority, and the tensions between freedom and political obligation. The effect of commerce on politics, including colonization in the Americas and Asia, will be another crucial element of the course. Similarly, questions of democratic founding in the Enlightenment era, like in America (1776) or France (1789), alongside the limits of democratic politics will be particularly salient. In addition, the puzzle of the concurrent developments of democracy and imperialism will remain a key theme during the second half of the course. Finally, the course ends with a comprehensive reappraisal of the natural law and Enlightenment traditions, and a revolutionary proposal to reorganize society on more just and solidaristic grounds.

Readings range from primary texts in the history of political thought to journal and newspaper articles (40-60 pages a week). Thinkers covered in the course include Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, David Hume, John-Jacques Rousseau, John Stuart Mill, and Karl Marx. All readings will be available electronically.
Who Should Take This Class?:
No prerequisites. The class is suitable for all students. Having taken POL 1201 previously may be helpful.
Learning Objectives:
  • Identify and define ideas, solve problems of textual interpretation

  • Locate and critically evaluate information on revolution, democracy, and empire in the history of political thought

  • Analyze and interpret arguments, restate them orally and in written form

  • Compare, contrast, and connect thinkers and ideas across different historical periods

  • Communicate complex ideas both orally and in writing

  • Participate in debate and argument with peers

Grading:
Participation: 20%
Short Paper (1 page): 5%
Long Paper 1 (3 pages): 20%
Long Paper 2 (4 pages): 25% (includes first draft and redraft)
Final Essay (5 pages): 30%
Exam Format:
Writing assignments, submitted electronically.
Class Format:
50% Lecture
50% Discussion
Workload:
40-60 pages of reading per week
13-15 pages of writing overall
4 papers (this is a writing-intensive course)
Other Workload: Active participation in breakout groups and in weekly Google Doc
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32792/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
31 October 2022

Fall 2023  |  POL 3265 Section 001: Ideas and Protest in French Postwar Thought (21084)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Open (25 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
France witnessed a number of extraordinary events in the 20th century: the carnage and trauma of World Wars I and II; the Vichy regime's collaboration with German Nazis; the general strike and student protests of the 1960s; the tensions prompted by anti-colonialism and later decolonization in North Africa; and the challenges of post-colonialism and racial politics. This course will examine these events, the political and ethical challenges they raised, and the intellectuals who shaped the ensuing public debates. It will draw on historical documents, cultural media (e.g. posters, art, film), and philosophical texts to explore contemporary France in its century of politics and protest. Thinkers range from film-maker Gillo Pontecorvo, to philosopher-playwright Jean-Paul Sartre, to philosopher Michel Foucault.
Class Description:
France witnessed a number of extraordinary events in the 20th century: the carnage and trauma of World Wars I and II; the Vichy regime's shameful collaboration with German Nazis; the general strike and student protests of the 1960s; the tensions prompted by decolonization in North Africa; and the challenges of contemporary multiculturalism and identity politics from the 1990s to the 2015 Charlie Hebdo tragedy. This course will examine these events, the political and ethical challenges they raised, and the intellectuals who shaped the ensuing public debates. It will draw on historical documents, cultural media (e.g. posters, art, film), and philosophical texts to explore contemporary France in its century of politics and protest. Thinkers range from novelist Albert Camus, to philosopher-playwright Jean-Paul Sartre, to philosopher Michel Foucault.
Exam Format:
20% Midterm Exam
50% Reports/Papers
20% Special Projects
10% In-class Presentations
Class Format:
40% Lecture
10% Film/Video
50% Discussion
Workload:
75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
20 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
3 Paper(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21084/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 March 2015

Fall 2023  |  POL 3309 Section 001: U.S. Supreme Court Decision-Making, Process, and Politics (21085)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 350
Enrollment Status:
Closed (85 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to judicial politics and decision-making of the U.S. Supreme Court. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. Unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, this course does not study legal doctrine. Rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system with an emphasis on the social scientific literature about how the U.S. Supreme Court functions. Thus, we will cover nominations of justices, decision making models, and how justices interact with one another and the political world beyond the ivory tower. Recommended prerequisite: POL 1001
Class Description:
The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to the scientific study of judicial politics. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. This course, unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, does not study legal doctrine; rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system, with an emphasis on the social scientific literature on law and legal process.
Grading:
70% Midterm Exam
30% Final Exam
Exam Format:
Essay
Class Format:
80% Lecture
20% Discussion
Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
3 Exam(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21085/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
10 April 2014

Fall 2023  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (32821)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
West Bank Skyway AUDITORIUM
Enrollment Status:
Open (84 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
What role does education play in American democracy? What role should it play? Does American education, particularly public education, live up to its citizens' hopes and expectations? And, perhaps most importantly, what do we mean by a "good education"? This is a question with deep historical roots in this country, one that is the subject of current policy debates and one that cannot be separated from questions of discrimination and inequality. The over-arching theme of the course is to wrestle with what it means to be an educated citizen in the context of historical struggles to achieve that vision in the face of multiple and inter-related inequalities and competing visions about how to make the American dream a reality in the field of public education. No one political perspective will be offered or favored. No magic powder will be revealed on the last day of the course. The fact is that the underlying issues are really complicated, often seemingly intractable, and very, very political. This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It will focus on K-12 education, especially in the public system. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools, private school vouchers, and standardized testing. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of public education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for their schools. This course fulfills the
Class Description:
This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Students with an interest in American education, especially public education. Students interested in public policy.
Learning Objectives:
To develop a thorough and critical understanding of American education policy.
Grading:
2 exams, final paper
Exam Format:
short answer/essay
Class Format:
50% Lecture
25% Discussion
25% Small Group Activities
Workload:
100 pages reading per week
2 exams
5-8 page paper
Periodic in-class assignments (for credit only, not graded)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32821/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 October 2022

Fall 2023  |  POL 3323 Section 001: Political Tolerance in the United States (21198)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
West Bank Skyway AUDITORIUM
Enrollment Status:
Open (52 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Intergroup conflict continues to be one of the defining fault lines in American politics. Most obviously, the existence of racial inequality has consequences for any given individual's social and economic standing. However, it also has had an enormous impact on the pattern of attitudes and beliefs that have served as the backdrop for many of society's most pressing political debates and conflicts. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to how political scientists have studied ethno-racial attitudes and the larger problem of inter-ethnic conflict in American society.
Class Description:
Political tolerance is the willingness to extend basic rights and civil liberties to persons and groups whose viewpoints differ from one's own. In this era of political discontent, much of the roots of our discussion are premised on a understanding of opposing viewpoints. In this class we address the following questions: What is political tolerance and how important is it for the health or viability of democracy? What is the relationship between various political ideologies and tolerance? How politically tolerant are Americans, both masses and elites, what are the roots of political intolerance, and what implications does this have for democratic government and democratic theories? How do Americans compare with other countries and what does this tell us about the roots of intolerance? How does liberal democracy compare with other ideologies and what does that tell us about the importance of tolerance to a free society? In answering these questions, we will use the lens of various movements to focus our study, including but not limited to Political Ideology, Race, Gender, and Sexual Orientation.
Grading:
Traditional A - F Scale
10% Mandatory Attendance
30% Written Assignments
30% Exam 1
30% Exam 2
Exam Format:
In-person short answer tests. Not cumulative.
Class Format:
70% Lecture
30% Discusion
Workload:
50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
10 - 20 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Non-cumulative exams
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21198/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
4 April 2023

Fall 2023  |  POL 3329 Section 001: The Balance of Power: Federalism & Community in the United States (32822)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The appropriate balance of power between the national government and the states has been the subject of intense debate since the United States became an independent country in the eighteenth century, and it has never been resolved. This unresolved controversy has profound democratic and policy implications. Some of the political and social rights that are part and parcel of what it means to be a member of the American community are influenced by geography and the specific state in which an individual resides. For example, state governments make numerous decisions that define voter eligibility, an especially important form of community membership and political participation. In addition, federalism strongly affects the policymaking process. In fields as diverse as environmental protection and health care, the relationship between the national government and the states affects which policies are adopted and how they work in practice. While federalism is rarely at the forefront of the minds of the American public, it plays a central and increasingly important role in the U.S. political system. This course seeks to give students a better understanding of American federalism. By examining both the historical evolution of intergovernmental relations in the United States and contemporary policy debates, it also aims to help students develop the substantive knowledge and analytical skills they need to become critical thinkers. All of the writing assignments that students will complete in the course have been designed with this objective in mind, and the course will emphasize systematic thinking about politics, the explication of logically coherent arguments, and the use of relevant and appropriate empirical evidence to evaluate those arguments. The successful development of the critical thinking and writing skills emphasized in this course will enable students to communicate effectively in a variety of future roles, including as employees and citizens.
Class Description:
Even before the proverbial ink was dry on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in March 2010, over a dozen states filed suit against the health care reform law and challenged its constitutionality. When President Obama announced a series of immigration-related executive actions four years later, another large group of states launched a lawsuit to fight the policy change. A similar dynamic emerged after the presidency changed hands. After President Trump issued an executive order in January 2017 that restricted travel and suspended the admission of refugees from seven majority-Muslim countries, the state of Washington (later joined by Minnesota) filed suit and seventeen other states filed an amicus brief outlining the undesirable effects of the order. These legal challenges are especially dramatic manifestations of what appears to be heightened tension between the fifty states and the national government. Indeed, the contemporary period has been described as one of "uncooperative" or "fend for yourself" federalism.

Such sweeping generalizations understate the complexity of contemporary American federalism and the historical record. The appropriate balance of power between the national government and the states has been the subject of intense debate since the United States became an independent country in the eighteenth century, and it has never been resolved. This unresolved controversy has profound democratic and policy implications. Federalism was designed to encourage policy differences among the states while simultaneously establishing a national government that was powerful enough to prevent interest groups in the states from abusing the rights of their minorities. As a result, some of the political and social rights that are part and parcel of what it means to be a member of the American community are influenced by geography and the specific state in which an individual resides. For example, state governments make numerous decisions that define voter eligibility, an especially important form of community membership and political participation. In addition, federalism strongly affects the policymaking process. In fields as diverse as environmental protection and health care, the relationship between the national government and the states affects which policies are adopted and how they work in practice. While federalism is rarely at the forefront of the minds of the American public, it plays a central and increasingly important role in American politics. Some scholars even argue that it is partly responsible for the growing inequality and political polarization that characterize the contemporary United States.
Learning Objectives:
This course seeks to give students a better understanding of American federalism. By examining both the historical evolution of intergovernmental relations in the United States and contemporary policy debates, it also aims to help students develop the substantive knowledge and analytical skills they need to become critical thinkers. All the assignments that students will complete in the course have been designed with this objective in mind; they emphasize systematic thinking about politics, the explication of logically coherent arguments, and the use of relevant and appropriate empirical evidence to evaluate those arguments. The successful development of the critical thinking and writing skills emphasized in this course will enable students to communicate effectively in a variety of future roles, including as employees and citizens.
Grading:
20% In-Class Assignments
25% Take-Home Midterm Exam (1,500 words)
15% Voting Rights Opinion Column (750 words)
15% Congressional Hearing Analysis (1,000 words)
25% Final Exam
Exam Format:
The take-home midterm exam consists of one essay. Students receive three different essay prompts and choose one of them.

The final exam consists of three essays. Students receive four essay prompts and choose three of them. At least six potential essay prompts, including the four that appear on the final exam, are distributed in advance of the final exam.
Class Format:
65% Lecture
10% Discussion
25% Small Group Activities
Workload:
75-100 pages of reading per week
Two exams
Two short papers (750-1,000 words)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32822/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
17 December 2021

Fall 2023  |  POL 3451W Section 001: Politics and Society in the New Europe (20685)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Hanson Hall 1-106
Enrollment Status:
Open (51 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The devastation of Europe through two World Wars put the deadly results of ultra-nationalism on full display. To avoid such destruction again, a group of European technocrats and leaders embarked on a mission of incrementally deepening economic and later, social partnerships between an ever-expanding number of European countries. These efforts culminated in the birth of the European Union in the late 20th Century. From its inception, the Union has found obstacles in the forms of a weak institutional structure and authority, deep skepticism of a central European authority, financial crisis, ethnic anxiety, and resurgent nationalism. Yet, the continuation and strengthening of the Union is seen as the antidote to the rise of anti-democratic and authoritarian tendencies on the continent. Some of the key questions that we will engage in are: What are the ideological and historical roots of the European Union? What are the structural flaws of the Union? What are the obstacles to a stronger Union? Is the Union still or even more essential than ever? What are the ways the Union could collapse from within and from the intervention of outside forces?
Class Description:
This course examines the establishment, institutions and functions of the European Union, with an overview of the political processes in European countries and the European Union. Students will examine the history behind the EU's construction, theories of European integration, the EU's institutions and policy competencies, reoccurring problems with democratic representation in the EU, and the EU's political and economic influence over candidate countries via requirements for entry. We will exam the causes and effects of Brexit. The class will also discuss the creation of the European Monetary Union and the Euro currency, and challenges it faced during the sovereign debt crisis. Special focus will be given to the War in Ukraine throughout the semester. Finally, we will address challenges of migration, integration and the rise of nationalist parties across Europe.
Grading:
20% Midterm Exam
20% Final Exam
20% Research Paper
20% Attendance
20% Short Reflection Papers
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exams
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20685/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
4 April 2023

Fall 2023  |  POL 3462 Section 001: The Politics of Race, Class, and Ethnicity in the United States, South Africa and Cuba (21088)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (32 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Is it true that since the election of Donald Trump, the United States is more racist than ever? Is racism on the rise elsewhere in the world? Consistent with the goals of liberal education, this course helps students navigate their way through what is often seen as one of the most perplexing and intractable problems in today's world - racial and ethnic conflicts. It supplies a set of theoretical tools that can be utilized in the most diverse of settings - including, though to a lesser extent, gender. Rather than looking at these conflicts, as the media and popular knowledge often does, as centuries-old conflicts deeply set in our memory banks, a script from which none of us can escape, the course argues that inequalities in power and authority - in other words, class - go a long way in explaining racial and ethnic dynamics. To support this argument, the course examines the so-called "black-white" conflict in three settings, the U.S., South Africa, and Cuba. While all three share certain similarities, their differences provide the most explanatory power. Most instructive is the Cuba versus U.S. and South Africa comparison. Specifically, what are the consequences for race relations when a society, Cuba, attempts to eliminate class inequalities? The course hopes to show that while we all carry with us the legacy of the past, we are not necessarily its prisoners.
Class Description:
Is it true that since the election of Donald Trump the United States is more racist than ever? Is racism on the rise elsewhere in the world? Consistent with the goals of liberal education, this course helps students navigate their way through what is often seen as one of the most perplexing and intractable problems in today's world, racial and ethnic conflicts. It supplies a set of theoretical tools that can be utilized in the most diverse of settings, including, race, class, ethnicity, and to a lesser extent, gender. Rather than looking at these conflicts, as the media and popular knowledge often does, as centuries-old conflicts deeply set in our memory banks, a script from which none of us can escape, the course argues that inequalities in power and authority, in other words, class, go a long way in explaining racial and ethnic dynamics. To support this argument, the course examines the so-called "black-white" conflict in three settings, the U.S., South Africa, and Cuba. While all three share certain similarities, their differences provide the most explanatory power. Most instructive is the Cuba versus U.S. and South Africa comparison. Specifically, what are the consequences for race relations when a society, Cuba, attempts to eliminate class inequalities? The course hopes to show that while we all carry with us the legacy of the past, we are not necessarily its prisoners.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21088/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 March 2020

Fall 2023  |  POL 3464 Section 001: The Politics of Economic Inequality (32823)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 230
Enrollment Status:
Open (80 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Distributional issues are at the core of the study of politics. This is because while democracy is premised on formal political equality, if wealth and property can shape political power then equal rights do not mean equal influence. This class meets the UMN "Race, Power, and Justice in the US" Liberal Education theme by engaging the question of the tension between democracy and economic inequality. What policies increase or decrease inequality? What are the political consequences of rising inequality - in general and particularly for ethnic and racial minorities? The course focuses on the USA but puts American politics in global perspective. To do so, the course explores how dominant socio-economic groups in the US have historically shaped political institutions and attitudes to generate, perpetuate, and defend inequality. We will also explore the extent to which and why white and non-white citizens have bought into the concept of the "American Dream," undermining efforts to redress social injustice.
Class Description:
Distributional issues are at the core of the study of politics. This is because while democracy is premised on formal political equality, if wealth and property can shape political power then equal rights do not mean equal influence. This class meets the UMN "Race, Power and Justice in the US" Liberal Education theme by engaging the question of the tension between democracy and economic inequality. What policies increase or decrease inequality? What are the political consequences of rising inequality - in general and particularly for ethnic and racial minorities? The course focuses on the USA but puts American politics in global perspective. To do so, the course explores how dominant socio-economic groups in the US have historically shaped political institutions and attitudes to generate, perpetuate, and defend inequality. We will also explore the extent to which and why white and non-white citizens have bought into the concept
of the "American Dream," undermining efforts to redress social injustice.

Readings are drawn from across the social sciences, and are chosen to highlight the key questions at stake in the study of the tension between inequality and democracy.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Anyone interested in learning how scholars measure inequality and try to understand its political origins and consequences
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and contribute to debates about
1) the tension between democracy and property
2) how social scientists measure inequality
3) why some Americans prioritize liberty over equality and others the reverse
4) the origins and evolution of inequality
5) the different ways countries respond to inequality through taxation and social-welfare spending
6) how structural inequalities of race, ethnicity and gender intersect with growing income and wealth gaps
7) how personal work and family experience shape perceptions of inequality
8) the consequences of inequality for political representation
9) how individuals can take action to support policy remedies for inequality.
Grading:
Grades will be based on 10 short assignments (2 pp each), participation in a group project/class debate, and in-class oral and online written participation
Exam Format:
There is no midterm or final in this class
Class Format:
Lecture, group discussion and activities
Workload:
Reading will *average* about 100 pages per week. Students will also frequently engage with videos and interactive websites
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32823/1239
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/dsamuels_POL3464_Spring2020.pdf (Spring 2020)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
10 December 2021

Fall 2023  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (32824)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Hanson Hall 1-111
Enrollment Status:
Open (19 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular, those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in other parts have not? We will explore inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course also examines what we mean by "development" and exposes students to cutting-edge debates in contemporary development studies. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality.
Class Description:
The world today is characterized by vast disparities of wealth between countries. In this course, students will learn about contending explanations for the historical roots of these global inequalities, as well as about why some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular those of East Asia, have experienced stunning economic growth, while those in others parts of the world have not. 3 credits.
Grading:
20% Midterm Exam
20% Final Exam
40% Reports/Papers
20% Class Participation
Exam Format:
The exams will be a combination of essay, multiple choice, and short answer questions. They will focus on topics not covered in the short papers, so collectively the exams and the essays function as four midterms. The final exam is not cumulative.
Class Format:
45% Lecture
15% Film/Video
20% Discussion
20% Small Group Activities
Workload:
80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
2 Exam(s)
2 4-5 page essays
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32824/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
17 April 2023

Fall 2023  |  POL 3478W Section 001: Contemporary Politics in Africa and the Colonial Legacy (20555)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Meets With:
AFRO 4478W Section 001
POL 4478W Section 001
AFRO 3478W Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Open (17 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
At the core, this class is about the interaction between the assertion of and challenge to political authority in Africa. Who should have the right to make decisions that structure people's lives? To what extent is "might" an important source of political authority? How, in turn, do people respond to these different means of establishing political authority? Using these questions as a springboard, this class will examine some broader themes relating to colonialism, state building, conflict, and development in Africa. Politics in Africa, just as in any other place in the world, is complex and for that reason, the objective of the class is not to give you answers, but to have you think critically about the issues we cover. Towards this end, this class will draw on different sources ranging from novels to manifestos so as to illustrate both the mundane and extraordinary events that have helped shape the political landscape of the continent.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20555/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 3489W Section 001: Citizens, Consumers, and Corporations (21593)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, East Bank
Hanson Hall 1-111
Enrollment Status:
Open (20 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Corporations are the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a wide variety of goods, and have massive effects on the communities where they do business. Although considered to be "legal persons," corporations are not living beings with a conscience. Milton Friedman famously proclaimed that the only moral obligation of corporations is the maximize shareholder returns. Yet maximizing financial returns may negatively affect humans, other living beings, and the planet. This potential conflict between profit and ethics is at the heart of this course, which focuses on how people have mobilized as citizens and consumers to demand ethical behavior from corporations. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of corporate social responsibility for sweatshops, the industrial food system in the United States, and the privatization of life, water, and war. The course also considers how corporations exploit racial hierarchies and immigration status in their pursuit of profit.
Class Description:

Corporations are perhaps the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a wide variety of goods, and have massive effects on the ecological and social environments in which they do business. Although considered to be "legal persons," corporations are not living beings with a conscience. Milton Friedman is famously known for his view that the only moral obligation of corporations is to maximize shareholder returns. Yet maximizing financial returns may result in behavior that negatively affects humanity, other living beings, and the planet. This potential conflict between profit and ethics is at the heart of this course.


We will think carefully about what it means for corporations to behave ethically. Doing so necessarily means that we will also think about our own values and the extent to which markets and politics should be employed to change corporate behavior. Are sweatshops immoral? Do corporations have ethical obligations to their employees and to the communities in which they do business? How do corporations exploit racial hierarchies and immigration status in their pursuit of profit? Should there be limits to what corporations can own or to the services that they supply? How do we balance costly labor and environmental regulations with our economic dependence on corporations? Does imposing our moral values on corporations risk killing the goose that lays the golden egg?


This course focuses on two ways that people have mobilized to demand ethical behavior from corporations - as citizens and as consumers. When people mobilize as citizens, we put pressure on corporations through the political system - e.g., through protests, lobbying, and pursuing claims through the courts. When people act as consumers, we use the power of our purchasing decisions to encourage corporations to change their behavior. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of the following topics: corporate social responsibility (with special attention to sweatshops); the industrial food system in the United States; and the privatization of life, water, and war.
Grading:
25% Final Exam
50% Reports/Papers
25% Class Participation
Exam Format:
The final exam will be an essay exam.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Film/Video
30% Discussion
15% Small Group Activities
Workload:
80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
1 Final Exam (essay format)
2 short papers (about 9 pages total)
2 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21593/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
17 April 2023

Fall 2023  |  POL 3701 Section 001: Indigenous Tribal Governments and Politics (33588)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
Instructor Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Meets With:
AMIN 3501 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Mon 02:00PM - 04:30PM
UMTC, East Bank
Blegen Hall 260
Enrollment Status:
Open (2 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
History, development, structure, politics of American Indian Governments. North American indigenous societies from pre-colonial times to present. Evolution of aboriginal governments confronted/affected by colonizing forces of European/Euro-American states. Bearing of dual citizenship on nature/powers of tribal governments in relation to states and federal government.
Class Notes:
Please email Professor Yazzie for a permission number for the course: yazzi014@umn.edu
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33588/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 3733 Section 001: From Suffragettes to Senators: Gender, Politics & Policy in the U.S. (21089)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 350
Enrollment Status:
Open (65 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Overview to field of gender/politics. Examine role women play in U.S. policy process. How public policies are "gendered." How policies compare to feminist thinking about related issue area. Theories of role(s) gender plays in various aspects of politics.
Class Description:
This in-person lecture course examines gender dynamics in several domains of the American political system, including the mass public, electoral politics, legislative politics, and the policymaking process. We explore the interaction of gender and race and challenges and opportunities for women of color. Throughout the course, we focus on gender differences that affect various aspects of the political process. We begin by analyzing differences in the ways that women and men conceptualize politics. We study gender stereotypes among the public and their influence on attitudes toward women in politics and vote choice. We ask why women are underrepresented in public office. We examine gender dynamics in electoral politics, asking what barriers women may face when running for office. We consider whether women and men advocate different policy agendas and issue positions when serving in office. We consider the representational implications of the gender differences we uncover, including substantive policy differences and non-policy benefits that are conferred to citizens when women serve in office. We analyze the institutional features of the American political process, asking how institutions and organized interests may help and hinder women pursuing power and policy.
Grading:

20% Class participation

40% 2 midterm exams (20% each)

15% 1 short paper (15%)

25% Research paper and presentation
Class Format:
online only, synchronous.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21089/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
6 September 2022

Fall 2023  |  POL 3786 Section 001: Media and Politics (20329)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Meets With:
JOUR 3786 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Murphy Hall 130
Enrollment Status:
Closed (45 of 45 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Do facts matter anymore? Is press freedom under threat? Are audiences trapped in filter bubbles? Why do people hate the media, and how can the news be improved to better serve citizens? Explore the historical and contemporary dynamics that shape the relationship between professionals in the media, the mass public, and political actors across different parts of government. Study major forms of mass media, including television and newspapers, alongside new forms such as digital and social media. Look at specific reporting rituals and practices, as well as issues involving media ownership, regulation, ethics, and press freedom. We will study politicians? efforts to craft messages, advertise strategically, and target select audiences for political gain. The course will focus primarily, but not exclusively, on the United States, and you will be asked to engage with current events and the role of communication technologies in political and civic life.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20329/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (17448)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 330
Enrollment Status:
Open (83 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
Class Description:
Why does war occur? What role do international institutions and international law play in international politics? Do ideas and culture matter in a world dominated by power politics? This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of theoretical approaches for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. Specific topics will include: the causes and consequences of war; the role of law and institutions; human rights and humanitarian intervention; transnational activism and environmental politics; the regulation of arms and conflict; globalization and political economy; and the role of ideas, norms, and culture. By the end of the course, students will gain a better understanding of why and how events happen in global politics, and will be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical cases in global politics.
Who Should Take This Class?:
There are no formal prerequisites for the course, but students who have taken a previous introductory course on international politics (for example, POL 1025: Global Politics or POL 1026: U.S. Foreign Policy) are likely to get more out of the course. If you do not have any background of this sort, it would be advisable to speak with the TA or instructor before committing to take the course.
Learning Objectives:
Students who complete this course will gain a better understanding of why and how things happen in international relations. They will be able to critically analyze scholarly and popular articles, and by the end of the term should be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical events in international relations. They should be able to apply analytical frameworks and tools to understand the political world.
Grading:
TBC
Exam Format:
TBC
Class Format:
A mix of lecture, discussion, and in-class activities.
Workload:
TBC
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17448/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
14 April 2023

Fall 2023  |  POL 3879 Section 001: Critical Humanitarianism: Policy and Politics (32825)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Mon, Wed 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (36 of 40 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Over the last two centuries the international community established a set of humanitarian norms, principles, and institutions designed to alleviate the suffering and improve the welfare of vulnerable populations. Humanitarianism - the efforts undertaken to relieve suffering for those displaced by war, human rights violations, climate change, and other disasters - has undergone significant development and transformation, with the expansion and institutionalization of humanitarian action now accepted as a normal part of global politics. Humanitarian organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross or Doctors without Borders, are expected to be on the ground in situations of violence and disaster, with humanitarians leading the emergency responses. Their successes and failures inform not only our sense of what humanitarianism is, or what humanitarians do, but the life and death of those individuals whom they are sent to assist. Thus, this course engages the questions of what does it mean to claim humanitarianism, to do humanitarian work, and to be a humanitarian? We will take a historical approach to the rise of humanitarianism and trace its subjects and actors from the early 19th century to today, as one way of gaining purchase on these questions and to chart the practical, political, and ethical issues intrinsic to the promotion and legitimacy of humanitarianism. Students in this course will develop a better understanding of the current themes and debates in the field of humanitarianism, including the decolonization of aid and aid organizations, the relationship of humanitarian aid and military might, the professionalization of humanitarianism and the attendant issues of accountability to vulnerable populations. This course will also analyze the successes and failures of humanitarianism through both historical and contemporary examples.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32825/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 3994 Section 001: Directed Research: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program (19577)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (9 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students accepted into the Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, students will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers. Students are chosen through a highly competitive online application the semester prior to registration. Students should check with Political Science advising for details about the application process. This course is only open to Political Science majors.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19577/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 4255 Section 001: Comparative Real Time Political Analysis: Marxist versus Liberal Perspectives (20284)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Open (22 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Karl Marx and Frederick Engels had better democratic credentials than Alexis de Tocqueville and John Stuart Mill. Vladimir Lenin, too, had better democratic credentials than Max Weber and Woodrow Wilson. That's the provocative argument of this course. Performing what it calls "comparative real-time political analysis," it presents convincing evidence to sustain both claims. When the two sets of protagonists are compared and contrasted in how they read and responded to big political events in motion, in real-time, the Marxists, it contends, proved to be better democrats than the Liberals. Real-time analysis argues that responding to and making decisions about events in motion is the real test of political perspective and theory; on Monday morning, we can all look smart. The writings and actions of all seven protagonists are the primary course materials - reading them in their own words. The European Spring of 1848, the United States Civil War, the 1905 Russian Revolution and, the 1917 Russian Revolution and end of World War I, all consequential in the democratic quest, are the main scenarios the course employs to test its claims. The findings, course participants will learn, challenge assumed political wisdom like never before. Employing the lessons of the comparisons to trying to make sense of current politics - given the unprecedented moment in which we find ourselves - is the other goal of the course.
Class Description:
Karl Marx and Frederick Engels had better democratic credentials than Alexis de Tocqueville and John Stuart Mill. Vladimir Lenin, too, had better democratic credentials than Max Weber and Woodrow Wilson. That's the provocative argument of this course. Performing what it calls "comparative real-time political analysis," it presents convincing evidence to sustain both claims. When the two sets of protagonists are compared and contrasted in how they read and responded to big political events in motion, in real-time, the Marxists, it contends, proved to be better democrats than the Liberals. Real-time analysis argues that responding to and making decisions about events in motion is the real test of political perspective and theory; on Monday morning, we can all look smart. The writings and actions of all seven protagonists are the primary course materials, reading them in their own words. The European Spring of 1848, the United States Civil War, the 1905 Russian Revolution and, the 1917 Russian Revolution and end of World War I, all consequential in the democratic quest, are the main scenarios the course employs to test its claims. The findings, course participants will learn, challenge assumed political wisdom like never before. Employing the lessons of the comparisons to trying to make sense of current politics, given the unprecedented moment in which we find ourselves, is the other goal of the course.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20284/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
25 March 2021

Fall 2023  |  POL 4474W Section 001: Russian Politics: From Soviet Empire to Post-Soviet State (32826)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (40 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Twenty five years ago, Russia appeared to be democratizing and was even on friendly relations with the US and NATO. Now Vladimir Putin runs the state with the FSB (KGB), and US-Russian relations are at their worst point since the 1970s. This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics. It begins with the Russian Revolution of 1917, and continues with a study of the creation of the USSR and Soviet rule under Lenin, Stalin, and later decades. We look in depth at the economic and political system set up by the Communist Party, and at the causes of its collapse in 1991, which has had profound legacies for the post-Soviet development of Russia. Then in the second half of the course we turn to themes of political, economic, social and civic development under Yeltsin and Putin. We will pose the following questions: Why does democratization begin and why does it fail? How is economic reform undermined? What type of state and regime is Russia now? What caused the Chechen wars and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus during this period? Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Are US-Russian relations improving as a result of Obama's "Reset," or are we now in an era of a new Cold War? What is Russia's goal in Syria, Iran, or Central Asia? Is Putin rebuilding Russia, or driving it to disaster, and how will this impact the West?
Class Description:
Thirty years ago, Russia appeared to be democratizing and was even on friendly relations with the US and NATO. Now Vladimir Putin runs the state with the FSB (ex-KGB), and US-Russian relations are at their worst point since the 1970s. This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics. It begins with an overview of Communism, Stalin's use of the KGB, and mass repression, and key moments in the USSR's Cold War foreign policy, which have a legacy for today. We study the Communist economic and political system, and why it collapsed in 1991. We examine Russian foreign policy under Putin: Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Did US-Russian relations improve under Yeltsin, or as a result of Obama's "Reset"? Are we now in a new Cold War? Why and how is Russia attempting to destabilize Western elections? What will be the consequence of US elections in 2020 for US-Russian relations?
What is Russia's goal in Ukraine, Belarus, Syria, and Central Asia? Is it recreating the USSR? We study Russia's failed democratization and how corruption has undermined economic reform. We study the Russian military and the Chechen wars, and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus, leading to Islamist radicalization and fighters joining ISIS. Finally, we ask whether Putin is successfully rebuilding Russia, or driving it to disaster.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Students in any college with an interest in Russia!; Students interested in US policy debates
Grading:
This is a writing class (W). Grading is primarily based on papers (a research paper and several short papers).
Exam Format:
no in class exams
Class Format:
lecture with discussion, especially debates about foreign policy issues related to Russia and the USSR.
Workload:
approximately 75-100 pages of reading a week; approximately 20 pages of writing (W class); no exams; take-home papers in place of exams
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32826/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 November 2020

Fall 2023  |  POL 4501W Section 001: The Supreme Court and Constitutional Interpretation (21094)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 135
Enrollment Status:
Open (32 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of Articles I, II, and III. This means that we will discuss how the nation's Court of last resort has helped shape the powers of and constraints on the three branches of our federal government. We will also discuss and analyze the development of law surrounding the separation of powers, the structure of federalism, congressional power over the commerce clause, and the creation and demise of the concept of substantive due process. Successful completion of this course will satisfy the liberal education requirement of Civic Life and Ethics. Effective citizenship in the 21st century requires an understanding of our how government was created, is structured, and has been interpreted by the Supreme Court over the past two centuries. This course is premised on the notion that such an understanding is best achieved by reading the primary sources that led to these goals - the opinions handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Class Description:
This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of Articles I, II, and III.
Grading:
33% Midterm Exam
33% Final Exam
33% Reports/Papers
Exam Format:
Exams will be a combination of short answer/multiple choice and essays.
Class Format:
50% Lecture
50% Discussion
Workload:
75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
50 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exam(s)
25 Paper(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21094/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
5 April 2016

Fall 2023  |  POL 4771 Section 001: Race and Politics in America: Making Sense of Racial Attitudes in the United States (32829)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 140
Enrollment Status:
Open (27 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Race continues to be one of the defining fault lines in American politics. Most obviously, the existence of racial inequality has enormous consequences for any given individual's social and economic standing. However, it also has had an enormous impact on the pattern of attitudes and beliefs which have served as the backdrop for many of society's most pressing political debates and conflicts. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to how political scientists have studied racial attitudes and the larger problem of inter-ethnic conflict in American society. We will begin with a look at the historical circumstances which have given rise to the major research questions in the area. From there, we'll look at the major research perspectives in the area, and see how well they actually explain public opinion on matters of race. In doing so, we'll also get a look at some of the major controversies in this area of study, particularly the issues of whether the "old-fashioned racism" of the pre-civil-rights era has been replaced by new forms of racism; and the degree to which debates over policy matters with no apparent link to race - such as crime and social welfare - may actually have a lot to do with racial attitudes. Finally, we will conclude by taking an informed look at racial attitudes in recent American history, focusing on how racial attitudes and their political consequences of have changed - and not changed - over the course of the Obama presidency and the tumultuous 2016 election.
Class Description:
Race continues to be one of the defining fault lines in American politics. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to how political scientists have studied racial attitudes and the larger problem of inter-ethnic conflict in American society. We will begin with a look at the historical circumstances which have given rise to the major research questions in the area. From there, we'll look at the major research perspectives in the area, and see how well they actually explain public opinion on matters of race. In doing so, we’ll also get a look at some of the major controversies in this area of study, particularly whether the
“old-fashioned racism” of the pre-civil-rights era has been replaced by new forms of racism and the degree to which debates over policy matters with no apparent link to race—such as crime and social welfare—may actually have a lot to do with racial attitudes. Finally, we will conclude by taking a look at the question of whether the election of America’s first African-American president has ushered in a “post-racial” era.
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
35% Final Exam
25% Reports/Papers
10% Class Participation
Exam Format:
There will be one midterm and a final exam; the midterm is worth 30%, whereas the final is worth 40%. Both exams consist of short answers and one essay question. In addition, students will complete a 5-10 page paper, worth 30% of their course grade.
Class Format:
75% lecture, 25% class discussion and small-group activities.
Workload:
100-150 pages of reading per week, plus one 5-10 page term paper
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32829/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
29 April 2015

Fall 2023  |  POL 4773W Section 001: Advocacy Organizations, Social Movements, and the Politics of Identity (33526)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (20 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course introduces students to the major theoretical concepts and empirical findings in the study of U.S interest group politics. Students will read books and articles from a wide range of topics that include how interest groups are formed and maintained; various strategies and tactics that groups use to influence Congress, the courts, and executive branch; and whether those strategies result in fair and effective representation for all citizens in society. Throughout the semester students will be exposed to research using a variety of methodologies and intellectual approaches. Further, the class discussions will emphasize general concepts that reoccur in the readings and in other classes. The goal is to assist students in mastering the key concepts in group politics. This is also a writing intensive course. Effective writing is encouraged through several writing assignments that require you to think clearly and express your thoughts concisely.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33526/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 4845 Section 001: The Laws of War in International Politics (32830)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 130
Enrollment Status:
Open (54 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Is it possible to wage war and to maintain morality? Do the laws of war maintain morality, or do they justify vigorous wars? Do the laws of war even matter? If so, how do they matter? If not, why do they not? These are some of the broader questions that will guide our collaborative exploration and discussion of the laws of war and, importantly, our assessment of the applicability of the laws of war to contemporary topics. We will trace the codification of the laws of war in the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols. We will look at their application in practice through the US led war on terror and specific questions such as protection of humanitarian actors, prisoner exchange, destruction of cities in war, protection of medical personnel, and other topics.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32830/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 4885W Section 011: International Conflict and Security (21095)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (23 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? How can states cope with the threat posed by would-be terrorists? What is counterinsurgency doctrine? What is the future of military force in global politics? This course addresses these questions - and others. The course is organized loosely into three sections or themes. The first section explores the causes and consequences of interstate war and peace. We will examine whether and how the international system, domestic institutions and politics, ideas and culture, ethnic and racial prejudice and inequity, and human psychology shape the path to war. Along the way, we debate whether war has become obsolete and why great power rivalry might be raising its ugly head once again. Attention is also devoted to the impact of war on economy and politics as well as the relations between armed forces and civilian government. The second section of the class explores the possibilities, limits, and challenges of more limited uses of force - such as the threat of force (coercion), peacekeeping and humanitarian intervention, and terrorism and counterterrorism. A third theme explores the strategic and ethical implications of the use of force and especially of innovation in military technologies - nuclear weapons, cyber, drones. Across all three sections, we examine how war and society mutually affect each other, including how racial, ethnic, and other categorical identities affect critical dynamics in security, from threat perception to military mobilization. The course is organized around theoretical arguments, historical cases and data, and policy debates. Sessions are deeply interactive, engaged discussion is a must, and the class often divides into smaller groups for more intensive debate. Class t
Class Description:
With the end of the Cold War, many foresaw the birth of a new world order. Military strategy, strategic bombing and coercive diplomacy, deterrence and compellence, signaling and the escalatory ladder--these concepts, staples of Cold War thinking, were believed to be outmoded and to have little relevance to the emerging world. The events of the past two decades have shown how wrong this conclusion was. Military force is as pertinent to international politics as ever. Unable to reap the peace dividend that was expected to accompany the end of the Cold War, the United States has since 1989 repeatedly deployed its military forces across the globe--from Kuwait to Somalia to Bosnia and Kosovo to Afghanistan and Iraq. These operations have sometimes ended in apparent success, other times in failure. This course explores central issues regarding the use of military force in international politics. Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? Under what conditions is the use of force ethical, and when does it exceed those bounds? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? What is the future of military force in global politics? Through theoretical readings, concrete historical cases, and contemporary policy debates, this course examines these questions and others.
Exam Format:
No exam. Occasional online quizzes. Final research paper, completed in multiple stages. Weekly reading questions.
Class Format:
75% Lecture
25% Discussion
Workload:
~75 pages of reading per week; 15-20 pages of writing per term
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21095/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
26 February 2020

Fall 2023  |  POL 4991 Section 001: Political Science Capstone (20238)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science senior
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 330
Enrollment Status:
Open (44 of 90 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
Instructor: Asst. Prof. Kevin Luo
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20238/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 4991 Section 002: Political Science Capstone (20556)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 425
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (22 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
Instructor: Asst. Prof. Kevin Luo
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20556/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 4991 Section 003: Political Science Capstone (20557)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 110
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (22 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20557/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 4993 Section 001: Honors Thesis: Directed Studies (18191)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Instructor Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol 3108H, political science major, honors
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (16 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18191/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 4994 Section 001: Directed Research: Individual (17882)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (2 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17882/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (20407)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 15 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20407/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (19366)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Fri 11:00AM - 12:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1450
Enrollment Status:
Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
Class Notes:
Power, Equity, & Diversity (PED) Core
Class Description:

This course considers approaches to the study of power, equity, and diversity (PED) in American higher education across the social sciences and humanities. It is the Core course of the PED concentration offered by the Department of Political Science.The PED concentration emerged as a counter-weight to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that divorced the pursuit of equity and diversity from critiques of power. On account of this separation, institutions of higher education could appear equitable and diverse without making meaningful changes to enduring hierarchies, the kind of changes required for actual equity and diversity. The PED concentration abandons aspirations for mere inclusion and instead takes recent interest in and support for DEI as an opportunity to advance scholarly agendas that center power. The concentration replaces efforts to superficially administer DEI with intellectual inquiry and cutting-edge research about PED. At root, this course asks, how are the social sciences and humanities disciplines constituted? Who gets to conduct research? What historical struggles have been waged to open these fields to marginalized groups? How has the opening changed the substance of research agendas? And finally, what role have the American social sciences and humanities played in the world at large?


To focus and enrich our investigation, the course pairs a wide-ranging inventory of interdisciplinary approaches to power, equity, and diversity (PED) with a critique of Political Science, the discipline nominally charged with the study of power in the American academy. In the United States, the field of Political Science most conventionally understands power as the capacity of the state or individuals to shift outcomes in their favor. How do other disciplines in this country and/or formations of the discipline in other locales approach the study of power? How must we reconceptualize power - its agents, dynamics, and effects - when we foreground questions of equity and diversity? How, if at all, does a PED framework challenge Political Science as a discipline, i.e., as a provincial formation in the service of empire? And how does it challenge received understandings of power beyond Political Science? What new modes of inquiry are compelled by a cross-disciplinary engagement and/or by an emphasis on equity and diversity? Any attempt to study the intersection of power, equity, and diversity worth its salt must also address questions about knowledge production in the study of politics. Here, again, American higher education reveals a peculiar arrangement. The study of politics nominally falls to the discipline of Political Science, the title of which designates expertise in the service of broader scientific knowledge. Political Science turns the noun "politics" into an adjective ("political") in order to describe a particular type of "science." Meanwhile, every other discipline in the social sciences and humanities features significant studies of politics conducted from their own respective methodological orientations - at times incorporating politics as a case study, at others pursuing approaches that Political Science renders silent. How did this arrangement come to be? What does it make possible and what does it foreclose?

Who Should Take This Class?:
This course is intended for graduate students both inside and outside the Department of Political Science.

Interested students from outside of Political Science are encouraged to contact the instructor for permission to enroll.
Grading:
70% of the final grade is assessed by attendance and active participation in weekly seminars.
30% of the final grade is assessed by a 5 page research proposal due at the end of the semester.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19366/1239
Syllabus:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/davar008_POL8060_Fall2023.pdf
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
13 July 2023

Fall 2023  |  POL 8106 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science I (34358)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Laboratory
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 11/15/2023
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1450
 
11/16/2023
Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
 
11/17/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1450
Enrollment Status:
Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course provides a thorough grounding in the quantitative analysis of political science data. The emphasis is on how to analyze such data, interpret statistical results, and summarize and report the findings. By the end of the term you will (1) know how to describe variables; (2) test hypotheses; (3) use measures of association to quantify the relationship between two variables while holding a third variable constant; (4) understand bivariate regression and the basics of multiple regression; (5) understand reliability and validity and how to assess these properties empirically; and (6) know how to use the STATA statistical software program. prereq: political science grad major or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34358/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 8108 Section 001: Maximum Likelihood Estimation (32872)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Wed 05:45PM - 07:40PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course presents an overview of the likelihood theory of statistical inference, and its wide range of uses in applied quantitative political science. When dependent variables take the form of ordered or unordered categories, event counts, or otherwise violate the traditional assumptions of the linear regression model, models estimated by maximum likelihood provide an essential alternative. Topics covered include binary, multinomial, and ordered logit/probit, Poisson regression, and multilevel models. We will rely heavily on computational methods of analysis using the R statistical computing environment, and instruction on how to use R for applied research will be provided throughout the length of the course.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32872/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 8120 Section 001: Core Course in Political Methodology: Modeling Political Processes (32873)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major or Pol Psy minor
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Closed (10 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Methods used and potential for creating models of political processes. Designing political institutions, discerning/forecasting election outcomes, producing early warnings of international conflicts, increasing turnout in elections. Using mathematics to study political strategy and collective decision making in committees/legislatures. Using statistics to measure political variables, design experiments with human subjects, and test micro/macro political theories. prereq: Pol sci grad major or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32873/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 8252 Section 001: Early Modern Political Thought (32887)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Thu 03:35PM - 05:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Theorists and texts from Renaissance to French Revolution. Selectively includes Machiavelli, More, Calvin, Luther, Grotius, Bodin, Hobbes, Winstanley, Harrington, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Hume, Smith, Burke, and Wollstonecraft; key debates over liberty, law, power, and knowledge. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32887/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 8307 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology I (21101)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Grading Basis:
S-N or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major or Pol Psy minor
Meets With:
PSY 8211 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, East Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Closed (6 of 5 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21101/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 8312 Section 001: Legislative Process (32896)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Introduction to study of legislative politics; theories of legislative institutions and individual behavior; congressional elections; congressional committees, parties, and leaders. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32896/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 8401 Section 001: International Relations (32897)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science grad student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Thu 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (9 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Basic theories/approaches to study of international politics. Surveys representative work/central issues of scholarship. prereq: Grad pol sci major or dept consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32897/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 8403 Section 001: International Norms and Institutions (32899)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Mon 12:00PM - 01:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Open (9 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Origins, roles, and effectiveness of international norms and institutions; theoretical explanations and debates. Institution of sovereignty; rational choice versus constructivist perspectives; role of international law, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations; and international society and transnational cultural norms. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Who Should Take This Class?:
This class is primarily meant for PhD students in Political Science, particularly those for whom International Relations is a first or second field.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32899/1239
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
19 March 2018

Fall 2023  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (18014)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1 Credit
Repeat Credit Limit:
10 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Advanced Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (18 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18014/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 8621 Section 001: Comparative and Case Study Methods (32901)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option No Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course will provide students with a basic introduction to methodological debates surrounding comparative and case study methods in political science. Although the course is designed primarily with an eye to the needs of students in comparative politics, this course will also be useful to students in other subfields who wish to learn more about comparative and/or case study methods. This course is primarily for students in their 2nd year and beyond in the Political Science PhD program.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32901/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Comparative Political Economy of Development (32948)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
9 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
Tue 05:45PM - 07:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32948/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (17941)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-24 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
100 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science PhD, Doct or ETCR
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (27 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17941/1239

Fall 2023  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (17526)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-7 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
7 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/05/2023 - 12/13/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (1 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17526/1239

Summer 2023  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (82028)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Field Work
Credits:
3-13 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
15 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
Pre-Covid
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/05/2023 - 07/28/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
Off Campus
Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
Enrollment Status:
Open (11 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students search for and arrange an internship with an organization or office working in government or politics, and then complete academic coursework in association with their internship. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Summer2023
Class Description:
This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
Learning Objectives:
To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
Grading:
Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
Exam Format:
90% Reports/Papers
10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
Class Format:
100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
Workload:
30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82028/1235
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Summer 2023  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (87056)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/05/2023 - 07/28/2023
Tue, Thu 09:00AM - 12:00PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (15 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
This course will be offered online, with class sessions meeting synchronously.
Class Description:
Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Reports/Papers
30% Written Homework
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
Exam Format:
Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Discussion
30% Laboratory
15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
Workload:
60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
1 Presentation(s)
6 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87056/1235
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
21 March 2013

Summer 2023  |  POL 3311 Section 001: Law and Justice: The View From Hollywood (82462)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
May Session
 
05/15/2023 - 06/02/2023
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 08:00AM - 11:10AM
UMTC, West Bank
Carlson School of Management 1-132
Enrollment Status:
Open (19 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Politics and the law have played major thematic roles in American films. This course analyzes eight films that focus on justice, the law, and the legal system, to see what they tell us about political and legal culture, and what messages (if any) they have for contemporary politics. To that end, we will read about, watch, talk about, and write about films. Mostly we will be focusing on questions about the relationship between law and justice, the practice of law, and the role of courts and trials in a political system; however, many other issues will arise in the course of these discussions - race/class/gender and the law, legal ethics, legal education, the adversarial system, the relationship between law and popular culture, among others. You should expect to develop a more in-depth understanding of these issues as well as a better appreciation of the cultural and political significance of the way that law, lawyers, and judges are depicted in the movies.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL3311+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82462/1235

Summer 2023  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (82302)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/05/2023 - 07/28/2023
Tue, Thu 05:30PM - 08:00PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (14 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular, those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in other parts have not? We will explore inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course also examines what we mean by "development" and exposes students to cutting-edge debates in contemporary development studies. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality.
Class Notes:
This course will be offered online, with class sessions meeting synchronously.
Class Description:

While some countries have achieved unimaginable levels of wealth and well-being, many others continue to struggle with astonishingly high poverty rates and stagnant growth levels. In this course, we will explore these disparities, focusing on the political aspects of development. We will investigate the different "meanings" of development and grapple with the factors fostering (or hampering) development. We will engage with the theories about the relationship between development and colonialism, state power, geography, natural resources, international aid, and political regime types (democratic vs. authoritarian regimes). We will also focus on distributive politics and different responses to inequality and poverty. The course will provide empirical evidence from various world regions, with a particular emphasis on Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the competing explanations for disparities of wealth between countries and possible solutions to global inequalities.

Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82302/1235
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
5 February 2022

Summer 2023  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (82527)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/05/2023 - 07/28/2023
Mon, Wed 09:00AM - 11:30AM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (19 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How do people develop their political opinions? What makes people vote the way that they do? Why do some people love, and other loathe, Donald Trump? Understanding how ordinary citizens engage with the political sphere is essential to understanding how politics work. This course applies a psychological approach to understanding how average people - members of the mass public - think about politics, make political decisions, and decide how (and whether) to take political actions. We will explore arguments about the role that ideology, biological and evolutionary factors, personality, identity and partisanship, racial attitudes, and political discussion play in shaping the opinion and behavior of members of the mass public. In addition, this class introduces students to the methodology of political psychology and how political psychologists approach questions and attempt to understand the political world. Students will exit the class having mastered a body of knowledge about how they and their fellow citizens think about politics and the different approaches that scholars take to study these decisions. They will also gain the critical capacity to judge arguments about politics, the ability to identify, define, and solve problems, and the skill to locate and critically evaluate information relevant to these tasks. Finally, this course takes a cooperative approach to learning, and many course activities will be structured around learning and working with a group of fellow students over the course of the semester.
Class Notes:
This course will be offered online, with class sessions meeting synchronously.
Class Description:

What do all citizens have in common? Although we are more divided than ever across partisan and ideological lines, we are, fundamentally, all human. This course reviews how several different aspects of human psychology influence public opinion and political behavior. How we discuss politics with others, our positions on major policy issues, the decision to vote in elections, and even how we interpret political information, are all shaped (at least in part) by psychological factors.


This course will cover seven broad thematic units. The first (1) focuses on the essential theories and methods underlying the study of political psychology, most generally. The remaining six describe how different aspects of psychology influence many aspects of public opinion and behavior, including: (2) personality traits, (3) emotion, (4) how we process political information, (5) core values and morality, (6) heritable and biological factors, and (7) how we identify with different groups in society. Along the way, we will relate core principles learned in each unit to central questions and challenges in political science more broadly; both in the U.S., and globally.
Grading:
15% - Attendance, Bi-Weekly "Discussion Tweets"
25% - Midterm Exam
25% - Election 2016 Analysis (Research Paper)
35% - Final Exam - 35%
Exam Format:
Both the Midterm and Final Exams will feature multiple choice and short answer questions (defining key concepts). The final exam will also include an essay question touching on major themes in the course. The final exam is cumulative.
Class Format:
50% lecture, 50% discussion.
Workload:
In addition to regular class attendance and completion of the exams/paper, students are expected to complete a short set of readings about relevant research and concepts prior to each class.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82527/1235
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
16 March 2017

Summer 2023  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (87058)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/05/2023 - 07/28/2023
Mon, Wed 09:00AM - 11:30AM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (15 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
Class Notes:
This course will be offered online, with class sessions meeting synchronously.
Class Description:
Why does war occur? What role do international institutions and international law play in international politics? Do ideas and culture matter in a world dominated by power politics? What is the purpose of international alliances? Why do states want nuclear weapons, and can we prevent them from spreading? What are economic consequences of tariffs and immigration? Why has progress been so slow on the issue of climate change?

This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of theoretical approaches for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. Specific topics will include: the causes and consequences of war; the role of law and institutions; human rights and humanitarian intervention; transnational activism and environmental politics; the regulation of arms and conflict; globalization and political economy; and the role of ideas, norms, and culture. We will also discuss how to assess evidence in the social sciences. By the end of the course, students will gain a better understanding of why and how events happen in global politics, and will be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical cases in global politics. We will often discuss current events in class, as well as several cases, such as the 2003 Iraq War, the 2008 financial crisis, and the current war between Russia and Ukraine.
Learning Objectives:
Students who complete this course will gain a better understanding of why and how things happen in international relations. They will be able to critically analyze scholarly and popular articles, and by the end of the term should be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical events in international relations. They should be able to apply analytical frameworks and tools to understand the political world.
Grading:
30% Policy Paper
25% Midterm Exam
35% Final Exam
15% Participation (inc. Attendance)
Exam Format:
The midterm exam will be a combination of short answer and essay questions. The final exam is a longer, analytical essay (5-7 pages).
Class Format:
A mix of lecture, discussion, and in-class activities.
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
1 Exam
1 Policy Paper
1 Essay Final
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87058/1235
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
10 February 2023

Summer 2023  |  POL 4993 Section 001: Honors Thesis: Directed Studies (82382)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Independent/Directed Study
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol 3108H, political science major, honors
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/05/2023 - 07/28/2023
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL4993+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82382/1235

Summer 2023  |  POL 4994 Section 001: Directed Research: Individual (82044)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Independent/Directed Study
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/05/2023 - 07/28/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL4994+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82044/1235

Summer 2023  |  POL 4994 Section 101: Directed Research: Individual (82168)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Independent/Directed Study
Times and Locations:
May Session
 
05/15/2023 - 06/02/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL4994+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82168/1235

Summer 2023  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (82351)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Independent/Directed Study
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/05/2023 - 07/28/2023
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL5970+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82351/1235

Summer 2023  |  POL 8333 Section 001: FTE: Master's (82095)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1 Credit
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Independent/Directed Study
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Advanced Master's Student
Times and Locations:
Summer Session 10 wk
 
06/05/2023 - 08/11/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Master's student, adviser and DGS consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL8333+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82095/1235

Summer 2023  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (82118)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1 Credit
Repeat Credit Limit:
10 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Independent/Directed Study
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Advanced Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Summer Session 10 wk
 
06/05/2023 - 08/11/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL8444+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82118/1235

Summer 2023  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (82231)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-24 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
100 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science PhD, Doct or ETCR
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/05/2023 - 07/28/2023
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL8888+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82231/1235

Summer 2023  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (82029)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-7 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
7 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Independent/Directed Study
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/05/2023 - 07/28/2023
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL8990+Summer2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82029/1235

Spring 2023  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (52922)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Mon, Wed 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 230
Enrollment Status:
Open (51 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. The course is designed to help students understand what liberal education is by engaging in the study of American politics as a fundamentally critical and creative enterprise, and by grappling with the most complex and challenging problems of political life, such as the sources of political equality and inequality, and the tension between individual aspirations and political control. Questions of power and choice, opportunity and discrimination, freedom and restrictions on freedom are fundamental to the historical development of and current controversies within the American political system, and we will attend to all of these. We will explore topics including the ideas underlying the nation's founding and its constitutional foundations; civil rights and civil liberties; the role of the United States in an increasingly globalized world; the structure and function of American political institutions; and the behavior of American citizens in the political process. In addition, we will learn to think and communicate like political scientists. We will read primary documents, such as the Federalist papers, engage with scholarly arguments about the way the American political system works, and critically evaluate critiques of the American political system that have been offered from a variety of perspectives. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them. Students will be able to identify, define, and solve problems and to locate and critically evaluate information. Students will have mastered a body of knowledge and a mod
Class Description:
This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? Through an examination of the roles of American political institutions and the behavior of American citizens, we will be able to critically reflect on issues such as political and economic inequality in the U.S., the role of American political and economic power in the world, and the possibility for an American public policy that lives up to the ideals of the founders. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Students who want a basic introduction to American government in a way that connects the core material to current events
Grading:
60% three non-cumulative tests (20% each)
30% written assignment (5-7 pages)
10% in-class assignments (for credit only, not graded)
Exam Format:
short answer
essay
Class Format:
50% Lecture
25% Discussion
25% Small Group Activities
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
3 tests
Periodic in-class assignments (for credit only, not graded)
5-7 page written assignment
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52922/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 October 2022

Spring 2023  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (51843)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 215
Enrollment Status:
Open (38 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Global politics is complex, fast-paced, and often confusing. This introductory course explores both the enduring challenges of international politics as well as more recent transformative trends. The course introduces theoretical traditions, but its focus is on making sense of real-world problems, both today and in the past. Why is the world organized into states, and what implications does the states system have for indigenous populations globally? Why and when do states go to war and use military force? Why do they sign international agreements and treaties, on matters from arms control to investment? In what ways do existing systems of international law and trade exacerbate or mitigate global inequities? Why has human rights emerged as a central problem in world politics? What are the prospects for international cooperation to address climate change? How have inequities and prejudices, along the lines of race and other categorical identities, shaped our world - from the practice of global security to the structures of the international political economy? These are among the pressing real-world questions that this course in Global Politics will address and that it will give you the tools to answer - though particular instructors will naturally emphasize different topics and questions. But the course will also highlight how our answers to these questions are changing along with the deep power structures of global politics - as US dominance wanes and others, most notably China, rise; as core ideas and discourses underpinning the international system, such as sovereignty, come under assault; as institutions, such as those governing international law, thicken; and as attention grows to the structuring effects of race and other ascriptive categories. Global Politics is an essential guide to our increasingly globalized world.
Class Description:
Global politics introduces students to the study of the world's political systems and to the debates over certain global issues. Various theroretical frameworks are examined throughout the semester, but the emphasis is on the so-called realist and liberal perspectives. Related middle range accounts of war and of international political economy also are studied. While many global political issues will be mentioned, the focus will be on the legacies of the East-West conflict, particularly nuclear proliferation, and on the North-South conflict, expecially Southern demands for distributional justice. At the end of the semester, students will be able to describe and predict the evolution of a global political system. In addition, they will be able to carve out and defend a stand on one of the global issues mentioned above.
Exam Format:
20% Midterm Exams (3)
40% Final Exam Other Grading Information: Weightings are approximate
Class Format:
Some digitized video materials are used.
Workload:
50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
4 Exam(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51843/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
25 October 2016

Spring 2023  |  POL 1026 Section 001: U.S. Foreign Policy (54246)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 350
Enrollment Status:
Open (62 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This means that how the United States behaves in the world is hugely important. As a result, we should all try to better understand U.S. foreign policy: why the U.S. behaves in the way it does, how the U.S. should behave, and how it has behaved in the past. These are the questions that this class tackles. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and has the United States always behaved in this way? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily powerful and secure? What role has race and racism played in key episodes of U.S. foreign policy? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from acquiring nuclear weapons? Should addressing climate change be a key priority of U.S. foreign policy and how should it be addressed?
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL1026+Spring2023
Class Description:
The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This means that how the the United States behaves in the world is hugely important. As a result, we should all try to better understand U.S. foreign policy: why the U.S. behaves in the way it does, how the U.S. should behave, and how it has behaved in the past. These are the questions that this class tackles. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and has the United States always behaved in this way? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily powerful and secure? What role has race and racism played in key episodes of U.S foreign policy? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from acquiring nuclear weapons? Should addressing climate change be a key priority of U.S. foreign policy and how should it be addressed?
Who Should Take This Class?:
This is an introductory class and all students are welcome to enroll
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54246/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
16 March 2022

Spring 2023  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Politics Around the World (53300)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 130
Enrollment Status:
Open (51 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. It focuses on domestic politics within countries, as opposed to a course in international relations, which focuses on relations between countries. Some of the questions we tackle include: Why are some countries prone to violent conflict while others remain peaceful? Why do some countries grow rich while others remain poor? Why does democracy emerge in some countries, while dictators hold onto power elsewhere? How do attitudes about gender and sexuality influence politics? Do particular religions, or the strength of religious faith, strengthen or weaken democracy? The readings and assignments help you make sense of the complexity of world politics - to sift through and distill the avalanche of information available and learn how to develop your own arguments about pertinent global issues. Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and provide examples of 1) the difference between strong and weak states; 2) the distinctions between democratic and non-democratic forms of government; 3) the various ways democracies are governed; 4) arguments explaining the origin of democracy and the persistence of non-democracy; 5) the significance of different forms of political identity such as ethnicity, religion, and gender; 6) why some countries are rich while others remain poor; and 7) why some countries tax and spend more than others. Assignments seek to develop your skills at developing arguments through logic and evidence and to give you the ability to distinguish between a persuasive argument about politics and simply stating an opinion.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL1054+Spring2023
Class Description:
Why are some countries democratic while others are authoritarian? Why do seemingly parochial identities such as race, ethnicity and religion continue to play a powerful role in modern politics? What accounts for the variation in the prevalence of civil wars and other forms of political violence across countries? Why are some countries still plagued by poverty and underdevelopment? This introductory course in comparative politics will provide you with the skills and knowledge to answer these and other intriguing questions in world politics. You will be able to recognize, understand and explain the variation in political systems, which includes political institutions, processes, behavior, culture and outcomes, across countries. Students will be introduced to terminology, concepts, issues and approaches that would provide the foundation for upper division courses in political science. They will read some of the classic and path-breaking works and will be familiarized with cutting-edge research in the discipline.
Grading:
Three In-class assignments: 12%
Four homework assignments: 28%
Two individual/group research assignments: 40%
Class Participation: 20%
Class Format:
60% Lecture
20% Film/Video
20% Discussion
Workload:

https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53300/1233

Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
31 October 2022

Spring 2023  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (51811)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
West Bank Skyway AUDITORIUM
Enrollment Status:
Closed (85 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rbnichol+POL1201+Spring2023
Class Description:

Aristotle once called human beings "political animals,"meaning that, unlike gods or the other animals, we naturally create institutions to govern ourselves. What those institutions should look like, what values they should embody, and who should be in charge prove to be difficult questions that Aristotle leaves for us. Building on Aristotle's definition, this course offers an introduction to political theory, a sub-discipline of political science. By exploring some of the core issues and concepts of political theory, students will grapple with a number of "big questions" about politics in history and in the present: Why and how does politics matter in our everyday lives beyond the voting booth? On what basis is political authority seen as legitimate? How should we understand and embody political values like justice and equality in our own lives? What is the role of economics (capitalism, socialism, etc.) and economic inequality in the creation of political order? What should we think of the use of violence or non-violence in contemporary politics and protests? To explore these "big questions," we will relate historical readings to contemporary "hot-button" issues here in the Twin Cities, the US, and the globe.


Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
9-10 Pages Writing Per Term
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51811/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
12 October 2022

Spring 2023  |  POL 3065 Section 001: Political Engagement Careers: Planning and Preparing For Your Future (54018)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Wed, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 230
Enrollment Status:
Open (31 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Are you interested in pursuing a career in public service? Do you plan to run for office in the future, or work in a government agency (such as the State Department or the FBI or the MN DNR), or become a professional campaign manager or lobbyist, or work as an issue activist on a cause important to you? Would you like to learn more about the variety of public service careers open to a college graduate? Do you wonder what motivates people to pursue careers in politics, public administration, and community service, and how these motivations vary across career fields? Would you like to explore some options for future internship or service learning while at the University? Then this course is for you! This course is the Political Science Department's introduction to careers in political and civic engagement. Through readings focused on theories about and case studies of political engagement, and on the ethics of politics and public service, numerous guest speakers with extensive experience as public service professionals, and a discussion-oriented class format, we will explore the meaning of public service and the main types of public service careers that you could pursue. We will think about the virtues and challenges associated with doing public service work, and how these differ across different types of jobs and venues for serving the public. Finally, you will acquire practical knowledge and skills related to the search for public service work opportunities, including how to write a resume and cover letter, how to conduct an informational interview, networking, and the job search and application process. Intended primarily for first- and second-year undergraduates, but open to students of any major at any point in their undergraduate program.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3065+Spring2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54018/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (51810)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Field Work
Credits:
3-13 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
15 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
Off Campus
Enrollment Status:
Open (46 of 60 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students search for and arrange an internship with an organization or office working in government or politics, and then complete academic coursework in association with their internship. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Spring2023
Class Description:
This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
Learning Objectives:
To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
Grading:
Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
Exam Format:
90% Reports/Papers
10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
Class Format:
100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
Workload:
30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51810/1233
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Spring 2023  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (52790)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Mon, Fri 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (32 of 60 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3085+Spring2023
Class Description:
Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Reports/Papers
30% Written Homework
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
Exam Format:
Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Discussion
30% Laboratory
15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for the whole class period!
Workload:
60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
1 Presentation(s)
6 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52790/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
12 October 2022

Spring 2023  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (53201)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM
UMTC, West Bank
Hubert H Humphrey Center 35
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (29 of 30 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3085+Spring2023
Class Description:
Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Reports/Papers
30% Written Homework
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
Exam Format:
Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Discussion
30% Laboratory
15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for the whole class period!
Workload:
60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
1 Presentation(s)
6 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53201/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
12 October 2022

Spring 2023  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (53422)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM
UMTC, West Bank
Hubert H Humphrey Center 35
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (3 of 30 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3085+Spring2023
Class Description:
Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Reports/Papers
30% Written Homework
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
Exam Format:
Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Discussion
30% Laboratory
15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for the whole class period!
Workload:
60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
1 Presentation(s)
6 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53422/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
12 October 2022

Spring 2023  |  POL 3108H Section 001: Honors Tutorial: Thesis Preparation and Political Science Inquiry (53638)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Politcal Science honors major, jr or sr
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Mon 01:30PM - 03:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 110
Enrollment Status:
Open (18 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
In this course, students will improve their research skills in preparation to write their senior theses. Students will enter with a few ideas for topics about which they might like to write their theses. They will leave the class with a clear and tractable research question, a literature review that describes how this question fits in with the existing scholarly literature, and a research design that will enable them to answer the question. Along the way, they will advance their understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct political science research. Students will be graded on the basis of drafts of their annotated bibliography, literature review and research design, a class presentation of the "front half" of their senior thesis, and class participation including short weekly assignments. Students are expected to keep up with the reading and, most importantly, to begin to conduct their own independent research. prereq: Pol sci major, honors
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL3108H+Spring2023
Class Description:
In this course, students will advance their research skills and prepare to write their senior theses. Students will gain a deeper understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct research in political science. Most important, students will develop their own thesis topics and research designs, testing out their ideas in a structured and collegial setting. The first half of the course will enhance students? understanding of political science research, and the second half of the course will focus on the students? own research. Students will be graded on the basis of several short assignments and two revised papers, a class presentation, and class participation. Students are expected to keep up with course reading and conduct their own independent research. Students will turn in two drafts of a literature review and their research design.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53638/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
11 November 2011

Spring 2023  |  POL 3210 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- Revolution (68042)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
18 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, East Bank
Blegen Hall 317
Enrollment Status:
Closed (35 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Topics courses provide students with the opportunity to study key concepts, thinkers, and themes in Political Theory not normally covered in the standard slate of course offerings. The specific content of these courses varies considerably from year to year. See the current class schedule for details.
Class Notes:
Revolutions are commonly viewed as the start of something entirely new. When, where, and how did this idea emerge? How has it traveled across history? How does it relate to contemporary revolutionary politics? This class examines different concepts of revolution in the humanistic social sciences with a focus on contemporary political theory. It begins with the legacies of the 1789 revolution in France and the claim that it initiated a period of Enlightenment characterized by the notion that revolutions are breaks in political history. We will then consider the 1979 revolution in Iran, known in some corners as "the last great revolution," and the claim that it broke the Enlightenment mold by projecting an image of revolution as restoration. We will assess both claims in conversation with a survey of mass revolutionary movements in the 21st century. Do recent movements refer to or depart from the legacies of France in 1789 and Iran in 1979?
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68042/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (54247)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (55 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course considers the nature of contemporary democracy and the role that members of the political community do, can, and should play. While approaches in teaching the class vary, students can expect to read historical and contemporary texts, see films and videos, to approach questions about the nature of democracy, justifications for democracy, and challenges faced by contemporary democracy as it relates to racial inequality, immigration, gender inequality, and ecological crises. Topics will include: the centrality of social movements for democracies; deliberative and participatory democracy; as well as questions about how members of political communities can best participate in democratic life to address structural inequalities. Students will write a longer essay that allows them to demonstrate their capacities to understand and explain complex ideas and to make a theoretically compelling argument, using appropriate supporting evidence. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?davar008+POL3235W+Spring2023
Class Description:
Democracy seems to be an intuitively simple concept to many Americans. Americans know what democracy, and the corresponding values of freedom and equality mean because they live under a democratic system of government that guarantees liberty and justice for all, and equality regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Likewise, Americans know that being a citizen means we have certain rights. (and duties?) When we delve a little deeper into what these concepts mean, however, we discover that this apparent certainty papers over a host of disagreements, divisions, and uncertainties. These complexities have bubbled up to the surface today, as they have historically, through a number of contemporary concerns espoused by the Occupy Movement, the Tea Party Movement, Black Lives Matter, anti-establishment politics, etc.

This class helps students to engage in the contemporary problems of democracy, in the United States and beyond, by grounding the conversation in the historical debates of democratic theory. Rather than suggesting any simple answers, our class will instead pose questions with which we, together, must wrestle. What is democracy? How should we understand basic concepts of democracy like freedom, equality, and solidarity? How should we respond when these concepts come into conflict? Is capitalism inherently in conflict with democracy? Working through these questions, we will tack back and forth between theoretical debates and contemporary and historical political problems, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the political stakes behind these questions, as well as a more critical perspective from which to understand the political challenges of this moment in history.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
Grading:

Attendance: 10%

Paper 1: 35%

Paper 2: 35%

Final Presentation: 20%

Workload:
approximatley 40 pages of reading per class
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54247/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 June 2022

Spring 2023  |  POL 3252W Section 001: Revolution, Democracy, and Empire: Modern Political Thought (65513)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Wed, Fri 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 250
Enrollment Status:
Open (35 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
From the seventeenth through the nineteenth centuries, Europe and its colonies were wracked by large scale, sweeping changes: from the violent emergence of the sovereign state, to intense religious conflict, to geographic expansions at once transformative and brutal in search of new economic markets. These changes posed extraordinary challenges to usual ways of conceiving of political order and governance. Our course this semester will read these changes through three key concepts - revolution, democracy, and empire. Class discussion will seek to understand different meanings of these concepts, their political stakes, and ways of knowing how to move between political ideals and historical examples. Students will read a range of materials - from primary historical sources, to philosophic texts, political pamphlets and treatises, and travel journals - so as to study the effects on both the European context and beyond. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?asinha+POL3252W+Spring2023
Class Description:
LE Core: Arts & Humanities
LE Theme: Civic Life & Ethics

This course considers essential themes - revolution, democracy, and empire - in the development of modern political thought between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. Students will learn about key historical moments, such as the French Revolution and the American Revolution, and the long chains of antecedent events and political thought that precipitated these world-historical transformations. Students will also learn about the ramifications of these events and how they shaped politics in the nineteenth century and beyond.
We begin with the natural law tradition, considering the intersections of liberty, equality, and authority, and the tensions between freedom and political obligation. The effect of commerce on politics, including colonization in the Americas and Asia, will be another crucial element of the course. Similarly, questions of democratic founding in the Enlightenment era, like in America (1776) or France (1789), alongside the limits of democratic politics will be particularly salient. In addition, the puzzle of the concurrent developments of democracy and imperialism will remain a key theme during the second half of the course. Finally, the course ends with a comprehensive reappraisal of the natural law and Enlightenment traditions, and a revolutionary proposal to reorganize society on more just and solidaristic grounds.

Readings range from primary texts in the history of political thought to journal and newspaper articles (40-60 pages a week). Thinkers covered in the course include Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, David Hume, John-Jacques Rousseau, John Stuart Mill, and Karl Marx. All readings will be available electronically.
Who Should Take This Class?:
No prerequisites. The class is suitable for all students. Having taken POL 1201 previously may be helpful.
Learning Objectives:
  • Identify and define ideas, solve problems of textual interpretation

  • Locate and critically evaluate information on revolution, democracy, and empire in the history of political thought

  • Analyze and interpret arguments, restate them orally and in written form

  • Compare, contrast, and connect thinkers and ideas across different historical periods

  • Communicate complex ideas both orally and in writing

  • Participate in debate and argument with peers

Grading:
Participation: 20%
Short Paper (1 page): 5%
Long Paper 1 (3 pages): 20%
Long Paper 2 (4 pages): 25% (includes first draft and redraft)
Final Essay (5 pages): 30%
Exam Format:
Writing assignments, submitted electronically.
Class Format:
50% Lecture
50% Discussion
Workload:
40-60 pages of reading per week
13-15 pages of writing overall
4 papers (this is a writing-intensive course)
Other Workload: Active participation in breakout groups and in weekly Google Doc
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65513/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
31 October 2022

Spring 2023  |  POL 3272 Section 001: Colonial Encounters (65514)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (47 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
If politics classically is the exercise of power by rulers over the ruled, how have different communities, traditions, and contexts sought to organize this power and render it just? What are the lessons to be learned from looking to past experiences with political communities ranging in size from the face-to-face polis to the far-flung reaches of empire? How does the 'discovery' of other societies disorient our usual frames of reference for thinking about political community? What different frames might we use? What should we make of problems that seem to exceed the capacity of existing institutions to manage, such as mass violence and total war? The aim of this course is to examine exemplary moments that consider the radical conflict of interpretations that can arise when different cultures come into contact with one another (whether through trade, war, intellectual exchange, or the like), and how these exchanges transform the scale of political community (local, regional, global, universal). Here, we are concerned with large-scale upheaval, processes that are more than simply difficult political problems, but in fact transform the very institutions, relationships, and concepts through which we come to understand what political community is and can be. The substantive focus of the course varies according to instructor, and may include: Colonial Encounters; the Black Atlantic; Revolutionary Moments; Colonialism and the Post-colony.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL3272+Spring2023
Class Description:

What Makes Political Community? We will explore different ways to think political community. Many contemporary political challenges are not just thorny problems but transform the very institutions, engagements, and concepts through which we understand what the activity of politics is and might be. Other societies and thinkers have faced drastically new challenges to their politics. So, we propose a course that would explore how political actors make and remake community. Our first unit, Colonial Encounters, studies the contact between Europeans and AmerIndians in the West Indies and North America, to think about the forging of new concepts of "human" and political order. Second, Revolution Reimagined, will analyze the movements of ideas, trades, and people back and forth across the Black Atlantic, with special attention to the Haitian Revolution. Third, Reparative Futures, treats the presence of the past as it thinks about the historical legacies of slavery for Africans and Americans. This course speaks to humanist concerns of how humans forge meanings and communities even from conditions of injustice and inequality.

Who Should Take This Class?:
As a 3xxx course, it should appeal to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
Grading:
50% Reports/Papers
20% Journal
30% Reflection Papers
Class Format:
50% Lecture; 50% Discussion
Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
4 Paper(s)
Other Workload: 2 of the papers will be 1-2 page micro-papers; the others will be 4-5 pages each
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65514/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
6 April 2019

Spring 2023  |  POL 3306 Section 001: Presidential Leadership and American Democracy (67676)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, East Bank
Blegen Hall 10
Enrollment Status:
Open (79 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
To most Americans - if not most human beings - the President of the United States is probably the most powerful person on the planet. This course examines how, why, and whether that is the case. What does the US President do, and why? Why is so much power entrusted to just one person? Students will critically analyze these questions and synthesize answers by evaluating the history, evolution, and current state of the "highest office in the land."
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?tpcollin+POL3306+Spring2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67676/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 3308 Section 001: Congressional Politics and Institutions (65515)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 370
Enrollment Status:
Closed (85 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the politics of the U.S. Congress and the federal legislative process. Throughout the semester, we will focus on the behavior of individual legislators and the role that they play in crafting federal legislation in policy areas such as healthcare, civil rights and the environment. We will devote special attention to changes in Congress, as well as current political and scholarly controversies such as congressional confirmation process of Supreme Court justices, congressional war powers, the influence of parties, and campaign finance. The theme of the course is why do legislators behave as they do and who interests do they represent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL3308+Spring2023
Class Description:
This course is a comprehensive survey of the contemporary U.S. Congress. We will begin by analyzing congressional elections, how members of Congress represent their states and districts, and the links between elections and governance. Then we will focus on the organization of Congress, including the interplay between parties and the committee system. We will then analyze the legislative process, rules and procedure, the budget process, interest groups, and the interaction between the Congress and the White House. The current Congress is deeply polarized along partisan lines. We will investigate the implications of this partisan polarization, along with the consequences of divided and unified party control of government and important institutional features of Congress, such as the Senate filibuster and the House Committee on Rules. Class sessions will include lecture and discussion. It is important that students keep up with the assigned reading to understand the lectures and participate in class. Although attention to current congressional politics will enhance the value of this course, it is no substitute for careful reading and classroom discussion. Students will write two short papers, an 8-10 page paper, and take a midterm and a final exam.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65515/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 November 2014

Spring 2023  |  POL 3309 Section 001: U.S. Supreme Court Decision-Making, Process, and Politics (53946)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Walter F. Mondale Hall 40
Enrollment Status:
Open (84 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to judicial politics and decision-making of the U.S. Supreme Court. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. Unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, this course does not study legal doctrine. Rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system with an emphasis on the social scientific literature about how the U.S. Supreme Court functions. Thus, we will cover nominations of justices, decision making models, and how justices interact with one another and the political world beyond the ivory tower. Recommended prerequisite: POL 1001
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL3309+Spring2023
Class Description:
The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to the scientific study of judicial politics. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. This course, unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, does not study legal doctrine; rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system, with an emphasis on the social scientific literature on law and legal process.
Grading:
70% Midterm Exam
30% Final Exam
Exam Format:
Essay
Class Format:
80% Lecture
20% Discussion
Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
3 Exam(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53946/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
10 April 2014

Spring 2023  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (53753)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 330
Enrollment Status:
Open (84 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
What role does education play in American democracy? What role should it play? Does American education, particularly public education, live up to its citizens' hopes and expectations? And, perhaps most importantly, what do we mean by a "good education"? This is a question with deep historical roots in this country, one that is the subject of current policy debates and one that cannot be separated from questions of discrimination and inequality. The over-arching theme of the course is to wrestle with what it means to be an educated citizen in the context of historical struggles to achieve that vision in the face of multiple and inter-related inequalities and competing visions about how to make the American dream a reality in the field of public education. No one political perspective will be offered or favored. No magic powder will be revealed on the last day of the course. The fact is that the underlying issues are really complicated, often seemingly intractable, and very, very political. This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It will focus on K-12 education, especially in the public system. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools, private school vouchers, and standardized testing. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of public education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for their schools. This course fulfills the
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL3319+Spring2023
Class Description:
This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Students with an interest in American education, especially public education. Students interested in public policy.
Learning Objectives:
To develop a thorough and critical understanding of American education policy.
Grading:
2 exams, final paper
Exam Format:
short answer/essay
Class Format:
50% Lecture
25% Discussion
25% Small Group Activities
Workload:
100 pages reading per week
2 exams
5-8 page paper
Periodic in-class assignments (for credit only, not graded)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53753/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 October 2022

Spring 2023  |  POL 3321 Section 001: Issues in American Public Policy (55069)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 230
Enrollment Status:
Open (82 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. Recent controversies over Social Security reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (?Obamacare?), and the No Child Left Behind Act and Common Core showcase the profound political and substantive impact of this topic. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars typically describe the United States as a ?laggard? where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than are corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. Is this an accurate portrayal of American social policy? Recent scholarship challenges the conventional wisdom, suggesting that the United States does not necessarily do less in terms of social policy but that it relies on an unusual set of policy tools to pursue objectives like poverty alleviation. What explains the distinctive shape of American social policy? This course investigates the impact of political culture, the relative power of various interest groups, the American constitutional system, and other factors. The second half of the course examines recent trends in American social policy, focusing on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. It examines both the historical origins of contemporary American policies and recent reform proposals. A major theme of the course is that it is impossible to understand the contemporary shape of social policy, and the positions of specific stakeholders, without understanding the long-term historical processes that have shaped, and that continue to shape, the present political terrain of preferences and actors. New generations of leaders do not have the opportunity to build social policy from scratch. Rather, they have to react to what already exists. Some reforms will seem like logical extensions of what is already in place, while existing programs might make other alternative
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL3321+Spring2023
Class Description:
This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars typically describe the United States as a "laggard" where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than are corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. Is this an accurate portrayal of American social policy? Recent scholarship challenges the conventional wisdom, suggesting that the United States does not necessarily do less in terms of social policy but that it relies on an unusual set of policy tools to pursue objectives like poverty alleviation. What explains the distinctive shape of American social policy? This course investigates the impact of political culture, the politics of race, the relative power of various interest groups, the American constitutional system, and other factors.

The second half of the course examines recent trends in American social policy, focusing on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. It examines both the historical origins of contemporary American policies and recent reform proposals. A major theme of the course is that it is impossible to understand the contemporary shape of social policy, and the positions of specific stakeholders, without understanding the long-term historical processes that have shaped, and that continue to shape, the present terrain of preferences and actors. New generations of leaders do not have the opportunity to build social policy from scratch. Rather, they have to react to what already exists. Some reforms will seem like logical extensions of what is already in place, while existing programs might make other alternatives difficult if not impossible to pursue. By understanding the roots of contemporary American social policy it becomes possible to devise a political strategy for major policy change.
Grading:
15% Midterm Exam I
15% Social Security Reform Policy Analysis
15% Health Care Reform Policy Analysis
15% Midterm Exam II
20% Education Policy Memo
20% Final Exam
Exam Format:
All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
Class Format:
75% Lecture
15% Discussion
10% Small Group Activities
Workload:
75-100 pages of reading per week
Three exams
Three papers (2-4 double-spaced pages each)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55069/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
17 December 2021

Spring 2023  |  POL 3435 Section 001: Political Dynamics in the Horn of Africa (55859)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Meets With:
AFRO 3135 Section 001
POL 3135 Section 001
AFRO 3435 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Walter F. Mondale Hall 3
Enrollment Status:
Closed (10 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Who wields political power? Who challenges those in power? And how do they legitimize their claims and go about enforcing them? These are the core questions that will guide our exploration of the political dynamics in the Horn of Africa. Just like most regions in Africa, the Horn is home to diverse cultures and languages. What distinguishes it, however, is the contested nature of state borders, which have been redrawn in ways not observed anywhere else in Africa since the end of European colonialism. The purpose of this class is to delve deeper into these conflicts, to examine the interactions between incumbent governments, armed rebel groups, and international actors in shaping war and peace in the Horn. Throughout this journey, we will pay special attention to ideas of sovereignty, identity, and violence and draw on literature outside of the Horn to help us better dissect what is going on within it.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jwoldens+POL3135+Spring2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55859/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 3464 Section 001: The Politics of Economic Inequality (65517)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 250
Enrollment Status:
Open (84 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Distributional issues are at the core of the study of politics. This is because while democracy is premised on formal political equality, if wealth and property can shape political power then equal rights do not mean equal influence. This class meets the UMN "Race, Power, and Justice in the US" Liberal Education theme by engaging the question of the tension between democracy and economic inequality. What policies increase or decrease inequality? What are the political consequences of rising inequality - in general and particularly for ethnic and racial minorities? The course focuses on the USA but puts American politics in global perspective. To do so, the course explores how dominant socio-economic groups in the US have historically shaped political institutions and attitudes to generate, perpetuate, and defend inequality. We will also explore the extent to which and why white and non-white citizens have bought into the concept of the "American Dream," undermining efforts to redress social injustice.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL3464+Spring2023
Class Description:
Distributional issues are at the core of the study of politics. This is because while democracy is premised on formal political equality, if wealth and property can shape political power then equal rights do not mean equal influence. This class meets the UMN "Race, Power and Justice in the US" Liberal Education theme by engaging the question of the tension between democracy and economic inequality. What policies increase or decrease inequality? What are the political consequences of rising inequality - in general and particularly for ethnic and racial minorities? The course focuses on the USA but puts American politics in global perspective. To do so, the course explores how dominant socio-economic groups in the US have historically shaped political institutions and attitudes to generate, perpetuate, and defend inequality. We will also explore the extent to which and why white and non-white citizens have bought into the concept
of the "American Dream," undermining efforts to redress social injustice.

Readings are drawn from across the social sciences, and are chosen to highlight the key questions at stake in the study of the tension between inequality and democracy.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Anyone interested in learning how scholars measure inequality and try to understand its political origins and consequences
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and contribute to debates about
1) the tension between democracy and property
2) how social scientists measure inequality
3) why some Americans prioritize liberty over equality and others the reverse
4) the origins and evolution of inequality
5) the different ways countries respond to inequality through taxation and social-welfare spending
6) how structural inequalities of race, ethnicity and gender intersect with growing income and wealth gaps
7) how personal work and family experience shape perceptions of inequality
8) the consequences of inequality for political representation
9) how individuals can take action to support policy remedies for inequality.
Grading:
Grades will be based on 10 short assignments (2 pp each), participation in a group project/class debate, and in-class oral and online written participation
Exam Format:
There is no midterm or final in this class
Class Format:
Lecture, group discussion and activities
Workload:
Reading will *average* about 100 pages per week. Students will also frequently engage with videos and interactive websites
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65517/1233
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/dsamuels_POL3464_Spring2020.pdf (Spring 2020)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
10 December 2021

Spring 2023  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (53558)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Mon, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 317
Enrollment Status:
Open (63 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How do people develop their political opinions? What makes people vote the way that they do? Why do some people love, and other loathe, Donald Trump? Understanding how ordinary citizens engage with the political sphere is essential to understanding how politics work. This course applies a psychological approach to understanding how average people - members of the mass public - think about politics, make political decisions, and decide how (and whether) to take political actions. We will explore arguments about the role that ideology, biological and evolutionary factors, personality, identity and partisanship, racial attitudes, and political discussion play in shaping the opinion and behavior of members of the mass public. In addition, this class introduces students to the methodology of political psychology and how political psychologists approach questions and attempt to understand the political world. Students will exit the class having mastered a body of knowledge about how they and their fellow citizens think about politics and the different approaches that scholars take to study these decisions. They will also gain the critical capacity to judge arguments about politics, the ability to identify, define, and solve problems, and the skill to locate and critically evaluate information relevant to these tasks. Finally, this course takes a cooperative approach to learning, and many course activities will be structured around learning and working with a group of fellow students over the course of the semester.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3766+Spring2023
Class Description:

How do people develop their political opinions? What makes people vote the way that they do? Why do some people love, and others loathe, Donald Trump? Understanding how ordinary citizens engage with the political sphere is essential to understanding how politics work. This course applies a psychological approach to understanding how average people - members of the mass public - think about politics, make political decisions, and decide how (and whether) to take political actions. We will explore arguments about the role that ideology, biological and evolutionary factors, personality, identity and partisanship, racial attitudes, and political discussion play in shaping the opinions and behavior of members of the mass public. In addition, this class introduces students to the methodology of political psychology and how political psychologists approach questions and attempt to understand the political world.


Students will exit the class having mastered a body of knowledge about how they and their fellow citizens think about politics and the different approaches that scholars take to study these decisions. They will also gain the critical capacity to judge arguments about politics, the ability to identify, define, and solve problems, and the skill to locate and critically evaluate information relevant to these tasks. Finally, this course takes a cooperative approach to learning, and many course activities will be structured around learning and working with a group of fellow students over the course of the semester.

Grading:
15% - Five 250-500 word reading memos.

30% - Group Research Project and Presentation

5% - Participation in Other Groups' Data Collection

5% - Evaluation of other Groups' Projects

15% - Op-Ed Assignment

30% - Final Exam

Optional Final Research Paper - Students may write an optional final paper to improve their final grade.
Exam Format:
Short answer and essay questions. The final exam is take-home.
Class Format:
50% lecture, 50% discussion.
Workload:
Each class session will have assigned reading consisting of 2-3 academic journal articles or book chapters of roughly 5,000-7,500 words (20-30 pages).
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53558/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
12 October 2022

Spring 2023  |  POL 3833 Section 001: The United States and the Global Economy (54099)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 230
Enrollment Status:
Open (48 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3833 teaches students about the politics of the global economy with a focus on the role the United States plays within it. The class covers a variety of topics in international political economy, including international trade, international investment, and international finance. Students will learn about the factors that drive politicians' decision-making, interest-group stances, and citizens' preferences over such salient issues as tariffs and other forms of trade protection, trade and investment agreements, central banking, interest rates, international migration, and more. No background in economics is required or assumed.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL3833+Spring2023
Class Description:
Globalization has been a defining force driving markets - and, hence, shaping politics - over the past 30 years. Global financial flows and imbalances are implicated in financial crises both recent and past, and the mobility of firms and migrants across international borders has important distributional and regulatory consequences. Yet, the impact of the U.S. on the global economy is not exclusive to purely financial phenomena: conflict and peace, technological innovation, natural resources, and economic development are all affected as rising levels of trade create new "winners" and "losers." This class examines some of the broad themes that characterize globalization with a focus on - but not only on - the U.S. and the ways in which its policy responses shape and are being shaped by globalization.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54099/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
13 October 2022

Spring 2023  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (52261)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 230
Enrollment Status:
Open (83 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ccreamer+POL3835+Spring2023
Class Description:

Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events.


This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism, liberalism, institutionalism, constructivism, critical security studies, feminist theory, queer IR theory, post-colonial theory, indigenous approaches to international relations, and neo-Marxism.


A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so. Specific topics covered include: the ascendance of China and great power politics in an age of economic rivalries; new technologies and national security; gender-based violence during conflict; multilateral cooperation and its disintegration; the future of the human rights movement and backlash against global governance; the internationalization of the Movement for Black Lives; trade wars, weaponized interdependence, and pandemic politics; and the global politics of climate change.

Who Should Take This Class?:

Students from all concentrations are welcome to enroll. This is an upper-level course that surveys competing theories or approaches in the field of international relations through readings and assignments that are more intellectually demanding than 1xxx-level courses. While there are no formal prerequisites for this course, it is recommended that you have previously taken POL 1025: Global Politics or POL 1026: U.S. Foreign Policy.

Learning Objectives:


This course places special emphasis on helping you - as a global citizen - learn to:

  • synthesize and evaluate existing theoretical approaches within international relations

  • identify their strengths and weaknesses

  • construct an argument for why we observe particular outcomes in world politics
Grading:
  • MINI-ANALYTICAL PAPERS: 30% (two, each worth 15 points)
  • IN-CLASS QUIZZES: 25% (two, Quiz #1 worth 10 points & Quiz #2 worth 15 points)
  • FINAL TAKE-HOME Paper: 30%
  • ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION: 15%
Exam Format:

Written closed-book, closed-notes in-class quizzes

Class Format:
In-person lectures, two times per week
Workload:

· 45-80 Pages Reading Per Week

· 3 Take-Home Papers

Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52261/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
13 October 2022

Spring 2023  |  POL 3994 Section 001: Directed Research: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program (53882)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (19 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students accepted into the Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, students will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers. Students are chosen through a highly competitive online application the semester prior to registration. Students should check with Political Science advising for details about the application process. This course is only open to Political Science majors.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53882/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 4267 Section 001: Imperialism and Modern Political Thought (65523)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Walter F. Mondale Hall 40
Enrollment Status:
Open (32 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How has political theory been shaped by imperialism? We will investigate this question through a study of such key thinkers as Kant, Mill, Marx, Lenin, Csaire, Fanon, and Gandhi, reading them through the lens of empire. Our goal is to analyze how such thinkers reflected upon, problematized and, at times, justified forms of Western imperialism. We will look at their explicit reflections on empire, as well as more tangential or ostensibly separate themes that may have only been shaped by the imperial context in indirect ways. Finally, we will reflect upon our contemporary location as readers and agents situated in the wake of these political and intellectual developments, analyzed through the question of what it means to engage in anti-colonial, decolonial, and/or postcolonial critique. This course will combine lectures by the professor with student-led seminar discussion.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rbnichol+POL4267+Spring2023
Class Description:
How has political theory been shaped by imperialism? We will investigate this question through a study of such key thinkers as Kant, Mill, Marx, Lenin, Cesaire, Fanon, and Gandhi, reading them through the lens of empire. Our goal is to analyze how such thinkers reflected upon, problematized and, at times, justified forms of Western imperialism. We will look at their explicit reflections on empire, as well as more tangential or ostensibly separate themes that may have only been shaped by the imperial context in indirect ways. Finally, we will reflect upon our contemporary location as readers and agents situated in the wake of these political and intellectual developments, analyzed through the question of what it means to engage in anti-colonial, decolonial, and/or postcolonial critique. This course will combine lectures by the professor with student-led seminar discussion.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65523/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
4 April 2019

Spring 2023  |  POL 4275 Section 001: Domination, Exclusion, and Justice: Contemporary Political Thought (55076)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 140
Enrollment Status:
Open (23 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Contemporary Political Theory systematically analyzes the meaning and significance of concepts central to current politics: domination, exclusion, and justice. Starting from basic concerns about the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, this course will explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). Through this course, students will also be introduced to different interpretive approaches, ranging from democratic theory, feminist, queer and critical race theories, as well as ethics and moral philosophy. Organized around the politics of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the course will pursue a range of questions about democratic legitimation, the exclusion of historically marginalized communities, systematic inequalities of different kinds, as well as ideals of democracy and justice. It will range from theoretical inquiry to practical questions of implementing different political projects. Through this course, students will develop skills in critical thinking, careful reading and clear writing, as well as recognizing and constructing arguments. These skills are basic for the critical, lifelong role that all of us play as members of political community. prereq: 1201 recommended
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL4275+Spring2023
Class Description:
Contemporary democracies find themselves faced with relations of domination and exclusion in a number of different sites: prisons, the workplace, politics, and at home. This course will examine different ways to understand the emergence and persistence of relations of domination and exclusion in contemporary politics. Each of these perspectives offers its own way of conceiving of politics, and a different vision of what justice might offer and require. Course readings will explore different theoretical approaches to contemporary politics, while also turning to specific examples to think them through. These examples include: mass incarceration, the persistence of economic and racial hierarchies, and domestic violence. Readings will change from one semester to another, but will include thinkers such as Michel Foucault, Charles Taylor, Iris Marion Young, Michelle Alexander, Audre Lorde, Ruth Wilson Gilmore, Keaanga-YahmattaTaylor, and others. Class sessions will include some lecturing as well as a substantial amount of class discussion.
Grading:
55% Reports/Papers
35% Reflection Papers
10% Class Participation
Class Format:
60% Lecture
40% Discussion
Workload:
75 Pages Reading Per Week
20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Paper(s)
3 Homework Assignment(s)
Other Workload: plus three short "response" papers
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55076/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
31 March 2021

Spring 2023  |  POL 4335 Section 001: African American Politics (54106)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Meets With:
AFRO 4335 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 335
Enrollment Status:
Open (11 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course examines the historical and contemporary efforts by African Americans to gain full inclusion as citizens in the US political system. Specifically, the course explores advocacy efforts by civil rights organizations and political parties to obtain and enforce civil and political rights for blacks. An examination of these efforts begins in the Reconstruction Era and concludes with the historic election of the nation's first African American president. The course will cover topics such as the politics of the civil rights movement, black presidential bids and racialized voting in federal and state elections. Finally, the course examines how political parties and organized interests used the Voting Rights Act to increase the number of minorities in Congress. The course focuses on whether the growing number of minorities in Congress increases citizens' trust in government and their involvement in voting and participation in political organizations.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL4335+Spring2023
Class Description:

Specifically, students will explore advocacy efforts by civil rights organizations and political parties to obtain and enforce civil and political rights for Blacks. The course will cover topics such as the Reconstruction era, the politics of the civil rights movement, Black presidential campaigns, and racialized voting in federal and state elections. The course will also pay special attention to the historic election of the nation's first African American president, Barack Obama and the first African American and woman vice president, Kamala Harris. Finally, we We focus on whether the growing number of minorities in Congress increases citizens' trust in government and their involvement in voting and participation in political organizations.

Learning Objectives:

Students will also conduct a qualitative analysis of social media correspondence and websites of Black and White legislators to determine whether efforts to elect more Black candidates to political office led to better political representation of minority interests in federal or state policymaking.

https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54106/1233

Syllabus:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/mdminta_AFRO4335_Spring2023.pdf
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
13 December 2022

Spring 2023  |  POL 4403W Section 001: Constitutions, Democracy, and Rights: Comparative Perspectives (65524)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 255
Enrollment Status:
Open (34 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Around the world, fundamental political questions are often debated and decided in constitutional terms, and in the United States, the constitution is invoked at almost every turn to endorse or condemn different policies. Is adhering to constitutional terms the best way to safeguard rights and to achieve a successful democracy? When and how do constitutions matter to political outcomes? This course centers on these questions as it moves from debates over how constitutional drafting processes should be structured and how detailed constitutions should be, to the risks and benefits of different institutional structures (federal v. unitary, and the distribution of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary), to which rights (if any) should be constitutionalized and when and why different rights are protected, closing with a discussion of what rules should guide constitutional amendment and rewrite. For each topic, we compare how these issues have been resolved in the U.S. with alternative approaches in a wide variety of other countries around the globe. The goal is not only to expose students to the variety of ways, successful or unsuccessful, that other political communities have addressed these issues, but also to gain a more contextualized and clearer understanding of the pros and cons of the U.S. model, its relevance for other democratic or democratizing countries, whether and how it might be reformed, and, generally speaking, when/how constitutions matter for democratic quality and stability.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4403W+Spring2023
Class Description:
Around the world, fundamental political questions are often debated and decided in constitutional terms, and in the United States, the constitution is invoked at almost every turn to endorse or condemn different policies. Is adhering to constitutional terms the best way to safeguard rights and to achieve a successful democracy? When and how do constitutions matter to political outcomes? This course centers on these questions as it moves from empirically-informed debates over how constitutional drafting processes should be structured and how detailed constitutions should be, to the risks and benefits of different institutional structures(federal v. unitary, and the distribution of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary), to which rights (if any) should be constitutionalized and when and why different rights are protected in practice, closing with a discussion of what rules should guide constitutional amendment and rewrite. For each topic, we compare how these issues have been resolved in the U.S. with alternative approaches in a wide variety of other countries around the globe, paying particular attention to how constitutional design matters for women, indigenous peoples, and racial, ethnic, religious, and sexual minorities. The goal is not only to expose students to the variety of ways, successful or unsuccessful, that other political communities have addressed these issues, but also to gain a more contextualized and clearer understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the U.S. model, whether and how it might be reformed, and, generally speaking, when/how constitutions matter for democratic quality and stability.
Grading:
50% Reports/Papers
10% Final Group Activity
20% Class Participation
20% Quizzes
Other Grading Information: Some quizzes will be in the form of take-home questions. All quizzes will check for reading/reading comprehension.
Class Format:
50% Lecture
30% Discussion
20% Small Group Activities
Workload:
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
10 Quiz(zes)
Other Workload: The paper assignment will be cumulative, with the various steps in the research and writing process due across the term, and the final, polished version due during finals week.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65524/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
29 April 2022

Spring 2023  |  POL 4463 Section 001: The Cuban Revolution Through the Words of Cuban Revolutionaries (54052)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Open (17 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do policy makers in Washington, D.C. continue to rail against the Cuban Revolution? Despite their best efforts, both Republican and Democratic administrations, the Revolution is still in place after six decades. How to explain? This is the central research question of the course. A definitive answer would require a thorough examination of the revolution from its initiation until today - which is beyond what can be done in a semester. The focus, rather, is more limited. First, how was the revolution made and consolidated - from 1953 until about 1969 - and, second, how has it been able to survive and advance since the collapse of the Soviet Union, that is, since 1991? The emphasis here is on the role of leadership and strategy, how the Cubans and their leaders saw and see what they are doing - in their own words. This is an attempt to get into their heads, their understandings, through documents, speeches and writings. In keeping with the goals of liberal education, this course helps students to think outside the box of conventional wisdom. Why, for example, an underdeveloped society lacking many of the characteristics of a liberal democracy can do a better job in meeting the basic needs of its citizens than its far richer neighbor to the north? What the Cubans seek to do is reorganize human relations on the basis of solidarity and not individual self-interest. How successful they have been in that pursuit is exactly one of the questions to which the course seeks to provide an answer. These questions are not simply of intellectual interest. Given the deepening crisis of world capitalism with the accompanying human misery, to know about Cuba's reality can have life and death consequences. Given, also, that the U.S. government doesn't make it easy for most of its citizens to travel to the island to make up their own minds about its reality, this course is a unique educational opportunity.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4463+Spring2023
Class Description:
The history of socialist revolutions over the course of a century or more reveals that what occurred in Cuba has proven to have more lasting power. In spite of all the challenges it continues to face, what explains why the Cuban Revolution is still in place after six decades? This is the central research question of the course. A definitive answer would require a thorough examination of the revolution from its initiation until today, which is beyond what can be done in a semester or its equivalent. The focus, rather, will be more limited. First, how was the revolution made and consolidated, from 1953 until about 1969. Second, how has it been able to survive and advance since the collapse of the Soviet Union, that is, since 1991? The emphasis here is on the role of leadership and strategy and how the Cubans and their leaders saw and see what they are doing, in their own words. This is an attempt to get into their heads, their understandings, through documents, speeches and writings. For the first question I will also draw on the data from a research/film documentary project that I'm involved in at this moment: the participation of women and men in the guerrilla army and underground movement.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54052/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 October 2021

Spring 2023  |  POL 4487 Section 001: The Struggle for Democratization and Citizenship (65525)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Open (18 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How best to advance democracy - through the ballot box or in the streets? This question more than any other is what informs the course. As well as the streets, the barricades and the battlefields, it argues, are decisive in the democratic quest. If democracy means the rule of the demos, the people, then who gets to be included in "the people"? An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of the people, the citizens, is due to social struggles or the threat of such - an assumption to be examined in the course. Struggles refer to any kinds of movement for social change, from protests and strikes to revolutions broadly defined. This course seeks to see if there are lessons of struggle. The course traces the history of the democratic movement from its earliest moments in human history and attempts to draw a balance sheet. In the process it seeks to answer a number of questions. Did social inequality always exist? How do property rights figure in the inclusion process? What is the relationship between the state, social inequality and democracy? Which social layers played a decisive role in the democratic breakthrough? What are the effective strategies and tactics in the democratic struggle? How crucial is leadership? And lastly, can the lessons of the past inform current practice? A particular feature of the course is to read about the thinking and actions of activists on both sides of the democratic struggle in, as much as possible, their own words.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4487+Spring2023
Class Description:
The setting for this course is the mounting effort on the part of states and a variety of social forces to roll back the historic gains of the world-wide democratic movement--from anti-immigrant campaigns (in both fascist and non-fascist clothing) that would limit citizenship rights to efforts that undermine civil liberties in the guise of combatting terrorisim. This takes place in a larger context in which increasing numbers of citizens feel disempowered and alienated from the state. As democracy and popular participation are central to citizenship the course traces the origins of the democratic process with particular emphasis on how the disenfranchised fought to become included. Both implicitly and explicitly it seeks to understand how that occured in order to see if there are lessons of the past that that might have appllicability for the defense and extension of democratic rights today. To understand it was the disenfranchised who empowered themselves is in itself empowering. An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of citizens is due to social struggles or the threat of such--an assumption to be examined in the course.
Grading:
25% Midterm Exam
50% Final Exam
25% Reports/Papers
Exam Format:
Essay
Class Format:
75% Lecture
25% Discussion
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exam(s)
2 Paper(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65525/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 October 2011

Spring 2023  |  POL 4497W Section 001: Patronage & Corruption (65526)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Walter F. Mondale Hall 3
Enrollment Status:
Open (34 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course examines dysfunction within the state apparatus -- in the specific forms of patronage, corruption, and clientalism -- and asks why such dysfunction persists and what factors drive it to change. The first half of the course will be primarily devoted to patronage. It will examine the functioning of the patronage mechanism; ask when and why patronage is abandoned in favor of meritocracy; and will assess the relationship between merit reforms and changes in the quality of governance. The second half of the course will be devoted to corruption. Specific topics to be covered will include: an examination of different forms of corruption, both at the level of political leaders and of bureaucratic officials; the relationship between corruption, democracy, transparency and accountability; governments' manipulation of corruption to provide incentives to bureaucratic and party officials; and different means of combating corruption. The course will conclude with an examination of the relationship between patronage, corruption, clientalism and party politics, with a particular focus on the mechanisms that cause the correlation between these different forms of mis-governance.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL4497W+Spring2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65526/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 4502W Section 001: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights (51842)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 10
Enrollment Status:
Open (57 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Today, more than anytime since the civil rights movement of the 1960s, individual liberties are at the heart of controversial debate in the U.S. Groups, from the far left and far right of the political spectrum have pushed free speech towards the boundaries set by the Supreme Court. At the same time, the religion clauses have become as controversial as ever, with corporations and local governments using them in ways they have not been used before. Finally, the right to privacy is at a crossroads as the U.S. Supreme Court considers cases about reproductive rights and personal privacy. Given these issues, this course allows students to read all the major cases where the U.S. Supreme Court interprets the balance of protecting civil liberties versus allowing government to limit or suppress such liberties. Specifically, the course covers the 14th Amendment, freedom of speech, press, religion, and the limits of the free speech clause of the 1st Amendment. It also covers the 2nd Amendment and the right to privacy found in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, and 14th Amendments.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4502W+Spring2023
Class Description:
This course deals with civil liberties in the United States and how the United States Supreme Court decides which rights and liberties get which protections, at which times. Specifically, our focus will be on the First Amendment, and the Right to Privacy. Special emphasis will be placed on how the Supreme Court defines, establishes, and protects these liberties through its interpretation of the Constitution.
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Final Exam
30% Reports/Papers
10% Class Participation
Exam Format:
Exam -- Hypothetical Questions
Class Format:
40% Lecture
60% Discussion
Workload:
50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
40-50 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exam(s)
5 Paper(s)
25 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51842/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
22 October 2012

Spring 2023  |  POL 4881W Section 001: The Politics of International Law and Global Governance (65528)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 235
Enrollment Status:
Open (41 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and governments driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? What are the causes and consequences of an increasingly globalized world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these developments in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism, liberalism, institutionalism, constructivism, critical security studies, feminist theory, queer IR theory, post-colonial theory, indigenous approaches to international relations, and neo-Marxism. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ccreamer+POL4881W+Spring2023
Class Description:

This course is an introduction to international law for students of world politics. A dense and expanding network of international rules and regulations now cover the globe. The primary purpose of this course is to enhance your understanding of the ways in which international legal rules order international and domestic politics. How and to what extent has international law helped resolve conflicts between countries or helped governments achieve common goals? What is law's relationship with countries' foreign policies? How does international law interact with or impact domestic politics and legal systems? Throughout the course, we emphasize the relationship between law and politics to understand why international law operates as it does. A special effort is made to relate the course material to global developments in the past decade or so: new technologies and the use of force; racial biases in war crimes accountability; trade wars & investment disputes; forced migration, refugees, and climate change; systemic racism, gender-based violence, and human rights; the international law of pandemics; and backlash against global governance.

Who Should Take This Class?:

Students from all concentrations are welcome to enroll. This is advanced, specialized course that examines in-depth the politics of international law and global governance. It includes readings and assignments at the most intellectually demanding undergraduate level. While there are no course prerequisites, you would benefit from previous coursework in international politics or global studies, such as POL 3835: International Relations.

Requirements fulfilled by this course:


· Liberal Education

· Global Perspectives Theme

· Writing Intensive

Learning Objectives:

As a result of taking this course, you will be able to:

· Understand the basic structures and norms of the international legal system

· Articulate how and why various actors use international law to express values or achieve goals

· Better understand how law relates to important current issues

· Describe clearly when and how international law shapes global politics and policy

· Explain persuasively when and how international law shapes domestic politics and policy

· Use comparative and critical thinking and writing skills to bring together theory and practice

Grading:

Policy Memo: 15%

Analytical Essay: 15%

Online Comprehension Quizzes: 26%

International Agreement Group Project: 20%

Attendance & Participation: 24%

Exam Format:
n/a
Class Format:

This course adopts an in-person, synchronous modality with partial online delivery of academic content.


The course will be split between:


- Synchronous in-person discussion & simulation sessions during scheduled course time (once per week)

- Online lectures followed by comprehension quizzes

Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65528/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 November 2021

Spring 2023  |  POL 4991 Section 001: Political Science Capstone (54260)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science senior
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 210
Enrollment Status:
Open (72 of 90 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4991+Spring2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54260/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 4991 Section 002: Political Science Capstone (54616)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 415
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Closed (36 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54616/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 4991 Section 003: Political Science Capstone (54615)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 240
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Closed (36 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54615/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 4991 Section 005: Political Science Capstone (55080)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science senior
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Mon 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 255
Enrollment Status:
Open (44 of 46 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL4991+Spring2023
Class Description:
This is a required course for completion of the Political Science major. The purpose of this capstone course is to provide a common, meaningful, and practical culminating experience for soon-to-be graduating seniors in Political Science. In this course, students will reflect on, articulate, share, and build upon their highly-individualized experiences in the major so that they finish the major with a more complete and synthetic understanding of what they have learned, what their undergraduate work prepares them for, and what questions, old or new, they can and should keep asking, reformulating, and seeking answers for after graduation. In addition, the course is designed to reinforce the fundamental skills associated with evidence-based reasoning and argumentation. These include the location, evaluation, and presentation of different sources of evidence as well as employment of different forms of analysis.

The course is organized around the theme of ‘Democracy under Threat'. This theme stems from the widespread consensus among scholars and observers of democracy that democracy is on the decline around the world. The most recent Freedom House report documents the 14th successive year of decline in global freedom. The most notable aspect of the current phase of democratic decline is that it is affecting the more advanced and established democracies of the world including those in the West. Over the course of this semester, we will be addressing some of the major challenges confronting democracy across the world and will accord special attention to recent developments in the United States. We will approach these challenges from a comparative perspective engaging evidence, accounts, and arguments from across the world.

The delivery modality for POL 4991 005 and the related sections 006, 007, and 008 is online, synchronous.
Who Should Take This Class?:
All graduating seniors majoring in Political Science.
Learning Objectives:
This course will provide you with an opportunity to: a) reflect on what you have learned as a Political Science major; b) demonstrate your knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and, c) think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights acquired in your major experience can be used and applied outside of the university. The main goal of the course is to guide you through the process of preparing your capstone portfolio by providing structure, feedback, and encouragement. Along the way, we will emphasize the relationship between political science perspectives, critical thinking, effective communication, and meaningful civic engagement.
Exam Format:
No exams.
Class Format:
We will meet twice every week - on Tuesdays for lectures and Thursdays for discussion sections. The class time during lectures will be apportioned between lectures (50 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (15 percent).
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55080/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 November 2021

Spring 2023  |  POL 4991 Section 006: Political Science Capstone (55081)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 255
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 005
Enrollment Status:
Closed (35 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Description:
This is a required course for completion of the Political Science major. The purpose of this capstone course is to provide a common, meaningful, and practical culminating experience for soon-to-be graduating seniors in Political Science. In this course, students will reflect on, articulate, share, and build upon their highly-individualized experiences in the major so that they finish the major with a more complete and synthetic understanding of what they have learned, what their undergraduate work prepares them for, and what questions, old or new, they can and should keep asking, reformulating, and seeking answers for after graduation. In addition, the course is designed to reinforce the fundamental skills associated with evidence-based reasoning and argumentation. These include the location, evaluation, and presentation of different sources of evidence as well as employment of different forms of analysis.

The course is organized around the theme of ‘Democracy under Threat'. This theme stems from the widespread consensus among scholars and observers of democracy that democracy is on the decline around the world. The most recent Freedom House report documents the 14th successive year of decline in global freedom. The most notable aspect of the current phase of democratic decline is that it is affecting the more advanced and established democracies of the world including those in the West. Over the course of this semester, we will be addressing some of the major challenges confronting democracy across the world and will accord special attention to recent developments in the United States. We will approach these challenges from a comparative perspective engaging evidence, accounts, and arguments from across the world.

The delivery modality for POL 4991 005 and the related sections 006, 007, and 008 is online, synchronous.
Who Should Take This Class?:
All graduating seniors majoring in Political Science.
Learning Objectives:
This course will provide you with an opportunity to: a) reflect on what you have learned as a Political Science major; b) demonstrate your knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and, c) think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights acquired in your major experience can be used and applied outside of the university. The main goal of the course is to guide you through the process of preparing your capstone portfolio by providing structure, feedback, and encouragement. Along the way, we will emphasize the relationship between political science perspectives, critical thinking, effective communication, and meaningful civic engagement.
Exam Format:
No exams.
Class Format:
We will meet twice every week - on Tuesdays for lectures and Thursdays for discussion sections. The class time during lectures will be apportioned between lectures (50 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (15 percent).
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55081/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 November 2021

Spring 2023  |  POL 4991 Section 007: Political Science Capstone (55082)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 140
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 005
Enrollment Status:
Open (9 of 10 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Description:
This is a required course for completion of the Political Science major. The purpose of this capstone course is to provide a common, meaningful, and practical culminating experience for soon-to-be graduating seniors in Political Science. In this course, students will reflect on, articulate, share, and build upon their highly-individualized experiences in the major so that they finish the major with a more complete and synthetic understanding of what they have learned, what their undergraduate work prepares them for, and what questions, old or new, they can and should keep asking, reformulating, and seeking answers for after graduation. In addition, the course is designed to reinforce the fundamental skills associated with evidence-based reasoning and argumentation. These include the location, evaluation, and presentation of different sources of evidence as well as employment of different forms of analysis.

The course is organized around the theme of ‘Democracy under Threat'. This theme stems from the widespread consensus among scholars and observers of democracy that democracy is on the decline around the world. The most recent Freedom House report documents the 14th successive year of decline in global freedom. The most notable aspect of the current phase of democratic decline is that it is affecting the more advanced and established democracies of the world including those in the West. Over the course of this semester, we will be addressing some of the major challenges confronting democracy across the world and will accord special attention to recent developments in the United States. We will approach these challenges from a comparative perspective engaging evidence, accounts, and arguments from across the world.

The delivery modality for POL 4991 005 and the related sections 006, 007, and 008 is online, synchronous.
Who Should Take This Class?:
All graduating seniors majoring in Political Science.
Learning Objectives:
This course will provide you with an opportunity to: a) reflect on what you have learned as a Political Science major; b) demonstrate your knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and, c) think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights acquired in your major experience can be used and applied outside of the university. The main goal of the course is to guide you through the process of preparing your capstone portfolio by providing structure, feedback, and encouragement. Along the way, we will emphasize the relationship between political science perspectives, critical thinking, effective communication, and meaningful civic engagement.
Exam Format:
No exams.
Class Format:
We will meet twice every week - on Tuesdays for lectures and Thursdays for discussion sections. The class time during lectures will be apportioned between lectures (50 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (15 percent).
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55082/1233
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 November 2021

Spring 2023  |  POL 4993 Section 001: Honors Thesis: Directed Studies (52533)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Instructor Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol 3108H, political science major, honors
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (9 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4993+Spring2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52533/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 4994 Section 001: Directed Research: Individual (52344)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (3 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4994+Spring2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52344/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (54703)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 15 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL5970+Spring2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54703/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (54761)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1450
Enrollment Status:
Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
Class Notes:
Publishing Confidential: *Security Studies* from the Inside
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54761/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 8104 Section 001: Professional Development I (65542)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
S-N only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
First Half of Term
 
01/17/2023 - 03/13/2023
Tue 11:00AM - 12:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Closed (10 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The objectives of this course are as follows: (1) to provide students with professional advice that will help them move with dispatch through the graduate program; (2) to learn the formal and informal norms of the discipline; and (3) to help them prepare to do independent research and dissertation research. prereq: 1st year Pol graduate student
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65542/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 8107 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science II (65544)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Multiple linear regression model applied to political science data. How to use regression techniques to analyze data, interpret statistical results, and summarize/report the findings. Estimation of model. Underlying assumptions. Inference. Model diagnostics. Extensions of model. prereq: Political science grad major or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65544/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 8125 Section 001: Dynamic Analysis (65545)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Fri 11:00AM - 12:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1450
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Time series method, its application in political science. prereq: Pol sci grad student or instr consent
Class Notes:
In-person and ITV seminar; co-taught by Prof. Jon Pevehouse, UW-Madison.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65545/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 8160 Section 001: Topics in Models and Methods -- Survey Experiments in Political Science (65546)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Wed 01:00PM - 03:00PM
UMTC, East Bank
Blegen Hall 215
Enrollment Status:
Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
Class Notes:
ITV Course: Survey Experiments in Political Science; instructor: Prof. Matthew Winters, Illinois This class will expose students to survey experimental research in political science and international relations through concrete examples complemented by methodological readings. The course will review the general methodological logic behind experiments; discuss the strengths, weaknesses, and current uses of survey experiments; and explore some of the frontiers in analyzing experimental data. Students will develop an improved capacity to read research that uses survey experimental methodologies and to think about designing their own experimental and non-experimental research. At the end of the course, student will have developed, in consultation with the instructor, their own research design using survey experimental methods for a substantive question of interest to them.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65546/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 8260 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- Modern Thought & Empire (65547)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
6 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (4 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings and research in special topics or problems.
Class Notes:
Modern Thought & Empire This course examines the complex relationship between the development of modern political thought and the history of empire since the sixteenth century. What was the role of imperial experience in shaping the central concepts of political theory, such as state, sovereignty, rights, property, liberty, and progress? What kinds of moral, political, and economic arguments were made to justify or denounce empire? What are the intellectual legacies of these arguments that inform our shared ideas of universalism, pluralism, difference, dignity, solidarity, and community? The course tackles these questions by analyzing global processes - overseas trade, imperial competition, colonization and imperial rule, international migration, the origins of anticolonialism - through the works of canonical political thinkers, alongside a range of primary and secondary sources. Thinkers covered in the course include Montaigne, Grotius, Hobbes, Rousseau, Marx, Fanon, and Arendt.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65547/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 8308 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology II (65501)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major or Pol Psy minor
Meets With:
PSY 8212 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Fri 09:00AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Open (4 of 5 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65501/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 8311 Section 001: Political Psychology and Socialization (65548)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major or Pol Psy minor
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Wed 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Introduction to political psychology. Personality and politics; political cognition, emotion, and political behavior; political expertise; media and politics; aggression, authoritarianism, and political behavior; altruism and politics. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65548/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 8402 Section 001: International Security (65549)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Mon 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Introduction to contending theories of international conflict/security. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65549/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (52386)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1 Credit
Repeat Credit Limit:
10 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Advanced Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (21 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8444+Spring2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52386/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 8601 Section 001: Introduction to Comparative Politics (67215)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
Thu 05:45PM - 07:40PM
UMTC, East Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Main theoretical approaches and issues: comparative method, the state and class; political culture; development, democratization, rational choice, social movements. prereq: Grad pol sci major
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67215/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (52408)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8666+Spring2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52408/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (52459)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-24 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
100 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science PhD, Doct or ETCR
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (19 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8888+Spring2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52459/1233

Spring 2023  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (51878)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-7 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
7 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/17/2023 - 05/01/2023
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8990+Spring2023
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51878/1233

Fall 2022  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (19000)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 310
Enrollment Status:
Open (146 of 149 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. The course is designed to help students understand what liberal education is by engaging in the study of American politics as a fundamentally critical and creative enterprise, and by grappling with the most complex and challenging problems of political life, such as the sources of political equality and inequality, and the tension between individual aspirations and political control. Questions of power and choice, opportunity and discrimination, freedom and restrictions on freedom are fundamental to the historical development of and current controversies within the American political system, and we will attend to all of these. We will explore topics including the ideas underlying the nation's founding and its constitutional foundations; civil rights and civil liberties; the role of the United States in an increasingly globalized world; the structure and function of American political institutions; and the behavior of American citizens in the political process. In addition, we will learn to think and communicate like political scientists. We will read primary documents, such as the Federalist papers, engage with scholarly arguments about the way the American political system works, and critically evaluate critiques of the American political system that have been offered from a variety of perspectives. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them. Students will be able to identify, define, and solve problems and to locate and critically evaluate information. Students will have mastered a body of knowledge and a mod
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?tpcollin+POL1001+Fall2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19000/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (18001)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 5
Enrollment Status:
Closed (85 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Global politics is complex, fast-paced, and often confusing. This introductory course explores both the enduring challenges of international politics as well as more recent transformative trends. The course introduces theoretical traditions, but its focus is on making sense of real-world problems, both today and in the past. Why is the world organized into states, and what implications does the states system have for indigenous populations globally? Why and when do states go to war and use military force? Why do they sign international agreements and treaties, on matters from arms control to investment? In what ways do existing systems of international law and trade exacerbate or mitigate global inequities? Why has human rights emerged as a central problem in world politics? What are the prospects for international cooperation to address climate change? How have inequities and prejudices, along the lines of race and other categorical identities, shaped our world - from the practice of global security to the structures of the international political economy? These are among the pressing real-world questions that this course in Global Politics will address and that it will give you the tools to answer - though particular instructors will naturally emphasize different topics and questions. But the course will also highlight how our answers to these questions are changing along with the deep power structures of global politics - as US dominance wanes and others, most notably China, rise; as core ideas and discourses underpinning the international system, such as sovereignty, come under assault; as institutions, such as those governing international law, thicken; and as attention grows to the structuring effects of race and other ascriptive categories. Global Politics is an essential guide to our increasingly globalized world.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL1025+Fall2022
Class Description:
Americans hardly need to be told that international politics matters. US forces are still deployed around the globe, and economic uncertainty has barely abated. Knowing that international politics matters is one thing, making sense of it is another. This course will give students the tools they need to begin to understand patterns and trends in global politics. Students will be introduced to international relations' theoretical traditions, but the course will focus primarily on explaining and understanding historical and especially current problems in world politics. It will explore, among other issues, the causes of war and peace, the limited use of force, humanitarian intervention, nuclear proliferation, nationalist conflict, international ethics, the politics of international trade and finance, foreign aid, globalization, the prospects for environmental cooperation and human rights norms, migration, terrorism, and the future of world politics. By the end of the course, students should be familiar with all these issues and others, should have developed their own views on these much-debated questions, and should be able to apply basic analytical frameworks to answer them.
Grading:
25% Midterm Exam
40% Final Exam
20% Essay, Quizzes
15% Class Participation
Exam Format:
Identifications; short paragraphs; essays; reading quizzes
Class Format:
80% Lecture
20% Discussion
Workload:
50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18001/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 October 2015

Fall 2022  |  POL 1026 Section 001: U.S. Foreign Policy (20762)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 230
Enrollment Status:
Open (70 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This means that how the United States behaves in the world is hugely important. As a result, we should all try to better understand U.S. foreign policy: why the U.S. behaves in the way it does, how the U.S. should behave, and how it has behaved in the past. These are the questions that this class tackles. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and has the United States always behaved in this way? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily powerful and secure? What role has race and racism played in key episodes of U.S. foreign policy? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from acquiring nuclear weapons? Should addressing climate change be a key priority of U.S. foreign policy and how should it be addressed?
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL1026+Fall2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20762/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Politics Around the World (17989)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 210
Enrollment Status:
Closed (85 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. It focuses on domestic politics within countries, as opposed to a course in international relations, which focuses on relations between countries. Some of the questions we tackle include: Why are some countries prone to violent conflict while others remain peaceful? Why do some countries grow rich while others remain poor? Why does democracy emerge in some countries, while dictators hold onto power elsewhere? How do attitudes about gender and sexuality influence politics? Do particular religions, or the strength of religious faith, strengthen or weaken democracy? The readings and assignments help you make sense of the complexity of world politics - to sift through and distill the avalanche of information available and learn how to develop your own arguments about pertinent global issues. Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and provide examples of 1) the difference between strong and weak states; 2) the distinctions between democratic and non-democratic forms of government; 3) the various ways democracies are governed; 4) arguments explaining the origin of democracy and the persistence of non-democracy; 5) the significance of different forms of political identity such as ethnicity, religion, and gender; 6) why some countries are rich while others remain poor; and 7) why some countries tax and spend more than others. Assignments seek to develop your skills at developing arguments through logic and evidence and to give you the ability to distinguish between a persuasive argument about politics and simply stating an opinion.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL1054+Fall2022
Class Description:
This course provides an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. We seek to understand how people establish a durable and legitimate political system, and how they seek to benefit from, transform or even overthrow that system. Over the course of the semester we will explore the following questions: 1) How and why do societies establish political order? 2) What is democracy and how is it different from dictatorship? 3) What factors cause democracy to emerge? 4) What are the different kinds of dictatorships? 5) When, where and why does ethnicity impact politics? 6) What is nationalism? 7) How does religion drive conflict in the contemporary world? 8) What is the impact of women in politics around the world? 9) What causes civil wars? 10) Why are some countries rich and some poor? 11) Why do some countries tax and spend quite a lot, while others have lower tax rates and lower levels of redistribution?
Who Should Take This Class?:
Anyone interested in global politics
Exam Format:
30% Reports/Papers
50% Written Homework
20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: There is one five-page paper, and up to 10 short assignments. A draft of the 5-page paper is required; students will receive feedback before turning in the final version.
Class Format:
60% Lecture
25% Discussion
15% Small Group Activities
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Paper(s)
10 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17989/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 March 2017

Fall 2022  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (17965)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Wed, Fri 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 350
Enrollment Status:
Open (146 of 149 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?asinha+POL1201+Fall2022
Class Description:

Aristotle once called human beings "political animals,"meaning that, unlike gods or the other animals, we naturally create institutions to govern ourselves. What those institutions should look like, what values they should embody, and who should be in charge prove to be difficult questions that Aristotle leaves for us. Building on Aristotle's definition, this course offers an introduction to political theory, a sub-discipline of political science. By exploring some of the core issues and concepts of political theory, students will grapple with a number of "big questions" about politics in history and in the present: Why and how does politics matter in our everyday lives beyond the voting booth? On what basis is political authority seen as legitimate? How should we understand and embody political values like justice and equality in our own lives? What is the role of economics (capitalism, socialism, etc.) and economic inequality in the creation of political order? What should we think of the use of violence or non-violence in contemporary politics and protests? To explore these "big questions," we will relate historical readings to contemporary "hot-button" issues here in the Twin Cities, the US, and the globe.

Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
9-10 Pages Writing Per Term
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17965/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
21 March 2022

Fall 2022  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (17964)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Field Work
Credits:
3-13 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
15 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
Off Campus
Enrollment Status:
Open (21 of 50 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students search for and arrange an internship with an organization or office working in government or politics, and then complete academic coursework in association with their internship. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Fall2022
Class Description:
This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
Learning Objectives:
To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
Grading:
Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
Exam Format:
90% Reports/Papers
10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
Class Format:
100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
Workload:
30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17964/1229
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Fall 2022  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (21040)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Closed (62 of 60 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Fall2022
Class Description:

POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course and students are encouraged to pursue research projects of personal interest to them. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.

Who Should Take This Class?:
This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
Learning Objectives:
The lab section is solely dedicated to understanding the statistical software program R. Learning statistical software is good for several reasons: not only does it give you practical tools for manipulating and analyzing data and making cool graphics, but it also teaches you algorithmic thinking, which is a good skill set for life.
Grading:

There are short assignments intended to be done within lab and mostly-weekly quizzes done outside of class. Quizzes are online and untimed.

Exam Format:
None
Class Format:
Most weeks student will be expected to watch a lecture video before lab. The class period will be dedicated to going through specific activities related to that content and answering student questions.
Workload:
Students have a homework assignment due every 1-2 weeks (depending on how extensive the assignment is). Lectures require some preparation, either in the form of reading and or forms of preparation.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21040/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 December 2021

Fall 2022  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (21041)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Credits:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Thu 03:00PM - 03:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 130
Enrollment Status:
Closed (32 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Fall2022
Class Description:

POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course and students are encouraged to pursue research projects of personal interest to them. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.

Who Should Take This Class?:
This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
Learning Objectives:
The lab section is solely dedicated to understanding the statistical software program R. Learning statistical software is good for several reasons: not only does it give you practical tools for manipulating and analyzing data and making cool graphics, but it also teaches you algorithmic thinking, which is a good skill set for life.
Grading:

There are short assignments intended to be done within lab and mostly-weekly quizzes done outside of class. Quizzes are online and untimed.

Exam Format:
None
Class Format:
Most weeks student will be expected to watch a lecture video before lab. The class period will be dedicated to going through specific activities related to that content and answering student questions.
Workload:
Students have a homework assignment due every 1-2 weeks (depending on how extensive the assignment is). Lectures require some preparation, either in the form of reading and or forms of preparation.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21041/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 December 2021

Fall 2022  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (21042)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Credits:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Thu 04:00PM - 04:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 140
Enrollment Status:
Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Fall2022
Class Description:

POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course and students are encouraged to pursue research projects of personal interest to them. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.

Who Should Take This Class?:
This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
Learning Objectives:
The lab section is solely dedicated to understanding the statistical software program R. Learning statistical software is good for several reasons: not only does it give you practical tools for manipulating and analyzing data and making cool graphics, but it also teaches you algorithmic thinking, which is a good skill set for life.
Grading:

There are short assignments intended to be done within lab and mostly-weekly quizzes done outside of class. Quizzes are online and untimed.

Exam Format:
None
Class Format:
Most weeks student will be expected to watch a lecture video before lab. The class period will be dedicated to going through specific activities related to that content and answering student questions.
Workload:
Students have a homework assignment due every 1-2 weeks (depending on how extensive the assignment is). Lectures require some preparation, either in the form of reading and or forms of preparation.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21042/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 December 2021

Fall 2022  |  POL 3225 Section 001: American Political Thought (19874)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Walter F. Mondale Hall 40
Enrollment Status:
Closed (85 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course provides an introduction to several key periods and some of the leading concepts and debates in American political thought. It might also focus on a broader theme such as: conceptions of destiny, mission, and exceptionalism; arguments over economic development and inequality; or debates over government and corporate power. The course will begin with Puritan religious and political thought, tracing its secularization over time. Considerable attention will be paid to the ideas behind the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, such as the social contract and the right of resistance to civil authority, civic republicanism, and the founders' new science of politics and government. The course will consider some if not all of the following: debates over slavery and emancipation, women's rights, the rise of imperialism and nationalism, race and racism, and the rise of rule by public and private bureaucratic organizations, and the consequences of these developments for the possibility of continued individual liberty, equality, and justice. This course requires considerable reading of difficult texts. The ultimate goal of this course is for students to gain a deeper understanding of American political thought as a product of the country's ever-evolving political discourse. prereq: Suggested prerequisite POL 1201
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3225+Fall2022
Class Description:
In this course we will examine classic texts in the history of American political thought in order to understand how Americans have theorized about and argued over their political system, and to consider how we can draw upon these texts to address contemporary American political problems. Some of the questions we will address: What political and moral obligations do citizens have to the state, and to each other? What is the basis of legitimate state authority? What is the social contract, and how have Americans used social contract theory to legitimate their governments? What is the right of resistance, and when is it acceptable for individuals or a people to resist or rebel against their government? Does the Declaration of Independence merely list the reasons for separating from Great Britain, or is it also a founding document establishing American principles of liberty and equality? How does the Constitution limit (or fail to limit) the power of the state, and protect (or fail to protect) individual and corporate rights? Is class conflict over the distribution of wealth in society a recent development or a long-standing feature of American political discourse? How have religious texts and ideas been used as a basis for political argument? How relevant to our century and our political problems are the ideas of 50, 100, 150, 200, or more years ago? What, if anything, can we still learn and use from these past ideas and theories? How might they help us, or lead us astray, in addressing our own problems today? Prominent theorists covered include Winthrop, Franklin, Paine, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, the Anti-Federalist "Brutus," Thoreau, Calhoun, Douglass, Lincoln, Sumner.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any student interested in political theory, philosophy, American history, American politics, textual interpretation and analysis, or the roles of ideas, race, gender, and religion in politics.
Learning Objectives:
To understand significant texts in history of American political thought, both in relation to their original historical context and in terms of how they still resonate with our political concerns and problems today; to understand how Americans have thought about and argued over politics from the colonial period through the present; to cultivate students' analytical reasoning.
Exam Format:
80% Reports/Papers
20% Quizzes
Class Format:
80% Lecture
20% Discussion
Workload:
150 Pages Reading Per Week
30 Pages Writing Per Term
3 Paper(s)
2 Quiz(zes)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19874/1229
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3225_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Fall 2022  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (20763)

Instructor(s)
Adam L (TA)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 317
Enrollment Status:
Closed (58 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course considers the nature of contemporary democracy and the role that members of the political community do, can, and should play. While approaches in teaching the class vary, students can expect to read historical and contemporary texts, see films and videos, to approach questions about the nature of democracy, justifications for democracy, and challenges faced by contemporary democracy as it relates to racial inequality, immigration, gender inequality, and ecological crises. Topics will include: the centrality of social movements for democracies; deliberative and participatory democracy; as well as questions about how members of political communities can best participate in democratic life to address structural inequalities. Students will write a longer essay that allows them to demonstrate their capacities to understand and explain complex ideas and to make a theoretically compelling argument, using appropriate supporting evidence. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3235W+Fall2022 Instructor: Assistant Professor Arash Davari
Class Description:
Democracy seems to be an intuitively simple concept to many Americans. Americans know what democracy, and the corresponding values of freedom and equality mean because they live under a democratic system of government that guarantees liberty and justice for all, and equality regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Likewise, Americans know that being a citizen means we have certain rights. (and duties?) When we delve a little deeper into what these concepts mean, however, we discover that this apparent certainty papers over a host of disagreements, divisions, and uncertainties. These complexities have bubbled up to the surface today, as they have historically, through a number of contemporary concerns espoused by the Occupy Movement, the Tea Party Movement, Black Lives Matter, anti-establishment politics, etc.

This class helps students to engage in the contemporary problems of democracy, in the United States and beyond, by grounding the conversation in the historical debates of democratic theory. Rather than suggesting any simple answers, our class will instead pose questions with which we, together, must wrestle. What is democracy? How should we understand basic concepts of democracy like freedom, equality, and solidarity? How should we respond when these concepts come into conflict? Is capitalism inherently in conflict with democracy? Working through these questions, we will tack back and forth between theoretical debates and contemporary and historical political problems, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the political stakes behind these questions, as well as a more critical perspective from which to understand the political challenges of this moment in history.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
Grading:

Attendance: 10%

Paper 1: 35%

Paper 2: 35%

Final Presentation: 20%

Workload:
approximatley 40 pages of reading per class
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20763/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 June 2022

Fall 2022  |  POL 3251W Section 001: Power, Virtue, and Vice: Ancient and Early Modern Political Theory (32635)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (56 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Key concepts of contemporary political life such as 'democracy', 'tyranny', 'authority' - and indeed 'politics' itself - derive from ancient sources. This course offers students an opportunity to return to the foundations of this vocabulary by delving into work by such major thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and Machiavelli. Lectures and discussion shall consider the endurance of certain basic questions of political life, such as: What is justice? What is the best regime? What is the relationship between human nature and political order? Can politics be virtuous and, if so, in what way? The course will also consider the radically diverse responses to these essential questions through examination of a wide range of historical periods and the unique terms of political order each offered. Previous iterations of the course have included examination of the Classical Greek city-state system and its fragile experiments with democracy; the rise and fall of the Roman empire; the establishment of Western Christendom; the Renaissance, so-called 'discovery' of the New World, and dawn of the modern era. Students will gain a glimpse into worlds preoccupied by matters of truth, virtue and nobility, but also widely populated by slavery, imperialism, violence, and religious strife. In this way, the study of ancient theory is intended to serve as both supplement and challenge to the terms of contemporary political life.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rbnichol+POL3251W+Fall2022
Class Description:
Key concepts of contemporary political life such as 'democracy', 'tyranny', 'authority' - and indeed 'politics' itself - derive from ancient sources. This course offers students an opportunity to return to the foundations of this vocabulary by delving into work by such major thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and Machiavelli. Lectures and discussion shall consider the endurance of certain basic questions of political life, such as: What is justice? What is the best regime? What is the relationship between human nature and political order? Can politics be virtuous and, if so, in what way? The course will also consider the radically diverse responses to these essential questions through examination of a wide range of historical periods and the unique terms of political order each offered. Previous iterations of the course have included examination of the Classical Greek city-state system and its fragile experiments with democracy; the rise and fall of the Roman empire; the establishment of Western Christendom; the Renaissance, so-called 'discovery' of the New World, and dawn of the modern era. Students will gain a glimpse into worlds preoccupied by matters of truth, virtue and nobility, but also widely populated by slavery, imperialism, violence, and religious strife. In this way, the study of ancient theory is intended to serve as both supplement and challenge to the terms of contemporary political life.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32635/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
13 October 2021

Fall 2022  |  POL 3265 Section 001: Ideas and Protest in French Postwar Thought (32636)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 130
Enrollment Status:
Open (25 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
France witnessed a number of extraordinary events in the 20th century: the carnage and trauma of World Wars I and II; the Vichy regime's collaboration with German Nazis; the general strike and student protests of the 1960s; the tensions prompted by anti-colonialism and later decolonization in North Africa; and the challenges of post-colonialism and racial politics. This course will examine these events, the political and ethical challenges they raised, and the intellectuals who shaped the ensuing public debates. It will draw on historical documents, cultural media (e.g. posters, art, film), and philosophical texts to explore contemporary France in its century of politics and protest. Thinkers range from film-maker Gillo Pontecorvo, to philosopher-playwright Jean-Paul Sartre, to philosopher Michel Foucault.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL3265+Fall2022
Class Description:
France witnessed a number of extraordinary events in the 20th century: the carnage and trauma of World Wars I and II; the Vichy regime's shameful collaboration with German Nazis; the general strike and student protests of the 1960s; the tensions prompted by decolonization in North Africa; and the challenges of contemporary multiculturalism and identity politics from the 1990s to the 2015 Charlie Hebdo tragedy. This course will examine these events, the political and ethical challenges they raised, and the intellectuals who shaped the ensuing public debates. It will draw on historical documents, cultural media (e.g. posters, art, film), and philosophical texts to explore contemporary France in its century of politics and protest. Thinkers range from novelist Albert Camus, to philosopher-playwright Jean-Paul Sartre, to philosopher Michel Foucault.
Exam Format:
20% Midterm Exam
50% Reports/Papers
20% Special Projects
10% In-class Presentations
Class Format:
40% Lecture
10% Film/Video
50% Discussion
Workload:
75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
20 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Exam(s)
3 Paper(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32636/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 March 2015

Fall 2022  |  POL 3306 Section 001: Presidential Leadership and American Democracy (21750)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 330
Enrollment Status:
Open (69 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
To most Americans - if not most human beings - the President of the United States is probably the most powerful person on the planet. This course examines how, why, and whether that is the case. What does the US President do, and why? Why is so much power entrusted to just one person? Students will critically analyze these questions and synthesize answers by evaluating the history, evolution, and current state of the "highest office in the land."
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?tpcollin+POL3306+Fall2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21750/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 3308 Section 001: Congressional Politics and Institutions (20764)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Walter F. Mondale Hall 40
Enrollment Status:
Open (69 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the politics of the U.S. Congress and the federal legislative process. Throughout the semester, we will focus on the behavior of individual legislators and the role that they play in crafting federal legislation in policy areas such as healthcare, civil rights and the environment. We will devote special attention to changes in Congress, as well as current political and scholarly controversies such as congressional confirmation process of Supreme Court justices, congressional war powers, the influence of parties, and campaign finance. The theme of the course is why do legislators behave as they do and who interests do they represent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL3308+Fall2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20764/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 3309 Section 001: U.S. Supreme Court Decision-Making, Process, and Politics (32637)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 210
Enrollment Status:
Open (84 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to judicial politics and decision-making of the U.S. Supreme Court. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. Unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, this course does not study legal doctrine. Rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system with an emphasis on the social scientific literature about how the U.S. Supreme Court functions. Thus, we will cover nominations of justices, decision making models, and how justices interact with one another and the political world beyond the ivory tower. Recommended prerequisite: POL 1001
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL3309+Fall2022
Class Description:
The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to the scientific study of judicial politics. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. This course, unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, does not study legal doctrine; rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system, with an emphasis on the social scientific literature on law and legal process.
Grading:
70% Midterm Exam
30% Final Exam
Exam Format:
Essay
Class Format:
80% Lecture
20% Discussion
Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
3 Exam(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32637/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
10 April 2014

Fall 2022  |  POL 3323 Section 001: Political Tolerance in the United States (33075)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
West Bank Skyway AUDITORIUM
Enrollment Status:
Closed (57 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Intergroup conflict continues to be one of the defining fault lines in American politics. Most obviously, the existence of racial inequality has consequences for any given individual's social and economic standing. However, it also has had an enormous impact on the pattern of attitudes and beliefs that have served as the backdrop for many of society's most pressing political debates and conflicts. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to how political scientists have studied ethno-racial attitudes and the larger problem of inter-ethnic conflict in American society.
Class Description:
Political tolerance is the willingness to extend basic rights and civil liberties to persons and groups whose viewpoints differ from one's own. In this era of political discontent, much of the roots of our discussion are premised on a understanding of opposing viewpoints. In this class we address the following questions: What is political tolerance and how important is it for the health or viability of democracy? What is the relationship between various political ideologies and tolerance? How politically tolerant are Americans, both masses and elites, what are the roots of political intolerance, and what implications does this have for democratic government and democratic theories? How do Americans compare with other countries and what does this tell us about the roots of intolerance? How does liberal democracy compare with other ideologies and what does that tell us about the importance of tolerance to a free society? In answering these questions, we will use the lens of various movements to focus our study, including but not limited to Race, Gender and Sexual Orientation.
Class Format:
70% Lecture
30% Discusion
Workload:
50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
20 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exam(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33075/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
8 November 2018

Fall 2022  |  POL 3325 Section 001: U.S. Campaigns and Elections (32638)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 370
Enrollment Status:
Open (94 of 182 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Presidential/congressional campaigns/elections in the United States. How political scientists study electoral politics. Theoretical generalizations about candidates, voters, parties, and the media. Ways electoral context and "rules of the game" matter.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL3325+Fall2022
Class Description:
This course examines presidential and congressional campaigns and elections in the United States. We will explore how political scientists study and understand electoral politics. What theoretical generalizations can we make about candidates, voters, parties, and the media? In what ways do the electoral context and the "rules of the game" matter? What are the effects of incumbency and the economy? How do gender and race affect campaigns and elections? The 2020 elections promise to be interesting for many reasons. Students will monitor the presidential campaigns and some congressional campaigns to asses how theory and practice converge in 2020. In addition to exams, students will write short papers analyzing specific elements of major campaigns and elections and a research paper of around eight to ten pages that addresses one of the themes of the course.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32638/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 March 2020

Fall 2022  |  POL 3423 Section 001: Politics of Disruption: Violence and Its Alternatives (32639)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 130
Enrollment Status:
Open (52 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Political struggles aimed at undermining the existing political order have been a pervasive feature of global politics. Modern states have constantly been sites of relentless challenges from their citizenry, which sometimes take the form of non-violent action while on other occasions manifest in terrorism and violence. This course introduces students to the politics of disruption and violent and non-violent struggles targeted at bringing about political change. We will study a range of manifestations of such struggles focusing on some well-known cases such as the US civil rights movement, the Arab Springs, the Ferguson riots and the Islamic State (ISIS). Can non-violent resistance succeed against a coercive state? Why do individuals and groups participate in high-risk political struggles? What explains patterns of violence in civil conflicts? What are the effects of violence? What facilitates peace? This course will enable you to answer these questions.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL3423+Fall2022
Class Description:
Political struggles aimed at undermining the existing political order have been a pervasive feature of global politics. Modern states have constantly been sites of relentless challenges from their citizenry, which sometimes take the form of non-violent action while on other occasions manifest in terrorism and violence. This course introduces students to the politics of disruption - violent and non-violent struggles targeted at bringing about political change. We will study a range of manifestations of such struggles focusing on some well-known cases such as the US civil rights movement, the Arab Springs, the Ferguson riots and the Islamic State (ISIS). Can non-violent resistance succeed against a coercive state? Why do individuals and groups participate in high-risk political struggles? What explains patterns of violence in civil conflicts? What are the effects of violence? What facilitates peace? This course will enable you to answer these questions.

The course will begin with an examination of alternatives to political violence. The focus will be primarily on India's non-violent struggle for independence from the British rule under the leadership of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, but we will also spend some time on the US civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa with Dr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in the lead. Students will be familiarized with definitional, conceptual and practical distinctions between various forms and manifestations of violent and non-violent struggles. To facilitate a better understanding, we will study a carefully-selected list of cases in-depth during the course of the semester.

Our discussion on political violence will be structured around four broad themes, which are:

1. Causes underlying violence;
2. Dynamics of conflict -- focusing on such questions as who participates in violent activities, how violence and violent actors are organized, and what can we learn from the pattern of violence;
3. Consequences of violence, both short-term and long-term; and,
4. Prevention and termination of violence.

This course will instill in students a strong sense of their role as historical agents by: a) facilitating a deeper understanding of the problems and challenges confronting much of humanity; b) inculcating an ability to assess the performance of policies, programs, actions and interventions aimed at addressing these challenges; c) imparting knowledge about the continuous struggles of individuals and groups against the existing political order; and, d) demonstrating the working, performance and implications of the methods and techniques deployed by individuals and groups to change political order. Students will learn that the issues raised by this course confront the larger global community including both the developing and the developed world. The course materials, assignments and class discussions are all directed towards encouraging students to reflect on the implications of the issues and themes covered across diverse cultural and political contexts across the world. We will be constantly engaged in deliberating and discussing the wider applicability and relevance of arguments advanced or developed and experiences acquired in the studied cases.

The class time will be apportioned between lectures (40 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (25 percent). The multimedia presentations will incorporate movies, documentaries, media reports, speeches, memoirs, etc.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Open to all undergraduate students
Learning Objectives:
This course fulfills the Council on Liberal Education (CLE) Global Perspectives Theme. The first four weeks of the course will be devoted to nonviolent resistance. The remainder of the course will cover key topical issues related to political violence mentioned above. During the course of the semester, we will:
1. Undertake a close examination of approaches to nonviolent resistance;
2. Learn about the dynamics of mass protest, especially conditions underlying successful mobilization and action;
3. Examine factors contributing to political violence;
4. Study violent action involving mass killing and the role of international community in mitigating such episodes;
5. Study the global problem of terrorism and approaches to addressing it; and,
6. Examine the challenge of ending violent conflict and problems of peace-making and peace-building
Grading:
1. Class Participation: 15%
2. Seven Short Assignments: 40%
a. In-class (Three):} 12% (100-150 words)
b. Homework (Four):} 28% (1-2 pages, single-space)
3. Individual/Group Research Assignment: 20% (7-8 pages, double-space)
4. Final Paper: 25% (9-10 pages, double-space)
Exam Format:
No exams
Class Format:
40% Lecture
35% Film/Video
25% Discussion
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32639/1229
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/sarbahi_POL3423_Spring2018.pdf (Spring 2018)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
17 October 2017

Fall 2022  |  POL 3451W Section 001: Politics and Society in the New Europe (21776)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Hanson Hall 1-102
Enrollment Status:
Open (49 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The devastation of Europe through two World Wars put the deadly results of ultra-nationalism on full display. To avoid such destruction again, a group of European technocrats and leaders embarked on a mission of incrementally deepening economic and later, social partnerships between an ever-expanding number of European countries. These efforts culminated in the birth of the European Union in the late 20th Century. From its inception, the Union has found obstacles in the forms of a weak institutional structure and authority, deep skepticism of a central European authority, financial crisis, ethnic anxiety, and resurgent nationalism. Yet, the continuation and strengthening of the Union is seen as the antidote to the rise of anti-democratic and authoritarian tendencies on the continent. Some of the key questions that we will engage in are: What are the ideological and historical roots of the European Union? What are the structural flaws of the Union? What are the obstacles to a stronger Union? Is the Union still or even more essential than ever? What are the ways the Union could collapse from within and from the intervention of outside forces?
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3451W+Fall2022
Class Description:
This course examines the establishment, institutions and functions of the European Union, with an overview of the political processes in European countries and the European Union. Students will examine the history behind the EU's construction, theories of European integration, the EU's institutions and policy competencies, reoccurring problems with democratic representation in the EU, and the EU's political and economic influence over candidate countries via requirements for entry. The class will also discuss the creation of the European Monetary Union and the Euro currency, and challenges it faced during the sovereign debt crisis. Finally, we will address challenges of migration, integration and the rise of nationalist parties across Europe.
Grading:
20% Midterm Exam
20% Final Exam
20% Research Paper
20% Attendance
20% Short Reflection Papers
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
5 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21776/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
31 May 2016

Fall 2022  |  POL 3462 Section 001: Politics of Race, Class, and Ethnicity (32640)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (27 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Is it true that since the election of Donald Trump the United States is more racist than ever? Is racism on the rise elsewhere in the world? Consistent with the goals of liberal education, this course helps students navigate their way through what is often seen as one of the most perplexing and intractable problems in today's world - racial and ethnic conflicts. It supplies a set of theoretical tools that can be utilized in the most diverse of settings - including, though to a lesser extent, gender. Rather than looking at these conflicts, as the media and popular knowledge often does, as centuries-old conflicts deeply set in our memory banks, a script from which none of us can escape, the course argues that inequalities in power and authority - in other words, class - go a long way in explaining racial and ethnic dynamics. To support this argument, the course examines the so-called "black-white" conflict in three settings, the U.S., South Africa and Cuba. While all three share certain similarities, their differences provide the most explanatory power. Most instructive is the Cuba versus U.S. and South Africa comparison. Specifically, what are the consequences for race relations when a society, Cuba, attempts to eliminate class inequalities? The course hopes to show that while we all carry with us the legacy of the past, we are not necessarily its prisoners.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL3462+Fall2022
Class Description:
Is it true that since the election of Donald Trump the United States is more racist than ever? Is racism on the rise elsewhere in the world? Consistent with the goals of liberal education, this course helps students navigate their way through what is often seen as one of the most perplexing and intractable problems in today's world, racial and ethnic conflicts. It supplies a set of theoretical tools that can be utilized in the most diverse of settings, including, race, class, ethnicity, and to a lesser extent, gender. Rather than looking at these conflicts, as the media and popular knowledge often does, as centuries-old conflicts deeply set in our memory banks, a script from which none of us can escape, the course argues that inequalities in power and authority, in other words, class, go a long way in explaining racial and ethnic dynamics. To support this argument, the course examines the so-called "black-white" conflict in three settings, the U.S., South Africa, and Cuba. While all three share certain similarities, their differences provide the most explanatory power. Most instructive is the Cuba versus U.S. and South Africa comparison. Specifically, what are the consequences for race relations when a society, Cuba, attempts to eliminate class inequalities? The course hopes to show that while we all carry with us the legacy of the past, we are not necessarily its prisoners.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32640/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 March 2020

Fall 2022  |  POL 3489W Section 001: Citizens, Consumers, and Corporations (34458)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, East Bank
Hanson Hall 1-111
Enrollment Status:
Open (11 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Corporations are the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a wide variety of goods, and have massive effects on the communities where they do business. Although considered to be "legal persons," corporations are not living beings with a conscience. Milton Friedman famously proclaimed that the only moral obligation of corporations is the maximize shareholder returns. Yet maximizing financial returns may negatively affect humans, other living beings, and the planet. This potential conflict between profit and ethics is at the heart of this course, which focuses on how people have mobilized as citizens and consumers to demand ethical behavior from corporations. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of corporate social responsibility for sweatshops, the industrial food system in the United States, and the privatization of life, water, and war. The course also considers how corporations exploit racial hierarchies and immigration status in their pursuit of profit.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3489W+Fall2022
Class Description:
Corporations are among the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a variety of goods, and have massive effects on the ecological and social environments in which they do business. How do ordinary people act in order to hold corporations accountable for the effects that their activities have on communities and individuals? This course focuses on two ways that people have mobilized to counter corporate power--as citizens and as consumers. When people mobilize as citizens, they put pressure on corporations through the political system--e.g. through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through the courts. When people mobilize as consumers, they use the power of their purchasing decisions to encourage corporations to change their behavior. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of corporate social responsibility/sweatshops, the industrial food system in the US, and the privatization of life (e.g. genes), water, and war.
Grading:
25% Final Exam
50% Reports/Papers
25% Class Participation
Exam Format:
The final exam will be an essay exam.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Film/Video
30% Discussion
15% Small Group Activities
Workload:
80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
1 Final Exam (essay format)
2 short papers (about 9 pages total)
2 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34458/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
1 April 2019

Fall 2022  |  POL 3733 Section 001: From Suffragettes to Senators: Gender, Politics & Policy in the U.S. (32641)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 330
Enrollment Status:
Open (65 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Overview to field of gender/politics. Examine role women play in U.S. policy process. How public policies are "gendered." How policies compare to feminist thinking about related issue area. Theories of role(s) gender plays in various aspects of politics.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL3733+Fall2022
Class Description:
This in-person lecture course examines gender dynamics in several domains of the American political system, including the mass public, electoral politics, legislative politics, and the policymaking process. We explore the interaction of gender and race and challenges and opportunities for women of color. Throughout the course, we focus on gender differences that affect various aspects of the political process. We begin by analyzing differences in the ways that women and men conceptualize politics. We study gender stereotypes among the public and their influence on attitudes toward women in politics and vote choice. We ask why women are underrepresented in public office. We examine gender dynamics in electoral politics, asking what barriers women may face when running for office. We consider whether women and men advocate different policy agendas and issue positions when serving in office. We consider the representational implications of the gender differences we uncover, including substantive policy differences and non-policy benefits that are conferred to citizens when women serve in office. We analyze the institutional features of the American political process, asking how institutions and organized interests may help and hinder women pursuing power and policy.
Grading:

20% Class participation

40% 2 midterm exams (20% each)

15% 1 short paper (15%)

25% Research paper and presentation
Class Format:
online only, synchronous.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32641/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
6 September 2022

Fall 2022  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (34004)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 250
Enrollment Status:
Open (44 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How do people develop their political opinions? What makes people vote the way that they do? Why do some people love, and other loathe, Donald Trump? Understanding how ordinary citizens engage with the political sphere is essential to understanding how politics work. This course applies a psychological approach to understanding how average people - members of the mass public - think about politics, make political decisions, and decide how (and whether) to take political actions. We will explore arguments about the role that ideology, biological and evolutionary factors, personality, identity and partisanship, racial attitudes, and political discussion play in shaping the opinion and behavior of members of the mass public. In addition, this class introduces students to the methodology of political psychology and how political psychologists approach questions and attempt to understand the political world. Students will exit the class having mastered a body of knowledge about how they and their fellow citizens think about politics and the different approaches that scholars take to study these decisions. They will also gain the critical capacity to judge arguments about politics, the ability to identify, define, and solve problems, and the skill to locate and critically evaluate information relevant to these tasks. Finally, this course takes a cooperative approach to learning, and many course activities will be structured around learning and working with a group of fellow students over the course of the semester.
Class Description:

What do all citizens have in common? Although we are more divided than ever across partisan and ideological lines, we are all fundamentally still human. This course reviews how several different aspects of human psychology influence public opinion and political behavior. How we discuss politics with others, our positions on major policy issues, the decision to vote in elections, and even how we interpret political information, are all shaped (at least in part) by psychological factors.


This course will cover seven broad thematic units. The first focuses on the essential theories and methods underlying the study of political psychology, most generally. The remainder of the course describes how different aspects of psychology influence public opinion and behavior, including the role of personality traits, emotion, how we process political information, core values and morality, heritable and biological factors, and group identity. Along the way, we will relate core principles learned in each unit to central questions and challenges in political science more broadly; both in the U.S., and globally.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Students interested in (or interested in majoring in) political science, psychology, or relevant fields. Individuals generally interested in politics and human behavior.

There are no prerequisite for this course and no prior knowledge on the subject of political psychology is necessary - but students should be interested in the subject and curious to learn more.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, students will be able to answer questions like:

• Do citizens support candidates and parties because they agree with their policies or because of their social identities?
Do politicians follow the preferences of voters or do voters just follow their preferred leaders on policy?
• Are people rational or motivated reasoners?
• Do they update their beliefs given new information or do they rationalize new information to fit their prior beliefs?
• What is the role of personality, emotions, cognition and biology in public opinion and mass political behavior?
Grading:
20% Attendance / Participation
60% Three (3) response essays to weekly readings (4-6 double-spaced pages)
20% Final exam
Exam Format:
One take home exam
Class Format:
50% lecture
50% discussion

The first half of class will be used for a short lecture related to (but not identical to) that day's readings. The second half of class will then be primarily discussion.

The class format is ONLINE AND SYNCHRONOUS on the days and times scheduled (Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-11:30a).
Workload:
In addition to regular class attendance and participation, students are expected to complete a short set of readings prior to each class. Students will also need to complete three reading response papers on the topics / weeks that interest them.
All reasonable accommodations will be made for students in light of current circumstances.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34004/1229
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/jucax001_POL3766_Fall2019.pdf (Fall 2019)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
10 May 2022

Fall 2022  |  POL 3786 Section 001: Media and Politics (21184)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Meets With:
JOUR 3786 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Hubert H Humphrey Center 50B
Enrollment Status:
Closed (35 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Do facts matter anymore? Is press freedom under threat? Are audiences trapped in filter bubbles? Why do people hate the media, and how can the news be improved to better serve citizens? Explore the historical and contemporary dynamics that shape the relationship between professionals in the media, the mass public, and political actors across different parts of government. Study major forms of mass media, including television and newspapers, alongside new forms such as digital and social media. Look at specific reporting rituals and practices, as well as issues involving media ownership, regulation, ethics, and press freedom. We will study politicians? efforts to craft messages, advertise strategically, and target select audiences for political gain. The course will focus primarily, but not exclusively, on the United States, and you will be asked to engage with current events and the role of communication technologies in political and civic life.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21184/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (17963)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Walter F. Mondale Hall 40
Enrollment Status:
Open (84 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ccreamer+POL3835+Fall2022
Class Description:

Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events.


This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism, liberalism, institutionalism, constructivism, critical security studies, feminist theory, queer IR theory, post-colonial theory, indigenous approaches to international relations, and neo-Marxism.


A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so. Specific topics covered include: the ascendance of China and great power politics in an age of economic rivalries; new technologies and national security; gender-based violence during conflict; multilateral cooperation and its disintegration; the future of the human rights movement and backlash against global governance; the internationalization of the Movement for Black Lives; trade wars, weaponized interdependence, and pandemic politics; and the global politics of climate change.

Who Should Take This Class?:

Students from all concentrations are welcome to enroll. This is an upper-level course that surveys competing theories or approaches in the field of international relations through readings and assignments that are more intellectually demanding than 1xxx-level courses. While there are no formal prerequisites for this course, it is recommended that you have previously taken POL 1025: Global Politics or POL 1026: U.S. Foreign Policy.

Learning Objectives:


This course places special emphasis on helping you - as a global citizen - learn to:

  • synthesize and evaluate existing theoretical approaches within international relations

  • identify their strengths and weaknesses

  • construct an argument for why we observe particular outcomes in world politics
Grading:
  • MINI-ANALYTICAL PAPERS: 30% (two, each worth 15 points)
  • MIDTERM EXAM: 25%
  • FINAL TAKE-HOME Paper: 30%
  • ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION: 15%
Exam Format:

Written closed-book, closed-notes in-class midterm exam

Class Format:
In-person lectures, two times per week
Workload:

· 45-80 Pages Reading Per Week

· 3 Take-Home Papers

Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17963/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 November 2021

Fall 2022  |  POL 3994 Section 001: Directed Research: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program (20254)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Closed (21 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students accepted into the Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, students will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers. Students are chosen through a highly competitive online application the semester prior to registration. Students should check with Political Science advising for details about the application process. This course is only open to Political Science majors.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3994+Fall2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20254/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 4255 Section 001: Comparative Real Time Political Analysis: Marxist versus Liberal Perspectives (21120)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Open (28 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Karl Marx and Frederick Engels had better democratic credentials than Alexis de Tocqueville and John Stuart Mill. Vladimir Lenin, too, had better democratic credentials than Max Weber and Woodrow Wilson. That's the provocative argument of this course. Performing what it calls "comparative real-time political analysis," it presents convincing evidence to sustain both claims. When the two sets of protagonists are compared and contrasted in how they read and responded to big political events in motion, in real-time, the Marxists, it contends, proved to be better democrats than the Liberals. Real-time analysis argues that responding to and making decisions about events in motion is the real test of political perspective and theory; on Monday morning, we can all look smart. The writings and actions of all seven protagonists are the primary course materials - reading them in their own words. The European Spring of 1848, the United States Civil War, the 1905 Russian Revolution and, the 1917 Russian Revolution and end of World War I, all consequential in the democratic quest, are the main scenarios the course employs to test its claims. The findings, course participants will learn, challenge assumed political wisdom like never before. Employing the lessons of the comparisons to trying to make sense of current politics - given the unprecedented moment in which we find ourselves - is the other goal of the course.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4255+Fall2022
Class Description:
Karl Marx and Frederick Engels had better democratic credentials than Alexis de Tocqueville and John Stuart Mill. Vladimir Lenin, too, had better democratic credentials than Max Weber and Woodrow Wilson. That's the provocative argument of this course. Performing what it calls "comparative real-time political analysis," it presents convincing evidence to sustain both claims. When the two sets of protagonists are compared and contrasted in how they read and responded to big political events in motion, in real-time, the Marxists, it contends, proved to be better democrats than the Liberals. Real-time analysis argues that responding to and making decisions about events in motion is the real test of political perspective and theory; on Monday morning, we can all look smart. The writings and actions of all seven protagonists are the primary course materials, reading them in their own words. The European Spring of 1848, the United States Civil War, the 1905 Russian Revolution and, the 1917 Russian Revolution and end of World War I, all consequential in the democratic quest, are the main scenarios the course employs to test its claims. The findings, course participants will learn, challenge assumed political wisdom like never before. Employing the lessons of the comparisons to trying to make sense of current politics, given the unprecedented moment in which we find ourselves, is the other goal of the course.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21120/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
25 March 2021

Fall 2022  |  POL 4465 Section 001: Democracy and Dictatorship in Southeast Asia (32643)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Meets With:
POL 5465 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
Enrollment Status:
Open (15 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
A fundamental question of politics is why some regimes endure for many years while others do not. This course examines the "menu of manipulation" through which dictators and democrats claim and retain power, and the conditions under which average citizens mobilize to challenge their governments, despite the risks and in the face of what may seem to be insurmountable odds. We will explore these political dynamics in Southeast Asia, one of the most culturally and politically diverse regions of the globe. Composed of eleven countries, Southeast Asia covers a wide geographical region stretching from India to China. With a rich endowment of natural resources, a dynamic manufacturing base, and a strategic location on China's southern flank, the region has come to play an increasingly important role in the political and economic affairs of the globe. Culturally and ethnically diverse, hundreds of languages are spoken, and the religions practiced include Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Islam. The region is similarly diverse in its political systems, which range from democratic to semi-democratic to fully authoritarian.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL4465+Fall2022
Class Description:
Why do some dictators stay in power for many years while others do not? What forces sustain and undermine democratic governance? Under what conditions do average citizens mobilize successfully to demand political change? We will examine these questions by studying the politics of Southeast Asia, one of the most culturally and politically diverse regions of the globe. Composed of eleven countries, Southeast Asia covers a wide geographical region stretching from India to China. With a rich endowment of natural resources, a dynamic manufacturing base, and a strategic location on China's southern flank, the region has come to play an increasingly important role in the political and economic affairs of the globe. Culturally and ethnically diverse, hundreds of languages are spoken in the region, and the religions practiced include Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Islam. Indonesia is not only the fourth largest nation in the world but the largest Muslim majority country in the world. The political systems range from the formally democratic through civilian authoritarianism to military authoritarianism. Readings and lectures will focus on eight countries: Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Grading:
80% Exams
20% Class Participation
Those taking Pol 5465 will write a research paper that counts for 30% of the grade (and the exams 50%).
Exam Format:
Short essay.
Class Format:
35% Lecture
20% Film/Video
30% Discussion
15% Small Group Activities
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32643/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
4 April 2022

Fall 2022  |  POL 4478W Section 001: Contemporary Politics in Africa and the Colonial Legacy (21490)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Meets With:
AFRO 4478W Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 145
Enrollment Status:
Open (21 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
At the core, this class is about the interaction between the assertion of and challenge to political authority in Africa. Who should have the right to make decisions that structure people's lives? To what extent is "might" an important source of political authority? How, in turn, do people respond to these different means of establishing political authority? Using these questions as a springboard, this class will examine some broader themes relating to colonialism, state building, conflict and development in Africa. Politics in Africa, just as in any other place in the world, is complex and for that reason, the objective of the class is not to give you answers, but to have you think critically about the issues we cover. Towards this end, this class will draw on different sources ranging from novels to manifestos so as to illustrate both the mundane and extraordinary events that have helped shape the political landscape of the continent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jwoldens+POL4478W+Fall2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21490/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 4492 Section 001: Law and (In)Justice in Latin America (32645)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Meets With:
POL 5492 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (37 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course examines, from various angles, how law and justice function in contemporary Latin America, highlighting similarities and differences within and between countries and issue areas. Students reflect on and debate the causes behind the varied outcomes, as well as the effectiveness, actual and potential, of the different institutional and social change efforts that have been underway in the region since the 1980s. Specific topics addressed include accountability for past and present mass violence; origins of and responses to crime, from "mano dura" policies to criminal justice reform and anti-corruption initiatives; and advances and limitations in equal rights protection. Special attention is paid across the course to issues of indigeneity, race, class, gender, and sexuality. Throughout, students compare situations within Latin America, which is by no means a monolith, as well as consider parallels between Latin America and the United States, where, despite great differences in wealth, history and culture, similar problems of law and justice can be found. The course aims thus not only to teach students about Latin America but also to get students to think about what we might learn from Latin America.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4492+Fall2022
Class Description:
Although democracy is the dominant form of government in Latin America today, most Latin American countries still suffer from a weak rule of law. Across the region, free and fair elections are held on a regular basis and few formal barriers to participation exist, but most countries are still a long way from offering full citizenship rights for all. Even in some of the largest and most economically developed cases, governments are often ineffective at providing basic rights protection, and state officials can abuse their power with impunity. Legal and judicial institutions are often partisan, corrupt, and/or inaccessible, leaving average citizens with no real recourse when their rights are violated. This course will examine, from various angles, how law and justice function in contemporary Latin America, highlighting similarities and differences within and between countries and issue areas. Students will reflect on and debate the causes behind the varied outcomes, as well as the effectiveness, actual and potential, of the different reform efforts that have been underway in the region since the 1980s. Specific topics to be addressed are transitional justice, judicial review, judicial independence, access to justice, criminal justice (including police, courts, and prisons), corruption, and non-state alternatives. Special attention will be paid to issues of race/ethnicity, class, and gender, as well as to what general lessons, if any, can be drawn from analyses of Latin American cases.
Grading:
25% Quizzes
30% Reports/Papers (individual)
10% Group project
20% In-class Presentations (small group)
15% Participation (in-class or online discussion boards)
Class Format:
40% Lecture
35% Discussion and Student Presentations
25% Small Group Activities
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
Up to 10 Pages Writing Per Term (4492)
or up to 20 Pages Writng Per Term (5492)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32645/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
29 April 2022

Fall 2022  |  POL 4501W Section 001: The Supreme Court and Constitutional Interpretation (32647)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 210
Enrollment Status:
Open (57 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of Articles I, II, and III. This means that we will discuss how the nation's Court of last resort has helped shape the powers of and constraints on the three branches of our federal government. We will also discuss and analyze the development of law surrounding the separation of powers, the structure of federalism, congressional power over the commerce clause, and the creation and demise of the concept of substantive due process. Successful completion of this course will satisfy the liberal education requirement of Civic Life and Ethics. Effective citizenship in the 21st century requires an understanding of our how government was created, is structured, and has been interpreted by the Supreme Court over the past two centuries. This course is premised on the notion that such an understanding is best achieved by reading the primary sources that led to these goals - the opinions handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4501W+Fall2022
Class Description:
This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of Articles I, II, and III.
Grading:
33% Midterm Exam
33% Final Exam
33% Reports/Papers
Exam Format:
Exams will be a combination of short answer/multiple choice and essays.
Class Format:
50% Lecture
50% Discussion
Workload:
75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
50 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exam(s)
25 Paper(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32647/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
5 April 2016

Fall 2022  |  POL 4885W Section 011: International Conflict and Security (32648)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (28 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? How can states cope with the threat posed by would-be terrorists? What is counterinsurgency doctrine? What is the future of military force in global politics? This course addresses these questions - and others. The course is organized loosely into three sections or themes. The first section explores the causes and consequences of interstate war and peace. We will examine whether and how the international system, domestic institutions and politics, ideas and culture, ethnic and racial prejudice and inequity, and human psychology shape the path to war. Along the way, we debate whether war has become obsolete and why great power rivalry might be raising its ugly head once again. Attention is also devoted to the impact of war on economy and politics as well as the relations between armed forces and civilian government. The second section of the class explores the possibilities, limits, and challenges of more limited uses of force - such as the threat of force (coercion), peacekeeping and humanitarian intervention, and terrorism and counterterrorism. A third theme explores the strategic and ethical implications of the use of force and especially of innovation in military technologies - nuclear weapons, cyber, drones. Across all three sections, we examine how war and society mutually affect each other, including how racial, ethnic, and other categorical identities affect critical dynamics in security, from threat perception to military mobilization. The course is organized around theoretical arguments, historical cases and data, and policy debates. Sessions are deeply interactive, engaged discussion is a must, and the class often divides into smaller groups for more intensive debate. Class t
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL4885W+Fall2022
Class Description:
With the end of the Cold War, many foresaw the birth of a new world order. Military strategy, strategic bombing and coercive diplomacy, deterrence and compellence, signaling and the escalatory ladder--these concepts, staples of Cold War thinking, were believed to be outmoded and to have little relevance to the emerging world. The events of the past two decades have shown how wrong this conclusion was. Military force is as pertinent to international politics as ever. Unable to reap the peace dividend that was expected to accompany the end of the Cold War, the United States has since 1989 repeatedly deployed its military forces across the globe--from Kuwait to Somalia to Bosnia and Kosovo to Afghanistan and Iraq. These operations have sometimes ended in apparent success, other times in failure. This course explores central issues regarding the use of military force in international politics. Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? Under what conditions is the use of force ethical, and when does it exceed those bounds? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? What is the future of military force in global politics? Through theoretical readings, concrete historical cases, and contemporary policy debates, this course examines these questions and others.
Exam Format:
No exam. Occasional online quizzes. Final research paper, completed in multiple stages. Weekly reading questions.
Class Format:
75% Lecture
25% Discussion
Workload:
~75 pages of reading per week; 15-20 pages of writing per term
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32648/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
26 February 2020

Fall 2022  |  POL 4887 Section 001: Thinking Strategically in International Politics (32649)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (46 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The purpose of this class is threefold: First, to introduce students to the use and value of formal models of strategic interaction (game theoretic models) in international relations. Second, to impart some basic tools of such modeling to students. And third, to examine the contribution of theoretical models to substantive areas in international relations. In keeping with these three goals, the course is divided into three sections. The first two weeks will devoted to such questions as: What is a theoretical model? What are rational choice and game theory? How are game theoretic models employed in international relations and what have been seminal contributions to the literature? The next portion of the class will introduce students to the basic tools employed in game theoretic analysis. The readings will illustrate the use of the tools introduced in class. And five problem sets will be administered, requiring students to make use of these tools. The final portion of the class will examine substantive questions in international relations through the lens of game theory. The topics to be presented include: Domestic Politics and War, International Agreements and Treaties, International Finance and Trade, Conditionality, Terrorism, and Human Rights.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL4887+Fall2022
Class Description:
This course surveys current theories of international relations, and introduces students to elementary game theory. Major topics include the causes of war, the conditions for international cooperation, and the role of international institutions. By the end of the semester, students will be expected to: 1. Understand the relevant international relations literature; 2. Understand simple game-theortic techniques; 3. Critically analyze theories of international politics; and 4. Understand the general scientific method of theory building and empirical testing. Possible textbooks: Kenneth N. Waltz. 1954. Man, the State, and War; Waltz, Kenneth N. Theory of International Politics; Bruce Bueno de Mesquita, 2000. Principles of International Politics.
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
40% Final Exam
10% Class Participation
20% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: homework
Exam Format:
Multiple choice, essay, and short answer are all possible.
Class Format:
Lectures and discussions after each homework is graded.
Workload:
30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
5 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
Other Workload: 3 game theory homework assignments
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32649/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
4 September 2007

Fall 2022  |  POL 4991 Section 001: Political Science Capstone (21048)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science senior
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 230
Enrollment Status:
Open (56 of 90 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4991+Fall2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21048/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 4991 Section 002: Political Science Capstone (21493)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 140
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (32 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4991+Fall2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21493/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 4991 Section 003: Political Science Capstone (21494)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 125
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (24 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4991+Fall2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21494/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 4993 Section 001: Honors Thesis: Directed Studies (18745)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Instructor Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol 3108H, political science major, honors
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (9 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4993+Fall2021
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18745/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 4994 Section 001: Directed Research: Individual (18421)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (2 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4994+Fall2021
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18421/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 5465 Section 001: Democracy and Dictatorship in Southeast Asia (32644)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Meets With:
POL 4465 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
Enrollment Status:
Open (1 of 5 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
A fundamental question of politics is why some regimes endure for many years while others do not. This course examines the "menu of manipulation" through which dictators and democrats claim and retain power, and the conditions under which average citizens mobilize to challenge their governments, despite the risks and in the face of what may seem to be insurmountable odds. We will explore these political dynamics in Southeast Asia, one of the most culturally and politically diverse regions of the globe. Composed of eleven countries, Southeast Asia covers a wide geographical region stretching from India to China. With a rich endowment of natural resources, a dynamic manufacturing base, and a strategic location on China's southern flank, the region has come to play an increasingly important role in the political and economic affairs of the globe. Culturally and ethnically diverse, hundreds of languages are spoken, and the religions practiced include Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Islam. The region is similarly diverse in its political systems, which range from democratic to semi-democratic to fully authoritarian.
Class Description:
Why do some dictators stay in power for many years while others do not? What forces sustain and undermine democratic governance? Under what conditions do average citizens mobilize successfully to demand political change? We will examine these questions by studying the politics of Southeast Asia, one of the most culturally and politically diverse regions of the globe. Composed of eleven countries, Southeast Asia covers a wide geographical region stretching from India to China. With a rich endowment of natural resources, a dynamic manufacturing base, and a strategic location on China's southern flank, the region has come to play an increasingly important role in the political and economic affairs of the globe. Culturally and ethnically diverse, hundreds of languages are spoken in the region, and the religions practiced include Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Islam. Indonesia is not only the fourth largest nation in the world but the largest Muslim majority country in the world. The political systems range from the formally democratic through civilian authoritarianism to military authoritarianism. Readings and lectures will focus on eight countries: Burma/Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Grading:
80% Exams
20% Class Participation
Those taking Pol 5465 will write a research paper that counts for 30% of the grade (and the exams 50%).
Exam Format:
Short essay.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32644/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
4 April 2022

Fall 2022  |  POL 5492 Section 001: Law and (In)Justice in Latin America (32646)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Meets With:
POL 4492 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (2 of 5 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course examines, from various angles, how law and justice function in contemporary Latin America, highlighting similarities and differences within and between countries and issue areas. Students reflect on and debate the causes behind the varied outcomes, as well as the effectiveness, actual and potential, of the different institutional and social change efforts that have been underway in the region since the 1980s. Specific topics addressed include accountability for past and present mass violence; origins of and responses to crime, from "mano dura" policies to criminal justice reform and anti-corruption initiatives; and advances and limitations in equal rights protection. Special attention is paid across the course to issues of indigeneity, race, class, gender, and sexuality. Throughout, students compare situations within Latin America, which is by no means a monolith, as well as consider parallels between Latin America and the United States, where, despite great differences in wealth, history and culture, similar problems of law and justice can be found. The course aims thus not only to teach students about Latin America but also to get students to think about what we might learn from Latin America.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Grading:
25% Quizzes
30% Reports/Papers (individual)
10% Group project
20% In-class Presentations (small group)
15% Participation (in-class or online discussion boards)
Class Format:
40% Lecture
35% Discussion and Student Presentations
25% Small Group Activities
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
Up to 10 Pages Writing Per Term (4492)
or up to 20 Pages Writng Per Term (5492)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32646/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
29 April 2022

Fall 2022  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (21273)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 15 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21273/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (20019)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1450
Enrollment Status:
Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
Class Notes:
Publishing Confidential: *Security Studies* from the Inside
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20019/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 8105 Section 001: Professional Development II (20577)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
1 Credit
Repeat Credit Limit:
2 Credits
Grading Basis:
S-N or Audit
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Second Half of Term
 
10/25/2022 - 12/14/2022
Mon 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (9 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Research ethics. Skills for teaching undergraduate courses in political science. Completion of dissertation prospecti or early chapters. prereq: Pol sci student, ABD, dept consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20577/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 8106 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science I (32651)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Laboratory
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course provides a thorough grounding in the quantitative analysis of political science data. The emphasis is on how to analyze such data, interpret statistical results, and summarize and report the findings. By the end of the term you will (1) know how to describe variables; (2) test hypotheses; (3) use measures of association to quantify the relationship between two variables while holding a third variable constant; (4) understand bivariate regression and the basics of multiple regression; (5) understand reliability and validity and how to assess these properties empirically; and (6) know how to use the STATA statistical software program. prereq: political science grad major or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32651/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 8124 Section 001: Game Theory (21496)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science grad student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue 03:35PM - 05:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (4 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Application of noncooperative game theory in political science. Equilibrium concepts, bargaining, repeated games, games of incomplete information, signaling games, reputation, learning in games. prereq: [8122, grad pol sci major] or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21496/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 8201 Section 001: Understanding Political Theory (32652)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Graduate Student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Mon 03:35PM - 05:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Key concepts/major approaches. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32652/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 8251 Section 001: Ancient and Medieval Political Thought (32653)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue 03:35PM - 05:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1450
Enrollment Status:
Open (1 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Politics and ethics in Greece, Rome, Christendom: Thucydides, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Marsilius. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32653/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 8307 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology I (32654)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Grading Basis:
S-N or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major or Pol Psy minor
Meets With:
PSY 8211 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Fri 09:00AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, East Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Open (4 of 5 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32654/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 8337 Section 001: Welfare State Theories and American Social Policy (32655)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (2 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Rival theoretical explanations for cause and nature of welfare state development in context of four American social policies: social security, welfare, education, and healthcare. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32655/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 8409 Section 001: International Law and Regulation (32656)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science grad student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Mon 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This is a graduate seminar that examines seminal interdisciplinary research on the role of international laws, institutions, and regulations in world politics. Its objective is to enhance your understanding of the ways in which international rules shape international and domestic politics, practices, values, and relations. To what extent does international law help resolve conflicts between countries? What is its relationship with governments' foreign policies? To what extent has international law helped governments achieve common goals or express important values? How does international law interact with domestic politics, legal systems, or cultures? Throughout the course, we emphasize the relationship between law and politics and seek to understand the nature of international law and transnational regulatory standards. The course is divided into three main parts. First, we will explore a variety of approaches to conceptualizing and analyzing international rules and institutions. This part will consider different reasons for legalizing cooperation, the role of domestic politics in the turn to international law and regulation, institutional design considerations, and the process and politics of delegating authority to a supranational legal body. The second part of the course examines tools and approaches scholars use to evaluate the effectiveness or effects of these efforts. We assess whether and how legal or regulatory institutions engender compliance with rules; explore different ways in which they can have an effect on the behavior, beliefs, and identities of a range of actors; and interrogate the intended and unintended consequences of legal regulation in global politics. Finally, after workshopping our own research, we consider broader implications of the turn to international law in terms of complexity, fragmentation, backlash, and pressing problems for the current political moment.
Class Description:

This seminar examines the role of international laws and regulation in world politics. Its objective is to enhance your understanding of the ways in which international rules shape - and are in turn shaped by - supranational and domestic politics, practices, and values. By the end of this course, you will be able to reflect critically on the promise and limitations of international law for addressing pressing global issues.

The course is divided into three parts. The first explores analytical frameworks used to study international rules and institutions. The second examines tools and approaches scholars use to evaluate international law's effectiveness and effects. We will consider whether and how legal institutions engender rule-compliance; the ways in which law affects actors' behavior, beliefs, and identities; and the intended and unintended political consequences of legal regulation. The final part of the course develops and workshops your own research.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Open to graduate (PhD/SJD) students from any discipline interested in international law and politics; MA, JD, and advanced undergraduate students should consult with the instructor for permission to enroll.
Grading:

Critical Reviews & Discussion Leads: 20%

Presentations: 20%

Paper(s): 45%

Attendance & Participation: 15%

Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32656/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
2 April 2022

Fall 2022  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (18556)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1 Credit
Repeat Credit Limit:
10 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Advanced Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (22 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18556/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Political Violence (32694)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
9 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (9 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
Class Description:
The focus of this graduate seminar is on a range of issues and debates relating to intra-state violent conflicts. We will examine the fast-growing theoretical and empirical literature on various manifestations of political violence, including insurgencies, civil wars, genocide, riots and terrorism. The readings are selected with a view to cover a diverse set of methodological approaches to studying political violence. Our discussion on political violence will be structured around the following themes: a) causes; b) participation and organization; c) patterns of violence; d) consequences; e) prevention and termination; and, f) post-conflict trajectory.
Grading:
1. Class participation: 30%
2. Two reviews: 25%
3. One Op-Ed 10%
4. Final research paper: 35%
b. Research paper proposal: 10%
a. Final paper: 25%
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32694/1229
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 June 2016

Fall 2022  |  POL 8660 Section 002: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Democracy and Democratization (34843)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
9 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, East Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
Class Notes:
This course explores perhaps the oldest - and arguably the most important - question in comparative politics: What explains variation in political "regime type" across time and space? Why are some regimes durable while others are fragile? This seminar has no particular area focus, and pays little attention to the question of the consequences of democracy or dictatorship. Rather, we focus on issues such as defining and "measuring" democracy; the macro- and micro-political logics of regime change; the possibility of democratic "deepening" or consolidation; and the pertinent question of the emergence of "hybrid" or "illiberal" democracies.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34843/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (18579)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18579/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (18483)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-24 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
100 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science PhD, Doct or ETCR
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (15 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18483/1229

Fall 2022  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (18045)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-7 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
7 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/06/2022 - 12/14/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (1 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18045/1229

Summer 2022  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (81880)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/06/2022 - 07/29/2022
Tue, Thu 09:00AM - 11:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Carlson School of Management 2-219
Enrollment Status:
Open (9 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?tranv004+POL1201+Summer2022
Class Description:

One way to understand the study of politics is the study of power. State power--or government--is, of course, one form of power. The study of politics, then, certainly includes the study of government. Yet there obviously are other kinds of power--economic power, social power, technological power, popular power, and perhaps even divine power, to name a few forms of power that those who study politics have examined.


This course is an introduction to the ways that some key figures across time and space--from Ancient Greece to post-colonial Algeria, from Renaissance Florence to contemporary feminist movements--have understood and exercised power. In it, we examine competing definitions of power. We discuss attempts to "legitimize" or justify power. We look at efforts to consolidate, contest, disperse, seize, or create it. We do so not merely due to academic interest or preparation for future study, but to think about what kind of power we have--or what kind of power we desire--and how we might consolidate, contest, disperse, seize, or create it. Put otherwise, along with honing our abilities to grapple with unfamiliar ideas, we are principally concerned with answering the following political question: what can or should I do in my shared social world?

Grading:
20%: Midterm Exam
40%: Final Exam
20%: In-class participation (reading quizzes + exit tickets + discussion participation)
20%: Out-of-class participation (reading responses)
Exam Format:
Multiple choice and short answer
Class Format:
Lecture + small-group discussion
Workload:
~50 pages of reading per class session
5 pages of informal writing
2 exams (midterm and final)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81880/1225
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
10 March 2022

Summer 2022  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (81593)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Field Work
Credits:
3-13 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
15 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
Pre-Covid
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/06/2022 - 07/29/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
Off Campus
Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
Enrollment Status:
Open (7 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students search for and arrange an internship with an organization or office working in government or politics, and then complete academic coursework in association with their internship. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Summer2022
Class Description:
This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
Learning Objectives:
To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
Grading:
Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
Exam Format:
90% Reports/Papers
10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
Class Format:
100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
Workload:
30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81593/1225
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Summer 2022  |  POL 3311 Section 001: Law and Justice: The View From Hollywood (82107)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
May Session
 
05/16/2022 - 06/03/2022
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 08:00AM - 11:10AM
UMTC, West Bank
Carlson School of Management L-118
Enrollment Status:
Open (17 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Politics and the law have played major thematic roles in American films. This course analyzes eight films that focus on justice, the law, and the legal system, to see what they tell us about political and legal culture, and what messages (if any) they have for contemporary politics. To that end, we will read about, watch, talk about, and write about films. Mostly we will be focusing on questions about the relationship between law and justice, the practice of law, and the role of courts and trials in a political system; however, many other issues will arise in the course of these discussions - race/class/gender and the law, legal ethics, legal education, the adversarial system, the relationship between law and popular culture, among others. You should expect to develop a more in-depth understanding of these issues as well as a better appreciation of the cultural and political significance of the way that law, lawyers, and judges are depicted in the movies.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL3311+Summer2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82107/1225

Summer 2022  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (81892)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/06/2022 - 07/29/2022
Tue, Thu 05:30PM - 08:00PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (17 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular, those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in other parts have not? We will explore inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course also examines what we mean by "development" and exposes students to cutting-edge debates in contemporary development studies. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality.
Class Notes:
The delivery modality for POL 3477 is online, synchronous. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?oker0030+POL3477+Summer2022
Class Description:

While some countries have achieved unimaginable levels of wealth and well-being, many others continue to struggle with astonishingly high poverty rates and stagnant growth levels. In this course, we will explore these disparities, focusing on the political aspects of development. We will investigate the different "meanings" of development and grapple with the factors fostering (or hampering) development. We will engage with the theories about the relationship between development and colonialism, state power, geography, natural resources, international aid, and political regime types (democratic vs. authoritarian regimes). We will also focus on distributive politics and different responses to inequality and poverty. The course will provide empirical evidence from various world regions, with a particular emphasis on Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the competing explanations for disparities of wealth between countries and possible solutions to global inequalities.

Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81892/1225
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
5 February 2022

Summer 2022  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (87482)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/06/2022 - 07/29/2022
Mon, Wed 09:00AM - 11:30AM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (15 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
Class Notes:
The delivery modality for POL 3766 is online, synchronous. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?wrig0599+POL3766+Summer2022
Class Description:

What do all citizens have in common? Although we are more divided than ever across partisan and ideological lines, we are all fundamentally still human. This course reviews how several different aspects of human psychology influence public opinion and political behavior. How we discuss politics with others, our positions on major policy issues, the decision to vote in elections, and even how we interpret political information, are all shaped (at least in part) by psychological factors.


This course will cover seven broad thematic units. The first focuses on the essential theories and methods underlying the study of political psychology, most generally. The remainder of the course describes how different aspects of psychology influence public opinion and behavior, including the role of personality traits, emotion, how we process political information, core values and morality, heritable and biological factors, and group identity. Along the way, we will relate core principles learned in each unit to central questions and challenges in political science more broadly; both in the U.S., and globally.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Students interested in (or interested in majoring in) political science, psychology, or relevant fields. Individuals generally interested in politics and human behavior.

There are no prerequisite for this course and no prior knowledge on the subject of political psychology is necessary - but students should be interested in the subject and curious to learn more.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session, students will be able to answer questions like:

• Do citizens support candidates and parties because they agree with their policies or because of their social identities?
Do politicians follow the preferences of voters or do voters just follow their preferred leaders on policy?
• Are people rational or motivated reasoners?
• Do they update their beliefs given new information or do they rationalize new information to fit their prior beliefs?
• What is the role of personality, emotions, cognition and biology in public opinion and mass political behavior?
Grading:
20% Attendance / Participation
60% Three (3) response essays to weekly readings (4-6 double-spaced pages)
20% Final exam
Exam Format:
One take home exam
Class Format:
50% lecture
50% discussion

The first half of class will be used for a short lecture related to (but not identical to) that day's readings. The second half of class will then be primarily discussion.

The class format is ONLINE AND SYNCHRONOUS on the days and times scheduled (Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-11:30a).
Workload:
In addition to regular class attendance and participation, students are expected to complete a short set of readings prior to each class. Students will also need to complete three reading response papers on the topics / weeks that interest them.
All reasonable accommodations will be made for students in light of current circumstances.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87482/1225
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/jucax001_POL3766_Fall2019.pdf (Fall 2019)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
10 May 2022

Summer 2022  |  POL 4993 Section 001: Honors Thesis: Directed Studies (81987)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol 3108H, political science major, honors
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/06/2022 - 07/29/2022
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81987/1225

Summer 2022  |  POL 4994 Section 001: Directed Research: Individual (81611)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/06/2022 - 07/29/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (1 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81611/1225

Summer 2022  |  POL 4994 Section 101: Directed Research: Individual (81738)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
May Session
 
05/16/2022 - 06/03/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Summer2016
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81738/1225

Summer 2022  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (81951)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/06/2022 - 07/29/2022
UMTC, East Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL5970+Summer2016
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81951/1225

Summer 2022  |  POL 8333 Section 001: FTE: Master's (81663)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1 Credit
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Advanced Master's Student
Times and Locations:
Summer Session 10 wk
 
06/06/2022 - 08/12/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Master's student, adviser and DGS consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8333+Summer2016
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81663/1225

Summer 2022  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (81686)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1 Credit
Repeat Credit Limit:
10 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Advanced Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Summer Session 10 wk
 
06/06/2022 - 08/12/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8444+Summer2016
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81686/1225

Summer 2022  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (81708)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Summer Session 10 wk
 
06/06/2022 - 08/12/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8666+Summer2016
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81708/1225

Summer 2022  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (81809)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-24 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
100 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science PhD, Doct or ETCR
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/06/2022 - 07/29/2022
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8888+Summer2016
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81809/1225

Summer 2022  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (81594)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-7 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
7 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/06/2022 - 07/29/2022
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8990+Summer2016
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81594/1225

Spring 2022  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (53838)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Wed 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 250
Enrollment Status:
Open (53 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. The course is designed to help students understand what liberal education is by engaging in the study of American politics as a fundamentally critical and creative enterprise, and by grappling with the most complex and challenging problems of political life, such as the sources of political equality and inequality, and the tension between individual aspirations and political control. Questions of power and choice, opportunity and discrimination, freedom and restrictions on freedom are fundamental to the historical development of and current controversies within the American political system, and we will attend to all of these. We will explore topics including the ideas underlying the nation's founding and its constitutional foundations; civil rights and civil liberties; the role of the United States in an increasingly globalized world; the structure and function of American political institutions; and the behavior of American citizens in the political process. In addition, we will learn to think and communicate like political scientists. We will read primary documents, such as the Federalist papers, engage with scholarly arguments about the way the American political system works, and critically evaluate critiques of the American political system that have been offered from a variety of perspectives. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them. Students will be able to identify, define, and solve problems and to locate and critically evaluate information. Students will have mastered a body of knowledge and a mod
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL1001+Spring2022
Class Description:
This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? Through an examination of the roles of American political institutions and the behavior of American citizens, we will be able to critically reflect on issues such as political and economic inequality in the U.S., the role of American political and economic power in the world, and the possibility for an American public policy that lives up to the ideals of the founders. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Students who want a basic introduction to American government in a way that connects the core material to current events
Grading:
80% each/ three non-cumulative tests
20% in-class assignments
Exam Format:
short answer
essay
Class Format:
60% Lecture
20% Discussion
20% Small Group Activities
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
3 tests
Periodic in-class assignments (for credit only, not graded)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53838/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
19 October 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (52639)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 5
Enrollment Status:
Open (53 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Global politics is complex, fast-paced, and often confusing. Seeking to reveal the deeper processes at work in the international system, this introductory course explores both the enduring challenges of international politics as well as more recent transformative trends? What has changed and what has stayed the same. It introduces theoretical traditions, but the course's focus is on making sense of real-world problems, both today and in the past. Why and when do states go to war and use military force? Why do they sign international agreements and treaties, on matters from arms control to investment? What effect does international trade have on the distribution of global wealth, and why do barriers to trade arise? Why has human rights emerged as a central problem in world politics? Why has our world become an increasingly legalized and regulated space? And what difference does it make? What good are nuclear weapons? Why do some turn to terrorism to advance their political agenda? Does foreign aid make the world a better place? How can we reduce global inequality? What are the prospects for international cooperation to address climate change? These are among the pressing real-world questions that this course in Global Politics will address? And that it will give you the tools to answer, though particular instructors will naturally choose to emphasize different topics and questions. But the course will also highlight how our answers to these questions are changing along with the deep power structures of global politics-as US dominance wanes and others, most notably China, rise; as core ideas and discourses underpinning the international system, such as sovereignty, come under assault; and as institutions, such as those governing international law, thicken. Global Politics is an essential guide to our increasingly globalized world.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL1025+Spring2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52639/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 1026 Section 001: U.S. Foreign Policy (55380)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 10
Enrollment Status:
Open (28 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This makes the question of what the role in the U.S. is in the world and how the United States interacts with other countries, international organizations, and other actors in international politics a question of real importance. US foreign policy will play a crucial role in determining the world we live in four, ten, and fifty years time. As a result, we should all try to better understand how the United States behaves in international politics, why it behaves in that way, how it should behave, and how it has behaved in the past. These are the questions that this class tackles. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and how has US foreign policy varied in the past? What do past conflicts in which the United States has been involved tell us about current U.S. foreign policy? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily secure? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? How serious is the threat of cyber war? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from getting nuclear weapons?
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL1026+Spring2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55380/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Politics Around the World (54262)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (52 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. It focuses on domestic politics within countries, as opposed to a course in international relations, which focuses on relations between countries. Some of the questions we tackle include: Why are some countries prone to violent conflict while others remain peaceful? Why do some countries grow rich while others remain poor? Why does democracy emerge in some countries, while dictators hold onto power elsewhere? How do attitudes about gender and sexuality influence politics? Do particular religions, or the strength of religious faith, strengthen or weaken democracy? The readings and assignments help you make sense of the complexity of world politics - to sift through and distill the avalanche of information available and learn how to develop your own arguments about pertinent global issues. Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and provide examples of 1) the difference between strong and weak states; 2) the distinctions between democratic and non-democratic forms of government; 3) the various ways democracies are governed; 4) arguments explaining the origin of democracy and the persistence of non-democracy; 5) the significance of different forms of political identity such as ethnicity, religion, and gender; 6) why some countries are rich while others remain poor; and 7) why some countries tax and spend more than others. Assignments seek to develop your skills at developing arguments through logic and evidence and to give you the ability to distinguish between a persuasive argument about politics and simply stating an opinion.
Class Notes:
The delivery modality for POL 1054 is online, synchronous. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL1054+Spring2022
Class Description:
Why are some countries democratic while others are authoritarian? Why do seemingly parochial identities such as race, ethnicity and religion continue to play a powerful role in modern politics? What accounts for the variation in the prevalence of civil wars and other forms of political violence across countries? Why are some countries still plagued by poverty and underdevelopment? This introductory course in comparative politics will provide you with the skills and knowledge to answer these and other intriguing questions in world politics. You will be able to recognize, understand and explain the variation in political systems, which includes political institutions, processes, behavior, culture and outcomes, across countries. Students will be introduced to terminology, concepts, issues and approaches that would provide the foundation for upper division courses in political science. They will read some of the classic and path-breaking works and will be familiarized with cutting-edge research in the discipline.
The delivery modality for POL 1054 is online, synchronous.
Grading:
Three In-class assignments: 12%
Four homework assignments: 28%
Two individual/group research assignments: 40%
Class Participation: 20%
Class Format:
60% Lecture
20% Film/Video
20% Discussion
Workload:

https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54262/1223

Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 November 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (52605)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 330
Enrollment Status:
Open (72 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL1201+Spring2022
Class Description:
This course examines different models of political rule. What models of politics, throughout history, have structure those relations of rulers and ruled? How does each model for rule try to grapple with questions of inequality, power and domination, justice and equality? To answer these questions, we will range across the globe (looking at examples that bear on contemporary politics both in the US and elsewhere), and also across history.
Grading:
50% Reports/Papers
20% Journal
30% Reflection Papers
Class Format:
70% Lecture
30% Discussion
Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
4 Paper(s)
Other Workload: 2 of the papers will be 1-2 page micro-papers; the others will be 4-5 pages each
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52605/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
19 December 2018

Spring 2022  |  POL 3065 Section 001: Political Engagement Careers: Planning and Preparing For Your Future (55105)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Wed, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 145
Enrollment Status:
Open (29 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Are you interested in pursuing a career in public service? Do you plan to run for office in the future, or work in a government agency (such as the State Department or the FBI or the MN DNR), or become a professional campaign manager or lobbyist, or work as an issue activist on a cause important to you? Would you like to learn more about the variety of public service careers open to a college graduate? Do you wonder what motivates people to pursue careers in politics, public administration, and community service, and how these motivations vary across career fields? Would you like to explore some options for future internship or service learning while at the University? Then this course is for you! This course is the Political Science Department's introduction to careers in political and civic engagement. Through readings focused on theories about and case studies of political engagement, and on the ethics of politics and public service, numerous guest speakers with extensive experience as public service professionals, and a discussion-oriented class format, we will explore the meaning of public service and the main types of public service careers that you could pursue. We will think about the virtues and challenges associated with doing public service work, and how these differ across different types of jobs and venues for serving the public. Finally, you will acquire practical knowledge and skills related to the search for public service work opportunities, including how to write a resume and cover letter, how to conduct an informational interview, networking, and the job search and application process. Intended primarily for first- and second-year undergraduates, but open to students of any major at any point in their undergraduate program.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3065+Spring2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55105/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (52604)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Field Work
Credits:
3-13 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
15 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
Off Campus
Enrollment Status:
Open (53 of 60 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students search for and arrange an internship with an organization or office working in government or politics, and then complete academic coursework in association with their internship. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Spring2022
Class Description:
This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
Learning Objectives:
To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
Grading:
Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
Exam Format:
90% Reports/Papers
10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
Class Format:
100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
Workload:
30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52604/1223
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Spring 2022  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (53689)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 235
Enrollment Status:
Open (57 of 60 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2022
Class Description:

POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course and students are encouraged to pursue research projects of personal interest to them. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.

Who Should Take This Class?:
This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
Learning Objectives:
The lab section is solely dedicated to understanding the statistical software program R. Learning statistical software is good for several reasons: not only does it give you practical tools for manipulating and analyzing data and making cool graphics, but it also teaches you algorithmic thinking, which is a good skill set for life.
Grading:

There are short assignments intended to be done within lab and mostly-weekly quizzes done outside of class. Quizzes are online and untimed.

Exam Format:
None
Class Format:
Most weeks student will be expected to watch a lecture video before lab. The class period will be dedicated to going through specific activities related to that content and answering student questions.
Workload:
Students have a homework assignment due every 1-2 weeks (depending on how extensive the assignment is). Lectures require some preparation, either in the form of reading and or forms of preparation.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53689/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 December 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (54147)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Thu 10:10AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 330
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2022
Class Description:

POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course and students are encouraged to pursue research projects of personal interest to them. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.

Who Should Take This Class?:
This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
Learning Objectives:
The lab section is solely dedicated to understanding the statistical software program R. Learning statistical software is good for several reasons: not only does it give you practical tools for manipulating and analyzing data and making cool graphics, but it also teaches you algorithmic thinking, which is a good skill set for life.
Grading:

There are short assignments intended to be done within lab and mostly-weekly quizzes done outside of class. Quizzes are online and untimed.

Exam Format:
None
Class Format:
Most weeks student will be expected to watch a lecture video before lab. The class period will be dedicated to going through specific activities related to that content and answering student questions.
Workload:
Students have a homework assignment due every 1-2 weeks (depending on how extensive the assignment is). Lectures require some preparation, either in the form of reading and or forms of preparation.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54147/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 December 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (54402)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Thu 11:15AM - 12:05PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 140
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (27 of 30 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2022
Class Description:

POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course and students are encouraged to pursue research projects of personal interest to them. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.

Who Should Take This Class?:
This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
Learning Objectives:
The lab section is solely dedicated to understanding the statistical software program R. Learning statistical software is good for several reasons: not only does it give you practical tools for manipulating and analyzing data and making cool graphics, but it also teaches you algorithmic thinking, which is a good skill set for life.
Grading:

There are short assignments intended to be done within lab and mostly-weekly quizzes done outside of class. Quizzes are online and untimed.

Exam Format:
None
Class Format:
Most weeks student will be expected to watch a lecture video before lab. The class period will be dedicated to going through specific activities related to that content and answering student questions.
Workload:
Students have a homework assignment due every 1-2 weeks (depending on how extensive the assignment is). Lectures require some preparation, either in the form of reading and or forms of preparation.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54402/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 December 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 3108H Section 001: Honors Tutorial: Thesis Preparation and Political Science Inquiry (54643)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Politcal Science honors major, jr or sr
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Fri 09:30AM - 12:00PM
UMTC, West Bank
Carlson School of Management L-122
Enrollment Status:
Open (14 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
In this course, students will improve their research skills in preparation to write their senior theses. Students will enter with a few ideas for topics about which they might like to write their theses. They will leave the class with a clear and tractable research question, a literature review that describes how this question fits in with the existing scholarly literature, and a research design that will enable them to answer the question. Along the way, they will advance their understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct political science research. Students will be graded on the basis of drafts of their annotated bibliography, literature review and research design, a class presentation of the "front half" of their senior thesis, and class participation including short weekly assignments. Students are expected to keep up with the reading and, most importantly, to begin to conduct their own independent research. prereq: Pol sci major, honors
Class Notes:
Contact Dr. Myers (cdmyers@umn.edu) prior to enrollment to begin discussing your ideas for a thesis. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3108H+Spring2022
Class Description:
In this course, students will improve their research skills in preparation to write their senior theses. Students will enter with a few ideas for topics about which they might like to write their theses. They will leave the class with a clear and tractable research question, a literature review that describes how this question fits in with the existing scholarly literature, and a research design that will enable them to answer the question. Along the way, they will advance their understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct political science research. Students will be graded on the basis of drafts of their annotated bibliography, literature review and research design, a class presentation of the ?front half? of their senior thesis, and class participation including short weekly assignments. Students are expected to keep up with the reading and, most importantly, to begin to conduct their own independent research.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54643/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 November 2014

Spring 2022  |  POL 3135 Section 001: Political Dynamics in the Horn of Africa (69098)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Meets With:
AFRO 3135 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, East Bank
Blegen Hall 145
Enrollment Status:
Open (9 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Who wields political power? Who challenges those in power? And how do they legitimize their claims and go about enforcing them? These are the core questions that will guide our exploration of the political dynamics in the Horn of Africa. Just like most regions in Africa, the Horn is home to diverse cultures and languages. What distinguishes it, however, is the contested nature of state borders, which have been redrawn in ways not observed anywhere else in Africa since the end of European colonialism. The purpose of this class is to delve deeper into these conflicts, to examine the interactions between incumbent governments, armed rebel groups, and international actors in shaping war and peace in the Horn. Throughout this journey, we will pay special attention to ideas of sovereignty, identity, and violence and draw on literature outside of the Horn to help us better dissect what is going on within it.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/69098/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (55381)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 235
Enrollment Status:
Open (54 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course considers the nature of contemporary democracy and the role that members of the political community do, can, and should play. While approaches in teaching the class vary, students can expect to read historical and contemporary texts, see films and videos, to approach questions about the nature of democracy, justifications for democracy, and challenges faced by contemporary democracy. Topics will include such questions as the role of civil society in democratic life, deliberative democracy, as well as questions about how members of political communities can best participate in democratic life. Students will write a longer essay that allows them to demonstrate their capacities to understand and explain complex ideas and to make a theoretically compelling argument, using appropriate supporting evidence. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?a-bose+POL3235W+Spring2022
Class Description:

Democracy seems to be an intuitively simple concept to many Americans. Americans know what democracy, and the corresponding values of freedom and equality mean because they live under a democratic system of government that guarantees liberty and justice for all, and equality regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Likewise, Americans know that being a citizen means we have certain rights. (and duties?) When we delve a little deeper into what these concepts mean, however, we discover that this apparent certainty papers over a host of disagreements, divisions, and uncertainties. These complexities have bubbled up to the surface today, as they have historically, through a number of contemporary concerns espoused by the Occupy Movement, the Tea Party Movement, Black Lives Matter, anti-establishment politics, etc.


This class helps students to engage in the contemporary problems of democracy by grounding the conversation in the historical debates of democratic theory. Rather than suggesting any simple answers, our class will instead pose questions with which we, together, must wrestle. What is the democracy? How should we understand basic concepts of democracy like freedom, equality, and solidarity? How should we respond when these concepts come into conflict? Is capitalism inherently in conflict with democracy? Working through these questions, we will tack back and forth between theoretical debates and contemporary and historical political problems, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the political stakes behind these questions, as well as a more critical perspective from which to understand the political challenges of this moment in history.

Who Should Take This Class?:
Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
Grading:

Attendance: 10%

Paper 1: 35%

Paper 2: 35%

Final Presentation: 20%

Workload:
approximatley 40 pages of reading per class
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55381/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
20 March 2017

Spring 2022  |  POL 3251W Section 001: Power, Virtue, and Vice: Ancient and Early Modern Political Theory (55857)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 235
Enrollment Status:
Open (49 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Key concepts of contemporary political life such as 'democracy', 'tyranny', 'authority' - and indeed 'politics' itself - derive from ancient sources. This course offers students an opportunity to return to the foundations of this vocabulary by delving into work by such major thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and Machiavelli. Lectures and discussion shall consider the endurance of certain basic questions of political life, such as: What is justice? What is the best regime? What is the relationship between human nature and political order? Can politics be virtuous and, if so, in what way? The course will also consider the radically diverse responses to these essential questions through examination of a wide range of historical periods and the unique terms of political order each offered. Previous iterations of the course have included examination of the Classical Greek city-state system and its fragile experiments with democracy; the rise and fall of the Roman empire; the establishment of Western Christendom; the Renaissance, so-called 'discovery' of the New World, and dawn of the modern era. Students will gain a glimpse into worlds preoccupied by matters of truth, virtue and nobility, but also widely populated by slavery, imperialism, violence, and religious strife. In this way, the study of ancient theory is intended to serve as both supplement and challenge to the terms of contemporary political life.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rbnichol+POL3251W+Spring2022
Class Description:
Key concepts of contemporary political life such as 'democracy', 'tyranny', 'authority' - and indeed 'politics' itself - derive from ancient sources. This course offers students an opportunity to return to the foundations of this vocabulary by delving into work by such major thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and Machiavelli. Lectures and discussion shall consider the endurance of certain basic questions of political life, such as: What is justice? What is the best regime? What is the relationship between human nature and political order? Can politics be virtuous and, if so, in what way? The course will also consider the radically diverse responses to these essential questions through examination of a wide range of historical periods and the unique terms of political order each offered. Previous iterations of the course have included examination of the Classical Greek city-state system and its fragile experiments with democracy; the rise and fall of the Roman empire; the establishment of Western Christendom; the Renaissance, so-called 'discovery' of the New World, and dawn of the modern era. Students will gain a glimpse into worlds preoccupied by matters of truth, virtue and nobility, but also widely populated by slavery, imperialism, violence, and religious strife. In this way, the study of ancient theory is intended to serve as both supplement and challenge to the terms of contemporary political life.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55857/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
13 October 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 3282 Section 001: Black Political Thought: Conceptions of Freedom (66654)

Instructor(s)
Adam L (TA)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 150
Enrollment Status:
Open (53 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
On January 21, 1964, Ella Baker, one of the most important Black leaders of the Civil Rights Movement stood in front of a large crowd in Hattiesburg, Mississippi and said: "Even if segregation is gone, we will still need to be free; we will still have to see that everyone has a job. Even if we can all vote, but if people are still hungry, we will not be free. Remember, we are not fighting for the freedom of the Negro alone, but for the freedom of the human spirit, a larger freedom that encompasses all mankind." With these words, Baker held before the crowd a political vision that went beyond the immediate goals of social struggle and defined one of the central impulses of Black political thought: to articulate a large and expansive conception of freedom. In this course, our main objective is to enter an intellectual terrain of rich and vibrant debates between African American political thinkers over the meaning of Black freedom. We will explore questions about 1) the geographical reach of their visions of freedom 2) their strategies for agitating for and achieving freedom 3) their different understandings of the nature of domination and how this informs their conception of freedom and 4) their emphasis on political affect in the struggle for freedom. Our orientation will be historical and theoretical. To this end, we reconstruct theoretical debates from four important periods of African American history. 1) pre-Civil War debates about the abolition of slavery (1830-1860) 2) Turn of the century debates about racial progress (1880-1910) 3) Civil rights era debates about integration and separatism (1950-1970) and 4) contemporary debates about law enforcement, police killings, mass incarceration, and political disenfranchisement (1990-present).
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?a-bose+POL3282+Spring2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66654/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 3306 Section 001: Presidential Leadership and American Democracy (68195)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 210
Enrollment Status:
Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
To most Americans - if not most human beings - the President of the United States is probably the most powerful person on the planet. This course examines how, why, and whether that is the case. What does the US President do, and why? Why is so much power entrusted to just one person? Students will critically analyze these questions and synthesize answers by evaluating the history, evolution, and current state of the "highest office in the land."
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?tpcollin+POL3306+Spring2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68195/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 3309 Section 001: U.S. Supreme Court Decision-Making, Process, and Politics (55011)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Willey Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Open (84 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to judicial politics and decision-making of the U.S. Supreme Court. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. Unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, this course does not study legal doctrine. Rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system with an emphasis on the social scientific literature about how the U.S. Supreme Court functions. Thus, we will cover nominations of justices, decision making models, and how justices interact with one another and the political world beyond the ivory tower. Recommended prerequisite: POL 1001
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL3309+Spring2022
Class Description:
The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to the scientific study of judicial politics. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. This course, unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, does not study legal doctrine; rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system, with an emphasis on the social scientific literature on law and legal process.
Grading:
70% Midterm Exam
30% Final Exam
Exam Format:
Essay
Class Format:
80% Lecture
20% Discussion
Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
3 Exam(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55011/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
10 April 2014

Spring 2022  |  POL 3310 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- U.S. Politics Today: Questions and Issues in 2022 (66680)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
15 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 5
Enrollment Status:
Open (58 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Topic in American politics, as specified in Class Schedule.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL3310+Spring2022
Class Description:
This class will explore a series of topics in American politics, with an emphasis on applying theoretical and empirical insights and conclusions from political science to more fully understand currently debated topics in American politics. Topics will include the 2020 elections and their implications, federalism and the response to COVID-19, the power of the media, and American domestic policy. Familiarity with the topics covered in an introductory American politics course will be useful, but not necessary. Students should expect to read roughly 100 pages per week, which will include journal articles, book chapters, and articles from the press.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Students with some familiarity with American government who are interested in key topics in American politics in 2022
Grading:
2 exams, 1 paper
Exam Format:
short answer
essay
Class Format:
55% Lecture
25% Discussion
20% Small Group Activities
Workload:
100 pages per week of reading
2 exams
8-10 page written assignment
Periodic in-class assignments (for credit only, not graded)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66680/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
19 October 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (54771)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Willey Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Closed (85 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
What role does education play in American democracy? What role should it play? Does American education, particularly public education, live up to its citizens' hopes and expectations? And, perhaps most importantly, what do we mean by a "good education"? This is a question with deep historical roots in this country, one that is the subject of current policy debates and one that cannot be separated from questions of discrimination and inequality. The over-arching theme of the course is to wrestle with what it means to be an educated citizen in the context of historical struggles to achieve that vision in the face of multiple and inter-related inequalities and competing visions about how to make the American dream a reality in the field of public education. No one political perspective will be offered or favored. No magic powder will be revealed on the last day of the course. The fact is that the underlying issues are really complicated, often seemingly intractable, and very, very political. This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It will focus on K-12 education, especially in the public system. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools, private school vouchers, and standardized testing. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of public education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for their schools. This course fulfills the
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL3319+Spring2022
Class Description:
This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Students with an interest in American education, especially public education. Students interested in public policy.
Learning Objectives:
To develop a thorough and critical understanding of American education policy.
Grading:
2 exams, final paper
Exam Format:
short answer/essay
Class Format:
55% Lecture
25% Discussion
20% Small Group Activities
Workload:
100 pages reading per week
2 exams
8-10 page paper
Periodic in-class assignments (for credit only, not graded)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54771/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
19 October 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 3321 Section 001: Issues in American Public Policy (65672)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Willey Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Open (83 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. Recent controversies over Social Security reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (?Obamacare?), and the No Child Left Behind Act and Common Core showcase the profound political and substantive impact of this topic. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars typically describe the United States as a ?laggard? where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than are corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. Is this an accurate portrayal of American social policy? Recent scholarship challenges the conventional wisdom, suggesting that the United States does not necessarily do less in terms of social policy but that it relies on an unusual set of policy tools to pursue objectives like poverty alleviation. What explains the distinctive shape of American social policy? This course investigates the impact of political culture, the relative power of various interest groups, the American constitutional system, and other factors. The second half of the course examines recent trends in American social policy, focusing on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. It examines both the historical origins of contemporary American policies and recent reform proposals. A major theme of the course is that it is impossible to understand the contemporary shape of social policy, and the positions of specific stakeholders, without understanding the long-term historical processes that have shaped, and that continue to shape, the present political terrain of preferences and actors. New generations of leaders do not have the opportunity to build social policy from scratch. Rather, they have to react to what already exists. Some reforms will seem like logical extensions of what is already in place, while existing programs might make other alternative
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL3321+Spring2022
Class Description:
This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars typically describe the United States as a "laggard" where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than are corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. Is this an accurate portrayal of American social policy? Recent scholarship challenges the conventional wisdom, suggesting that the United States does not necessarily do less in terms of social policy but that it relies on an unusual set of policy tools to pursue objectives like poverty alleviation. What explains the distinctive shape of American social policy? This course investigates the impact of political culture, the politics of race, the relative power of various interest groups, the American constitutional system, and other factors.

The second half of the course examines recent trends in American social policy, focusing on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. It examines both the historical origins of contemporary American policies and recent reform proposals. A major theme of the course is that it is impossible to understand the contemporary shape of social policy, and the positions of specific stakeholders, without understanding the long-term historical processes that have shaped, and that continue to shape, the present terrain of preferences and actors. New generations of leaders do not have the opportunity to build social policy from scratch. Rather, they have to react to what already exists. Some reforms will seem like logical extensions of what is already in place, while existing programs might make other alternatives difficult if not impossible to pursue. By understanding the roots of contemporary American social policy it becomes possible to devise a political strategy for major policy change.
Grading:
15% Midterm Exam I
15% Social Security Reform Policy Analysis
15% Health Care Reform Policy Analysis
15% Midterm Exam II
20% Education Policy Memo
20% Final Exam
Exam Format:
All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
Class Format:
75% Lecture
15% Discussion
10% Small Group Activities
Workload:
75-100 pages of reading per week
Three exams
Three papers (2-4 double-spaced pages each)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65672/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
17 December 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 3329 Section 001: The Balance of Power: Federalism & Community in the United States (65673)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 130
Enrollment Status:
Open (28 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The appropriate balance of power between the national government and the states has been the subject of intense debate since the United States became an independent country in the eighteenth century, and it has never been resolved. This unresolved controversy has profound democratic and policy implications. Some of the political and social rights that are part and parcel of what it means to be a member of the American community are influenced by geography and the specific state in which an individual resides. For example, state governments make numerous decisions that define voter eligibility, an especially important form of community membership and political participation. In addition, federalism strongly affects the policymaking process. In fields as diverse as environmental protection and health care, the relationship between the national government and the states affects which policies are adopted and how they work in practice. While federalism is rarely at the forefront of the minds of the American public, it plays a central and increasingly important role in the U.S. political system. This course seeks to give students a better understanding of American federalism. By examining both the historical evolution of intergovernmental relations in the United States and contemporary policy debates, it also aims to help students develop the substantive knowledge and analytical skills they need to become critical thinkers. All of the writing assignments that students will complete in the course have been designed with this objective in mind, and the course will emphasize systematic thinking about politics, the explication of logically coherent arguments, and the use of relevant and appropriate empirical evidence to evaluate those arguments. The successful development of the critical thinking and writing skills emphasized in this course will enable students to communicate effectively in a variety of future roles, including as employees and citizens.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL3329+Spring2022
Class Description:
Even before the proverbial ink was dry on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in March 2010, over a dozen states filed suit against the health care reform law and challenged its constitutionality. When President Obama announced a series of immigration-related executive actions four years later, another large group of states launched a lawsuit to fight the policy change. A similar dynamic emerged after the presidency changed hands. After President Trump issued an executive order in January 2017 that restricted travel and suspended the admission of refugees from seven majority-Muslim countries, the state of Washington (later joined by Minnesota) filed suit and seventeen other states filed an amicus brief outlining the undesirable effects of the order. These legal challenges are especially dramatic manifestations of what appears to be heightened tension between the fifty states and the national government. Indeed, the contemporary period has been described as one of "uncooperative" or "fend for yourself" federalism.

Such sweeping generalizations understate the complexity of contemporary American federalism and the historical record. The appropriate balance of power between the national government and the states has been the subject of intense debate since the United States became an independent country in the eighteenth century, and it has never been resolved. This unresolved controversy has profound democratic and policy implications. Federalism was designed to encourage policy differences among the states while simultaneously establishing a national government that was powerful enough to prevent interest groups in the states from abusing the rights of their minorities. As a result, some of the political and social rights that are part and parcel of what it means to be a member of the American community are influenced by geography and the specific state in which an individual resides. For example, state governments make numerous decisions that define voter eligibility, an especially important form of community membership and political participation. In addition, federalism strongly affects the policymaking process. In fields as diverse as environmental protection and health care, the relationship between the national government and the states affects which policies are adopted and how they work in practice. While federalism is rarely at the forefront of the minds of the American public, it plays a central and increasingly important role in American politics. Some scholars even argue that it is partly responsible for the growing inequality and political polarization that characterize the contemporary United States.
Learning Objectives:
This course seeks to give students a better understanding of American federalism. By examining both the historical evolution of intergovernmental relations in the United States and contemporary policy debates, it also aims to help students develop the substantive knowledge and analytical skills they need to become critical thinkers. All the assignments that students will complete in the course have been designed with this objective in mind; they emphasize systematic thinking about politics, the explication of logically coherent arguments, and the use of relevant and appropriate empirical evidence to evaluate those arguments. The successful development of the critical thinking and writing skills emphasized in this course will enable students to communicate effectively in a variety of future roles, including as employees and citizens.
Grading:
20% In-Class Assignments
25% Take-Home Midterm Exam (1,500 words)
15% Voting Rights Opinion Column (750 words)
15% Congressional Hearing Analysis (1,000 words)
25% Final Exam
Exam Format:
The take-home midterm exam consists of one essay. Students receive three different essay prompts and choose one of them.

The final exam consists of three essays. Students receive four essay prompts and choose three of them. At least six potential essay prompts, including the four that appear on the final exam, are distributed in advance of the final exam.
Class Format:
65% Lecture
10% Discussion
25% Small Group Activities
Workload:
75-100 pages of reading per week
Two exams
Two short papers (750-1,000 words)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65673/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
17 December 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 3462 Section 001: Politics of Race, Class, and Ethnicity (65675)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Carlson School of Management 1-147
Enrollment Status:
Open (35 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Is it true that since the election of Donald Trump the United States is more racist than ever? Is racism on the rise elsewhere in the world? Consistent with the goals of liberal education, this course helps students navigate their way through what is often seen as one of the most perplexing and intractable problems in today's world - racial and ethnic conflicts. It supplies a set of theoretical tools that can be utilized in the most diverse of settings - including, though to a lesser extent, gender. Rather than looking at these conflicts, as the media and popular knowledge often does, as centuries-old conflicts deeply set in our memory banks, a script from which none of us can escape, the course argues that inequalities in power and authority - in other words, class - go a long way in explaining racial and ethnic dynamics. To support this argument, the course examines the so-called "black-white" conflict in three settings, the U.S., South Africa and Cuba. While all three share certain similarities, their differences provide the most explanatory power. Most instructive is the Cuba versus U.S. and South Africa comparison. Specifically, what are the consequences for race relations when a society, Cuba, attempts to eliminate class inequalities? The course hopes to show that while we all carry with us the legacy of the past, we are not necessarily its prisoners.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL3462+Spring2022
Class Description:
Is it true that since the election of Donald Trump the United States is more racist than ever? Is racism on the rise elsewhere in the world? Consistent with the goals of liberal education, this course helps students navigate their way through what is often seen as one of the most perplexing and intractable problems in today's world, racial and ethnic conflicts. It supplies a set of theoretical tools that can be utilized in the most diverse of settings, including, race, class, ethnicity, and to a lesser extent, gender. Rather than looking at these conflicts, as the media and popular knowledge often does, as centuries-old conflicts deeply set in our memory banks, a script from which none of us can escape, the course argues that inequalities in power and authority, in other words, class, go a long way in explaining racial and ethnic dynamics. To support this argument, the course examines the so-called "black-white" conflict in three settings, the U.S., South Africa, and Cuba. While all three share certain similarities, their differences provide the most explanatory power. Most instructive is the Cuba versus U.S. and South Africa comparison. Specifically, what are the consequences for race relations when a society, Cuba, attempts to eliminate class inequalities? The course hopes to show that while we all carry with us the legacy of the past, we are not necessarily its prisoners.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65675/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 March 2020

Spring 2022  |  POL 3475 Section 001: Islamist Politics (65676)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (29 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The relationship between Islam and politics-both in the Muslim world and in the West-is one of the most important political issues of our day. This class will address these issues by taking a historical and political look at the development of Islam (the religion) and Islamism (Islamic political movements) in many areas of the Muslim world. We will begin by discussing the Islamic faith and historical debates about its relationship to politics. Then we will turn to the twentieth century, and examine the rise of Islamist politics in the Middle East and North Africa (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Sudan) and south central Asia (e.g. Pakistan, Afghanistan). We will study the successes and failures of Islamist revolutions. Then we will focus on the evolution of the "Arab Spring" and its implications for both Islamism and democracy. In doing so, we will discuss debates about the compatibility of Islam and democracy, and examine attempts at democracy in the Muslim World (e.g. Tunisia). We will examine the revival of Islam and rise of post-Soviet Islamism in Eurasia (Central Asia, Russia, and the Caucasus) during the last two to three decades. We will examine the effects of state repression of Islam and religious freedom in those countries. We will also discuss varying ideas about jihad, and the rise of global jihadists and terrorist groups, such as Al Qaeda and ISIS. We will study the jihads waged by Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and ISIS, and the implications of militancy and terrorism for establishing stability and democracy in the Muslim world. We will read both Muslim and non-Muslim, American and non-American perspectives on these problems. Understanding these issues is critical to gaining perspective on the troubling state of today's complex global politics, and US foreign policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, and elsewhere.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL3475+Spring2022
Class Description:
Course Description: From the bloody battles of ISIS, to the Taliban in Afghanistan, to terrorism across the globe, "Islamist politics" has been at the center of political debates and US foreign policy. Particularly since 9/11, scholars and policymakers around the world have been debating the consequences of U.S. policy in the Middle East, the roots of rising Islamist movements in the 20th century, the causes of terrorism and suicide bombings, and the clash or compatibility of Islam and democracy. This class will address these issues by taking a historical and comparative political approach to the development of Islam (the religion) and Islamism (Islamic political movements) in many areas of the Muslim world. We will begin by discussing the early historical relationship between Islam and state. Then we will turn to the twentieth century, and examine the rise of Islamist politics in the Middle East and North Africa (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran) and central Asia (e.g. Pakistan, Afghanistan). We will study the successes and failures of Islamist revolutions. We will focus on the successful Islamist revolution in Iran, failed Islamist politics in Sudan. We will trace the causes of 9/11 and the subsequent US war in Afghanistan, and then the rise of ISIS in Iraq/Syria). We will study the Arab Spring and its implications for Islamic parties and democracy in that region, and the Syrian civil war. We will examine the rise of Islamist violence in Eurasia (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and the Caucasus). We will also discuss varying ideas about jihad, and the rise of global jihadists and terrorist groups, such as Al Qaeda and ISIS. We will study the implications of militancy and terrorism for establishing stability and democracy in the Muslim world. We will read both diverse Muslim and non-Muslim perspectives on these issues. Understanding these issues is critical to gaining perspective on today's complex global politics, and US foreign policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere. This course aims at increasing our knowledge and understanding, tolerance, and wisdom in dealing with these critical issues.
Who Should Take This Class?:
The class is designed for students with an interest in policy-relevant political science-- US policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria!
Grading:
Grading will likely be based on class participation and several short papers. Final requirements will be printed on the syllabus in January.
Exam Format:
no exams; short papers will replace exams due to covid
Class Format:
lecture and discussion
Workload:
about 75 pages of reading per week
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65676/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 November 2020

Spring 2022  |  POL 3752 Section 001: Chicana/o Politics (68487)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Meets With:
PA 5190 Section 002
CHIC 3852 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, East Bank
Ford Hall B10
Enrollment Status:
Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Theory/practice of Chicana/o politics through analysis of Mexican American experience, social agency. Response to larger political systems/behaviors using social science methods of inquiry. Unequal power relations, social justice, political economy.
Class Description:
This course explores the theory and practice of Chicanx and Latinx politics through an analysis of experiences, social agency, and subsequent responses to larger political systems and behaviors. It examines unequal power relationships within the United States; the Latinx political movements for educational and social justice; and the relationship between social diversity, stratification, and the political economy. Additionally, in this session we will examine how demographic changes have impacted public participation of Latinx people in Minnesota.

Dr. Guillermo E. Narváez is a lecturer in Chicano & Latino Studies at the University of Minnesota. His current research examines Latinx demographic changes in Rural Minnesota and the Midwest. Previously he was a Research Associate at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs (2010-2018), and a Scholar in Residence at the Institute of Advanced Studies (2016).


Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68487/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 November 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (54552)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Fri 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
West Bank Skyway AUDITORIUM
Enrollment Status:
Open (47 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3766+Spring2022
Class Description:

What do all citizens have in common? Although we are more divided than ever across partisan and ideological lines, we are, fundamentally, all human. This course reviews how several different aspects of human psychology influence public opinion and political behavior. How we discuss politics with others, our positions on major policy issues, the decision to vote in elections, and even how we interpret political information, are all shaped (at least in part) by psychological factors.


This course will cover seven broad thematic units. The first (1) focuses on the essential theories and methods underlying the study of political psychology, most generally. The remaining six describe how different aspects of psychology influence many aspects of public opinion and behavior, including: (2) personality traits, (3) emotion, (4) how we process political information, (5) core values and morality, (6) heritable and biological factors, and (7) how we identify with different groups in society. Along the way, we will relate core principles learned in each unit to central questions and challenges in political science more broadly; both in the U.S., and globally.
Grading:
15% - Attendance, Bi-Weekly "Discussion Tweets"
25% - Midterm Exam
25% - Election 2016 Analysis (Research Paper)
35% - Final Exam - 35%
Exam Format:
Both the Midterm and Final Exams will feature multiple choice and short answer questions (defining key concepts). The final exam will also include an essay question touching on major themes in the course. The final exam is cumulative.
Class Format:
50% lecture, 50% discussion.
Workload:
In addition to regular class attendance and completion of the exams/paper, students are expected to complete a short set of readings about relevant research and concepts prior to each class.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54552/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
16 March 2017

Spring 2022  |  POL 3833 Section 001: The United States and the Global Economy (55200)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 370
Enrollment Status:
Closed (85 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3833 teaches students about the politics of the global economy with a focus on the role the United States plays within it. The class covers a variety of topics in international political economy, including international trade, international investment, and international finance. Students will learn about the factors that drive politicians' decision-making, interest-group stances, and citizens' preferences over such salient issues as tariffs and other forms of trade protection, trade and investment agreements, central banking, interest rates, international migration, and more. No background in economics is required or assumed.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3833+Spring2022
Class Description:
Globalization has been a defining force driving markets - and, hence, shaping politics - over the past 20 years. Global financial flows and imbalances are implicated in financial crises both recent and past, and the mobility of firms and migrants across international borders has important distributional and regulatory consequences. Yet, the impact of the U.S. on the global economy is not exclusive to purely financial phenomena: conflict and peace, technological innovation, natural resources, and economic development are all affected as rising levels of trade create new "winners" and "losers." This class examines some of the broad themes that characterize globalization with a focus on - but not only on - the U.S. and the ways in which its policy responses shape and are being shaped by globalization.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55200/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
10 August 2015

Spring 2022  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (53101)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 330
Enrollment Status:
Open (76 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ccreamer+POL3835+Spring2022
Class Description:

Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events.


This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism, liberalism, institutionalism, constructivism, critical security studies, feminist theory, queer IR theory, post-colonial theory, indigenous approaches to international relations, and neo-Marxism.


A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so. Specific topics covered include: the ascendance of China and great power politics in an age of economic rivalries; new technologies and national security; gender-based violence during conflict; multilateral cooperation and its disintegration; the future of the human rights movement and backlash against global governance; the internationalization of the Movement for Black Lives; trade wars, weaponized interdependence, and pandemic politics; and the global politics of climate change.

Who Should Take This Class?:

Students from all concentrations are welcome to enroll. This is an upper-level course that surveys competing theories or approaches in the field of international relations through readings and assignments that are more intellectually demanding than 1xxx-level courses. While there are no formal prerequisites for this course, it is recommended that you have previously taken POL 1025: Global Politics or POL 1026: U.S. Foreign Policy.

Learning Objectives:


This course places special emphasis on helping you - as a global citizen - learn to:

  • synthesize and evaluate existing theoretical approaches within international relations

  • identify their strengths and weaknesses

  • construct an argument for why we observe particular outcomes in world politics
Grading:
  • MINI-ANALYTICAL PAPERS: 30% (two, each worth 15 points)
  • MIDTERM EXAM: 25%
  • FINAL TAKE-HOME Paper: 30%
  • ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION: 15%
Exam Format:

Written closed-book, closed-notes in-class midterm exam

Class Format:
In-person lectures, two times per week
Workload:

· 45-80 Pages Reading Per Week

· 3 Take-Home Papers

Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53101/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 November 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 3879 Section 001: Critical Humanitarianism: Policy and Politics (66336)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Wed 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (52 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Over the last two centuries the international community established a set of humanitarian norms, principles, and institutions designed to alleviate the suffering and improve the welfare of vulnerable populations. Humanitarianism - the efforts undertaken to relieve suffering for those displaced by war, human rights violations, climate change, and other disasters - has undergone significant development and transformation, with the expansion and institutionalization of humanitarian action now accepted as a normal part of global politics. Humanitarian organizations, such as the International Committee of the Red Cross or Doctors without Borders, are expected to be on the ground in situations of violence and disaster, with humanitarians leading the emergency responses. Their successes and failures inform not only our sense of what humanitarianism is, or what humanitarians do, but the life and death of those individuals whom they are sent to assist. Thus, this course engages the questions of what does it mean to claim humanitarianism, to do humanitarian work, and to be a humanitarian? We will take a historical approach to the rise of humanitarianism and trace its subjects and actors from the early 19th century to today, as one way of gaining purchase on these questions and to chart the practical, political, and ethical issues intrinsic to the promotion and legitimacy of humanitarianism. Students in this course will develop a better understanding of the current themes and debates in the field of humanitarianism, including the decolonization of aid and aid organizations, the relationship of humanitarian aid and military might, the professionalization of humanitarianism and the attendant issues of accountability to vulnerable populations. This course will also analyze the successes and failures of humanitarianism through both historical and contemporary examples.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kins0017+POL3879+Spring2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66336/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 3994 Section 001: Directed Research: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program (54937)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (19 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students accepted into the Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, students will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers. Students are chosen through a highly competitive online application the semester prior to registration. Students should check with Political Science advising for details about the application process. This course is only open to Political Science majors.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54937/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 4275 Section 001: Domination, Exclusion, and Justice: Contemporary Political Thought (65680)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Open (17 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Contemporary Political Theory systematically analyzes the meaning and significance of concepts central to current politics: domination, exclusion, and justice. Starting from basic concerns about the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, this course will explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). Through this course, students will also be introduced to different interpretive approaches, ranging from democratic theory, feminist, queer and critical race theories, as well as ethics and moral philosophy. Organized around the politics of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the course will pursue a range of questions about democratic legitimation, the exclusion of historically marginalized communities, systematic inequalities of different kinds, as well as ideals of democracy and justice. It will range from theoretical inquiry to practical questions of implementing different political projects. Through this course, students will develop skills in critical thinking, careful reading and clear writing, as well as recognizing and constructing arguments. These skills are basic for the critical, lifelong role that all of us play as members of political community. prereq: 1201 recommended
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL4275+Spring2022
Class Description:
Contemporary democracies find themselves faced with relations of domination and exclusion in a number of different sites: prisons, the workplace, politics, and at home. This course will examine different ways to understand the emergence and persistence of relations of domination and exclusion in contemporary politics. Each of these perspectives offers its own way of conceiving of politics, and a different vision of what justice might offer and require. Course readings will explore different theoretical approaches to contemporary politics, while also turning to specific examples to think them through. These examples include: mass incarceration, the persistence of economic and racial hierarchies, and domestic violence. Readings will change from one semester to another, but will include thinkers such as Michel Foucault, Charles Taylor, Iris Marion Young, Michelle Alexander, Audre Lorde, Ruth Wilson Gilmore, Keaanga-YahmattaTaylor, and others. Class sessions will include some lecturing as well as a substantial amount of class discussion.
Grading:
55% Reports/Papers
35% Reflection Papers
10% Class Participation
Class Format:
60% Lecture
40% Discussion
Workload:
75 Pages Reading Per Week
20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Paper(s)
3 Homework Assignment(s)
Other Workload: plus three short "response" papers
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65680/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
31 March 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 4335 Section 001: African American Politics (55213)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Meets With:
AFRO 4335 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 215
Enrollment Status:
Open (22 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course examines the historical and contemporary efforts by African Americans to gain full inclusion as citizens in the US political system. Specifically, the course explores advocacy efforts by civil rights organizations and political parties to obtain and enforce civil and political rights for blacks. An examination of these efforts begins in the Reconstruction Era and concludes with the historic election of the nation's first African American president. The course will cover topics such as the politics of the civil rights movement, black presidential bids and racialized voting in federal and state elections. Finally, the course examines how political parties and organized interests used the Voting Rights Act to increase the number of minorities in Congress. The course focuses on whether the growing number of minorities in Congress increases citizens' trust in government and their involvement in voting and participation in political organizations.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL4335+Spring2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55213/1223
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/mdminta_AFRO4335_Spring2023.pdf (Spring 2023)

Spring 2022  |  POL 4463 Section 001: The Cuban Revolution Through the Words of Cuban Revolutionaries (55141)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Carlson School of Management 1-142
Enrollment Status:
Open (21 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do policy makers in Washington, D.C. continue to rail against the Cuban Revolution? Despite their best efforts, both Republican and Democratic administrations, the Revolution is still in place after six decades. How to explain? This is the central research question of the course. A definitive answer would require a thorough examination of the revolution from its initiation until today - which is beyond what can be done in a semester. The focus, rather, is more limited. First, how was the revolution made and consolidated - from 1953 until about 1969 - and, second, how has it been able to survive and advance since the collapse of the Soviet Union, that is, since 1991? The emphasis here is on the role of leadership and strategy, how the Cubans and their leaders saw and see what they are doing - in their own words. This is an attempt to get into their heads, their understandings, through documents, speeches and writings. In keeping with the goals of liberal education, this course helps students to think outside the box of conventional wisdom. Why, for example, an underdeveloped society lacking many of the characteristics of a liberal democracy can do a better job in meeting the basic needs of its citizens than its far richer neighbor to the north? What the Cubans seek to do is reorganize human relations on the basis of solidarity and not individual self-interest. How successful they have been in that pursuit is exactly one of the questions to which the course seeks to provide an answer. These questions are not simply of intellectual interest. Given the deepening crisis of world capitalism with the accompanying human misery, to know about Cuba's reality can have life and death consequences. Given, also, that the U.S. government doesn't make it easy for most of its citizens to travel to the island to make up their own minds about its reality, this course is a unique educational opportunity.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4463+Spring2022
Class Description:
The history of socialist revolutions over the course of a century or more reveals that what occurred in Cuba has proven to have more lasting power. In spite of all the challenges it continues to face, what explains why the Cuban Revolution is still in place after six decades? This is the central research question of the course. A definitive answer would require a thorough examination of the revolution from its initiation until today, which is beyond what can be done in a semester or its equivalent. The focus, rather, will be more limited. First, how was the revolution made and consolidated, from 1953 until about 1969. Second, how has it been able to survive and advance since the collapse of the Soviet Union, that is, since 1991? The emphasis here is on the role of leadership and strategy and how the Cubans and their leaders saw and see what they are doing, in their own words. This is an attempt to get into their heads, their understandings, through documents, speeches and writings. For the first question I will also draw on the data from a research/film documentary project that I'm involved in at this moment: the participation of women and men in the guerrilla army and underground movement.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55141/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 October 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 4474W Section 001: Russian Politics: From Soviet Empire to Post-Soviet State (55898)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Carlson School of Management L-126
Enrollment Status:
Open (32 of 33 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Twenty five years ago, Russia appeared to be democratizing and was even on friendly relations with the US and NATO. Now Vladimir Putin runs the state with the FSB (KGB), and US-Russian relations are at their worst point since the 1970s. This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics. It begins with the Russian Revolution of 1917, and continues with a study of the creation of the USSR and Soviet rule under Lenin, Stalin, and later decades. We look in depth at the economic and political system set up by the Communist Party, and at the causes of its collapse in 1991, which has had profound legacies for the post-Soviet development of Russia. Then in the second half of the course we turn to themes of political, economic, social and civic development under Yeltsin and Putin. We will pose the following questions: Why does democratization begin and why does it fail? How is economic reform undermined? What type of state and regime is Russia now? What caused the Chechen wars and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus during this period? Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Are US-Russian relations improving as a result of Obama's "Reset," or are we now in an era of a new Cold War? What is Russia's goal in Syria, Iran, or Central Asia? Is Putin rebuilding Russia, or driving it to disaster, and how will this impact the West?
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL4474W+Spring2022
Class Description:
Thirty years ago, Russia appeared to be democratizing and was even on friendly relations with the US and NATO. Now Vladimir Putin runs the state with the FSB (ex-KGB), and US-Russian relations are at their worst point since the 1970s. This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics. It begins with an overview of Communism, Stalin's use of the KGB, and mass repression, and key moments in the USSR's Cold War foreign policy, which have a legacy for today. We study the Communist economic and political system, and why it collapsed in 1991. We examine Russian foreign policy under Putin: Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Did US-Russian relations improve under Yeltsin, or as a result of Obama's "Reset"? Are we now in a new Cold War? Why and how is Russia attempting to destabilize Western elections? What will be the consequence of US elections in 2020 for US-Russian relations?
What is Russia's goal in Ukraine, Belarus, Syria, and Central Asia? Is it recreating the USSR? We study Russia's failed democratization and how corruption has undermined economic reform. We study the Russian military and the Chechen wars, and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus, leading to Islamist radicalization and fighters joining ISIS. Finally, we ask whether Putin is successfully rebuilding Russia, or driving it to disaster.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Students in any college with an interest in Russia!; Students interested in US policy debates
Grading:
This is a writing class (W). Grading is primarily based on papers (a research paper and several short papers).
Exam Format:
no in class exams
Class Format:
lecture with discussion, especially debates about foreign policy issues related to Russia and the USSR.
Workload:
approximately 75-100 pages of reading a week; approximately 20 pages of writing (W class); no exams; take-home papers in place of exams
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55898/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 November 2020

Spring 2022  |  POL 4502W Section 001: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights (52637)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Willey Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Open (53 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Today, more than anytime since the civil rights movement of the 1960s, individual liberties are at the heart of controversial debate in the U.S. Groups, from the far left and far right of the political spectrum have pushed free speech towards the boundaries set by the Supreme Court. At the same time, the religion clauses have become as controversial as ever, with corporations and local governments using them in ways they have not been used before. Finally, the right to privacy is at a crossroads as the U.S. Supreme Court considers cases about reproductive rights and personal privacy. Given these issues, this course allows students to read all the major cases where the U.S. Supreme Court interprets the balance of protecting civil liberties versus allowing government to limit or suppress such liberties. Specifically, the course covers the 14th Amendment, freedom of speech, press, religion, and the limits of the free speech clause of the 1st Amendment. It also covers the 2nd Amendment and the right to privacy found in the 1st, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 9th, and 14th Amendments.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4502W+Spring2022
Class Description:
This course deals with civil liberties in the United States and how the United States Supreme Court decides which rights and liberties get which protections, at which times. Specifically, our focus will be on the First Amendment, and the Right to Privacy. Special emphasis will be placed on how the Supreme Court defines, establishes, and protects these liberties through its interpretation of the Constitution.
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
30% Final Exam
30% Reports/Papers
10% Class Participation
Exam Format:
Exam -- Hypothetical Questions
Class Format:
40% Lecture
60% Discussion
Workload:
50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
40-50 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exam(s)
5 Paper(s)
25 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52637/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
22 October 2012

Spring 2022  |  POL 4737 Section 001: American Political Parties (65681)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 370
Enrollment Status:
Open (56 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course focuses on U.S. political parties. We will cover the following themes this term: (1) what parties are and what they do; (2) party factions and coalitions; (3) social and issue cleavages; (4) how Democratic and Republicans view the world; (5) elite and mass polarization; and (6) the future of the Democratic and Republican parties. By the end of the semester you'll have a broad and deep understanding of the key role parties play in American politics, where they have been, and where they are going. prereq: 1001 or equiv or instr consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?pgoren+POL4737+Spring2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Grading:
There will be pop quizzes, three exams, and a final paper. The final paper centers on how you would rebrand one of the two major political parties (your choice).
Exam Format:
Each exam includes a combination of 20/25 multiple choice questions and 4/5 short answer questions.
Class Format:
Lecture, discussion, film/video, and some occasional small group activities.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65681/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 October 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 4885W Section 001: International Conflict and Security (65683)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 120
Enrollment Status:
Open (46 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? How can states cope with the threat posed by would-be terrorists? What is counterinsurgency doctrine? What is the future of military force in global politics? This course addresses these questions - and others. The course is organized loosely into three sections or themes. The first section explores the causes and consequences of interstate war and peace. We will examine whether and how the international system, domestic institutions and politics, ideas and culture, and even human psychology shape the path to war. Along the way, we debate whether war has become obsolete and why great power rivalry might be raising its ugly head once again. Attention is also devoted to the impact of war on economy and politics as well as the relations between armed forces and civilian government. The second section of the class explores the possibilities, limits, and challenges of more limited uses of force - such as the threat of force (coercion), peacekeeping and humanitarian intervention, and terrorism and counterterrorism. A third theme explores the strategic and ethical implications of the use of force and especially of innovation in military technologies - nuclear weapons, cyber, drones. The course is organized around theoretical arguments, historical cases and data, and policy debates. Sessions are deeply interactive, engaged discussion is a must, and the class often divides into smaller groups for more intensive debate. Class time is also devoted to helping students craft an effective final research paper.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL4885W+Spring2022
Class Description:
With the end of the Cold War, many foresaw the birth of a new world order. Military strategy, strategic bombing and coercive diplomacy, deterrence and compellence, signaling and the escalatory ladder--these concepts, staples of Cold War thinking, were believed to be outmoded and to have little relevance to the emerging world. The events of the past two decades have shown how wrong this conclusion was. Military force is as pertinent to international politics as ever. Unable to reap the peace dividend that was expected to accompany the end of the Cold War, the United States has since 1989 repeatedly deployed its military forces across the globe--from Kuwait to Somalia to Bosnia and Kosovo to Afghanistan and Iraq. These operations have sometimes ended in apparent success, other times in failure. This course explores central issues regarding the use of military force in international politics. Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? Under what conditions is the use of force ethical, and when does it exceed those bounds? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? What is the future of military force in global politics? Through theoretical readings, concrete historical cases, and contemporary policy debates, this course examines these questions and others.
Exam Format:
No exam. Occasional online quizzes. Final research paper, completed in multiple stages. Weekly reading questions.
Class Format:
75% Lecture
25% Discussion
Workload:
~75 pages of reading per week; 15-20 pages of writing per term
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65683/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
26 February 2020

Spring 2022  |  POL 4991 Section 001: Political Science Capstone (55398)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science senior
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Tue 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 230
Enrollment Status:
Open (63 of 90 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4991+Spring2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55398/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 4991 Section 002: Political Science Capstone (55864)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 335
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (34 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55864/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 4991 Section 003: Political Science Capstone (55863)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 330
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (29 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55863/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 4991 Section 005: Political Science Capstone (65685)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science senior
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon 04:00PM - 05:15PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (45 of 90 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
The delivery modality for POL 4991 005 and related sections 006, 007, 008 is online, synchronous. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL4991+Spring2022
Class Description:
This is a required course for completion of the Political Science major. The purpose of this capstone course is to provide a common, meaningful, and practical culminating experience for soon-to-be graduating seniors in Political Science. In this course, students will reflect on, articulate, share, and build upon their highly-individualized experiences in the major so that they finish the major with a more complete and synthetic understanding of what they have learned, what their undergraduate work prepares them for, and what questions, old or new, they can and should keep asking, reformulating, and seeking answers for after graduation. In addition, the course is designed to reinforce the fundamental skills associated with evidence-based reasoning and argumentation. These include the location, evaluation, and presentation of different sources of evidence as well as employment of different forms of analysis.

The course is organized around the theme of ‘Democracy under Threat'. This theme stems from the widespread consensus among scholars and observers of democracy that democracy is on the decline around the world. The most recent Freedom House report documents the 14th successive year of decline in global freedom. The most notable aspect of the current phase of democratic decline is that it is affecting the more advanced and established democracies of the world including those in the West. Over the course of this semester, we will be addressing some of the major challenges confronting democracy across the world and will accord special attention to recent developments in the United States. We will approach these challenges from a comparative perspective engaging evidence, accounts, and arguments from across the world.

The delivery modality for POL 4991 005 and the related sections 006, 007, and 008 is online, synchronous.
Who Should Take This Class?:
All graduating seniors majoring in Political Science.
Learning Objectives:
This course will provide you with an opportunity to: a) reflect on what you have learned as a Political Science major; b) demonstrate your knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and, c) think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights acquired in your major experience can be used and applied outside of the university. The main goal of the course is to guide you through the process of preparing your capstone portfolio by providing structure, feedback, and encouragement. Along the way, we will emphasize the relationship between political science perspectives, critical thinking, effective communication, and meaningful civic engagement.
Exam Format:
No exams.
Class Format:
We will meet twice every week - on Tuesdays for lectures and Thursdays for discussion sections. The class time during lectures will be apportioned between lectures (50 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (15 percent).
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65685/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 November 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 4991 Section 006: Political Science Capstone (65686)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 005
Enrollment Status:
Open (21 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Description:
This is a required course for completion of the Political Science major. The purpose of this capstone course is to provide a common, meaningful, and practical culminating experience for soon-to-be graduating seniors in Political Science. In this course, students will reflect on, articulate, share, and build upon their highly-individualized experiences in the major so that they finish the major with a more complete and synthetic understanding of what they have learned, what their undergraduate work prepares them for, and what questions, old or new, they can and should keep asking, reformulating, and seeking answers for after graduation. In addition, the course is designed to reinforce the fundamental skills associated with evidence-based reasoning and argumentation. These include the location, evaluation, and presentation of different sources of evidence as well as employment of different forms of analysis.

The course is organized around the theme of ‘Democracy under Threat'. This theme stems from the widespread consensus among scholars and observers of democracy that democracy is on the decline around the world. The most recent Freedom House report documents the 14th successive year of decline in global freedom. The most notable aspect of the current phase of democratic decline is that it is affecting the more advanced and established democracies of the world including those in the West. Over the course of this semester, we will be addressing some of the major challenges confronting democracy across the world and will accord special attention to recent developments in the United States. We will approach these challenges from a comparative perspective engaging evidence, accounts, and arguments from across the world.

The delivery modality for POL 4991 005 and the related sections 006, 007, and 008 is online, synchronous.
Who Should Take This Class?:
All graduating seniors majoring in Political Science.
Learning Objectives:
This course will provide you with an opportunity to: a) reflect on what you have learned as a Political Science major; b) demonstrate your knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and, c) think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights acquired in your major experience can be used and applied outside of the university. The main goal of the course is to guide you through the process of preparing your capstone portfolio by providing structure, feedback, and encouragement. Along the way, we will emphasize the relationship between political science perspectives, critical thinking, effective communication, and meaningful civic engagement.
Exam Format:
No exams.
Class Format:
We will meet twice every week - on Tuesdays for lectures and Thursdays for discussion sections. The class time during lectures will be apportioned between lectures (50 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (15 percent).
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65686/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 November 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 4991 Section 007: Political Science Capstone (65687)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 005
Enrollment Status:
Open (24 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Description:
This is a required course for completion of the Political Science major. The purpose of this capstone course is to provide a common, meaningful, and practical culminating experience for soon-to-be graduating seniors in Political Science. In this course, students will reflect on, articulate, share, and build upon their highly-individualized experiences in the major so that they finish the major with a more complete and synthetic understanding of what they have learned, what their undergraduate work prepares them for, and what questions, old or new, they can and should keep asking, reformulating, and seeking answers for after graduation. In addition, the course is designed to reinforce the fundamental skills associated with evidence-based reasoning and argumentation. These include the location, evaluation, and presentation of different sources of evidence as well as employment of different forms of analysis.

The course is organized around the theme of ‘Democracy under Threat'. This theme stems from the widespread consensus among scholars and observers of democracy that democracy is on the decline around the world. The most recent Freedom House report documents the 14th successive year of decline in global freedom. The most notable aspect of the current phase of democratic decline is that it is affecting the more advanced and established democracies of the world including those in the West. Over the course of this semester, we will be addressing some of the major challenges confronting democracy across the world and will accord special attention to recent developments in the United States. We will approach these challenges from a comparative perspective engaging evidence, accounts, and arguments from across the world.

The delivery modality for POL 4991 005 and the related sections 006, 007, and 008 is online, synchronous.
Who Should Take This Class?:
All graduating seniors majoring in Political Science.
Learning Objectives:
This course will provide you with an opportunity to: a) reflect on what you have learned as a Political Science major; b) demonstrate your knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and, c) think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights acquired in your major experience can be used and applied outside of the university. The main goal of the course is to guide you through the process of preparing your capstone portfolio by providing structure, feedback, and encouragement. Along the way, we will emphasize the relationship between political science perspectives, critical thinking, effective communication, and meaningful civic engagement.
Exam Format:
No exams.
Class Format:
We will meet twice every week - on Tuesdays for lectures and Thursdays for discussion sections. The class time during lectures will be apportioned between lectures (50 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (15 percent).
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65687/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 November 2021

Spring 2022  |  POL 4993 Section 001: Honors Thesis: Directed Studies (53385)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Instructor Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol 3108H, political science major, honors
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (16 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4993+Spring2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53385/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 4994 Section 001: Directed Research: Individual (53190)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (10 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4994+Spring2022
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53190/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (56074)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 15 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/56074/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (56212)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 03/17/2022
Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1450
 
03/18/2022
Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Virtual Rooms ROOM-TBA
 
03/19/2022 - 04/02/2022
Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
 
04/03/2022 - 05/02/2022
Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1450
Enrollment Status:
Open (4 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
Class Notes:
PED Proseminar
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/56212/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 8160 Section 001: Topics in Models and Methods -- Introduction to Text and Images as Data (65693)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
First Half of Term
 
01/18/2022 - 03/14/2022
Wed 01:30PM - 03:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1450
Enrollment Status:
Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
Class Notes:
ITV Course; Instructor Professor Nora Web, University of Illinois
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65693/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 8253 Section 001: Late Modern Political Thought (65695)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Tue 03:35PM - 05:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Theoretical responses to and rival interpretations of Western economy, society, politics, and democratic culture in the modern age; theories of history; class struggle; the end of metaphysics and the death of God; technology and bureaucracy; psychology of culture, in Hegel, Marx, Tocqueville, Mill, Nietzsche, Weber, Freud. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
Class Description:
Theoretical responses to and rival interpretations of Western economy, society, politics, and democratic culture in the modern age; theories of history; class struggle; the end of metaphysics and the death of God; technology and bureaucracy; psychology of culture, in Hegel, Marx, Tocqueville, Mill, Nietzsche, Weber, Freud. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65695/1223
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
4 April 2019

Spring 2022  |  POL 8312 Section 001: Legislative Process (65696)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Tue 11:00AM - 12:55PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Introduction to study of legislative politics; theories of legislative institutions and individual behavior; congressional elections; congressional committees, parties, and leaders. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65696/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 8405 Section 001: International Political Economy (65697)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (4 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Theoretical and policy issues in international economic relations. Different approaches for understanding outcomes in international economy. Trade, finance, labor markets, creation and maintenance of international regimes, and "globalization" of economic liberalism. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65697/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (53232)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1 Credit
Repeat Credit Limit:
10 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Advanced Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (29 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53232/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 8460 Section 001: Topics in International Relations -- Critical International Relations Theory & Practice (65698)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
6 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Mon 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings and research in advanced topics or problems. Recent topics: global environmental issues, morality in world politics, and norms and institutions in world politics.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65698/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Law, Courts, and Democracy (65699)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
9 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
Thu 03:35PM - 05:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65699/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (53254)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53254/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (53305)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-24 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
100 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science PhD, Doct or ETCR
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (11 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53305/1223

Spring 2022  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (52678)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-7 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
7 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/18/2022 - 05/02/2022
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52678/1223

Fall 2021  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (20200)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Willey Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Open (138 of 182 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. The course is designed to help students understand what liberal education is by engaging in the study of American politics as a fundamentally critical and creative enterprise, and by grappling with the most complex and challenging problems of political life, such as the sources of political equality and inequality, and the tension between individual aspirations and political control. Questions of power and choice, opportunity and discrimination, freedom and restrictions on freedom are fundamental to the historical development of and current controversies within the American political system, and we will attend to all of these. We will explore topics including the ideas underlying the nation's founding and its constitutional foundations; civil rights and civil liberties; the role of the United States in an increasingly globalized world; the structure and function of American political institutions; and the behavior of American citizens in the political process. In addition, we will learn to think and communicate like political scientists. We will read primary documents, such as the Federalist papers, engage with scholarly arguments about the way the American political system works, and critically evaluate critiques of the American political system that have been offered from a variety of perspectives. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them. Students will be able to identify, define, and solve problems and to locate and critically evaluate information. Students will have mastered a body of knowledge and a mod
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL1001+Fall2021
Class Description:

Why doesn't Congress seem to work? Why do Americans love democracy, but hate politics? Why are there only two political parties, and why do they seem to despise each other so much? This course will introduce students to politics in the United States, addressing these and many more questions about how the American political system really works. We will begin with the founding principles and historical development of the American system of government and then move on to examine the contemporary structure and function of American political institutions and the role that average citizens play in the political process. Students will exit the class with a better understanding of how the American political system succeeds or fails at living up to our ideals and what we can do about it.

Who Should Take This Class?:
This class will be of interest to anyone who wants a better understanding of how the American political system operates, what is going on in Washington, or how to effect change in our current political climate. The class is also an entry point for the department's upper division American politics classes, including classes on political psychology, social movements, Congress, the Supreme Court, and state and local government.
Grading:
Grades will be based on three elements. Short quizzes at the beginning of each class will evaluate students' comprehension of key concepts from readings and lecture (40%), three long quizzes over the course of the semester will evaluate students' ability to apply these concepts to new situations and problems (40%), and a final paper will evaluate students' ability to use these concepts to advance and defend an argument (20%).
Exam Format:
All short quizzes will be multiple choice and closed book. All long quizzes will be short answer/essay and open book.
Class Format:
Class is lecture based, but "lecture" will be broken up by short writing exercises, small group discussion, and other exercises that will ask you to apply the concepts you are learning in real time. While these will not be graded, engaging fully with them will make the subsequent quizzes and essays much, much easier.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20200/1219
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2018.docx (Fall 2018)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2017.docx (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 March 2017

Fall 2021  |  POL 1019 Section 001: Indigenous Peoples in Global Perspective (22345)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Meets With:
AMIN 1002 Section 002
AMIN 1002 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, East Bank
Elliott Hall N119
Enrollment Status:
Closed (15 of 15 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Colonial experiences of selected indigenous peoples in Americas, Euroasia, Pacific Rim.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22345/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (19046)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Walter F. Mondale Hall 20
Enrollment Status:
Open (83 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Global politics is complex, fast-paced, and often confusing. Seeking to reveal the deeper processes at work in the international system, this introductory course explores both the enduring challenges of international politics as well as more recent transformative trends? What has changed and what has stayed the same. It introduces theoretical traditions, but the course's focus is on making sense of real-world problems, both today and in the past. Why and when do states go to war and use military force? Why do they sign international agreements and treaties, on matters from arms control to investment? What effect does international trade have on the distribution of global wealth, and why do barriers to trade arise? Why has human rights emerged as a central problem in world politics? Why has our world become an increasingly legalized and regulated space? And what difference does it make? What good are nuclear weapons? Why do some turn to terrorism to advance their political agenda? Does foreign aid make the world a better place? How can we reduce global inequality? What are the prospects for international cooperation to address climate change? These are among the pressing real-world questions that this course in Global Politics will address? And that it will give you the tools to answer, though particular instructors will naturally choose to emphasize different topics and questions. But the course will also highlight how our answers to these questions are changing along with the deep power structures of global politics-as US dominance wanes and others, most notably China, rise; as core ideas and discourses underpinning the international system, such as sovereignty, come under assault; and as institutions, such as those governing international law, thicken. Global Politics is an essential guide to our increasingly globalized world.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL1025+Fall2021
Class Description:
Americans hardly need to be told that international politics matters. US forces are still deployed around the globe, and economic uncertainty has barely abated. Knowing that international politics matters is one thing, making sense of it is another. This course will give students the tools they need to begin to understand patterns and trends in global politics. Students will be introduced to international relations' theoretical traditions, but the course will focus primarily on explaining and understanding historical and especially current problems in world politics. It will explore, among other issues, the causes of war and peace, the limited use of force, humanitarian intervention, nuclear proliferation, nationalist conflict, international ethics, the politics of international trade and finance, foreign aid, globalization, the prospects for environmental cooperation and human rights norms, migration, terrorism, and the future of world politics. By the end of the course, students should be familiar with all these issues and others, should have developed their own views on these much-debated questions, and should be able to apply basic analytical frameworks to answer them.
Grading:
25% Midterm Exam
40% Final Exam
20% Essay, Quizzes
15% Class Participation
Exam Format:
Identifications; short paragraphs; essays; reading quizzes
Class Format:
80% Lecture
20% Discussion
Workload:
50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19046/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 October 2015

Fall 2021  |  POL 1026 Section 001: U.S. Foreign Policy (22417)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Nicholson Hall 155
Enrollment Status:
Open (85 of 116 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This makes the question of what the role in the U.S. is in the world and how the United States interacts with other countries, international organizations, and other actors in international politics a question of real importance. US foreign policy will play a crucial role in determining the world we live in four, ten, and fifty years time. As a result, we should all try to better understand how the United States behaves in international politics, why it behaves in that way, how it should behave, and how it has behaved in the past. These are the questions that this class tackles. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and how has US foreign policy varied in the past? What do past conflicts in which the United States has been involved tell us about current U.S. foreign policy? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily secure? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? How serious is the threat of cyber war? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from getting nuclear weapons?
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL1026+Fall2021
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22417/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Politics Around the World (19032)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 350
Enrollment Status:
Open (84 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. It focuses on domestic politics within countries, as opposed to a course in international relations, which focuses on relations between countries. Some of the questions we tackle include: Why are some countries prone to violent conflict while others remain peaceful? Why do some countries grow rich while others remain poor? Why does democracy emerge in some countries, while dictators hold onto power elsewhere? How do attitudes about gender and sexuality influence politics? Do particular religions, or the strength of religious faith, strengthen or weaken democracy? The readings and assignments help you make sense of the complexity of world politics - to sift through and distill the avalanche of information available and learn how to develop your own arguments about pertinent global issues. Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and provide examples of 1) the difference between strong and weak states; 2) the distinctions between democratic and non-democratic forms of government; 3) the various ways democracies are governed; 4) arguments explaining the origin of democracy and the persistence of non-democracy; 5) the significance of different forms of political identity such as ethnicity, religion, and gender; 6) why some countries are rich while others remain poor; and 7) why some countries tax and spend more than others. Assignments seek to develop your skills at developing arguments through logic and evidence and to give you the ability to distinguish between a persuasive argument about politics and simply stating an opinion.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL1054+Fall2021
Class Description:
This course provides an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. We seek to understand how people establish a durable and legitimate political system, and how they seek to benefit from, transform or even overthrow that system. Over the course of the semester we will explore the following questions: 1) How and why do societies establish political order? 2) What is democracy and how is it different from dictatorship? 3) What factors cause democracy to emerge? 4) What are the different kinds of dictatorships? 5) When, where and why does ethnicity impact politics? 6) What is nationalism? 7) How does religion drive conflict in the contemporary world? 8) What is the impact of women in politics around the world? 9) What causes civil wars? 10) Why are some countries rich and some poor? 11) Why do some countries tax and spend quite a lot, while others have lower tax rates and lower levels of redistribution?
Who Should Take This Class?:
Anyone interested in global politics
Exam Format:
30% Reports/Papers
50% Written Homework
20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: There is one five-page paper, and up to 10 short assignments. A draft of the 5-page paper is required; students will receive feedback before turning in the final version.
Class Format:
60% Lecture
25% Discussion
15% Small Group Activities
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
1 Paper(s)
10 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19032/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 March 2017

Fall 2021  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (19008)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 270
Enrollment Status:
Open (146 of 149 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL1201+Fall2021
Class Description:
What does it mean to be free? What is the proper relationship between the individual and the community? What is power and how should it be limited? How we answer these questions matters for how we think about politics and how we live our lives. This course offers students an introduction to three branches of political thought that have each sought to provide coherent answers to these questions. They are Republicanism, Liberalism, and Socialism, and though they do not exhaust the wide spectrum of political thought, each has appeared and reappeared over the course of Western history as various thinkers have grappled with questions of freedom, duty, and power. In this course we will consider a few of the most important formulations of these three "isms" in the writings of figures such as Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Karl Marx. Each of these thinkers is important not just because each produced excellent works of political theory, but also because their works have come to form part of the vocabulary of modern political discourse, both inside and outside of academic settings, making an understanding of their writings necessary for any understanding of contemporary politics.
Exam Format:
60% Reports/Papers
30% Reflection Papers
10% Class Participation
Class Format:
50% Lecture
40% Discussion
10% Small Group Activities
Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19008/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 January 2017

Fall 2021  |  POL 1911 Section 001: Dictatorship and Violence in Central Asia and Afghanistan (34964)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Freshman Seminar
Enrollment Requirements:
Freshman and FRFY
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 215
Enrollment Status:
Open (17 of 19 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to Central Asia, a region of the world that has layers of history, culture, and politics, that extend back to the time of Alexander the Great's conquest, Islamicization by the Arabs, Tamerlane's empire, and the Great Game of the 19th century. Our focus will mainly be on the twentieth century to the present, a period of invasion and control by the Soviet Union, then independence and a 30 year struggle to establish independent states and new forms of political power. Otherwise known as the "stans" (the land of) - this region includes the land of the Kyrgyz, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Turkmen, Tajiks, and Afghans. We will also discuss Azerbaijan, a Turkic post-Soviet republic in the Caucasus that is a neighbor to the Central Asian region. We will focus on the role of ethnic, religious, and national identities in Soviet and post-Soviet politics. We will explore their history, and especially the legacy of communism for the present day. We will particularly address the problems of the post-Soviet era, including political transition to new regimes, the struggle by some for democracy, human rights issues, the challenges of economic reform, environmental catastrophes, ethnic conflict, civil war, and the growth of radical Islamist movements. We will consider US policy in the region, and how it has positively or negatively affected political developments.
Class Description:
This course is an introduction to Central Asia, a region of the world that has layers of history, culture, and politics, that extend back to the time of Alexander the Great's conquest, Islamicization by the Arabs, Tamerlane's empire, and the Great Game of the 19th century. Our focus will mainly be on the twentieth century to the present, a period of invasion and control by the Soviet Union, then independence and a 30 year struggle to establish independent states and new forms of political power.

Otherwise known as the "stans" (the land of) - this region includes the land of the Kyrgyz, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Turkmen, Tajiks, and Afghans. We will also discuss Azerbaijan, a Turkic post-Soviet republic in the Caucasus that is a neighbor to the Central Asian region. We will focus on the role of ethnic, religious, and national identities in Soviet and post-Soviet politics. We will explore their history, and especially the legacy of communism for the present day. We will particularly address the problems of the post-Soviet era, including political transition to new regimes, the struggle by some for democracy, human rights issues, the challenges of economic reform, environmental catastrophes, ethnic conflict, civil war, and the growth of radical Islamist movements. We will consider US policy in the region, and how it has positively or negatively affected political developments.

Who Should Take This Class?:
Freshmen
Learning Objectives:
Learn the modern history and politics of Central Asia, and related policy issues (how to democratize? how to target foreign aid? how to address radical Islamism?). Learn to write a research paper.
Grading:
A-F
Exam Format:
papers only
Class Format:
lecture and discussion
Workload:
about 75 pages reading per week; two short papers and a research paper
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34964/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
31 March 2020

Fall 2021  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (19007)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Field Work
Credits:
3-13 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
15 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
12:00AM - 12:00AM
Off Campus
Enrollment Status:
Open (23 of 50 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students search for and arrange an internship with an organization or office working in government or politics, and then complete academic coursework in association with their internship. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Fall2021
Class Description:
This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
Learning Objectives:
To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
Grading:
Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
Exam Format:
90% Reports/Papers
10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
Class Format:
100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
Workload:
30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19007/1219
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Fall 2021  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (22842)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 5
Enrollment Status:
Closed (61 of 60 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Fall2021
Class Description:
While the POL 3085 lecture focuses on teaching students research design, statistics, and the statistical software program R, the lab is dedicated strictly to teaching and reinforcing understanding of the statistical software. No computer science background or previous programming experience is necessary. We will teach you all you need to know.
Who Should Take This Class?:
This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
Learning Objectives:
The lab section is solely dedicated to understanding the statistical software program R. Learning statistical software is good for several reasons: not only does it give you practical tools for manipulating and analyzing data and making cool graphics, but it also teaches you algorithmic thinking, which is a good skill set for life.
Grading:

Grades are based on points.


For Fall 2020, all work will be group-based. This serves a few purposes. First, collaborating in research projects is increasingly common in political science as a field, in large part because it allows people to bring their different strengths to the table to create a better end product than one person could alone. Second, it means no one necessarily needs to be operating at 100% effort all the time. This is a nice feature usually -- since life happens! -- but especially with the uncertainty of COVID-19, working in teams means that if anyone gets sick or has caretaker responsibilities, the person can take some time to take care of themselves while the team continues.


Each team will produce a final research project. Homework will also be team-based, and team members will have the opportunity to explain who did what part of the assignment. Students will take frequent quizzes to evaluate their own individual knowledge.


Assessment:

Grading for this class will be based on six items:

1. Lecture quizzes. There will be five (5) quizzes throughout the semester. The dates the quizzes will be assigned are posted on the syllabus. You can take each quiz as many times as you want and only your highest grade is recorded. You must complete each quiz within one week of its assignment date. Quizzes are not timed and are all administered on Google Forms, with a link to the quiz on Canvas. Each quiz is worth 15 points.

2. Lab quizzes. There will be a quiz assigned at the end of every lab section to assess your knowledge of R. You can take each quiz as many times as you want and only your highest grade is recorded. You must complete each quiz within one week of its assignment date. Quizzes are not timed and are all administered on Google Forms, with a link to the quiz on Canvas. Each lab quiz is worth 5 points.

3. Paper chunks. Your co-author group will have to complete and submit eight ``paper chunks'' throughout the semester. Each chunk is a draft of a section of your final paper. I emphasize that these are drafts -- they are not expected to be perfect, and should reflect your best effort at completing the task at the time that it is assigned. Each paper chunk is worth fifteen points.

4. Check-Ins. Co-author teams are required to send at least one person (and preferably more) to meet with me during office hours to check in at least six times per semester (at least once every 2-3 weeks). These check-ins are worth five points each.

5. Final presentation. Near the end of the semester, your group will present your project to the class and to the ``public'', both to practice communicating about research and to get feedback for your final paper. More detailed information about these presentations will be provided later on. The final presentation is worth 50 points.

6. Final paper. For your final paper, you will edit those paper chunks with the feedback I have given you, and you will incorporate them into a paper, which you will turn in as your final project. Although final papers can seem intimidating, remember that you will be be working on this paper bit by bit throughout the semester. Ideally, by the end of the semester, all you need to do is copy and paste and edit. The final paper is worth 50 points.

Exam Format:
Enter information here.
Class Format:
Most weeks student will be expected to watch a lecture video before lab. The class period will be dedicated to going through specific activities related to that content and answering student questions.
Workload:
Weekly attendance and weekly pass/fail quizzes.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22842/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
25 March 2021

Fall 2021  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (22843)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Credits:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Thu 10:10AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Carlson School of Management L-114
Enrollment Status:
Closed (31 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Description:
While the POL 3085 lecture focuses on teaching students research design, statistics, and the statistical software program R, the lab is dedicated strictly to teaching and reinforcing understanding of the statistical software. No computer science background or previous programming experience is necessary. We will teach you all you need to know.
Who Should Take This Class?:
This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
Learning Objectives:
The lab section is solely dedicated to understanding the statistical software program R. Learning statistical software is good for several reasons: not only does it give you practical tools for manipulating and analyzing data and making cool graphics, but it also teaches you algorithmic thinking, which is a good skill set for life.
Grading:

Grades are based on points.


For Fall 2020, all work will be group-based. This serves a few purposes. First, collaborating in research projects is increasingly common in political science as a field, in large part because it allows people to bring their different strengths to the table to create a better end product than one person could alone. Second, it means no one necessarily needs to be operating at 100% effort all the time. This is a nice feature usually -- since life happens! -- but especially with the uncertainty of COVID-19, working in teams means that if anyone gets sick or has caretaker responsibilities, the person can take some time to take care of themselves while the team continues.


Each team will produce a final research project. Homework will also be team-based, and team members will have the opportunity to explain who did what part of the assignment. Students will take frequent quizzes to evaluate their own individual knowledge.


Assessment:

Grading for this class will be based on six items:

1. Lecture quizzes. There will be five (5) quizzes throughout the semester. The dates the quizzes will be assigned are posted on the syllabus. You can take each quiz as many times as you want and only your highest grade is recorded. You must complete each quiz within one week of its assignment date. Quizzes are not timed and are all administered on Google Forms, with a link to the quiz on Canvas. Each quiz is worth 15 points.

2. Lab quizzes. There will be a quiz assigned at the end of every lab section to assess your knowledge of R. You can take each quiz as many times as you want and only your highest grade is recorded. You must complete each quiz within one week of its assignment date. Quizzes are not timed and are all administered on Google Forms, with a link to the quiz on Canvas. Each lab quiz is worth 5 points.

3. Paper chunks. Your co-author group will have to complete and submit eight ``paper chunks'' throughout the semester. Each chunk is a draft of a section of your final paper. I emphasize that these are drafts -- they are not expected to be perfect, and should reflect your best effort at completing the task at the time that it is assigned. Each paper chunk is worth fifteen points.

4. Check-Ins. Co-author teams are required to send at least one person (and preferably more) to meet with me during office hours to check in at least six times per semester (at least once every 2-3 weeks). These check-ins are worth five points each.

5. Final presentation. Near the end of the semester, your group will present your project to the class and to the ``public'', both to practice communicating about research and to get feedback for your final paper. More detailed information about these presentations will be provided later on. The final presentation is worth 50 points.

6. Final paper. For your final paper, you will edit those paper chunks with the feedback I have given you, and you will incorporate them into a paper, which you will turn in as your final project. Although final papers can seem intimidating, remember that you will be be working on this paper bit by bit throughout the semester. Ideally, by the end of the semester, all you need to do is copy and paste and edit. The final paper is worth 50 points.

Exam Format:
Enter information here.
Class Format:
Most weeks student will be expected to watch a lecture video before lab. The class period will be dedicated to going through specific activities related to that content and answering student questions.
Workload:
Weekly attendance and weekly pass/fail quizzes.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22843/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
25 March 2021

Fall 2021  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (22844)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Credits:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F or Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Thu 11:15AM - 12:05PM
UMTC, West Bank
Carlson School of Management L-114
Enrollment Status:
Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Description:
While the POL 3085 lecture focuses on teaching students research design, statistics, and the statistical software program R, the lab is dedicated strictly to teaching and reinforcing understanding of the statistical software. No computer science background or previous programming experience is necessary. We will teach you all you need to know.
Who Should Take This Class?:
This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
Learning Objectives:
The lab section is solely dedicated to understanding the statistical software program R. Learning statistical software is good for several reasons: not only does it give you practical tools for manipulating and analyzing data and making cool graphics, but it also teaches you algorithmic thinking, which is a good skill set for life.
Grading:

Grades are based on points.


For Fall 2020, all work will be group-based. This serves a few purposes. First, collaborating in research projects is increasingly common in political science as a field, in large part because it allows people to bring their different strengths to the table to create a better end product than one person could alone. Second, it means no one necessarily needs to be operating at 100% effort all the time. This is a nice feature usually -- since life happens! -- but especially with the uncertainty of COVID-19, working in teams means that if anyone gets sick or has caretaker responsibilities, the person can take some time to take care of themselves while the team continues.


Each team will produce a final research project. Homework will also be team-based, and team members will have the opportunity to explain who did what part of the assignment. Students will take frequent quizzes to evaluate their own individual knowledge.


Assessment:

Grading for this class will be based on six items:

1. Lecture quizzes. There will be five (5) quizzes throughout the semester. The dates the quizzes will be assigned are posted on the syllabus. You can take each quiz as many times as you want and only your highest grade is recorded. You must complete each quiz within one week of its assignment date. Quizzes are not timed and are all administered on Google Forms, with a link to the quiz on Canvas. Each quiz is worth 15 points.

2. Lab quizzes. There will be a quiz assigned at the end of every lab section to assess your knowledge of R. You can take each quiz as many times as you want and only your highest grade is recorded. You must complete each quiz within one week of its assignment date. Quizzes are not timed and are all administered on Google Forms, with a link to the quiz on Canvas. Each lab quiz is worth 5 points.

3. Paper chunks. Your co-author group will have to complete and submit eight ``paper chunks'' throughout the semester. Each chunk is a draft of a section of your final paper. I emphasize that these are drafts -- they are not expected to be perfect, and should reflect your best effort at completing the task at the time that it is assigned. Each paper chunk is worth fifteen points.

4. Check-Ins. Co-author teams are required to send at least one person (and preferably more) to meet with me during office hours to check in at least six times per semester (at least once every 2-3 weeks). These check-ins are worth five points each.

5. Final presentation. Near the end of the semester, your group will present your project to the class and to the ``public'', both to practice communicating about research and to get feedback for your final paper. More detailed information about these presentations will be provided later on. The final presentation is worth 50 points.

6. Final paper. For your final paper, you will edit those paper chunks with the feedback I have given you, and you will incorporate them into a paper, which you will turn in as your final project. Although final papers can seem intimidating, remember that you will be be working on this paper bit by bit throughout the semester. Ideally, by the end of the semester, all you need to do is copy and paste and edit. The final paper is worth 50 points.

Exam Format:
Enter information here.
Class Format:
Most weeks student will be expected to watch a lecture video before lab. The class period will be dedicated to going through specific activities related to that content and answering student questions.
Workload:
Weekly attendance and weekly pass/fail quizzes.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22844/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
25 March 2021

Fall 2021  |  POL 3225 Section 001: American Political Thought (21303)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 330
Enrollment Status:
Open (82 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course provides an introduction to several key periods and some of the leading concepts and debates in American political thought. It might also focus on a broader theme such as: conceptions of destiny, mission, and exceptionalism; arguments over economic development and inequality; or debates over government and corporate power. The course will begin with Puritan religious and political thought, tracing its secularization over time. Considerable attention will be paid to the ideas behind the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, such as the social contract and the right of resistance to civil authority, civic republicanism, and the founders' new science of politics and government. The course will consider some if not all of the following: debates over slavery and emancipation, women's rights, the rise of imperialism and nationalism, race and racism, and the rise of rule by public and private bureaucratic organizations, and the consequences of these developments for the possibility of continued individual liberty, equality, and justice. This course requires considerable reading of difficult texts. The ultimate goal of this course is for students to gain a deeper understanding of American political thought as a product of the country's ever-evolving political discourse. prereq: Suggested prerequisite POL 1201
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3225+Fall2021
Class Description:
In this course we will examine classic texts in the history of American political thought in order to understand how Americans have theorized about and argued over their political system, and to consider how we can draw upon these texts to address contemporary American political problems. Some of the questions we will address: What political and moral obligations do citizens have to the state, and to each other? What is the basis of legitimate state authority? What is the social contract, and how have Americans used social contract theory to legitimate their governments? What is the right of resistance, and when is it acceptable for individuals or a people to resist or rebel against their government? Does the Declaration of Independence merely list the reasons for separating from Great Britain, or is it also a founding document establishing American principles of liberty and equality? How does the Constitution limit (or fail to limit) the power of the state, and protect (or fail to protect) individual and corporate rights? Is class conflict over the distribution of wealth in society a recent development or a long-standing feature of American political discourse? How have religious texts and ideas been used as a basis for political argument? How relevant to our century and our political problems are the ideas of 50, 100, 150, 200, or more years ago? What, if anything, can we still learn and use from these past ideas and theories? How might they help us, or lead us astray, in addressing our own problems today? Prominent theorists covered include Winthrop, Franklin, Paine, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, the Anti-Federalist "Brutus," Thoreau, Calhoun, Douglass, Lincoln, Sumner.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any student interested in political theory, philosophy, American history, American politics, textual interpretation and analysis, or the roles of ideas, race, gender, and religion in politics.
Learning Objectives:
To understand significant texts in history of American political thought, both in relation to their original historical context and in terms of how they still resonate with our political concerns and problems today; to understand how Americans have thought about and argued over politics from the colonial period through the present; to cultivate students' analytical reasoning.
Exam Format:
80% Reports/Papers
20% Quizzes
Class Format:
80% Lecture
20% Discussion
Workload:
150 Pages Reading Per Week
30 Pages Writing Per Term
3 Paper(s)
2 Quiz(zes)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21303/1219
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3225_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Fall 2021  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (22418)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 235
Enrollment Status:
Open (55 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course considers the nature of contemporary democracy and the role that members of the political community do, can, and should play. While approaches in teaching the class vary, students can expect to read historical and contemporary texts, see films and videos, to approach questions about the nature of democracy, justifications for democracy, and challenges faced by contemporary democracy. Topics will include such questions as the role of civil society in democratic life, deliberative democracy, as well as questions about how members of political communities can best participate in democratic life. Students will write a longer essay that allows them to demonstrate their capacities to understand and explain complex ideas and to make a theoretically compelling argument, using appropriate supporting evidence. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?a-bose+POL3235W+Fall2021
Class Description:

Democracy seems to be an intuitively simple concept to many Americans. Americans know what democracy, and the corresponding values of freedom and equality mean because they live under a democratic system of government that guarantees liberty and justice for all, and equality regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Likewise, Americans know that being a citizen means we have certain rights. (and duties?) When we delve a little deeper into what these concepts mean, however, we discover that this apparent certainty papers over a host of disagreements, divisions, and uncertainties. These complexities have bubbled up to the surface today, as they have historically, through a number of contemporary concerns espoused by the Occupy Movement, the Tea Party Movement, Black Lives Matter, anti-establishment politics, etc.


This class helps students to engage in the contemporary problems of democracy by grounding the conversation in the historical debates of democratic theory. Rather than suggesting any simple answers, our class will instead pose questions with which we, together, must wrestle. What is the democracy? How should we understand basic concepts of democracy like freedom, equality, and solidarity? How should we respond when these concepts come into conflict? Is capitalism inherently in conflict with democracy? Working through these questions, we will tack back and forth between theoretical debates and contemporary and historical political problems, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the political stakes behind these questions, as well as a more critical perspective from which to understand the political challenges of this moment in history.

Who Should Take This Class?:
Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
Grading:

Attendance: 10%

Paper 1: 35%

Paper 2: 35%

Final Presentation: 20%

Workload:
approximatley 40 pages of reading per class
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22418/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
20 March 2017

Fall 2021  |  POL 3252W Section 001: Revolution, Democracy, and Empire: Modern Political Thought (22845)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 235
Enrollment Status:
Open (55 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
From the seventeenth through the nineteenth centuries, Europe and its colonies were wracked by large scale, sweeping changes: from the violent emergence of the sovereign state, to intense religious conflict, to geographic expansions at once transformative and brutal in search of new economic markets. These changes posed extraordinary challenges to usual ways of conceiving of political order and governance. Our course this semester will read these changes through three key concepts - revolution, democracy, and empire. Class discussion will seek to understand different meanings of these concepts, their political stakes, and ways of knowing how to move between political ideals and historical examples. Students will read a range of materials - from primary historical sources, to philosophic texts, political pamphlets and treatises, and travel journals - so as to study the effects on both the European context and beyond. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL3252W+Fall2021
Class Description:
(Formerly POL 3252 Early Modern Political Thought. Students who previously enrolled in POL 3252 may not re-enroll in this course.) From the 16th through the 19th centuries, Europe and its colonies were wracked by large scale, sweeping changes: from the violent emergence of the sovereign state, to intense religious conflict, to transformative expansions into new economic markets. These changes posed extraordinary challenges to usual methods of conceiving of political order and governance. Our course this semester will read these changes through three key concepts: revolution, democracy, and empire. We will read primary historical sources, political pamphlets and treatises, and travel journals so as to study the effects on both the European context and beyond.
Grading:
45% Reports/Papers
40% Reflection Papers
15% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Across the semester, students will also participate in "pop" in-class writing exercises.
Exam Format:
Take-home final examination.
Class Format:
70% Lecture
30% Discussion
Workload:
50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
20 Pages Writing Per Term
5 Paper(s)
Other Workload: 2 papers are 5-7 page "analytic" papers; 4 papers are 2 page "micro" papers
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22845/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
4 April 2013

Fall 2021  |  POL 3306 Section 001: Presidential Leadership and American Democracy (34997)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 230
Enrollment Status:
Open (84 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
To most Americans - if not most human beings - the President of the United States is probably the most powerful person on the planet. This course examines how, why, and whether that is the case. What does the US President do, and why? Why is so much power entrusted to just one person? Students will critically analyze these questions and synthesize answers by evaluating the history, evolution, and current state of the "highest office in the land."
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34997/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 3308 Section 001: Congressional Politics and Institutions (22419)

Instructor(s)
Adam L (TA)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 330
Enrollment Status:
Open (81 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the politics of the U.S. Congress and the federal legislative process. Throughout the semester, we will focus on the behavior of individual legislators and the role that they play in crafting federal legislation in policy areas such as healthcare, civil rights and the environment. We will devote special attention to changes in Congress, as well as current political and scholarly controversies such as congressional confirmation process of Supreme Court justices, congressional war powers, the influence of parties, and campaign finance. The theme of the course is why do legislators behave as they do and who interests do they represent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL3308+Fall2021
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22419/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 3310 Section 002: Topics in American Politics -- Why So Polarized? Understanding the Other Side (35044)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
15 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon, Fri 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 140
Enrollment Status:
Open (32 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Topic in American politics, as specified in Class Schedule.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35044/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 3310H Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Women in the US Congress (35240)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Honors
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
honors student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Hubert H Humphrey Center 30
Enrollment Status:
Open (13 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Topics in American politics.
Class Description:

This honors course examines gender dynamics in the U.S. Congress and the ways in which congresswomen affect representation and policy making, along with the factors that enhance and constrain women's election to Congress and women's influence and legislative effectiveness in Congress. We focus on gender dynamics in congressional elections, representation, the legislative process, and the pursuit of power inside Congress. We explore political science research about women in legislative politics from a range of theoretical and methodological approaches. Throughout this course, we will analyze the ways in which sex and gender-based issues and discrimination intersect with other politically relevant categories, identities, and forms of marginalization, such as race, class, and ideological and partisan identification.

One hundred seventeen women serve in the U.S. House of Representatives and 24 women serve in the U.S. Senate. Although the number of congresswomen has increased during the last two decades - only 25 women served in the U.S. Congress thirty years ago - women remain dramatically underrepresented. We begin the course by uncovering the sources of women's underrepresentation by studying gender differences in candidate emergence and congressional elections. Next, we ask whether congresswomen and congressmen advocate different policy agendas and issue positions. We consider the representational implications of the gender differences we uncover, including substantive policy differences and non-policy benefits that are conferred to citizens when women occupy positions of political power. We analyze the institutional features of Congress, asking how congressional parties, committee, and rules may help and hinder congresswomen pursuing power and policy.
Learning Objectives:

The major goal of this class is for you to understand how gender shapes, and is shaped by, legislative politics. The course is divided into six sections: (1) Introduction and Theoretical Perspectives; (2) Underrepresentation in Congress; (3) Congressional Elections; (4) Representation; Parties in Congress; (5) Committees and Caucuses in Congress; and (6) Legislative Effectiveness and Policymaking. By the end of the semester, you should be able to:

· Understand basic theories about sex and gender and how they intersect with other identities as they apply to legislative politics;

· Articulate how sex/gender matters to several aspects of legislative politics, parties, committees, legislative politics, relationships with the Executive branch and interest groups, and the policymaking process;

· Master basic empirical facts about sex/gender and the U.S. Congress;

· Better understand political institutions and the policymaking process;

· Collect data about 20 members of Congress, and, along with data collected by classmates that includes all members of Congress, conduct and present original empirical research; and

· Improve your analytic ability.
Grading:

Students will closely track the congressional careers of several members of Congress in three short papers and data collection assignments. Students will write a research paper of at least ten pages that addresses one of the themes of the course using the data that we collect as a class, and students will share their findings with the class in a short presentation near the end of the semester. In addition, there will be a take-home midterm and an in-class midterm. Class sessions will include lecture and discussion. Class participation is an essential component of this course. Students are expected to attend regularly, to read the assigned readings prior to class, and to come to class prepared to discuss the course material. On occasion, I will distribute questions about the readings. Sometimes, you will be asked to respond to the questions while completing the readings. Other times, I will distribute the questions during the class in which we are discussing the readings.

Grades will be determined as follows:

10% Class participation

20% Take-home midterm exam

20% In-class midterm exam

25% 3 short papers and data collection

25% Research paper and presentation
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35240/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
14 April 2021

Fall 2021  |  POL 3451W Section 001: Politics and Society in the New Europe (35135)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Hanson Hall 1-109
Enrollment Status:
Open (25 of 45 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The devastation of Europe through two World Wars put the deadly results of ultra-nationalism on full display. To avoid such destruction again, a group of European technocrats and leaders embarked on a mission of incrementally deepening economic and later, social partnerships between an ever-expanding number of European countries. These efforts culminated in the birth of the European Union in the late 20th Century. From its inception, the Union has found obstacles in the forms of a weak institutional structure and authority, deep skepticism of a central European authority, financial crisis, ethnic anxiety, and resurgent nationalism. Yet, the continuation and strengthening of the Union is seen as the antidote to the rise of anti-democratic and authoritarian tendencies on the continent. Some of the key questions that we will engage in are: What are the ideological and historical roots of the European Union? What are the structural flaws of the Union? What are the obstacles to a stronger Union? Is the Union still or even more essential than ever? What are the ways the Union could collapse from within and from the intervention of outside forces?
Class Description:
This course examines the establishment, institutions and functions of the European Union, with an overview of the political processes in European countries and the European Union. Students will examine the history behind the EU's construction, theories of European integration, the EU's institutions and policy competencies, reoccurring problems with democratic representation in the EU, and the EU's political and economic influence over candidate countries via requirements for entry. The class will also discuss the creation of the European Monetary Union and the Euro currency, and challenges it faced during the sovereign debt crisis. Finally, we will address challenges of migration, integration and the rise of nationalist parties across Europe.
Grading:
20% Midterm Exam
20% Final Exam
20% Research Paper
20% Attendance
20% Short Reflection Papers
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exam(s)
1 Paper(s)
5 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35135/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
31 May 2016

Fall 2021  |  POL 3464 Section 001: Politics Economic Inequality (33580)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon, Wed 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 270
Enrollment Status:
Open (84 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Democracy is premised on formal political equality. Yet if economic wealth can be transformed into political influence, then we have good reason to worry about the quality of democracy. In this course students engage the question of the relationship between inequality and democracy in comparative perspective. The course first explores core conceptual and normative issues: how do we measure economic inequality, and why should we care about it? We then turn to the origins of inequality and explanations of its evolution, and then consider political efforts to redress inequalities, starting with the question of why the poor do not soak the rich under democracy ? the ?Robin Hood Paradox.? We then turn to efforts to explain real-world variation in economic redistribution around the world. Finally, we explore consequences of inequality for democracy: the extent to which the rich ?win? over everyone else in terms of policy representation, and the impact of economic inequality on the long-term evolution of democracy itself.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL3464+Fall2021
Class Description:
Distributional issues are at the core of the study of politics. This is because while democracy is premised on formal political equality, if wealth and property can shape political power then equal rights do not mean equal influence. This class meets the UMN "Race, Power and Justice in the US" Liberal Education theme by engaging the question of the tension between democracy and economic inequality. What policies increase or decrease inequality? What are the political consequences of rising inequality - in general and particularly for ethnic and racial minorities? The course focuses on the USA but puts American politics in global perspective. To do so, the course explores how dominant socio-economic groups in the US have historically shaped political institutions and attitudes to generate, perpetuate, and defend inequality. We will also explore the extent to which and why white and non-white citizens have bought into the concept
of the "American Dream," undermining efforts to redress social injustice.

Readings are drawn from across the social sciences, and are chosen to highlight the key questions at stake in the study of the tension between inequality and democracy.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Anyone interested in learning how scholars measure inequality and try to understand its political origins and consequences
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and contribute to debates about
1) the tension between democracy and property
2) how social scientists measure inequality
3) why some Americans prioritize liberty over equality and others the reverse
4) the origins and evolution of inequality
5) the different ways countries respond to inequality through taxation and social-welfare spending
6) how structural inequalities of race, ethnicity and gender intersect with growing income and wealth gaps
7) how personal work and family experience shape perceptions of inequality
8) the consequences of inequality for political representation
9) how individuals can take action to support policy remedies for inequality.
Grading:
Grades will be based on 10 short assignments (2 pp each), participation in a group project/class debate, and in-class oral and online written participation
Exam Format:
There is no midterm or final in this class
Class Format:
Lecture, group discussion and activities
Workload:
Reading will *average* about 100 pages per week. Students will also frequently engage with videos and interactive websites
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33580/1219
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/dsamuels_POL3464_Spring2020.pdf (Spring 2020)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
10 December 2021

Fall 2021  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (33581)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Hanson Hall 1-106
Enrollment Status:
Open (32 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular, those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in other parts have not? We will explore inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course also examines what we mean by "development" and exposes students to cutting-edge debates in contemporary development studies. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3477+Fall2021
Class Description:
How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in others parts of the world been stuck in a development rut? This course will explore contending answers to these difficult but important questions. We will do so through discussions of different explanations of development and underdevelopment, examining these issues concretely in several countries, and discussing contemporary "hot topics" such as micro-credit, AIDS, and the resource curse. 3 credits.
Grading:
20% Midterm Exam
20% Final Exam
40% Reports/Papers
20% Class Participation
Exam Format:
The exams will be a combination of essay, multiple choice, and short answer questions. They will focus on topics not covered in the short papers, so collectively the exams and the essays function as four midterms. The final exam is not cumulative.
Class Format:
45% Lecture
15% Film/Video
20% Discussion
20% Small Group Activities
Workload:
80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
2 Exam(s)
2 4-5 page essays
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33581/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
20 March 2017

Fall 2021  |  POL 3479 Section 001: Latin American Politics (33582)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
Enrollment Status:
Open (54 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course offers an introduction to the political history and contemporary politics of Latin America, along with some of the main concepts and theories used by social scientists to explain the region's political dynamics. Through a comparative, historical approach, the course aims to help students understand the continued challenges faced by countries in the region-- to the establishment of security, the rule of law and rights protection, to the stability and quality of democracy, and to sustainable and equitable economic growth - and how these interact. The objective of the course is not only to help students understand the similarities and differences in outcomes in Latin America over time, but also to reflect on what the region's experiences can teach us about the requirements of and barriers to meaningful democracy and sustainable and equitable development around the world, including "north of the border." In other words, the course seeks not just to provide students' knowledge about Latin America, but to help them learn from Latin America.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL3479+Fall2021
Class Description:
This course introduces students to the main contours of political and economic development in Latin America. It aims not only to help students understand the similarities and differences in outcomes in the region over the past several decades, but also to reflect on what Latin America's experiences can teach us about the requirements of and barriers to meaningful democracy and sustainable and equitable development around the world. The course presents key concepts and theories in the study of the region's development and discusses them as they pertain to five main country cases: Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, and Venezuela. Readings on other countries are occasionally assigned and students have opportunities to draw on other cases for class assignments.
Grading:
45% Reports/Papers
25% Final Exam
15% Quizzes
15% Class Participation
Exam Format:
Combo of short answer, IDs, and essay
Class Format:
65% Lecture
35% Discussion
Workload:
125 Pages Reading Per Week
10 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Short Paper(s)
1 Report
1 Exam (Final)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33582/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 November 2015

Fall 2021  |  POL 3489W Section 001: Citizens, Consumers, and Corporations (22848)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Hanson Hall 1-107
Enrollment Status:
Open (34 of 45 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Corporations are among the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a variety of goods, and have massive effects on the ecological and social environments in which they do business. How do ordinary people act in order to hold corporations accountable for the effects that their activities have on communities and individuals? This course focuses on two ways that people have mobilized to counter corporate power--as citizens and as consumers. When people mobilize as citizens, they put pressure on corporations through the political system--e.g. through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through the courts. When people mobilize as consumers, they use the power of their purchasing decisions to encourage corporations to change their behavior. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of corporate social responsibility/sweatshops, the industrial food system in the US, and the privatization of life (e.g. genes), water, and war.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3489W+Fall2021
Class Description:
Corporations are among the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a variety of goods, and have massive effects on the ecological and social environments in which they do business. How do ordinary people act in order to hold corporations accountable for the effects that their activities have on communities and individuals? This course focuses on two ways that people have mobilized to counter corporate power--as citizens and as consumers. When people mobilize as citizens, they put pressure on corporations through the political system--e.g. through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through the courts. When people mobilize as consumers, they use the power of their purchasing decisions to encourage corporations to change their behavior. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of corporate social responsibility/sweatshops, the industrial food system in the US, and the privatization of life (e.g. genes), water, and war.
Grading:
25% Final Exam
50% Reports/Papers
25% Class Participation
Exam Format:
The final exam will be an essay exam.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
15% Film/Video
30% Discussion
15% Small Group Activities
Workload:
80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
1 Final Exam (essay format)
2 short papers (about 9 pages total)
2 Homework Assignment(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22848/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
1 April 2019

Fall 2021  |  POL 3767 Section 001: Political Psychology of Elite Behavior (33583)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 10
Enrollment Status:
Open (81 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do some world leaders seek cooperation while others advocate war? Why do some Presidents effect major change while others are relegated to the dustbin of history? How does the personality of leaders affect how they behave in office? In this class, we will address questions like these by exploring the psychology of political elites, those members of society who wield outsized influence over political decisions. This outsized influence means that understanding how elites think is particularly important. It is also unusually difficult, leading some to argue that political psychology can play little role in understanding elite decision-making. Students will exit the class having mastered a body of knowledge about elite decision-making and learned about the different approaches that scholars take to study these decisions. They will also gain the critical capacity to judge arguments about politics, the ability to identify, define, and solve problems, and the skill to locate and critically evaluate information relevant to these tasks. Finally, this course takes a cooperative approach to learning, and many course activities will be structured around learning and working with a group of fellow students over the course of the semester. This course fulfills the Civic Life and Ethics theme requirement.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3767+Fall2021
Class Description:
Can political psychology help us understand the behavior of presidents, party leaders and dictators? This course draws on the approaches of social and cognitive psychology to examine and explain the behavior of political leaders and other elites. We will cover judgement and decision making, the effect of personality and other individual differences, group processes, and other topics. In addition to these substantive topics, we will learn about the methods used by political scientists to study political elites.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33583/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
26 May 2015

Fall 2021  |  POL 3769 Section 001: Public Opinion and Voting Behavior (22422)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 317
Enrollment Status:
Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Polls are ubiquitous, measuring what Americans think on topics big and small. This course examines the nature, measurement, and consequences of public opinion in the contemporary United States, with a particular emphasis on understanding why some voters preferred Donald Trump to Hillary Clinton - vice versa - in the 2016 presidential election. We'll address the following questions throughout the term. First, how do pollsters measure what the public thinks about government and public affairs? Second, can we assume that the responses people give to survey questions reflect their true thoughts and feelings about politics? Third, what are the major factors that shape voter decision making in U.S. presidential elections? By the end of this semester you will have a broader and deeper understanding of the nature, measurement, meaning, and consequences of public opinion.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?pgoren+POL3769+Fall2021
Class Description:
This course focuses on whether citizens and the broader public make sensible political decisions. We will assess whether ordinary citizens are capable of meeting their responsibilities as democratic citizens. The first part of the course focuses on what public opinion means, how it is measured, and how it changes over time. The second part of the course focuses on how voters decide which presidential candidate to vote for and whether to turn out on election day. Class time will feature lecturing, classroom discussion and debate, viewing political films/video, and evaluating the videos. Note finally that I will provide pdf copies of slides for each lecture a day or two before the materials are formally presented in class.
Grading:
25% Midterm Exam
25% Final Exam
25% Special Projects
15% Attendance
10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: If you do the readings, show up regularly, pay attention in class, and study, you will do well in this course.
Exam Format:
A combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. There will also be extra credit opportunities on the exams.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
20% Film/Video
40% Discussion I will strive for the right mix of lecture and classroom discussion each day. In no case will I lecture for 3 straight hours. I lack sufficient charm to pull that off!
Workload:
50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
3 Exams
2 medium-length writing assignments
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22422/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 October 2017

Fall 2021  |  POL 3786 Section 001: Media and Politics (23158)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Meets With:
JOUR 3786 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, East Bank
Murphy Hall 130
Enrollment Status:
Closed (35 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Do facts matter anymore? Is press freedom under threat? Are audiences trapped in filter bubbles? Why do people hate the media, and how can the news be improved to better serve citizens? Explore the historical and contemporary dynamics that shape the relationship between professionals in the media, the mass public, and political actors across different parts of government. Study major forms of mass media, including television and newspapers, alongside new forms such as digital and social media. Look at specific reporting rituals and practices, as well as issues involving media ownership, regulation, ethics, and press freedom. We will study politicians? efforts to craft messages, advertise strategically, and target select audiences for political gain. The course will focus primarily, but not exclusively, on the United States, and you will be asked to engage with current events and the role of communication technologies in political and civic life.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/23158/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 3810 Section 001: Topics in International Relations and Foreign Policy -- The Laws of War in International Politics (34210)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
6 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 150
Enrollment Status:
Open (53 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Topics courses delve in-depth into important issues in contemporary international politics. They aim to give students the theoretical, conceptual, and historical understanding, and/or empirical tools needed to understand the complexity of international politics today. Topics courses vary substantially from year to year as specified in the class schedule, but recent topics courses have included: 'Technology and War', International Law', 'Drones, Detention and Torture: The Laws of War', and 'The Consequences of War.'
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kins0017+POL3810+Fall2021
Class Description:

Methods of War: Night Raids, Detention, Torture and Drones

"The more vigorously wars are pursued the better it is for humanity. Sharp wars are brief." (Art. 29, The Lieber Code)

In this class, we will be examining the use of particular tactics of war - night raids, detention, torture and drones - as deployed, primarily but only, in the US-led war on terror. The purpose of this class is to grapple with the fundamental questions such tactics raise about what is right in war, and the costs and consequences of such tactics on both those who choose and use them, and those that are targeted by them.

Course Objectives: Since these are perennial questions - what is right in war and why - there is no wholly universal agreement as to the proper answers. Accordingly, we should not imagine that we can or will reach consensus. We too will encounter great debate and disagreement as we sort through our own answers, or even decide whether these are the proper questions to be asked.

In this class, students will be introduced to the specific tenets of the laws of war, primarily as codified in the 1949 Geneva Conventions and their 1977 Additional Protocols, which govern these tactics. Students will also become familiar with the broad contours of the war on terror, which include but are not limited to the ground wars in Afghanistan, in order to think more practically about the questions these tactics raise. We will also engage with specific questions of practice - e.g., who can be targeted by a drone and why - and shall be doing so even as these practices of war continue.

Thus, to best facilitate our exploration and discussion, I expect that all of us attend class having read the material closely and prepared to participate fully. I also expect that we shall each take responsibility for following the daily news with an eye to new information and developments in the global war on terror. And, most importantly, I expect that our class discussions will be engaged, lively, and consistently respectful of differences in opinion, attentive to differences of interpretation, and responsive to differences in experience. For bear in mind, at stake are not solely matters of law, but also matters of life
Class Format:
To provide students with the ability to actively and substantively engage with course topics in a non-superficial manner, this course adopts an in-person, synchronous modality with partial online delivery of academic content. The course will be split between:
- Synchronous in-person discussion during scheduled course time (once per week)
- Online media (podcasts, movies, and simulations) followed by discussion questions
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34210/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 August 2021

Fall 2021  |  POL 3833 Section 001: The United States and the Global Economy (22849)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 150
Enrollment Status:
Open (43 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3833 teaches students about the politics of the global economy with a focus on the role the United States plays within it. The class covers a variety of topics in international political economy, including international trade, international investment, and international finance. Students will learn about the factors that drive politicians' decision-making, interest-group stances, and citizens' preferences over such salient issues as tariffs and other forms of trade protection, trade and investment agreements, central banking, interest rates, international migration, and more. No background in economics is required or assumed.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL3833+Fall2021
Class Description:
Globalization has been a defining force driving markets - and, hence, shaping politics - over the past 20 years. Global financial flows and imbalances are implicated in financial crises both recent and past, and the mobility of firms and migrants across international borders has important distributional and regulatory consequences. Yet, the impact of the U.S. on the global economy is not exclusive to purely financial phenomena: conflict and peace, technological innovation, natural resources, and economic development are all affected as rising levels of trade create new "winners" and "losers." This class examines some of the broad themes that characterize globalization with a focus on - but not only on - the U.S. and the ways in which its policy responses shape and are being shaped by globalization.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22849/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
10 August 2015

Fall 2021  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (19006)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Anderson Hall 330
Enrollment Status:
Closed (85 of 85 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ccreamer+POL3835+Fall2021
Class Description:

Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism, liberalism, institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, post-colonial theory, and neo-Marxism. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events and developments in the past decade or so. Specific topics covered include: the ascendance of China; new technologies and national security; the future of the human rights movement and backlash against global governance; trade wars, weaponized interdependence, and pandemic politics.

Learning Objectives:

This course places special emphasis on helping you - as a global citizen - learn to:

  • synthesize and evaluate existing theoretical approaches within international relations

  • identify their strengths and weaknesses

  • construct an argument for why we observe particular outcomes in world politics
Grading:
  • MINI-ANALYTICAL PAPERS: 20% (two, each worth 10 points)
  • WEEKLY COMPREHENSION QUIZZES: 20%
  • IR SIMULATION: 25%
  • FINAL SIMULATION PROJECT: 20%
  • ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION: 15%
Exam Format:
Mid-term Exam
Class Format:
  • In-person lectures followed by online comprehension quizzes
  • Simulation participation
Workload:

· 45-80 Pages Reading Per Week

· Weekly Quizzes

· 2 Take-Home Papers

· Simulation participation

Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19006/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 November 2021

Fall 2021  |  POL 3994 Section 001: Directed Research: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program (21773)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (14 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students accepted into the Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, students will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers. Students are chosen through a highly competitive online application the semester prior to registration. Students should check with Political Science advising for details about the application process. This course is only open to Political Science majors.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21773/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 4255 Section 001: Comparative Real Time Political Analysis: Marxist versus Liberal Perspectives (23010)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 235
Enrollment Status:
Open (31 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Karl Marx and Frederick Engels had better democratic credentials than Alexis de Tocqueville and John Stuart Mill. Vladimir Lenin, too, had better democratic credentials than Max Weber and Woodrow Wilson. That's the provocative argument of this course. Performing what it calls "comparative real-time political analysis," it presents convincing evidence to sustain both claims. When the two sets of protagonists are compared and contrasted in how they read and responded to big political events in motion, in real-time, the Marxists, it contends, proved to be better democrats than the Liberals. Real-time analysis argues that responding to and making decisions about events in motion is the real test of political perspective and theory; on Monday morning, we can all look smart. The writings and actions of all seven protagonists are the primary course materials - reading them in their own words. The European Spring of 1848, the United States Civil War, the 1905 Russian Revolution and, the 1917 Russian Revolution and end of World War I, all consequential in the democratic quest, are the main scenarios the course employs to test its claims. The findings, course participants will learn, challenge assumed political wisdom like never before. Employing the lessons of the comparisons to trying to make sense of current politics - given the unprecedented moment in which we find ourselves - is the other goal of the course.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4255+Fall2021
Class Description:
Karl Marx and Frederick Engels had better democratic credentials than Alexis de Tocqueville and John Stuart Mill. Vladimir Lenin, too, had better democratic credentials than Max Weber and Woodrow Wilson. That's the provocative argument of this course. Performing what it calls "comparative real-time political analysis," it presents convincing evidence to sustain both claims. When the two sets of protagonists are compared and contrasted in how they read and responded to big political events in motion, in real-time, the Marxists, it contends, proved to be better democrats than the Liberals. Real-time analysis argues that responding to and making decisions about events in motion is the real test of political perspective and theory; on Monday morning, we can all look smart. The writings and actions of all seven protagonists are the primary course materials, reading them in their own words. The European Spring of 1848, the United States Civil War, the 1905 Russian Revolution and, the 1917 Russian Revolution and end of World War I, all consequential in the democratic quest, are the main scenarios the course employs to test its claims. The findings, course participants will learn, challenge assumed political wisdom like never before. Employing the lessons of the comparisons to trying to make sense of current politics, given the unprecedented moment in which we find ourselves, is the other goal of the course.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/23010/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
25 March 2021

Fall 2021  |  POL 4267 Section 001: Imperialism and Modern Political Thought (22850)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Closed (36 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How has political theory been shaped by imperialism? We will investigate this question through a study of such key thinkers as Kant, Mill, Marx, Lenin, Csaire, Fanon, and Gandhi, reading them through the lens of empire. Our goal is to analyze how such thinkers reflected upon, problematized and, at times, justified forms of Western imperialism. We will look at their explicit reflections on empire, as well as more tangential or ostensibly separate themes that may have only been shaped by the imperial context in indirect ways. Finally, we will reflect upon our contemporary location as readers and agents situated in the wake of these political and intellectual developments, analyzed through the question of what it means to engage in anti-colonial, decolonial, and/or postcolonial critique. This course will combine lectures by the professor with student-led seminar discussion.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rbnichol+POL4267+Fall2021
Class Description:
How has political theory been shaped by imperialism? We will investigate this question through a study of such key thinkers as Kant, Mill, Marx, Lenin, Cesaire, Fanon, and Gandhi, reading them through the lens of empire. Our goal is to analyze how such thinkers reflected upon, problematized and, at times, justified forms of Western imperialism. We will look at their explicit reflections on empire, as well as more tangential or ostensibly separate themes that may have only been shaped by the imperial context in indirect ways. Finally, we will reflect upon our contemporary location as readers and agents situated in the wake of these political and intellectual developments, analyzed through the question of what it means to engage in anti-colonial, decolonial, and/or postcolonial critique. This course will combine lectures by the professor with student-led seminar discussion.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22850/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
4 April 2019

Fall 2021  |  POL 4478W Section 001: Contemporary Politics in Africa and the Colonial Legacy (33584)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Meets With:
AFRO 4478W Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 220
Enrollment Status:
Open (21 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
At the core, this class is about the interaction between the assertion of and challenge to political authority in Africa. Who should have the right to make decisions that structure people's lives? To what extent is "might" an important source of political authority? How, in turn, do people respond to these different means of establishing political authority? Using these questions as a springboard, this class will examine some broader themes relating to colonialism, state building, conflict and development in Africa. Politics in Africa, just as in any other place in the world, is complex and for that reason, the objective of the class is not to give you answers, but to have you think critically about the issues we cover. Towards this end, this class will draw on different sources ranging from novels to manifestos so as to illustrate both the mundane and extraordinary events that have helped shape the political landscape of the continent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jwoldens+POL4478W+Fall2021
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33584/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 4487 Section 001: The Struggle for Democratization and Citizenship (33585)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 240
Enrollment Status:
Open (26 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How best to advance democracy - through the ballot box or in the streets? This question more than any other is what informs the course. As well as the streets, the barricades and the battlefields, it argues, are decisive in the democratic quest. If democracy means the rule of the demos, the people, then who gets to be included in "the people"? An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of the people, the citizens, is due to social struggles or the threat of such - an assumption to be examined in the course. Struggles refer to any kinds of movement for social change, from protests and strikes to revolutions broadly defined. This course seeks to see if there are lessons of struggle. The course traces the history of the democratic movement from its earliest moments in human history and attempts to draw a balance sheet. In the process it seeks to answer a number of questions. Did social inequality always exist? How do property rights figure in the inclusion process? What is the relationship between the state, social inequality and democracy? Which social layers played a decisive role in the democratic breakthrough? What are the effective strategies and tactics in the democratic struggle? How crucial is leadership? And lastly, can the lessons of the past inform current practice? A particular feature of the course is to read about the thinking and actions of activists on both sides of the democratic struggle in, as much as possible, their own words.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4487+Fall2021
Class Description:
The setting for this course is the mounting effort on the part of states and a variety of social forces to roll back the historic gains of the world-wide democratic movement--from anti-immigrant campaigns (in both fascist and non-fascist clothing) that would limit citizenship rights to efforts that undermine civil liberties in the guise of combatting terrorisim. This takes place in a larger context in which increasing numbers of citizens feel disempowered and alienated from the state. As democracy and popular participation are central to citizenship the course traces the origins of the democratic process with particular emphasis on how the disenfranchised fought to become included. Both implicitly and explicitly it seeks to understand how that occured in order to see if there are lessons of the past that that might have appllicability for the defense and extension of democratic rights today. To understand it was the disenfranchised who empowered themselves is in itself empowering. An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of citizens is due to social struggles or the threat of such--an assumption to be examined in the course.
Grading:
25% Midterm Exam
50% Final Exam
25% Reports/Papers
Exam Format:
Essay
Class Format:
75% Lecture
25% Discussion
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
15 Pages Writing Per Term
2 Exam(s)
2 Paper(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33585/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 October 2011

Fall 2021  |  POL 4771 Section 001: Race and Politics in America: Making Sense of Racial Attitudes in the United States (22854)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 125
Enrollment Status:
Open (34 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Race continues to be one of the defining fault lines in American politics. Most obviously, the existence of racial inequality has enormous consequences for any given individual's social and economic standing. However, it also has had an enormous impact on the pattern of attitudes and beliefs which have served as the backdrop for many of society's most pressing political debates and conflicts. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to how political scientists have studied racial attitudes and the larger problem of inter-ethnic conflict in American society. We will begin with a look at the historical circumstances which have given rise to the major research questions in the area. From there, we'll look at the major research perspectives in the area, and see how well they actually explain public opinion on matters of race. In doing so, we'll also get a look at some of the major controversies in this area of study, particularly the issues of whether the "old-fashioned racism" of the pre-civil-rights era has been replaced by new forms of racism; and the degree to which debates over policy matters with no apparent link to race - such as crime and social welfare - may actually have a lot to do with racial attitudes. Finally, we will conclude by taking an informed look at racial attitudes in recent American history, focusing on how racial attitudes and their political consequences of have changed - and not changed - over the course of the Obama presidency and the tumultuous 2016 election.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?federico+POL4771+Fall2021
Class Description:
Race continues to be one of the defining fault lines in American politics. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to how political scientists have studied racial attitudes and the larger problem of inter-ethnic conflict in American society. We will begin with a look at the historical circumstances which have given rise to the major research questions in the area. From there, we'll look at the major research perspectives in the area, and see how well they actually explain public opinion on matters of race. In doing so, we’ll also get a look at some of the major controversies in this area of study, particularly whether the
“old-fashioned racism” of the pre-civil-rights era has been replaced by new forms of racism and the degree to which debates over policy matters with no apparent link to race—such as crime and social welfare—may actually have a lot to do with racial attitudes. Finally, we will conclude by taking a look at the question of whether the election of America’s first African-American president has ushered in a “post-racial” era.
Grading:
30% Midterm Exam
35% Final Exam
25% Reports/Papers
10% Class Participation
Exam Format:
There will be one midterm and a final exam; the midterm is worth 30%, whereas the final is worth 40%. Both exams consist of short answers and one essay question. In addition, students will complete a 5-10 page paper, worth 30% of their course grade.
Class Format:
75% lecture, 25% class discussion and small-group activities.
Workload:
100-150 pages of reading per week, plus one 5-10 page term paper
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22854/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
29 April 2015

Fall 2021  |  POL 4773W Section 001: Advocacy Organizations, Social Movements, and the Politics of Identity (22423)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 235
Enrollment Status:
Open (45 of 50 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course introduces students to the major theoretical concepts and empirical findings in the study of U.S interest group politics. Students will read books and articles from a wide range of topics that include how interest groups are formed and maintained; various strategies and tactics that groups use to influence Congress, the courts, and executive branch; and whether those strategies result in fair and effective representation for all citizens in society. Throughout the semester students will be exposed to research using a variety of methodologies and intellectual approaches. Further, the class discussions will emphasize general concepts that reoccur in the readings and in other classes. The goal is to assist students in mastering the key concepts in group politics. This is also a writing intensive course. Effective writing is encouraged through several writing assignments that require you to think clearly and express your thoughts concisely.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL4773W+Fall2021
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22423/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 4810 Section 001: Topics in International Politics and Foreign Policy -- Detention, Torture & Drones: Methods of War (34211)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
6 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 130
Enrollment Status:
Open (23 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Analysis of selected issues in contemporary international relations. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kins0017+POL4810+Fall2021
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Exam Format:
To provide students with the ability to actively and substantively engage with course topics in a non-superficial manner, this course adopts an in-person, synchronous modality with partial online delivery of academic content. The course will be split between:
- Synchronous in-person discussion during scheduled course time (once per week)
- Online media (podcasts, movies, and simulations) followed by discussion questions
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34211/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 August 2021

Fall 2021  |  POL 4881W Section 001: The Politics of International Law and Global Governance (35125)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 235
Enrollment Status:
Open (51 of 58 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
A dense and expanding network of international rules and regulations now covers the globe. These laws seek to regulate almost every activity that takes place across and sometimes within borders. How and to what extent have they been helpful in resolving conflicts between countries or in facilitating the achievement of common goals? How does international law impact government, foreign policies, domestic politics or national legal systems? In addressing these questions, this course provides an introduction to public international law for students of world politics. Throughout, we emphasize the relationship between law and politics and seek to understand why international law operates as it does. We will draw from historical and recent developments to explore these issues, including: the use of drones; the issue of war crimes and the formation of an International Criminal Court; the use of force for humanitarian purposes; the domestic impact of international human rights treaties; foreign investment disputes; and the relationship between international trade, development, and the environment.
Class Description:

This course is an introduction to international law for students of world politics. A dense and expanding network of international rules and regulations now cover the globe. The primary purpose of this course is to enhance your understanding of the ways in which international legal rules order international and domestic politics. How and to what extent has international law helped resolve conflicts between countries or helped governments achieve common goals? What is law's relationship with countries' foreign policies? How does international law interact with or impact domestic politics and legal systems? Throughout the course, we emphasize the relationship between law and politics to understand why international law operates as it does. A special effort is made to relate the course material to global developments in the past decade or so: new technologies and the use of force; racial biases in war crimes accountability; trade wars & investment disputes; forced migration, refugees, and climate change; systemic racism, gender-based violence, and human rights; the international law of pandemics; and backlash against global governance.

Who Should Take This Class?:

Students from all concentrations are welcome to enroll. This is advanced, specialized course that examines in-depth the politics of international law and global governance. It includes readings and assignments at the most intellectually demanding undergraduate level. While there are no course prerequisites, you would benefit from previous coursework in international politics or global studies, such as POL 3835: International Relations.

Requirements fulfilled by this course:


· Liberal Education

· Global Perspectives Theme

· Writing Intensive

Learning Objectives:

As a result of taking this course, you will be able to:

· Understand the basic structures and norms of the international legal system

· Articulate how and why various actors use international law to express values or achieve goals

· Better understand how law relates to important current issues

· Describe clearly when and how international law shapes global politics and policy

· Explain persuasively when and how international law shapes domestic politics and policy

· Use comparative and critical thinking and writing skills to bring together theory and practice

Grading:

Policy Memo: 15%

Analytical Essay: 15%

Online Comprehension Quizzes: 26%

International Agreement Group Project: 20%

Attendance & Participation: 24%

Exam Format:
n/a
Class Format:

This course adopts an in-person, synchronous modality with partial online delivery of academic content.


The course will be split between:


- Synchronous in-person discussion & simulation sessions during scheduled course time (once per week)

- Online lectures followed by comprehension quizzes

Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35125/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
24 November 2021

Fall 2021  |  POL 4891 Section 001: The Politics of Nuclear Weapons (33586)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 5
Enrollment Status:
Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Nuclear weapons have been a feature of international politics since the first use of nuclear weapons against Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II. But how exactly do nuclear weapons affect international politics? Are they a force for peace or for instability and war? How likely is nuclear war or nuclear terrorism? How dangerous is nuclear proliferation? Why does the United States have so many nuclear weapons? Is nuclear disarmament possible or desirable? This course examines these questions. We will first examine the the technologies that underpin nuclear weapons and their effects and the major theories used to understand the ways in which nuclear weapons affect international politics. Second, we will examine the major historical episodes of the nuclear age, including the Manhattan Project and bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; the evolution of nuclear strategy and the arms race between the Soviet Union and the United States; the proliferation of nuclear weapons to regional powers and the development of the global non-proliferation regime; nuclear crises including the Cuban Missile Crisis and Korean War; and the rise of arms control. Finally, we'll consider a range of contemporary issues, including nuclear terrorism; the role nuclear energy will (and should) play in the future, the feasibility of nuclear disarmament; the role of nuclear weapons in India-Pakistan and future US-China relations; and the possibility of nuclear deals with so-called "rogue states" like Iran or North Korea.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL4891+Fall2021
Class Description:
How do nuclear weapons affect international politics? How likely is nuclear war or nuclear terrorism? How dangerous is nuclear proliferation? Is nuclear disarmament possible? Is it desirable? This course examines these questions.

The course is organized loosely into three sections. In the first section, students are introduced to the major theories used to understand nuclear weapons. They will be exposed to the technological underpinnings of nuclear materials, nuclear weapons, and their effects; the classic theory of the nuclear revolution and more recent criticisms of it; deterrence theory; theories of escalation and nuclear strategy; and theories of why and how countries seek nuclear weapons. The goal of this section is to give students the technical and conceptual tools needed to understand nuclear weapons and the way they have affected international politics.

The second section introduces students to the history of the nuclear age. Major historical episodes and the political, strategic, and ethical debates surrounding them will be discussed. For example, the course will cover the Manhattan Project and bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; the evolution of nuclear strategy and the arms race between the Soviet Union and the United States; the proliferation of nuclear weapons to regional powers and the development of the global non-proliferation regime; nuclear crises including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Suez Crisis, and Able Archer; and the history of arms control and detente. The goal of this section of the course is to give students a solid empirical understanding of the nuclear age that will enable them to evaluate, use, and understand the limitations of the theories and concepts introduced in the first third of the course.

The third section considers a range of contemporary issues, including nuclear terrorism; the role nuclear energy will (and should) play in the future, the feasibility of nuclear disarmament; the role of nuclear weapons in future US-China relations; the role of nuclear weapons in South Asia; the Iran nuclear deal and potential future proliferation; and the ways in which current and future technological developments may impact nuclear issues. In this section of the course, we will use understanding of both history and theory to evaluate the importance and impact of these ongoing and future challenges.
Who Should Take This Class?:
There are no formal prerequisites for the class, but students who have taken a previous class on international politics (for example, POL 1025: Global Politics, POL 1026: U.S. Foreign Policy, POL 3835: International Relations, POL 3810: International Law, or POL 4885: International Conflict and Security) will likely get the most out of the class. If you don't have any background of this sort, it would be advisable to speak with the TA or instructor before committing to take the class.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33586/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
15 October 2019

Fall 2021  |  POL 4991 Section 001: Political Science Capstone (22855)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science senior
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
West Bank Skyway AUDITORIUM
Enrollment Status:
Open (58 of 70 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4991+Fall2021
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22855/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 4991 Section 002: Political Science Capstone (33587)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (34 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33587/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 4991 Section 003: Political Science Capstone (33588)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Blegen Hall 415
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Open (24 of 35 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33588/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 4993 Section 001: Honors Thesis: Directed Studies (19868)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
A-F only
Instructor Consent:
Instructor Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol 3108H, political science major, honors
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (18 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4993+Fall2021
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19868/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 4994 Section 001: Directed Research: Individual (19519)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (10 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4994+Fall2021
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19519/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (23296)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 15 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/23296/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (21478)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
2 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
Class Notes:
Power, Equity, and Diversity Core
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21478/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 8105 Section 001: Professional Development II (22164)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
1 Credit
Repeat Credit Limit:
2 Credits
Grading Basis:
S-N or Audit
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Second Half of Term
 
10/26/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Research ethics. Skills for teaching undergraduate courses in political science. Completion of dissertation prospecti or early chapters. prereq: Pol sci student, ABD, dept consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22164/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 8108 Section 001: Maximum Likelihood Estimation (22425)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Laboratory
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Wed 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course presents an overview of the likelihood theory of statistical inference, and its wide range of uses in applied quantitative political science. When dependent variables take the form of ordered or unordered categories, event counts, or otherwise violate the traditional assumptions of the linear regression model, models estimated by maximum likelihood provide an essential alternative. Topics covered include binary, multinomial, and ordered logit/probit, Poisson regression, and multilevel models. We will rely heavily on computational methods of analysis using the R statistical computing environment, and instruction on how to use R for applied research will be provided throughout the length of the course.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22425/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 8124 Section 001: Game Theory (33590)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science grad student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon 03:35PM - 05:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Application of noncooperative game theory in political science. Equilibrium concepts, bargaining, repeated games, games of incomplete information, signaling games, reputation, learning in games. prereq: [8122, grad pol sci major] or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33590/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 8252 Section 001: Early Modern Political Thought (33593)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue 09:00AM - 10:55AM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Theorists and texts from Renaissance to French Revolution. Selectively includes Machiavelli, More, Calvin, Luther, Grotius, Bodin, Hobbes, Winstanley, Harrington, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Hume, Smith, Burke, and Wollstonecraft; key debates over liberty, law, power, and knowledge. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33593/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 8360 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Women, Sex, and Gender in American Politics (33594)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
9 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science grad student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1450
Enrollment Status:
Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings and research in special topics or problems. prereq: instr consent
Class Notes:
Women, Sex, and Gender in American Politics
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33594/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 8401 Section 001: International Relations (22858)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science grad student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Mon 01:25PM - 03:20PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1314
Enrollment Status:
Open (9 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Basic theories/approaches to study of international politics. Surveys representative work/central issues of scholarship. prereq: Grad pol sci major or dept consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22858/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (19668)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1 Credit
Repeat Credit Limit:
10 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Advanced Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (22 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19668/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 8601 Section 001: Introduction to Comparative Politics (22859)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Tue 05:45PM - 07:40PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Main theoretical approaches and issues: comparative method, the state and class; political culture; development, democratization, rational choice, social movements. prereq: Grad pol sci major
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22859/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Religion and Politics (33595)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
9 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Topics Course
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Sci grad major
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
Thu 03:35PM - 05:30PM
UMTC, West Bank
Social Sciences Building 1383
Enrollment Status:
Open (4 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
Class Notes:
Religion and Politics
Class Description:
This course examines theoretical debates about the role of religion in politics and governance. The course will primarily focus on these debates as they play out in the "Muslim world," that is, primarily in the Middle East, Muslim Eurasia, South and Southeast Asia and Africa. However, the course will discuss comparative political and sociological theories of religion more broadly. The course will also include a number of readings and examples that deal with the role of Christianity in western politics, historically and today. The course is divided into theoretical components, and each one will examine a major debate about the role of religion, especially Islam, in politics, such as: the intricate relationship between religious identity and tribe, ethnicity, nation and nationalism, and citizenship; religion and democracy; religion and gender politics; religion and state-building; religion and conflict; and religion and terrorism. The course will also cover a broad array of methodologies for studying religious identity and politics, from ethnographic to survey methods. These discussions are designed to help graduate students think about developing their own tools for pursuing field research related to religious and identity politics. The course has a political science focus, but is designed to be interdisciplinary. It draws on literature in anthropology (Saba Mahmood), sociology (e.g. Ronald Inglehart, Mounira Charrad), law (e.g. Noah Feldman, Hallaq), Islamic studies (e.g. Asma Afsaruddin) and history (e.g. Benin, John Esposito), as well as political science (Mark Tessler, Amaney Jamal, Robert Pape). Course requirements will include a final research paper and class presentations.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33595/1219
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
1 April 2009

Fall 2021  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (19691)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19691/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (19587)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-24 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
100 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science PhD, Doct or ETCR
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (17 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19587/1219

Fall 2021  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (19096)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-7 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
7 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
09/07/2021 - 12/15/2021
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (3 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19096/1219

Summer 2021  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (81472)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/07/2021 - 07/30/2021
Tue, Thu 09:00AM - 12:00PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (15 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ande7715+POL1201+Summer2021
Class Description:
What does it mean to be free? What is the proper relationship between the individual and the community? What is power and how should it be limited? How we answer these questions matters for how we think about politics and how we live our lives. This course offers students an introduction to three branches of political thought that have each sought to provide coherent answers to these questions. They are Republicanism, Liberalism, and Socialism, and though they do not exhaust the wide spectrum of political thought, each has appeared and reappeared over the course of Western history as various thinkers have grappled with questions of freedom, duty, and power. In this course we will consider a few of the most important formulations of these three "isms" in the writings of figures such as Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Karl Marx. Each of these thinkers is important not just because each produced excellent works of political theory, but also because their works have come to form part of the vocabulary of modern political discourse, both inside and outside of academic settings, making an understanding of their writings necessary for any understanding of contemporary politics.
Exam Format:
60% Reports/Papers
30% Reflection Papers
10% Class Participation
Class Format:
50% Lecture
40% Discussion
10% Small Group Activities
Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81472/1215
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
9 January 2017

Summer 2021  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (81177)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Field Work
Credits:
3-13 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
15 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option No Audit
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/07/2021 - 07/30/2021
12:00AM - 12:00AM
Off Campus
Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
Enrollment Status:
Open (14 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students search for and arrange an internship with an organization or office working in government or politics, and then complete academic coursework in association with their internship. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Summer2021
Class Description:
This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
Learning Objectives:
To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
Grading:
Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
Exam Format:
90% Reports/Papers
10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
Class Format:
100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
Workload:
30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81177/1215
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Summer 2021  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (81419)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/07/2021 - 07/30/2021
Tue, Thu 09:00AM - 12:00PM
UMTC, West Bank
Hanson Hall 1-106
Enrollment Status:
Open (10 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?eichi023+POL3085+Summer2021
Class Description:
Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use careful research design, data collection, and statistical analysis to answer questions related to voter behavior, corruption, political polarization, markets and democracy, war and peace, and plenty more. This course will give you the tools to ask and answer these types of questions. You will learn how to pose research questions and build research designs, form theories and hypotheses, and use statistical techniques and programs to test whether your hypotheses stand up to evidence. By the end of the semester, you will have a better understanding of how to design good research, consume and be critical of basic quantitative analyses, and discuss basic statistics in plain, ordinary language.
Learning Objectives:
Research design
Data analysis
Statistical programming language R
Grading:
20% Final Exam
35% Homework
35% Project and Presentation
10% Class Participation
Exam Format:
Short answer, will need access to a calculator.
Class Format:
40% Lecture
30% Lab
15% Discussion
15% Group Work
Workload:
15-page group project (includes paper and presentation)
1 Final exam
7 Homework assignments
60-80 pages reading per week
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81419/1215
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
11 February 2021

Summer 2021  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (81420)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/07/2021 - 07/30/2021
Mon, Wed 05:30PM - 08:00PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (21 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course considers the nature of contemporary democracy and the role that members of the political community do, can, and should play. While approaches in teaching the class vary, students can expect to read historical and contemporary texts, see films and videos, to approach questions about the nature of democracy, justifications for democracy, and challenges faced by contemporary democracy. Topics will include such questions as the role of civil society in democratic life, deliberative democracy, as well as questions about how members of political communities can best participate in democratic life. Students will write a longer essay that allows them to demonstrate their capacities to understand and explain complex ideas and to make a theoretically compelling argument, using appropriate supporting evidence. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mitam001+POL3235W+Summer2021
Class Description:

What is democracy? What makes a good citizen? Interrogating the figure of the optimal democratic citizen, this course will explore approaches to democratic projects in order to take seriously the notion that modern democracies and ruling ideologies are most clearly viewed from the vantage of what and who they exclude, excise, and attempt to write out of existence. Drawing on teachings from critical race, feminist, postcolonial, queer, and disability studies, we will collectively problematize canonical political theoretic visions of what makes good citizens in a good democratic society (for example those found in the works of traditional forefathers of political theory, specifically social contract theorists and some of their inheritors - Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jacques Rousseau, Alexis de Tocqueville).

Examining the tensions in what are taken as American democratic theory's foundational texts alongside contemporary explorations of these themes in social movements, we will dive into the fissures in (predominantly) U.S. democratic order. We will do so in order to defamiliarize state designations of good citizens, instead taking these optimal characteristics as foils for exploring how democracies' founding mythologies are troubled by the ways everyday people negotiate the state and aiding us in imagining democratic practice otherwise.

Who Should Take This Class?:
Students enrolled in this class (political science majors and those totally unfamiliar with political theory are all welcome) should expect to contribute to the difficult work of defamiliarizing the concepts and categories with which we typically understand the world around us as well. Centrally, we will interrogate our own role in these structures and hierarchies. As those who have arrived on this land in many ways, at many times, with varying plans to stay and/or agency in our habitation here, we must recognize that questions of citizenship are not an abstract or purely academic matter. Rather, who has citizenship - who is permitted to live where, when, and under what conditions - is a matter we must all consciously address because we partake in its construction and consequences.
Grading:

Participation: 30%

Reflections x 3: 10% each

Project: 30%

Critical Autobiography: 10%

Workload:
approximately 30 pages of reading per class
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81420/1215
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 January 2021

Summer 2021  |  POL 3308 Section 001: Congressional Politics and Institutions (87752)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/07/2021 - 07/30/2021
Tue, Thu 09:00AM - 11:30AM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (15 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the politics of the U.S. Congress and the federal legislative process. Throughout the semester, we will focus on the behavior of individual legislators and the role that they play in crafting federal legislation in policy areas such as healthcare, civil rights and the environment. We will devote special attention to changes in Congress, as well as current political and scholarly controversies such as congressional confirmation process of Supreme Court justices, congressional war powers, the influence of parties, and campaign finance. The theme of the course is why do legislators behave as they do and who interests do they represent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jucax001+POL3308+Summer2021
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87752/1215

Summer 2021  |  POL 3311 Section 001: Law and Justice: The View From Hollywood (87777)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
Online Course
Times and Locations:
May Session
 
05/17/2021 - 06/04/2021
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 08:00AM - 11:10AM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (28 of 30 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Politics and the law have played major thematic roles in American films. This course analyzes eight films that focus on justice, the law, and the legal system, to see what they tell us about political and legal culture, and what messages (if any) they have for contemporary politics. To that end, we will read about, watch, talk about, and write about films. Mostly we will be focusing on questions about the relationship between law and justice, the practice of law, and the role of courts and trials in a political system; however, many other issues will arise in the course of these discussions - race/class/gender and the law, legal ethics, legal education, the adversarial system, the relationship between law and popular culture, among others. You should expect to develop a more in-depth understanding of these issues as well as a better appreciation of the cultural and political significance of the way that law, lawyers, and judges are depicted in the movies.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL3311+Summer2021
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87777/1215

Summer 2021  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (81487)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/07/2021 - 07/30/2021
Tue, Thu 05:30PM - 08:00PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (20 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular, those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in other parts have not? We will explore inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course also examines what we mean by "development" and exposes students to cutting-edge debates in contemporary development studies. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?snyde680+POL3477+Summer2021
Class Description:
Why are there such vast disparities of wealth among countries? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world experienced stunning economic growth while others have not? We will explore the issue of inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course focuses primarily on countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, with explicit comparisons between Brazil, South Korea, and Nigeria, but we will begin the course with an exploration of the "Rise of the West" in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. What do we mean by "development," and what has been the role of rich countries in producing and perpetuating poverty? What are the costs of development? What role can the US play in alleviating global inequality? Is foreign aid an effective way to help solve development inequalities? By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81487/1215
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
20 March 2017

Summer 2021  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (81523)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/07/2021 - 07/30/2021
Mon, Wed 09:00AM - 11:30AM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (20 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?wehye002+POL3835+Summer2021
Class Description:
Why does war occur? What role do international institutions and international law play in international politics? Do ideas and culture matter in a world dominated by power politics? This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of theoretical approaches for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. Specific topics will include: the causes and consequences of war; the role of law and institutions; human rights and humanitarian intervention; transnational activism and environmental politics; the regulation of arms and conflict; globalization and political economy; and the role of ideas, norms, and culture. By the end of the course, students will gain a better understanding of why and how events happen in global politics, and will be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical cases in global politics.
Learning Objectives:
Students who complete this course will gain a better understanding of why and how things happen in international relations. They will be able to critically analyze scholarly and popular articles, and by the end of the term should be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical events in international relations. They should be able to apply analytical frameworks and tools to understand the political world.
Grading:
30% Two Response Papers
25% Midterm Exam
35% Final Exam
15% Participation (inc. Attendance)
Exam Format:
The midterm exam will be a combination of short answer and essay questions. The final exam is a longer, analytical essay (5-7 pages).
Class Format:
A mix of lecture, discussion, and in-class activities.
Workload:
100 Pages Reading Per Week
1 In-Class Exam
2 Short Papers
1 Essay Final
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81523/1215
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
15 March 2017

Summer 2021  |  POL 4993 Section 001: Honors Thesis: Directed Studies (81601)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option No Audit
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol 3108H, political science major, honors
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/07/2021 - 07/30/2021
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81601/1215

Summer 2021  |  POL 4994 Section 001: Directed Research: Individual (81195)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/07/2021 - 07/30/2021
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81195/1215

Summer 2021  |  POL 4994 Section 101: Directed Research: Individual (81322)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Times and Locations:
May Session
 
05/17/2021 - 06/04/2021
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Summer2016
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81322/1215

Summer 2021  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (81555)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-4 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
8 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/07/2021 - 07/30/2021
UMTC, East Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 20 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL5970+Summer2016
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81555/1215

Summer 2021  |  POL 8333 Section 001: FTE: Master's (81247)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1 Credit
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Advanced Master's Student
Times and Locations:
Summer Session 10 wk
 
06/07/2021 - 08/13/2021
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Master's student, adviser and DGS consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8333+Summer2016
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81247/1215

Summer 2021  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (81270)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1 Credit
Repeat Credit Limit:
10 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Advanced Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Summer Session 10 wk
 
06/07/2021 - 08/13/2021
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8444+Summer2016
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81270/1215

Summer 2021  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (81292)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-6 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
12 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Pol Doctoral Student
Times and Locations:
Summer Session 10 wk
 
06/07/2021 - 08/13/2021
12:00AM - 12:00AM
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8666+Summer2016
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81292/1215

Summer 2021  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (81399)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-24 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
100 Credits
Grading Basis:
No Grade Associated
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Enrollment Requirements:
Political Science PhD, Doct or ETCR
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/07/2021 - 07/30/2021
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
(No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8888+Summer2016
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81399/1215

Summer 2021  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (81178)

Instructor(s)
No instructor assigned
Class Component:
Independent Study
Credits:
1-7 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
7 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
In Person Term Based
Class Attributes:
Grade Sort
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
06/07/2021 - 07/30/2021
UMTC, West Bank
Enrollment Status:
Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8990+Summer2016
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81178/1215

Spring 2021  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (49800)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
Off Campus
Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
Enrollment Status:
Open (79 of 83 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. The course is designed to help students understand what liberal education is by engaging in the study of American politics as a fundamentally critical and creative enterprise, and by grappling with the most complex and challenging problems of political life, such as the sources of political equality and inequality, and the tension between individual aspirations and political control. Questions of power and choice, opportunity and discrimination, freedom and restrictions on freedom are fundamental to the historical development of and current controversies within the American political system, and we will attend to all of these. We will explore topics including the ideas underlying the nation's founding and its constitutional foundations; civil rights and civil liberties; the role of the United States in an increasingly globalized world; the structure and function of American political institutions; and the behavior of American citizens in the political process. In addition, we will learn to think and communicate like political scientists. We will read primary documents, such as the Federalist papers, engage with scholarly arguments about the way the American political system works, and critically evaluate critiques of the American political system that have been offered from a variety of perspectives. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them. Students will be able to identify, define, and solve problems and to locate and critically evaluate information. Students will have mastered a body of knowledge and a mod
Class Notes:
This course is completely online in an asynchronous format. There are no scheduled meeting times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL1001+Spring2021
Class Description:

Why doesn't Congress seem to work? Why do Americans love democracy, but hate politics? Why are there only two political parties, and why do they seem to despise each other so much? This course will introduce students to politics in the United States, addressing these and many more questions about how the American political system really works. We will begin with the founding principles and historical development of the American system of government and then move on to examine the contemporary structure and function of American political institutions and the role that average citizens play in the political process. Students will exit the class with a better understanding of how the American political system succeeds or fails at living up to our ideals and what we can do about it.

Who Should Take This Class?:
This class will be of interest to anyone who wants a better understanding of how the American political system operates, what is going on in Washington, or how to effect change in our current political climate. The class is also an entry point for the department's upper division American politics classes, including classes on political psychology, social movements, Congress, the Supreme Court, and state and local government.
Grading:
Grades will be based on three elements. Short quizzes at the beginning of each class will evaluate students' comprehension of key concepts from readings and lecture (40%), three long quizzes over the course of the semester will evaluate students' ability to apply these concepts to new situations and problems (40%), and a final paper will evaluate students' ability to use these concepts to advance and defend an argument (20%).
Exam Format:
All short quizzes will be multiple choice and closed book. All long quizzes will be short answer/essay and open book.
Class Format:
Class is lecture based, but "lecture" will be broken up by short writing exercises, small group discussion, and other exercises that will ask you to apply the concepts you are learning in real time. While these will not be graded, engaging fully with them will make the subsequent quizzes and essays much, much easier.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49800/1213
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2018.docx (Fall 2018)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2017.docx (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
27 March 2017

Spring 2021  |  POL 1019 Section 001: Indigenous Peoples in Global Perspective (51033)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Meets With:
AMIN 1002 Section 001
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
Off Campus
Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
Enrollment Status:
Open (9 of 10 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Colonial experiences of selected indigenous peoples in Americas, Euroasia, Pacific Rim.
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51033/1213

Spring 2021  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (48554)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
Mon, Wed, Fri 08:00AM - 08:50AM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (75 of 83 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Global politics is complex, fast-paced, and often confusing. Seeking to reveal the deeper processes at work in the international system, this introductory course explores both the enduring challenges of international politics as well as more recent transformative trends? What has changed and what has stayed the same. It introduces theoretical traditions, but the course's focus is on making sense of real-world problems, both today and in the past. Why and when do states go to war and use military force? Why do they sign international agreements and treaties, on matters from arms control to investment? What effect does international trade have on the distribution of global wealth, and why do barriers to trade arise? Why has human rights emerged as a central problem in world politics? Why has our world become an increasingly legalized and regulated space? And what difference does it make? What good are nuclear weapons? Why do some turn to terrorism to advance their political agenda? Does foreign aid make the world a better place? How can we reduce global inequality? What are the prospects for international cooperation to address climate change? These are among the pressing real-world questions that this course in Global Politics will address? And that it will give you the tools to answer, though particular instructors will naturally choose to emphasize different topics and questions. But the course will also highlight how our answers to these questions are changing along with the deep power structures of global politics-as US dominance wanes and others, most notably China, rise; as core ideas and discourses underpinning the international system, such as sovereignty, come under assault; and as institutions, such as those governing international law, thicken. Global Politics is an essential guide to our increasingly globalized world.
Class Notes:
This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL1025+Spring2021
Class Description:
Global politics introduces students to the study of the world's political systems and to the debates over certain global issues. Various theroretical frameworks are examined throughout the semester, but the emphasis is on the so-called realist and liberal perspectives. Related middle range accounts of war and of international political economy also are studied. While many global political issues will be mentioned, the focus will be on the legacies of the East-West conflict, particularly nuclear proliferation, and on the North-South conflict, expecially Southern demands for distributional justice. At the end of the semester, students will be able to describe and predict the evolution of a global political system. In addition, they will be able to carve out and defend a stand on one of the global issues mentioned above.
Exam Format:
20% Midterm Exams (3)
40% Final Exam Other Grading Information: Weightings are approximate
Class Format:
Some digitized video materials are used.
Workload:
50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
4 Exam(s)
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48554/1213
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
25 October 2016

Spring 2021  |  POL 1026 Section 001: U.S. Foreign Policy (51478)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Closed (84 of 83 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This makes the question of what the role in the U.S. is in the world and how the United States interacts with other countries, international organizations, and other actors in international politics a question of real importance. US foreign policy will play a crucial role in determining the world we live in four, ten, and fifty years time. As a result, we should all try to better understand how the United States behaves in international politics, why it behaves in that way, how it should behave, and how it has behaved in the past. These are the questions that this class tackles. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and how has US foreign policy varied in the past? What do past conflicts in which the United States has been involved tell us about current U.S. foreign policy? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily secure? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? How serious is the threat of cyber war? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from getting nuclear weapons?
Class Notes:
This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL1026+Spring2021
Class Description:
The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This makes the question of the U.S. role in the world--how the United States interacts with other countries, international organizations, and other actors in international politics--a question of real importance. As a new presidential administration comes into power promising to shake up US foreign policy, US foreign policy will play a crucial role in determining the world we live in four, ten, and fifty years time. As a result, we should all try to better understand how the United States behaves in international politics, why it behaves in that way, how it should behave, and how it has behaved in the past.

These are the questions that this class tackles. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and how has US foreign policy varied in the past? What do past conflicts in which the United States has been involved tell us about current U.S. foreign policy? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily secure? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? How serious is the threat of cyber war? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from getting nuclear weapons? How unusual is Donald Trump's foreign policy?

The course begins by introducing a number of theories that help shed light on different American foreign policies. We will then examine how U.S. foreign policies have evolved over time with particular attention to the ideas that have motivated broad currents in American foreign policy. We will conclude by examining a series of current foreign policy issues that the United States faces. Although the class is separated into these three sections, this distinction is somewhat artificial. In examining the theories, we will discuss whether historical events seem to validate or disconfirm those theories. When we discuss historical events we will ask which theories seem to explain these events best. And when analyzing current policy issues we will ask what the different theories suggest that the United States will do in response to these challenges and which policy options are in line with the ways in which the United States has conducted foreign policy in the past.

Students who complete this course will be able to critically analyze the major dynamics shaping U.S. foreign policy today, understand the theories that help shed light on U.S. actions in the world, and understand how U.S. foreign policy today has changed (or stayed the same) over time. This class is ambitious: we are going to cover a lot of ground and many of the topics we will spend a week on are topics that you could take an entire semester-long class studying. The goal is to whet your appetite for future classes on international politics and U.S. foreign policy--this is just an introduction to the subject!
Who Should Take This Class?:
This is an introductory class and all students are welcome to enroll
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51478/1213
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
15 October 2019

Spring 2021  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Politics Around the World (50228)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
4 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (51 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course is an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. It focuses on domestic politics within countries, as opposed to a course in international relations, which focuses on relations between countries. Some of the questions we tackle include: Why are some countries prone to violent conflict while others remain peaceful? Why do some countries grow rich while others remain poor? Why does democracy emerge in some countries, while dictators hold onto power elsewhere? How do attitudes about gender and sexuality influence politics? Do particular religions, or the strength of religious faith, strengthen or weaken democracy? The readings and assignments help you make sense of the complexity of world politics - to sift through and distill the avalanche of information available and learn how to develop your own arguments about pertinent global issues. Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and provide examples of 1) the difference between strong and weak states; 2) the distinctions between democratic and non-democratic forms of government; 3) the various ways democracies are governed; 4) arguments explaining the origin of democracy and the persistence of non-democracy; 5) the significance of different forms of political identity such as ethnicity, religion, and gender; 6) why some countries are rich while others remain poor; and 7) why some countries tax and spend more than others. Assignments seek to develop your skills at developing arguments through logic and evidence and to give you the ability to distinguish between a persuasive argument about politics and simply stating an opinion.
Class Notes:
This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL1054+Spring2021
Class Description:
Why are some countries democratic while others are authoritarian? Why do seemingly parochial identities such as race, ethnicity and religion continue to play a powerful role in modern politics? What accounts for the variation in the prevalence of civil wars and other forms of political violence across countries? Why are some countries still plagued by poverty and underdevelopment? This introductory course in comparative politics will provide you with the skills and knowledge to answer these and other intriguing questions in world politics. You will be able to recognize, understand and explain the variation in political systems, which includes political institutions, processes, behavior, culture and outcomes, across countries. Students will be introduced to terminology, concepts, issues and approaches that would provide the foundation for upper division courses in political science. They will read some of the classic and path-breaking works and will be familiarized with cutting-edge research in the discipline.
Grading:
Three In-class assignments: 12%
Four homework assignments: 28%
Two individual/group research assignments: 40%
Class Participation: 20%
Class Format:
60% Lecture
20% Film/Video
20% Discussion
Workload:

https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50228/1213

Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
6 November 2016

Spring 2021  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (48520)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (79 of 83 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
Class Notes:
This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?a-bose+POL1201+Spring2021
Class Description:

Aristotle once called human beings "political animals," meaning that, unlike gods or the other animals, we naturally create institutions to govern ourselves. What those institutions should look like, what values they should embody, and who should be in charge prove to be difficult questions that Aristotle leaves for us. Building on Aristotle's definition, this course offers an introduction to political theory, a sub-discipline of political science. By exploring some of the core issues and concepts of political theory, students will grapple with a number of "big questions" about politics in history and in the present: Why and how does politics matter in our everyday lives beyond the voting booth? On what basis is political authority seen as legitimate? How should we understand and embody political values like justice and equality in our own lives? What is the role of economics (capitalism, socialism, etc.) and economic inequality in the creation of political order? What should we think of the use of violence or non-violence in contemporary politics and protests? To explore these "big questions," we will relate historical readings to contemporary "hot-button" issues here in the Twin Cities, the US, and the globe.


Class Format:
Remote Instruction, that will be a mix of synchronous and asynchronous online classes
Workload:
50 Pages Reading Per Week
9-10 Pages Writing Per Term
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48520/1213
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
22 October 2020

Spring 2021  |  POL 3065 Section 001: Political Engagement Careers: Planning and Preparing For Your Future (51130)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
Wed, Fri 02:30PM - 03:45PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (34 of 35 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Are you interested in pursuing a career in public service? Do you plan to run for office in the future, or work in a government agency (such as the State Department or the FBI or the MN DNR), or become a professional campaign manager or lobbyist, or work as an issue activist on a cause important to you? Would you like to learn more about the variety of public service careers open to a college graduate? Do you wonder what motivates people to pursue careers in politics, public administration, and community service, and how these motivations vary across career fields? Would you like to explore some options for future internship or service learning while at the University? Then this course is for you! This course is the Political Science Department's introduction to careers in political and civic engagement. Through readings focused on theories about and case studies of political engagement, and on the ethics of politics and public service, numerous guest speakers with extensive experience as public service professionals, and a discussion-oriented class format, we will explore the meaning of public service and the main types of public service careers that you could pursue. We will think about the virtues and challenges associated with doing public service work, and how these differ across different types of jobs and venues for serving the public. Finally, you will acquire practical knowledge and skills related to the search for public service work opportunities, including how to write a resume and cover letter, how to conduct an informational interview, networking, and the job search and application process. Intended primarily for first- and second-year undergraduates, but open to students of any major at any point in their undergraduate program.
Class Notes:
This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3065+Spring2021
Class Description:
Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51130/1213

Spring 2021  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (48519)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Field Work
Credits:
3-13 Credits
Repeat Credit Limit:
15 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option No Audit
Instructor Consent:
Department Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
Online Course
Pre-Covid
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
12:00AM - 12:00AM
Off Campus
Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
Enrollment Status:
Open (36 of 60 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
Students search for and arrange an internship with an organization or office working in government or politics, and then complete academic coursework in association with their internship. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
Class Notes:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Spring2021
Class Description:
This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
Learning Objectives:
To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
Grading:
Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
Exam Format:
90% Reports/Papers
10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
Class Format:
100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
Workload:
30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48519/1213
Past Syllabi:
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
23 February 2017

Spring 2021  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (49651)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Freshman Full Year Registration
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Closed (60 of 60 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2021
Class Description:
POL 3085 Section 003 is the lab section for POL 3085. While the POL 3085 lecture focuses on teaching students research design, statistics, and the statistical software program R, the lab is dedicated strictly to teaching and reinforcing understanding of the statistical software. No computer science background or previous programming experience is necessary. We will teach you all you need to know.
Who Should Take This Class?:
This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
Learning Objectives:
The lab section is solely dedicated to understanding the statistical software program R. Learning statistical software is good for several reasons: not only does it give you practical tools for manipulating and analyzing data and making cool graphics, but it also teaches you algorithmic thinking, which is a good skill set for life.
Grading:

Grades are based on points.


For Fall 2020, all work will be group-based. This serves a few purposes. First, collaborating in research projects is increasingly common in political science as a field, in large part because it allows people to bring their different strengths to the table to create a better end product than one person could alone. Second, it means no one necessarily needs to be operating at 100% effort all the time. This is a nice feature usually -- since life happens! -- but especially with the uncertainty of COVID-19, working in teams means that if anyone gets sick or has caretaker responsibilities, the person can take some time to take care of themselves while the team continues.


Each team will produce a final research project. Homework will also be team-based, and team members will have the opportunity to explain who did what part of the assignment. Students will take frequent quizzes to evaluate their own individual knowledge.


Assessment:

Grading for this class will be based on six items:

1. Lecture quizzes. There will be five (5) quizzes throughout the semester. The dates the quizzes will be assigned are posted on the syllabus. You can take each quiz as many times as you want and only your highest grade is recorded. You must complete each quiz within one week of its assignment date. Quizzes are not timed and are all administered on Google Forms, with a link to the quiz on Canvas. Each quiz is worth 15 points.

2. Lab quizzes. There will be a quiz assigned at the end of every lab section to assess your knowledge of R. You can take each quiz as many times as you want and only your highest grade is recorded. You must complete each quiz within one week of its assignment date. Quizzes are not timed and are all administered on Google Forms, with a link to the quiz on Canvas. Each lab quiz is worth 5 points.

3. Paper chunks. Your co-author group will have to complete and submit eight ``paper chunks'' throughout the semester. Each chunk is a draft of a section of your final paper. I emphasize that these are drafts -- they are not expected to be perfect, and should reflect your best effort at completing the task at the time that it is assigned. Each paper chunk is worth fifteen points.

4. Check-Ins. Co-author teams are required to send at least one person (and preferably more) to meet with me during office hours to check in at least six times per semester (at least once every 2-3 weeks). These check-ins are worth five points each.

5. Final presentation. Near the end of the semester, your group will present your project to the class and to the ``public'', both to practice communicating about research and to get feedback for your final paper. More detailed information about these presentations will be provided later on. The final presentation is worth 50 points.

6. Final paper. For your final paper, you will edit those paper chunks with the feedback I have given you, and you will incorporate them into a paper, which you will turn in as your final project. Although final papers can seem intimidating, remember that you will be be working on this paper bit by bit throughout the semester. Ideally, by the end of the semester, all you need to do is copy and paste and edit. The final paper is worth 50 points.

Exam Format:
Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
Class Format:
Most weeks student will be expected to watch a lecture video before lab. The class period will be dedicated to going through specific activities related to that content and answering student questions.
Workload:
Weekly attendance and weekly pass/fail quizzes.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49651/1213
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
15 October 2020

Spring 2021  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (50118)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
Thu 10:10AM - 11:00AM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2021
Class Description:
POL 3085 Section 003 is the lab section for POL 3085. While the POL 3085 lecture focuses on teaching students research design, statistics, and the statistical software program R, the lab is dedicated strictly to teaching and reinforcing understanding of the statistical software. No computer science background or previous programming experience is necessary. We will teach you all you need to know.
Who Should Take This Class?:
This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
Learning Objectives:
The lab section is solely dedicated to understanding the statistical software program R. Learning statistical software is good for several reasons: not only does it give you practical tools for manipulating and analyzing data and making cool graphics, but it also teaches you algorithmic thinking, which is a good skill set for life.
Grading:

Grades are based on points.


For Fall 2020, all work will be group-based. This serves a few purposes. First, collaborating in research projects is increasingly common in political science as a field, in large part because it allows people to bring their different strengths to the table to create a better end product than one person could alone. Second, it means no one necessarily needs to be operating at 100% effort all the time. This is a nice feature usually -- since life happens! -- but especially with the uncertainty of COVID-19, working in teams means that if anyone gets sick or has caretaker responsibilities, the person can take some time to take care of themselves while the team continues.


Each team will produce a final research project. Homework will also be team-based, and team members will have the opportunity to explain who did what part of the assignment. Students will take frequent quizzes to evaluate their own individual knowledge.


Assessment:

Grading for this class will be based on six items:

1. Lecture quizzes. There will be five (5) quizzes throughout the semester. The dates the quizzes will be assigned are posted on the syllabus. You can take each quiz as many times as you want and only your highest grade is recorded. You must complete each quiz within one week of its assignment date. Quizzes are not timed and are all administered on Google Forms, with a link to the quiz on Canvas. Each quiz is worth 15 points.

2. Lab quizzes. There will be a quiz assigned at the end of every lab section to assess your knowledge of R. You can take each quiz as many times as you want and only your highest grade is recorded. You must complete each quiz within one week of its assignment date. Quizzes are not timed and are all administered on Google Forms, with a link to the quiz on Canvas. Each lab quiz is worth 5 points.

3. Paper chunks. Your co-author group will have to complete and submit eight ``paper chunks'' throughout the semester. Each chunk is a draft of a section of your final paper. I emphasize that these are drafts -- they are not expected to be perfect, and should reflect your best effort at completing the task at the time that it is assigned. Each paper chunk is worth fifteen points.

4. Check-Ins. Co-author teams are required to send at least one person (and preferably more) to meet with me during office hours to check in at least six times per semester (at least once every 2-3 weeks). These check-ins are worth five points each.

5. Final presentation. Near the end of the semester, your group will present your project to the class and to the ``public'', both to practice communicating about research and to get feedback for your final paper. More detailed information about these presentations will be provided later on. The final presentation is worth 50 points.

6. Final paper. For your final paper, you will edit those paper chunks with the feedback I have given you, and you will incorporate them into a paper, which you will turn in as your final project. Although final papers can seem intimidating, remember that you will be be working on this paper bit by bit throughout the semester. Ideally, by the end of the semester, all you need to do is copy and paste and edit. The final paper is worth 50 points.

Exam Format:
Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
Class Format:
Most weeks student will be expected to watch a lecture video before lab. The class period will be dedicated to going through specific activities related to that content and answering student questions.
Workload:
Weekly attendance and weekly pass/fail quizzes.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50118/1213
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
15 October 2020

Spring 2021  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (50376)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Discussion
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
Thu 11:15AM - 12:05PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Auto Enrolls With:
Section 001
Enrollment Status:
Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
Course Catalog Description:
POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
Class Notes:
This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2021
Class Description:
POL 3085 Section 003 is the lab section for POL 3085. While the POL 3085 lecture focuses on teaching students research design, statistics, and the statistical software program R, the lab is dedicated strictly to teaching and reinforcing understanding of the statistical software. No computer science background or previous programming experience is necessary. We will teach you all you need to know.
Who Should Take This Class?:
This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
Learning Objectives:
The lab section is solely dedicated to understanding the statistical software program R. Learning statistical software is good for several reasons: not only does it give you practical tools for manipulating and analyzing data and making cool graphics, but it also teaches you algorithmic thinking, which is a good skill set for life.
Grading:

Grades are based on points.


For Fall 2020, all work will be group-based. This serves a few purposes. First, collaborating in research projects is increasingly common in political science as a field, in large part because it allows people to bring their different strengths to the table to create a better end product than one person could alone. Second, it means no one necessarily needs to be operating at 100% effort all the time. This is a nice feature usually -- since life happens! -- but especially with the uncertainty of COVID-19, working in teams means that if anyone gets sick or has caretaker responsibilities, the person can take some time to take care of themselves while the team continues.


Each team will produce a final research project. Homework will also be team-based, and team members will have the opportunity to explain who did what part of the assignment. Students will take frequent quizzes to evaluate their own individual knowledge.


Assessment:

Grading for this class will be based on six items:

1. Lecture quizzes. There will be five (5) quizzes throughout the semester. The dates the quizzes will be assigned are posted on the syllabus. You can take each quiz as many times as you want and only your highest grade is recorded. You must complete each quiz within one week of its assignment date. Quizzes are not timed and are all administered on Google Forms, with a link to the quiz on Canvas. Each quiz is worth 15 points.

2. Lab quizzes. There will be a quiz assigned at the end of every lab section to assess your knowledge of R. You can take each quiz as many times as you want and only your highest grade is recorded. You must complete each quiz within one week of its assignment date. Quizzes are not timed and are all administered on Google Forms, with a link to the quiz on Canvas. Each lab quiz is worth 5 points.

3. Paper chunks. Your co-author group will have to complete and submit eight ``paper chunks'' throughout the semester. Each chunk is a draft of a section of your final paper. I emphasize that these are drafts -- they are not expected to be perfect, and should reflect your best effort at completing the task at the time that it is assigned. Each paper chunk is worth fifteen points.

4. Check-Ins. Co-author teams are required to send at least one person (and preferably more) to meet with me during office hours to check in at least six times per semester (at least once every 2-3 weeks). These check-ins are worth five points each.

5. Final presentation. Near the end of the semester, your group will present your project to the class and to the ``public'', both to practice communicating about research and to get feedback for your final paper. More detailed information about these presentations will be provided later on. The final presentation is worth 50 points.

6. Final paper. For your final paper, you will edit those paper chunks with the feedback I have given you, and you will incorporate them into a paper, which you will turn in as your final project. Although final papers can seem intimidating, remember that you will be be working on this paper bit by bit throughout the semester. Ideally, by the end of the semester, all you need to do is copy and paste and edit. The final paper is worth 50 points.

Exam Format:
Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
Class Format:
Most weeks student will be expected to watch a lecture video before lab. The class period will be dedicated to going through specific activities related to that content and answering student questions.
Workload:
Weekly attendance and weekly pass/fail quizzes.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50376/1213
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
15 October 2020

Spring 2021  |  POL 3108H Section 001: Honors Tutorial: Thesis Preparation and Political Science Inquiry (50636)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option No Audit
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
Honors
Enrollment Requirements:
Politcal Science honors major, jr or sr
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
Mon 01:00PM - 03:30PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Open (22 of 25 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
In this course, students will improve their research skills in preparation to write their senior theses. Students will enter with a few ideas for topics about which they might like to write their theses. They will leave the class with a clear and tractable research question, a literature review that describes how this question fits in with the existing scholarly literature, and a research design that will enable them to answer the question. Along the way, they will advance their understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct political science research. Students will be graded on the basis of drafts of their annotated bibliography, literature review and research design, a class presentation of the "front half" of their senior thesis, and class participation including short weekly assignments. Students are expected to keep up with the reading and, most importantly, to begin to conduct their own independent research. prereq: Pol sci major, honors
Class Notes:
This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3108H+Spring2021
Class Description:
In this course, students will improve their research skills in preparation to write their senior theses. Students will enter with a few ideas for topics about which they might like to write their theses. They will leave the class with a clear and tractable research question, a literature review that describes how this question fits in with the existing scholarly literature, and a research design that will enable them to answer the question. Along the way, they will advance their understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct political science research. Students will be graded on the basis of drafts of their annotated bibliography, literature review and research design, a class presentation of the ?front half? of their senior thesis, and class participation including short weekly assignments. Students are expected to keep up with the reading and, most importantly, to begin to conduct their own independent research.
Textbooks:
https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50636/1213
Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
3 November 2014

Spring 2021  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (51479)

Instructor(s)
Class Component:
Lecture
Credits:
3 Credits
Grading Basis:
Student Option
Instructor Consent:
No Special Consent Required
Instruction Mode:
Completely Online
Class Attributes:
UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
Online Course
Times and Locations:
Regular Academic Session
 
01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
Off Campus
UMN REMOTE
Enrollment Status:
Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
Also Offered:
Course Catalog Description:
This course considers the nature of contemporary democracy and the role that members of the political community do, can, and should play. While approaches in teaching the class vary, students can expect to read historical and contemporary texts, see films and videos, to approach questions about the nature of democracy, justifications for democracy, and challenges faced by contemporary democracy. Topics will include such questions as the role of civil society in democratic life, deliberative democracy, as well as questions about how members of political communities can best participate in democratic life. Students will write a longer essay that allows them to demonstrate their capacities to understand and explain complex ideas and to make a theoretically compelling argument, using appropriate supporting evidence. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
Class Notes:
This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?tranv004+POL3235W+Spring2021
Class Description:

Citizenship is often assumed; it is a status one might hold by virtue of one's place of birth. But for many it signals the endpoint of a long and often difficult journey - the moment when one is formally recognized as being part of a liberal democratic nation-state. While debates about paths to citizenship are common, the concept itself tends to receive less critical scrutiny. And upon closer inspection, citizenship is far from a fixed point on the political landscape. It is merely one way to conceptualize our public relationships - what it means to be part of a community - across time and place. Rather than examine citizenship as an unchanging status that one possesses or acquires, in this course we will treat it as a site of contestation and struggle - of political movement(s). We do so not merely to gain a better understanding of the theory and practice of citizenship across the globe, but to reflect together on our own public relationships here and now.

After examining some common conceptions of citizenship in Western liberal democracies - the individual as legal rights-bearer and/or participant in the political process - we turn to efforts to (re)imagine public relationships in India during the struggle for swaraj (Independence), paying careful attention to how the (post-) colonial context shapes debates about citizenship and its alternatives. We then explore the public relationships that emerged during the American Freedom Movement, scrutinizing how race structures conceptions of citizenship and its alternatives in the United States. Finally, we look to present-day Minneapolis to think together about our own public relationships and what they require of us.
Who Should Take This Class?:
Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
Learning Objectives:
  • Identify, define, and explain competing models of citizenship in liberal democracies

  • Compare and contrast claims of political actors defending/criticizing models of citizenship

  • Critically evaluate normative arguments advanced by political actors defending/criticizing models of citizenship

  • Construct and clearly communicate a normative argument about a current event involving citizenship (broadly construed)

  • Acquire skills for effective citizenship and life-long learning

  • Grading:
  • 15%: Short paper 1

  • 20%: Short paper 2

  • 10%: Public Narrative

  • 25%: Revised and extended paper

  • 15%: In-class participation (exit tickets)

  • 15%: Out-of-class participation (reading responses)

  • Exam Format:
    No final exam
    Workload:
    approximatley 40 pages of reading per class
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51479/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 October 2020

    Spring 2021  |  POL 3251W Section 001: Power, Virtue, and Vice: Ancient and Early Modern Political Theory (51848)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Key concepts of contemporary political life such as 'democracy', 'tyranny', 'authority' - and indeed 'politics' itself - derive from ancient sources. This course offers students an opportunity to return to the foundations of this vocabulary by delving into work by such major thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and Machiavelli. Lectures and discussion shall consider the endurance of certain basic questions of political life, such as: What is justice? What is the best regime? What is the relationship between human nature and political order? Can politics be virtuous and, if so, in what way? The course will also consider the radically diverse responses to these essential questions through examination of a wide range of historical periods and the unique terms of political order each offered. Previous iterations of the course have included examination of the Classical Greek city-state system and its fragile experiments with democracy; the rise and fall of the Roman empire; the establishment of Western Christendom; the Renaissance, so-called 'discovery' of the New World, and dawn of the modern era. Students will gain a glimpse into worlds preoccupied by matters of truth, virtue and nobility, but also widely populated by slavery, imperialism, violence, and religious strife. In this way, the study of ancient theory is intended to serve as both supplement and challenge to the terms of contemporary political life.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rbnichol+POL3251W+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51848/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 3306 Section 001: Presidential Leadership and American Democracy (52353)

    Instructor(s)
    Adam L (TA)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    To most Americans - if not most human beings - the President of the United States is probably the most powerful person on the planet. This course examines how, why, and whether that is the case. What does the US President do, and why? Why is so much power entrusted to just one person? Students will critically analyze these questions and synthesize answers by evaluating the history, evolution, and current state of the "highest office in the land."
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?tpcollin+POL3306+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52353/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 3310 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- American Politics Today (66087)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    15 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (81 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topic in American politics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in an asynchronous format. There are no scheduled meeting times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL3310+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    This class will explore a series of topics in American politics, with an emphasis on applying theoretical and empirical insights and conclusions from political science to more fully understand currently debated topics in American politics. Topics will include the 2020 elections and their implications, federalism and the response to COVID-19, the power of the media, and American domestic policy. Familiarity with the topics covered in an introductory American politics course will be useful.

    Students should expect to read roughly 150 pages per week, which will include journal articles, book chapters, and articles from the press. All readings will be posted on canvas. Grades will be assigned on a letter basis. Grading will be based on essays and written responses totaling 15-20 pages (double-spaced). Students will also submit a written midterm and final examination, with study preparation guides provided beforehand.

    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66087/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 November 2020

    Spring 2021  |  POL 3310 Section 002: Topics in American Politics -- Political Parties, Representation, and Identity (66176)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    15 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (29 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topic in American politics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?proct061+POL3310+Spring2021
    Class Description:

    Are "identity politics" the new normal in American politics or has group conflict always formed the basis of democratic government? How do political parties represent diverse constituencies and demands? What is the relationship between a social movement and a political party? This seminar course will address these and other related questions, as we examine American political parties, representation, and the politics of "identity" in the United States.


    This course is designed to focus on the ways in which groups are represented in the American political party system; how inequality and marginalization are often entrenched and reinforced through political parties; and how political parties shape the mobilization of voters. We will pay particular attention to the ways in which race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, class, religion and their intersections form the basis of what has come to be called "identity politics" by many pundits and politicians. In the first part of the course, we will engage an array of work in political science and other disciplines to learn about theories of representation, political power and collective action, and the structure and function of political parties, including how rules and reforms affect representation. We will also examine groups and identities as political and analytical concepts. The primary objective for this part is to develop a basic toolkit for understanding the inter-relationship between political parties and social groups. We then, in the second part of the course, explore how scholars have applied these theoretical ideas about democracy, political parties, and representation to the empirical study of group politics in the United States. Readings will cover a variety of topics including the two-party system, interest group politics and social movements, group political behavior, partisanship, and institutionalized inequalities. The primary learning objective is to build connections between foundational concepts, political history, and contemporary politics to better understand how American political parties shape and are shaped by "identity politics," and how inequalities persist in a nation that idealizes the notion of equality.
    Learning Objectives:
    This course places special emphasis on helping students:
    1. Synthesize and evaluate competing theories about representation and political parties in the United States
    2. Gain an understanding of how political institutions shape and are shaped by the politics of identity
    3. Develop critical thinking skills through persuasive writing and the construction of arguments based on evidence
    Grading:
    1. Reading, attendance, and participation (20%)
    2. Four Short Critical response papers (20%, graded pass/fail)
    3. Discussion leader presentation (15%)
    4. Take-home midterm (20%)
    5. Final research presentation and paper (25%)
    Exam Format:
    There will be one take home mid-term and a final research paper and presentation.
    Class Format:
    Class will meet at assigned time over zoom
    Workload:
    100-150 pages per week. This course is reading intensive and requires students to come to class prepared to talk about assigned readings. In light of this required effort, a substantial portion of students' grades are from participation and attendance and short critical response papers that are graded pass/fail.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66176/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 October 2020

    Spring 2021  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (50766)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    What role does education play in American democracy? What role should it play? Does American education, particularly public education, live up to its citizens' hopes and expectations? And, perhaps most importantly, what do we mean by a "good education"? This is a question with deep historical roots in this country, one that is the subject of current policy debates and one that cannot be separated from questions of discrimination and inequality. The over-arching theme of the course is to wrestle with what it means to be an educated citizen in the context of historical struggles to achieve that vision in the face of multiple and inter-related inequalities and competing visions about how to make the American dream a reality in the field of public education. No one political perspective will be offered or favored. No magic powder will be revealed on the last day of the course. The fact is that the underlying issues are really complicated, often seemingly intractable, and very, very political. This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It will focus on K-12 education, especially in the public system. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools, private school vouchers, and standardized testing. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of public education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for their schools. This course fulfills the
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in an asynchronous format. There are no scheduled meeting times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL3319+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Students with an interest in American education, especially public education. Students interested in public policy.
    Learning Objectives:
    To develop a thorough and critical understanding of American education policy.
    Grading:
    2 exams, final paper
    Exam Format:
    short answer/essay
    Class Format:
    55% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50766/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2019

    Spring 2021  |  POL 3321 Section 001: Issues in American Public Policy (65514)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (82 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. Recent controversies over Social Security reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (?Obamacare?), and the No Child Left Behind Act and Common Core showcase the profound political and substantive impact of this topic. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars typically describe the United States as a ?laggard? where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than are corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. Is this an accurate portrayal of American social policy? Recent scholarship challenges the conventional wisdom, suggesting that the United States does not necessarily do less in terms of social policy but that it relies on an unusual set of policy tools to pursue objectives like poverty alleviation. What explains the distinctive shape of American social policy? This course investigates the impact of political culture, the relative power of various interest groups, the American constitutional system, and other factors. The second half of the course examines recent trends in American social policy, focusing on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. It examines both the historical origins of contemporary American policies and recent reform proposals. A major theme of the course is that it is impossible to understand the contemporary shape of social policy, and the positions of specific stakeholders, without understanding the long-term historical processes that have shaped, and that continue to shape, the present political terrain of preferences and actors. New generations of leaders do not have the opportunity to build social policy from scratch. Rather, they have to react to what already exists. Some reforms will seem like logical extensions of what is already in place, while existing programs might make other alternative
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL3321+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars often describe the United States as a laggard where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. How accurate is this conventional wisdom? In what ways is the American welfare state unusual? How have political culture, interest groups, government institutions, and other factors contributed to the distinctive shape of American social policy? The second half of the course applies the analytical frameworks discussed in the first half of the course to contemporary trends in American social policy. It focuses on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. In addition to examining the historical origins of existing programs in each of these policy areas, it also looks closely at the political and substantive impact of contemporary reforms like the Affordable Care Act and charter schools.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam I
    10% Social Security Reform Policy Analysis
    10% Health Care Reform Policy Analysis
    20% Midterm Exam II
    15% Education Policy Memo
    25% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75-100 pages of reading per week
    Three exams
    Three papers (2-4 double-spaced pages each)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65514/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Spring 2021  |  POL 3409 Section 001: Introduction to Authoritarian Politics (65515)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (28 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    For much of history, states were largely organized along dictatorial principles. There were the days of emperors and empresses, of kings and queens, of rulers who ruled not because they were elected by their subjects, but because they saw it as their right to reign and were shrewd enough to maintain their position in power. While it is true that monarchies have virtually disappeared from the modern political landscape, the same cannot be said about dictatorships. The purpose of this class is to examine this regime type by introducing students to the current literature on dictatorships. The core questions that will be addressed in the class are as follows: Are dictatorships qualitatively different from democracies or do regimes instead lie somewhere on a democracy-dictatorship continuum? How do dictators survive in power? In the absence of free and fair elections, how does the transfer of power occur in this political setting? In asking these questions, the goal is to go beyond the often simplistic descriptions of dictators as the all-powerful and omnipotent tyrant, the one who does as he pleases without having to fear any repercussions for his actions. Instead, we will learn that the dictator is only one among may other political elites that make up the regime and to survive, much less thrive, he must traverse the terrain of power politics with the utmost care.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jwoldens+POL3409+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65515/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 3464 Section 001: Politics Economic Inequality (51850)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Mon, Wed 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (82 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Democracy is premised on formal political equality. Yet if economic wealth can be transformed into political influence, then we have good reason to worry about the quality of democracy. In this course students engage the question of the relationship between inequality and democracy in comparative perspective. The course first explores core conceptual and normative issues: how do we measure economic inequality, and why should we care about it? We then turn to the origins of inequality and explanations of its evolution, and then consider political efforts to redress inequalities, starting with the question of why the poor do not soak the rich under democracy ? the ?Robin Hood Paradox.? We then turn to efforts to explain real-world variation in economic redistribution around the world. Finally, we explore consequences of inequality for democracy: the extent to which the rich ?win? over everyone else in terms of policy representation, and the impact of economic inequality on the long-term evolution of democracy itself.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL3464+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    Distributional issues are at the core of the study of politics. After all, democracy is premised on formal political equality. Yet if economic wealth can be transformed into political influence, then we have good reason to worry about the quality of democracy. In this course students will read, discuss and engage questions about the relationship between inequality and democracy. We will draw on examples from the US and other countries, exploring such questions as "What is the relationship between income and power in democratic societies?" "What are the political consequences of rising inequality?" and "What sorts of policies increase or decrease inequality?" The course first explores conceptual issues and normative issues: how do we measure inequality, and why should we care about it? We then turn to the origins of economic inequality and consider explanations of its evolution, and then explore political efforts to redress inequalities, starting with the question of why the poor do not vote to "soak the rich" under democracy. Given this "Robin Hood Paradox," we then turn to efforts to explain real-world variation in redistribution around the world. Next we explore important consequences of inequality for democracy: the extent to which the rich "win" over everyone else in terms of policy representation. Finally, we will debate a series of potential remedies for rising inequality in the United States.

    Readings are drawn from across the social sciences, and are chosen to highlight the key questions at stake in the study of the tension between inequality and democracy.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Anyone interested in learning how scholars measure inequality and try to understand its political origins and consequences
    Learning Objectives:
    1) Learn how social scientists measure different forms of economic inequality
    2) Understand the key elements of the debate between libertarian and egalitarian views of inequality
    3) Appreciate the sources of the long-term evolution of economic inequality around the world
    4) Gain insight into the sources of recent increase in inequality in the USA, including racial and gender inequities
    5) Understand the nature of "social welfare state" government policies by placing the USA in comparative perspective
    6) Consider the extent to which average citizens understand inequality and its effects
    7) Evaluate the impact of economic inequality on political representation
    8) Appreciate the impact of local-level distributions of power on inequalities in the Twin Cities
    Grading:
    Grades will be based on five short assignments (2 pp each), a longer research paper (10 pp) and participation in a class debate.
    Exam Format:
    There is no midterm or final in this class
    Class Format:
    Lecture, group discussion and activities
    Workload:
    Reading will *average* about 100 pages per week. Students will also frequently engage with videos and interactive websites
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51850/1213
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/dsamuels_POL3464_Spring2020.pdf (Spring 2020)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2019

    Spring 2021  |  POL 3475 Section 001: Islamist Politics (65684)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Islamic faith and its historical relationship to politics. Rise of Islamist politics in the Middle East and North Africa and south central Asia from the 1950s-80s. Failure of many Islamist revolutions. Spread/rebirth of Islam in less traditional areas of the Muslim world. Rise of global jihadists. New jihad being waged in Iraq, implications for Middle East. Possibility of synthesizing Islam and democracy.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL3475+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    Course Description: From the bloody battles of ISIS, to the Taliban in Afghanistan, to terrorism across the globe, "Islamist politics" has been at the center of political debates and US foreign policy. Particularly since 9/11, scholars and policymakers around the world have been debating the consequences of U.S. policy in the Middle East, the roots of rising Islamist movements in the 20th century, the causes of terrorism and suicide bombings, and the clash or compatibility of Islam and democracy. This class will address these issues by taking a historical and comparative political approach to the development of Islam (the religion) and Islamism (Islamic political movements) in many areas of the Muslim world. We will begin by discussing the early historical relationship between Islam and state. Then we will turn to the twentieth century, and examine the rise of Islamist politics in the Middle East and North Africa (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran) and central Asia (e.g. Pakistan, Afghanistan). We will study the successes and failures of Islamist revolutions. We will focus on the successful Islamist revolution in Iran, failed Islamist politics in Sudan. We will trace the causes of 9/11 and the subsequent US war in Afghanistan, and then the rise of ISIS in Iraq/Syria). We will study the Arab Spring and its implications for Islamic parties and democracy in that region, and the Syrian civil war. We will examine the rise of Islamist violence in Eurasia (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and the Caucasus). We will also discuss varying ideas about jihad, and the rise of global jihadists and terrorist groups, such as Al Qaeda and ISIS. We will study the implications of militancy and terrorism for establishing stability and democracy in the Muslim world. We will read both diverse Muslim and non-Muslim perspectives on these issues. Understanding these issues is critical to gaining perspective on today's complex global politics, and US foreign policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere. This course aims at increasing our knowledge and understanding, tolerance, and wisdom in dealing with these critical issues.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    The class is designed for students with an interest in policy-relevant political science-- US policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria!
    Grading:
    Grading will likely be based on class participation and several short papers. Final requirements will be printed on the syllabus in January.
    Exam Format:
    no exams; short papers will replace exams due to covid
    Class Format:
    lecture and discussion
    Workload:
    about 75 pages of reading per week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65684/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 November 2020

    Spring 2021  |  POL 3733 Section 001: From Suffragettes to Senators: Gender, Politics & Policy in the U.S. (65516)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (81 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Overview to field of gender/politics. Examine role women play in U.S. policy process. How public policies are "gendered." How policies compare to feminist thinking about related issue area. Theories of role(s) gender plays in various aspects of politics.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL3733+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    This online, synchronous seminar examines gender dynamics in several domains of the American political system, including the mass public, electoral politics, legislative politics, and the policymaking process. We explore the interaction of gender and race and challenges and opportunities for women of color. Throughout the course, we focus on gender differences that affect various aspects of the political process. We begin by analyzing differences in the ways that women and men conceptualize politics. We study gender stereotypes among the public and their influence on attitudes toward women in politics and vote choice. We ask why women are underrepresented in public office. We examine gender dynamics in electoral politics, asking what barriers women may face when running for office. We consider whether women and men advocate different policy agendas and issue positions when serving in office. We consider the representational implications of the gender differences we uncover, including substantive policy differences and non-policy benefits that are conferred to citizens when women serve in office. We analyze the institutional features of the American political process, asking how institutions and organized interests may help and hinder women pursuing power and policy.
    Grading:

    20% Class participation

    40% 2 midterm exams (20% each)

    15% 1 short paper (15%)

    25% Research paper and presentation
    Class Format:
    online only, synchronous.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65516/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 October 2020

    Spring 2021  |  POL 3810 Section 002: Topics in International Relations and Foreign Policy -- The International Relations of COVID19 (66080)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics courses delve in-depth into important issues in contemporary international politics. They aim to give students the theoretical, conceptual, and historical understanding, and/or empirical tools needed to understand the complexity of international politics today. Topics courses vary substantially from year to year as specified in the class schedule, but recent topics courses have included: 'Technology and War', International Law', 'Drones, Detention and Torture: The Laws of War', and 'The Consequences of War.'
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?fazal007+POL3810+Spring2021
    Class Description:

    This course will consider various international aspects central to the commencement, continuation, and long-term consequences of the COVID19 pandemic. We will consider questions such as:

    What limitations do the World Health Organization and other international institutions face in responding to international public health crises?

    What are the effects of the globalization of supply chains on how individual countries have responded to the pandemic?

    To what extent are existing patterns of global inequality reflected in plans for vaccine distribution?

    What, if any, lessons and practices may emerge from the pandemic that could be applied to issues such as climate change?

    In addition to lectures and synchronous meetings, one pillar of this course will be an ongoing simulation around the pandemic. Students will be assigned specific roles in specific countries or organizations. Each week, they will respond to a new set of challenges. Through lectures, discussion, written assignments, and simulation, students will take a deep dive into the international relations of COVID19.

    Learning Objectives:
    A centerpiece of this class will be an ongoing simulation around COVID19. Each week, students will be presented with a new challenge related to their country or group. They will be tasked with developing a response to this challenge. While it is unlikely that they will
    "solve" these problems - which will mirror those in the real world - they will gain an understanding of identifying and defining the contours of the problems, and will also develop critical skills in weighing possible solutions.

    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66080/1213

    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 January 2021

    Spring 2021  |  POL 3810 Section 003: Topics in International Relations and Foreign Policy -- Chinese Foreign Policy (67213)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics courses delve in-depth into important issues in contemporary international politics. They aim to give students the theoretical, conceptual, and historical understanding, and/or empirical tools needed to understand the complexity of international politics today. Topics courses vary substantially from year to year as specified in the class schedule, but recent topics courses have included: 'Technology and War', International Law', 'Drones, Detention and Torture: The Laws of War', and 'The Consequences of War.'
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3810+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    CHINESE FOREIGN POLICY

    China - with its nuclear arsenal, UN Security Council veto, and the world's second largest economy - has upended the post-World War 2 international order. While a critical participant in global economic and financial exchange, Beijing has resisted political liberalization. While proclaiming a "peaceful rise," since 2010, China's foreign and security policies have increasingly antagonized its neighbors.

    How does the Chinese Communist Party understand its country's place in the world? What drives Beijing's relations with other states? Does China pose a threat to its neighbors, and how should they respond?

    Through this course, learners will identify the determinants of Chinese foreign policy, draw upon historical and contemporary evidence to evaluate Beijing's current strategy, and articulate their own policy positions to managing China's future relations with the world.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Anyone interested in contemporary China and Asia, grand strategy, and foreign policy. Majors, juniors, seniors.
    Learning Objectives:
    1. Develop baseline historical knowledge of Chinese foreign policy to situate your analysis of contemporary challenges;

    2. Master a flexible "toolkit" allowing you to analyze any Chinese foreign policy from multiple perspectives; and

    3. Foster informed positions about what China's foreign policies should be, and how Asia and the U.S. should respond.
    Class Format:
    Online synchronous.
    Workload:
    Class participation, two simulations, four papers (~3-4 pages each)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67213/1213
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/kuo00039_POL3810_Spring2021.docx
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 January 2021

    Spring 2021  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (49033)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ccreamer+POL3835+Spring2021
    Class Description:

    Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism, liberalism, institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, post-colonial theory, and neo-Marxism. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events and developments in the past decade or so. Specific topics covered include: the ascendance of China; new technologies and national security; the future of the human rights movement and backlash against global governance; trade wars, weaponized interdependence, and pandemic politics.

    Learning Objectives:

    This course places special emphasis on helping you - as a global citizen - learn to:

    • synthesize and evaluate existing theoretical approaches within international relations

    • identify their strengths and weaknesses

    • construct an argument for why we observe particular outcomes in world politics
    Grading:
    • MINI-ANALYTICAL PAPERS: 20% (two, each worth 10 points)
    • ONLINE COMPREHENSION QUIZZES: 20%
    • IR SIMULATION: 20%
    • FINAL SIMULATION PROJECT: 20%
    • ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION: 20%
    Exam Format:
    Weekly, online comprehension quizzes
    Class Format:
    • Asynchronous lectures followed by online comprehension quizzes
    • Synchronous discussion sessions on Zoom during scheduled course time (once per week)
    • Asynchronous discussion activities
    • Asynchronous simulation participation
    Workload:

    · 45-80 Pages Reading Per Week

    · Weekly Quizzes

    · Weekly Discussion sessions

    · 2 Take-Home Papers

    · Simulation participation during last three weeks

    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49033/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2020

    Spring 2021  |  POL 3994 Section 001: Directed Research: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program (50952)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (27 of 20 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Students accepted into the Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, students will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers. Students are chosen through a highly competitive online application the semester prior to registration. Students should check with Political Science advising for details about the application process. This course is only open to Political Science majors.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50952/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4315W Section 001: State Governments: Laboratories of Democracy (51852)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Meets With:
    POL 5315 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (53 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    State governments are rarely at the forefront of the minds of the American public, but in recent years they have made critical decisions about issues like education, health care, climate change, and same-sex marriage. State governments perform a host of vital services, and they regulate and tax a wide array of business activities. Moreover, the states have adopted a very wide range of approaches in addressing these and other policy issues. This course examines the institutional and political changes that sparked the recent "resurgence of the states," and it investigates why state policies differ so dramatically from one another. In addition to playing a central and increasingly important role in the U.S. political system, the American states provide an unusually advantageous venue in which to conduct research about political behavior and policymaking. They are broadly similar in many ways, but they also offer significant variation across a range of social, political, economic, and institutional characteristics that are central to theories about politics. As a result, it becomes possible for scholars to evaluate hypotheses about cause-and-effect relationships in a valid way. This course pursues two related objectives. Its first goal is to give students a better understanding of American state governments' substantive significance. Its second goal is to use the states as an analytical venue in which students can hone their research and writing skills. Students will design and complete an original research paper on an aspect of state politics of their choosing. They will develop a research question, gather and critically evaluate appropriate and relevant evidence, and discuss the implications of their research. prereq: 1001 or equiv, non-pol sci grad major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL4315W+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    State governments have been incredibly active in recent years, making critical decisions about such diverse issues as climate change, same-sex marriage, health care, and immigration. This course examines the institutional and political changes that sparked this resurgence of the states and help explain why state policies in these and other areas differ so dramatically.
    Grading:
    10% Homework Assignments
    10% First Writing Assignment
    20% Midterm Exam
    10% Second Writing Assignment
    25% Final Research Paper
    25% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    10% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-75 pages of reading per week; the three writing assignments use "scaffolding" and culminate in a 15-page original research paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51852/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    12 November 2019

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4474W Section 001: Russian Politics: From Soviet Empire to Post-Soviet State (51892)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-108
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Twenty five years ago, Russia appeared to be democratizing and was even on friendly relations with the US and NATO. Now Vladimir Putin runs the state with the FSB (KGB), and US-Russian relations are at their worst point since the 1970s. This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics. It begins with the Russian Revolution of 1917, and continues with a study of the creation of the USSR and Soviet rule under Lenin, Stalin, and later decades. We look in depth at the economic and political system set up by the Communist Party, and at the causes of its collapse in 1991, which has had profound legacies for the post-Soviet development of Russia. Then in the second half of the course we turn to themes of political, economic, social and civic development under Yeltsin and Putin. We will pose the following questions: Why does democratization begin and why does it fail? How is economic reform undermined? What type of state and regime is Russia now? What caused the Chechen wars and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus during this period? Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Are US-Russian relations improving as a result of Obama's "Reset," or are we now in an era of a new Cold War? What is Russia's goal in Syria, Iran, or Central Asia? Is Putin rebuilding Russia, or driving it to disaster, and how will this impact the West?
    Class Notes:
    This class will be offered in-person and will meet on campus at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL4474W+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    Thirty years ago, Russia appeared to be democratizing and was even on friendly relations with the US and NATO. Now Vladimir Putin runs the state with the FSB (ex-KGB), and US-Russian relations are at their worst point since the 1970s. This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics. It begins with an overview of Communism, Stalin's use of the KGB, and mass repression, and key moments in the USSR's Cold War foreign policy, which have a legacy for today. We study the Communist economic and political system, and why it collapsed in 1991. We examine Russian foreign policy under Putin: Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Did US-Russian relations improve under Yeltsin, or as a result of Obama's "Reset"? Are we now in a new Cold War? Why and how is Russia attempting to destabilize Western elections? What will be the consequence of US elections in 2020 for US-Russian relations?
    What is Russia's goal in Ukraine, Belarus, Syria, and Central Asia? Is it recreating the USSR? We study Russia's failed democratization and how corruption has undermined economic reform. We study the Russian military and the Chechen wars, and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus, leading to Islamist radicalization and fighters joining ISIS. Finally, we ask whether Putin is successfully rebuilding Russia, or driving it to disaster.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Students in any college with an interest in Russia!; Students interested in US policy debates
    Grading:
    This is a writing class (W). Grading is primarily based on papers (a research paper and several short papers).
    Exam Format:
    no in class exams
    Class Format:
    lecture with discussion, especially debates about foreign policy issues related to Russia and the USSR.
    Workload:
    approximately 75-100 pages of reading a week; approximately 20 pages of writing (W class); no exams; take-home papers in place of exams
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51892/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 November 2020

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4481 Section 001: Comparative Political Economy: Governments and Markets (65518)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Partially Online
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-104
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    UMTC, West Bank
    UMN ONLINE-HYB
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (56 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course analyzes the compatibility of democracy and markets - whether democratic institutions undermine (enhance) the workings of market institutions and vice versa. Competing theoretical perspectives in political economy are critically evaluated. And the experiences of countries with different forms of democratic market systems are studied. Among the topics singled out for in-depth investigation are the economics of voting, producer group politics, the politics of monetary and fiscal policy, political business cycles, and trade politics.
    Class Notes:
    This class will have a hybrid modality with some in person components. Please contact the instructor for more information. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL4481+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    This course addresses the question of whether democracy and markets are compatible, whether democratic institutions enhance (undermine) the workings of market institutions and vice versa. Competing theoretical perspectives in the field of political economy are critically evaluated. And the experiences of countries with different forms of democratic market system are studied. Among the topics singled out for in-depth investigation are the economics of voting, politics of money management, political business cycles,and the politics of trade.
    Exam Format:
    3 exams (two mid term exams and a final)
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65518/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2017

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4492 Section 001: Law and (In)Justice in Latin America (65519)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Meets With:
    POL 5492 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How law and justice function in contemporary Latin America. Similarities/differences within/between countries and issue areas. Causes behind varied outcomes. Effectiveness of different reform efforts. Transitional justice, judicial review, judicial independence, access to justice, criminal justice (police, courts, and prisons), corruption, non-state alternatives. Issues of class, race/ethnicity, and gender.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4492+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    Although democracy is the dominant form of government in Latin America today, most Latin American countries still suffer from a weak rule of law. Across the region, free and fair elections are held on a regular basis and few formal barriers to participation exist, but most countries are still a long way from offering full citizenship rights for all. Even in some of the largest and most economically developed cases, governments are often ineffective at providing basic rights protection, and state officials can abuse their power with impunity. Legal and judicial institutions are often partisan, corrupt, and/or inaccessible, leaving average citizens with no real recourse when their rights are violated. This course will examine, from various angles, how law and justice function in contemporary Latin America, highlighting similarities and differences within and between countries and issue areas. Students will reflect on and debate the causes behind the varied outcomes, as well as the effectiveness, actual and potential, of the different reform efforts that have been underway in the region since the 1980s. Specific topics to be addressed are transitional justice, judicial review, judicial independence, access to justice, criminal justice (including police, courts, and prisons), corruption, and non-state alternatives. Special attention will be paid to issues of race/ethnicity, class, and gender, as well as to what general lessons, if any, can be drawn from analyses of Latin American cases.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    35% Reports/Papers
    10% In-class Presentations
    15% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    15% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65519/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 October 2012

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4497 Section 001: Patronage & Corruption (51489)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (52 of 55 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course examines dysfunction within the state apparatus -- in the specific forms of patronage, corruption, and clientalism -- and asks why such dysfunction persists and what factors drive it to change. The first half of the course will be primarily devoted to patronage. It will examine the functioning of the patronage mechanism; ask when and why patronage is abandoned in favor of meritocracy; and will assess the relationship between merit reforms and changes in the quality of governance. The second half of the course will be devoted to corruption. Specific topics to be covered will include: an examination of different forms of corruption, both at the level of political leaders and of bureaucratic officials; the relationship between corruption, democracy, transparency and accountability; governments' manipulation of corruption to provide incentives to bureaucratic and party officials; and different means of combating corruption. The course will conclude with an examination of the relationship between patronage, corruption, clientalism and party politics, with a particular focus on the mechanisms that cause the correlation between these different forms of mis-governance.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL4497+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    This course examines dysfunction within the state apparatus -- in the specific forms of patronage, corruption, and clientelism -- and asks why such dysfunction persists and what factors drive it to change. The first half of the course will be primarily devoted to patronage. It will examine the functioning of the patronage mechanism; ask when and why patronage is abandoned in favor of meritocracy; and will assess the relationship between merit reforms and changes in the quality of governance. The second half of the course will be devoted to corruption. Specific topics to be covered will include: an examination of different forms of corruption, both at the level of political leaders and of bureaucratic officials; the relationship between corruption, democracy, transparency and accountability; governments' manipulation of corruption to provide incentives to bureaucratic and party officials; and different means of combating corruption. The course will conclude with an examination of the relationship between patronage, corruption, clientelism and party politics, with a particular focus on the mechanisms that cause the correlation between these different forms of mis-governance. Assignments consist of response papers to a given week's reading (4 papers, 2-3 pages each) and a 10-15 page final paper. Grading is based on these assignments and classroom participation.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51489/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 November 2014

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4502W Section 001: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights (48552)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (59 of 60 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Supreme Court's interpretation of Bill of Rights, 14th amendment. Freedom of speech, press, religion; crime/punishment; segregation/desegregation, affirmative action; abortion/privacy.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in an asynchronous format. There are no scheduled meeting times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4502W+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    This course deals with civil liberties in the United States and how the United States Supreme Court decides which rights and liberties get which protections, at which times. Specifically, our focus will be on the First Amendment, and the Right to Privacy. Special emphasis will be placed on how the Supreme Court defines, establishes, and protects these liberties through its interpretation of the Constitution.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Exam -- Hypothetical Questions
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    60% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    40-50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    5 Paper(s)
    25 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48552/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 October 2012

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4737W Section 001: American Political Parties (65520)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Partially Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 270
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    UMTC, West Bank
    UMN ONLINE-HYB
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (38 of 40 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course focuses on U.S. political parties. We will cover the following themes this term: (1) what parties are and what they do; (2) party factions and coalitions; (3) social and issue cleavages; (4) how Democratic and Republicans view the world; (5) elite and mass polarization; and (6) the future of the Democratic and Republican parties. By the end of the semester you'll have a broad and deep understanding of the key role parties play in American politics, where they have been, and where they are going. Successful completion of the course will satisfy the Liberal Education Writing Intensive requirement. prereq: 1001 or equiv or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    This class will have a hybrid modality with some in-person components. Please contact the instructor for more information. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?pgoren+POL4737W+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    Political parties are the lifeblood of American politics. This course will examine the role parties play in the U.S. political system. Specifically, we will examine: (1) why political parties exist; (2) what the parties stand for and who they represent; (3) what role parties play in campaigns and elections; (4) partisan identification; and (5) partisan polarization. We will also examine parties during the Obama and Trump elections and presidencies.
    Grading:
    This is a writing intensive course, which means that students will complete approximately 25 pages of original writing over the term. In addition, there will be several quizzes and 3-4 exams.
    Exam Format:
    Open book exams
    Class Format:
    A combination of lecture, discussion, and video presentations.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65520/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    16 October 2020

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4885W Section 001: International Conflict and Security (65521)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (48 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? How can states cope with the threat posed by would-be terrorists? What is counterinsurgency doctrine? What is the future of military force in global politics? This course addresses these questions - and others. The course is organized loosely into three sections or themes. The first section explores the causes and consequences of interstate war and peace. We will examine whether and how the international system, domestic institutions and politics, ideas and culture, and even human psychology shape the path to war. Along the way, we debate whether war has become obsolete and why great power rivalry might be raising its ugly head once again. Attention is also devoted to the impact of war on economy and politics as well as the relations between armed forces and civilian government. The second section of the class explores the possibilities, limits, and challenges of more limited uses of force - such as the threat of force (coercion), peacekeeping and humanitarian intervention, and terrorism and counterterrorism. A third theme explores the strategic and ethical implications of the use of force and especially of innovation in military technologies - nuclear weapons, cyber, drones. The course is organized around theoretical arguments, historical cases and data, and policy debates. Sessions are deeply interactive, engaged discussion is a must, and the class often divides into smaller groups for more intensive debate. Class time is also devoted to helping students craft an effective final research paper.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL4885W+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    With the end of the Cold War, many foresaw the birth of a new world order. Military strategy, strategic bombing and coercive diplomacy, deterrence and compellence, signaling and the escalatory ladder--these concepts, staples of Cold War thinking, were believed to be outmoded and to have little relevance to the emerging world. The events of the past two decades have shown how wrong this conclusion was. Military force is as pertinent to international politics as ever. Unable to reap the peace dividend that was expected to accompany the end of the Cold War, the United States has since 1989 repeatedly deployed its military forces across the globe--from Kuwait to Somalia to Bosnia and Kosovo to Afghanistan and Iraq. These operations have sometimes ended in apparent success, other times in failure. This course explores central issues regarding the use of military force in international politics. Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? Under what conditions is the use of force ethical, and when does it exceed those bounds? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? What is the future of military force in global politics? Through theoretical readings, concrete historical cases, and contemporary policy debates, this course examines these questions and others.
    Exam Format:
    No exam. Occasional online quizzes. Final research paper, completed in multiple stages. Weekly reading questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    ~75 pages of reading per week; 15-20 pages of writing per term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65521/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 February 2020

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4887 Section 001: Thinking Strategically in International Politics (65522)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (39 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The purpose of this class is threefold: First, to introduce students to the use and value of formal models of strategic interaction (game theoretic models) in international relations. Second, to impart some basic tools of such modeling to students. And third, to examine the contribution of theoretical models to substantive areas in international relations. In keeping with these three goals, the course is divided into three sections. The first two weeks will devoted to such questions as: What is a theoretical model? What are rational choice and game theory? How are game theoretic models employed in international relations and what have been seminal contributions to the literature? The next portion of the class will introduce students to the basic tools employed in game theoretic analysis. The readings will illustrate the use of the tools introduced in class. And five problem sets will be administered, requiring students to make use of these tools. The final portion of the class will examine substantive questions in international relations through the lens of game theory. The topics to be presented include: Domestic Politics and War, International Agreements and Treaties, International Finance and Trade, Conditionality, Terrorism, and Human Rights.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL4887+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    This course surveys current theories of international relations, and introduces students to elementary game theory. Major topics include the causes of war, the conditions for international cooperation, and the role of international institutions. By the end of the semester, students will be expected to: 1. Understand the relevant international relations literature; 2. Understand simple game-theortic techniques; 3. Critically analyze theories of international politics; and 4. Understand the general scientific method of theory building and empirical testing. Possible textbooks: Kenneth N. Waltz. 1954. Man, the State, and War; Waltz, Kenneth N. Theory of International Politics; Bruce Bueno de Mesquita, 2000. Principles of International Politics.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam
    10% Class Participation
    20% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: homework
    Exam Format:
    Multiple choice, essay, and short answer are all possible.
    Class Format:
    Lectures and discussions after each homework is graded.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    5 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 3 game theory homework assignments
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65522/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4991 Section 001: Political Science Capstone (51498)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Political Science senior
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Tue 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (59 of 90 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4991+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51498/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4991 Section 002: Political Science Capstone (51855)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (31 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4991+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51855/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4991 Section 003: Political Science Capstone (51854)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (28 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4991+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51854/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4991 Section 005: Political Science Capstone (65536)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Political Science senior
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Mon 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (46 of 90 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL4991+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    This is a required course for completion of the Political Science major. The purpose of this capstone course is to provide a common, meaningful, and practical culminating experience for soon-to-be graduating seniors in Political Science. In this course, students will reflect on, articulate, share, and build upon their highly-individualized experiences in the major so that they finish the major with a more complete and synthetic understanding of what they have learned, what their undergraduate work prepares them for, and what questions, old or new, they can and should keep asking, reformulating, and seeking answers for after graduation. In addition, the course is designed to reinforce the fundamental skills associated with evidence-based reasoning and argumentation. These include the location, evaluation, and presentation of different sources of evidence as well as employment of different forms of analysis.

    The course is organized around the theme of ‘Democracy under Threat'. This theme stems from the widespread consensus among scholars and observers of democracy that democracy is on the decline around the world. The most recent Freedom House report documents the 14th successive year of decline in global freedom. The most notable aspect of the current phase of democratic decline is that it is affecting the more advanced and established democracies of the world including those in the West. Over the course of this semester, we will be addressing some of the major challenges confronting democracy across the world and will accord special attention to recent developments in the United States. We will approach these challenges from a comparative perspective engaging evidence, accounts, and arguments from across the world.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    All graduating seniors majoring in Political Science.
    Learning Objectives:
    This course will provide you with an opportunity to: a) reflect on what you have learned as a Political Science major; b) demonstrate your knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and, c) think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights acquired in your major experience can be used and applied outside of the university. The main goal of the course is to guide you through the process of preparing your capstone portfolio by providing structure, feedback, and encouragement. Along the way, we will emphasize the relationship between political science perspectives, critical thinking, effective communication, and meaningful civic engagement.
    Exam Format:
    No exams.
    Class Format:
    We will meet twice every week - on Tuesdays for lectures and Thursdays for discussion sections. The class time during lectures will be apportioned between lectures (50 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (15 percent).
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65536/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 December 2020

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4991 Section 006: Political Science Capstone (65537)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 005
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (23 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL4991+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    This is a required course for completion of the Political Science major. The purpose of this capstone course is to provide a common, meaningful, and practical culminating experience for soon-to-be graduating seniors in Political Science. In this course, students will reflect on, articulate, share, and build upon their highly-individualized experiences in the major so that they finish the major with a more complete and synthetic understanding of what they have learned, what their undergraduate work prepares them for, and what questions, old or new, they can and should keep asking, reformulating, and seeking answers for after graduation. In addition, the course is designed to reinforce the fundamental skills associated with evidence-based reasoning and argumentation. These include the location, evaluation, and presentation of different sources of evidence as well as employment of different forms of analysis.

    The course is organized around the theme of ‘Democracy under Threat'. This theme stems from the widespread consensus among scholars and observers of democracy that democracy is on the decline around the world. The most recent Freedom House report documents the 14th successive year of decline in global freedom. The most notable aspect of the current phase of democratic decline is that it is affecting the more advanced and established democracies of the world including those in the West. Over the course of this semester, we will be addressing some of the major challenges confronting democracy across the world and will accord special attention to recent developments in the United States. We will approach these challenges from a comparative perspective engaging evidence, accounts, and arguments from across the world.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    All graduating seniors majoring in Political Science.
    Learning Objectives:
    This course will provide you with an opportunity to: a) reflect on what you have learned as a Political Science major; b) demonstrate your knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and, c) think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights acquired in your major experience can be used and applied outside of the university. The main goal of the course is to guide you through the process of preparing your capstone portfolio by providing structure, feedback, and encouragement. Along the way, we will emphasize the relationship between political science perspectives, critical thinking, effective communication, and meaningful civic engagement.
    Exam Format:
    No exams.
    Class Format:
    We will meet twice every week - on Tuesdays for lectures and Thursdays for discussion sections. The class time during lectures will be apportioned between lectures (50 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (15 percent).
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65537/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 December 2020

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4991 Section 007: Political Science Capstone (65538)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 005
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (23 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL4991+Spring2021
    Class Description:
    This is a required course for completion of the Political Science major. The purpose of this capstone course is to provide a common, meaningful, and practical culminating experience for soon-to-be graduating seniors in Political Science. In this course, students will reflect on, articulate, share, and build upon their highly-individualized experiences in the major so that they finish the major with a more complete and synthetic understanding of what they have learned, what their undergraduate work prepares them for, and what questions, old or new, they can and should keep asking, reformulating, and seeking answers for after graduation. In addition, the course is designed to reinforce the fundamental skills associated with evidence-based reasoning and argumentation. These include the location, evaluation, and presentation of different sources of evidence as well as employment of different forms of analysis.

    The course is organized around the theme of ‘Democracy under Threat'. This theme stems from the widespread consensus among scholars and observers of democracy that democracy is on the decline around the world. The most recent Freedom House report documents the 14th successive year of decline in global freedom. The most notable aspect of the current phase of democratic decline is that it is affecting the more advanced and established democracies of the world including those in the West. Over the course of this semester, we will be addressing some of the major challenges confronting democracy across the world and will accord special attention to recent developments in the United States. We will approach these challenges from a comparative perspective engaging evidence, accounts, and arguments from across the world.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    All graduating seniors majoring in Political Science.
    Learning Objectives:
    This course will provide you with an opportunity to: a) reflect on what you have learned as a Political Science major; b) demonstrate your knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and, c) think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights acquired in your major experience can be used and applied outside of the university. The main goal of the course is to guide you through the process of preparing your capstone portfolio by providing structure, feedback, and encouragement. Along the way, we will emphasize the relationship between political science perspectives, critical thinking, effective communication, and meaningful civic engagement.
    Exam Format:
    No exams.
    Class Format:
    We will meet twice every week - on Tuesdays for lectures and Thursdays for discussion sections. The class time during lectures will be apportioned between lectures (50 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (15 percent).
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65538/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 December 2020

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4993 Section 001: Honors Thesis: Directed Studies (49328)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    12 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol 3108H, political science major, honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (14 of 20 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49328/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 4994 Section 001: Directed Research: Individual (49124)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (8 of 20 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49124/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 5315 Section 001: State Governments: Laboratories of Democracy (68748)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Graduate Student
    Meets With:
    POL 4315W Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (2 of 2 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    State governments are rarely at the forefront of the minds of the American public, but in recent years they have made critical decisions about issues like education, health care, climate change, and same-sex marriage. State governments perform a host of vital services, and they regulate and tax a wide array of business activities. Moreover, the states have adopted a very wide range of approaches in addressing these and other policy issues. This course examines the institutional and political changes that sparked the recent "resurgence of the states," and it investigates why state policies differ so dramatically from one another. In addition to playing a central and increasingly important role in the U.S. political system, the American states provide an unusually advantageous venue in which to conduct research about political behavior and policymaking. They are broadly similar in many ways, but they also offer significant variation across a range of social, political, economic, and institutional characteristics that are central to theories about politics. As a result, it becomes possible for scholars to evaluate hypotheses about cause-and-effect relationships in a valid way. This course pursues two related objectives. Its first goal is to give students a better understanding of American state governments' substantive significance. Its second goal is to use the states as an analytical venue in which students can hone their research and writing skills. Students will design and complete an original research paper on an aspect of state politics of their choosing. They will develop a research question, gather and critically evaluate appropriate and relevant evidence, and discuss the implications of their research. prereq: grad student or instr consent
    Class Description:
    This course examines the recent revitalization of political institutions in the American states and the implications of this resurgence for the making of public policy. State governments regulate and tax a wide range of business activities and perform a host of vital services. Even though state governments affect our lives every day, however, they are rarely at the forefront of the minds of the American public. The goals of this course are to introduce you to these important arenas of government and to examine the Minnesota political system in a comparative perspective.
    Grading:
    Other Grading Information: First midterm (30%) Second midterm (30%) Final exam (40%)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68748/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2011

    Spring 2021  |  POL 5492 Section 001: Law and (In)Justice in Latin America (68586)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Meets With:
    POL 4492 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (2 of 3 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How law and justice function in contemporary Latin America. Similarities/differences within/between countries and issue areas. Causes behind varied outcomes. Effectiveness of different reform efforts. Transitional justice, judicial review, judicial independence, access to justice, criminal justice (police, courts, and prisons), corruption, non-state alternatives. Issues of class, race/ethnicity, and gender.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68586/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (65631)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    8 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 15 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65631/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8104 Section 001: Professional Development I (50903)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    First Half of Term
     
    01/19/2021 - 03/08/2021
    Mon 09:05AM - 11:00AM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (10 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The objectives of this course are as follows: (1) to provide students with professional advice that will help them move with dispatch through the graduate program; (2) to learn the formal and informal norms of the discipline; and (3) to help them prepare to do independent research and dissertation research. prereq: 1st year Pol graduate student
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50903/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8107 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science II (50590)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Tue 10:00AM - 12:20PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Multiple linear regression model applied to political science data. How to use regression techniques to analyze data, interpret statistical results, and summarize/report the findings. Estimation of model. Underlying assumptions. Inference. Model diagnostics. Extensions of model. prereq: Political science grad major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50590/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8120 Section 001: Core Course in Political Methodology: Modeling Political Processes (65524)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major or Pol Psy minor
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Wed 09:00AM - 10:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Methods used and potential for creating models of political processes. Designing political institutions, discerning/forecasting election outcomes, producing early warnings of international conflicts, increasing turnout in elections. Using mathematics to study political strategy and collective decision making in committees/legislatures. Using statistics to measure political variables, design experiments with human subjects, and test micro/macro political theories. prereq: Pol sci grad major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    This course will meet in a hybrid format with some in-person components. Contact the instructor for more information.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65524/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8160 Section 002: Topics in Models and Methods -- Mechanism Design (65532)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    12 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Fri 11:00AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    ITV course. Mechanism Design. Professor Robert Carroll of the University of Illinois.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65532/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8251 Section 001: Ancient and Medieval Political Thought (65533)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Tue 03:35PM - 05:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics and ethics in Greece, Rome, Christendom: Thucydides, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Marsilius. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    This course will be held exclusively online until the pandemic conditions change such that it is safe to meet in person.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65533/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8260 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- The Politics of Solidarity (65540)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in special topics or problems.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65540/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8308 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology II (48553)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major or Pol Psy minor
    Meets With:
    PSY 8212 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (2 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    This course will be held exclusively online until the pandemic conditions change such that it is safe to meet in person.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48553/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8311 Section 001: Political Psychology and Socialization (65541)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major or Pol Psy minor
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (10 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to political psychology. Personality and politics; political cognition, emotion, and political behavior; political expertise; media and politics; aggression, authoritarianism, and political behavior; altruism and politics. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65541/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8360 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- The Supreme Court (65542)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    9 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Political Science grad student
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Thu 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (2 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in special topics or problems. prereq: instr consent
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65542/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8402 Section 001: International Security (65544)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Mon 02:00PM - 03:55PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (11 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to contending theories of international conflict/security. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65544/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (49166)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    10 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Advanced Doctoral Student
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (25 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49166/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8460 Section 001: Topics in International Relations -- Advanced International Relations Theory (65545)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in advanced topics or problems. Recent topics: global environmental issues, morality in world politics, and norms and institutions in world politics.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65545/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8621 Section 001: Comparative and Case Study Methods (51481)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Thu 03:35PM - 05:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-103
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Thu 03:35PM - 05:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    UMN ONLINE-HYB
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (12 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course will provide students with a basic introduction to methodological debates surrounding comparative and case study methods in political science. Although the course is designed primarily with an eye to the needs of students in comparative politics, this course will also be useful to students in other subfields who wish to learn more about comparative and/or case study methods. This course is primarily for students in their 2nd year and beyond in the Political Science PhD program.
    Class Notes:
    This course will be held exclusively online until the pandemic conditions change such that it is safe to meet in person.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51481/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Political Violence (65547)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    9 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    Fri 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (4 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    The focus of this graduate seminar is on a range of issues and debates relating to intra-state violent conflicts. We will examine the fast-growing theoretical and empirical literature on various manifestations of political violence, including insurgencies, civil wars, genocide, riots and terrorism. The readings are selected with a view to cover a diverse set of methodological approaches to studying political violence. Our discussion on political violence will be structured around the following themes: a) causes; b) participation and organization; c) patterns of violence; d) consequences; e) prevention and termination; and, f) post-conflict trajectory.
    Grading:
    1. Class participation: 30%
    2. Two reviews: 25%
    3. One Op-Ed 10%
    4. Final research paper: 35%
    b. Research paper proposal: 10%
    a. Final paper: 25%
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65547/1213
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 June 2016

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (49190)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    12 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Doctoral Student
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49190/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (49241)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    100 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Political Science PhD, Doct or ETCR
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (17 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49241/1213

    Spring 2021  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (48596)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2021 - 05/03/2021
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (2 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48596/1213

    Fall 2020  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (14872)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (136 of 149 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. The course is designed to help students understand what liberal education is by engaging in the study of American politics as a fundamentally critical and creative enterprise, and by grappling with the most complex and challenging problems of political life, such as the sources of political equality and inequality, and the tension between individual aspirations and political control. Questions of power and choice, opportunity and discrimination, freedom and restrictions on freedom are fundamental to the historical development of and current controversies within the American political system, and we will attend to all of these. We will explore topics including the ideas underlying the nation's founding and its constitutional foundations; civil rights and civil liberties; the role of the United States in an increasingly globalized world; the structure and function of American political institutions; and the behavior of American citizens in the political process. In addition, we will learn to think and communicate like political scientists. We will read primary documents, such as the Federalist papers, engage with scholarly arguments about the way the American political system works, and critically evaluate critiques of the American political system that have been offered from a variety of perspectives. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them. Students will be able to identify, define, and solve problems and to locate and critically evaluate information. Students will have mastered a body of knowledge and a mod
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL1001+Fall2020 This course is completely online in an asynchronous format. There are no scheduled meeting times.
    Class Description:
    This course views American government and contemporary political issues -- COVID-19 or climate change for example -- as fundamentally a series of collective action problems. Students will be introduced to the constitutional design of the American political system; the institutions that constitute American government; and the role of public opinion, political parties, and campaigns and elections. Contemporary political science research will supplement textbook readings and inform subsequent small group discussions and assignments. A short term paper will use the logic of collective action to grapple with a pressing contemporary policy issue.

    NOTE: The most current edition of the textbook is assigned, but the prior (eighth) edition is available economically online and will also work.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This class is designed primarily as an introduction to American politics (covering both the nation's original design and contemporary issues in politics) for students with little previous exposure who want a better, broader understanding of the American political system and Political Science majors (or potential majors) interested in the department's upper-level course offerings.
    Learning Objectives:
    Students will leave the class having mastered basic knowledge of the American political system; a better understanding of some contemporary issues in American politics; and exposure to how political science attempts to identity, define, and solve problems of importance. Students will be asked to demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate policy and political arguments using the course material.
    Grading:
    Grades will be based on "attendance" (10%), thoughtful participation and engagement (20%), short quizzes on the lectures and readings (20%), and two short (4-6 page) written assignments (25% each).
    Exam Format:
    Quizzes will be multiple choice or short answer made available online through Canvas.
    Class Format:
    This class is designed to be taken asynchronously and lectures will be recorded for anytime viewing. Some class time may be viewed live but attendance is entirely voluntary. Some group work may necessitate scheduled Zoom sessions with the group and instructor. Some participation will include written discussion between students on Canvas.
    Workload:
    Students will be expected to view recorded lectures and complete assigned readings as due, participate in some small-group discussions, and complete short (5-10 question) semiweekly quizzes. Two short (4-6 page) written assignments are required.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14872/1209
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2018.docx (Fall 2018)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2017.docx (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 May 2020

    Fall 2020  |  POL 1019 Section 001: Indigenous Peoples in Global Perspective (34329)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Meets With:
    AMIN 1002 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (15 of 15 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Colonial experiences of selected indigenous peoples in Americas, Euroasia, Pacific Rim.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Colonial experiences of selected indigenous peoples in Americas, Euroasia, Pacific Rim.......
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34329/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    16 July 2020

    Fall 2020  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (13704)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Global politics is complex, fast-paced, and often confusing. Seeking to reveal the deeper processes at work in the international system, this introductory course explores both the enduring challenges of international politics as well as more recent transformative trends? What has changed and what has stayed the same. It introduces theoretical traditions, but the course's focus is on making sense of real-world problems, both today and in the past. Why and when do states go to war and use military force? Why do they sign international agreements and treaties, on matters from arms control to investment? What effect does international trade have on the distribution of global wealth, and why do barriers to trade arise? Why has human rights emerged as a central problem in world politics? Why has our world become an increasingly legalized and regulated space? And what difference does it make? What good are nuclear weapons? Why do some turn to terrorism to advance their political agenda? Does foreign aid make the world a better place? How can we reduce global inequality? What are the prospects for international cooperation to address climate change? These are among the pressing real-world questions that this course in Global Politics will address? And that it will give you the tools to answer, though particular instructors will naturally choose to emphasize different topics and questions. But the course will also highlight how our answers to these questions are changing along with the deep power structures of global politics-as US dominance wanes and others, most notably China, rise; as core ideas and discourses underpinning the international system, such as sovereignty, come under assault; and as institutions, such as those governing international law, thicken. Global Politics is an essential guide to our increasingly globalized world.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?fazal007+POL1025+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:

    This course provides an introduction to the study of international relations. We will cover several approaches to and issues in the field, including the causes of war and peace, nuclear proliferation, trade, finance, globalization, international law, the environment, and terrorism. We will discuss several cases, such as the 2003 Iraq War and the 2008 financial crisis, throughout the semester. We will also discuss current events in international relations.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    There are no prerequisites for this course. This course is meant as an introduction to international relations, and is thus suitable for any student interested in gaining an entry-level understanding and overview of this topic.
    Learning Objectives:
    By the end of the semester, students should have gained an understanding of:
    - The role of the state in international politics
    - Basic theories of international relations and their application to questions of conflict and cooperation
    - The challenges of international bargaining and diplomacy
    - Ongoing issues in international relations
    Grading:

    Course grades will be based on:


    One ~1000 word paper analyzing an in-class exercise (10%)

    Statecraft* quizzes and memos (10%)

    One in-class mid-term examination (20%)

    One ~1500 word policy paper based on critical analysis of course readings, lectures, and your own research (15%)

    Final examination (35%)

    Participation in Statecraft (10%)


    *Statecraft is an online platform that implements a simulation of international politics. Statecraft memos should be at least 300 words and must be posted before each turn starts, beginning with Turn 1. These memos should detail challenges faced and strategies recommended for your country for each turn, and also should focus on your role within the simulation (e.g., the defense minister must include a defense budget for each turn). Each student must take both Statecraft quizzes and complete memos every other week, beginning with Week 1 or Week 2. In addition, students will be evaluated by both the T.A.'s and their peers regarding their participation in Statecraft. Students are responsible for turning memos in and taking quizzes on time. Statecraft will not accept late assignments, and you will lose credit for these assignments if they are submitted late.

    Exam Format:
    The midterm exam is in-class and closed book.

    The final examination will have an in-class component that will be administered on the last day of class and a take-home essay portion that will be distributed on following the final class session and due approximately five days later.

    Class Format:
    This class will meet twice weekly. Each session is 75 minutes. Class sessions will be a mix of lecture, discussion, and Statecraft.
    Workload:
    - Approximately 50 pages of reading assigned per session
    - Statecraft will begin approximately the fourth week of class. Students should plan to spend at least 30 minutes/week (outside of class) on Statecraft, and may certainly choose to spend additional time.
    - Students are expected to attend class.
    - Workload for course assignments (see "Grading," above) will vary by student.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/13704/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 March 2018

    Fall 2020  |  POL 1026 Section 001: U.S. Foreign Policy (17197)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (80 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This makes the question of what the role in the U.S. is in the world and how the United States interacts with other countries, international organizations, and other actors in international politics a question of real importance. US foreign policy will play a crucial role in determining the world we live in four, ten, and fifty years time. As a result, we should all try to better understand how the United States behaves in international politics, why it behaves in that way, how it should behave, and how it has behaved in the past. These are the questions that this class tackles. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and how has US foreign policy varied in the past? What do past conflicts in which the United States has been involved tell us about current U.S. foreign policy? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily secure? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? How serious is the threat of cyber war? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from getting nuclear weapons?
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL1026+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This makes the question of the U.S. role in the world--how the United States interacts with other countries, international organizations, and other actors in international politics--a question of real importance. As a new presidential administration comes into power promising to shake up US foreign policy, US foreign policy will play a crucial role in determining the world we live in four, ten, and fifty years time. As a result, we should all try to better understand how the United States behaves in international politics, why it behaves in that way, how it should behave, and how it has behaved in the past.

    These are the questions that this class tackles. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and how has US foreign policy varied in the past? What do past conflicts in which the United States has been involved tell us about current U.S. foreign policy? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily secure? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? How serious is the threat of cyber war? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from getting nuclear weapons? How unusual is Donald Trump's foreign policy?

    The course begins by introducing a number of theories that help shed light on different American foreign policies. We will then examine how U.S. foreign policies have evolved over time with particular attention to the ideas that have motivated broad currents in American foreign policy. We will conclude by examining a series of current foreign policy issues that the United States faces. Although the class is separated into these three sections, this distinction is somewhat artificial. In examining the theories, we will discuss whether historical events seem to validate or disconfirm those theories. When we discuss historical events we will ask which theories seem to explain these events best. And when analyzing current policy issues we will ask what the different theories suggest that the United States will do in response to these challenges and which policy options are in line with the ways in which the United States has conducted foreign policy in the past.

    Students who complete this course will be able to critically analyze the major dynamics shaping U.S. foreign policy today, understand the theories that help shed light on U.S. actions in the world, and understand how U.S. foreign policy today has changed (or stayed the same) over time. This class is ambitious: we are going to cover a lot of ground and many of the topics we will spend a week on are topics that you could take an entire semester-long class studying. The goal is to whet your appetite for future classes on international politics and U.S. foreign policy--this is just an introduction to the subject!
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This is an introductory class and all students are welcome to enroll
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17197/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 October 2019

    Fall 2020  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Politics Around the World (13690)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course is an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. It focuses on domestic politics within countries, as opposed to a course in international relations, which focuses on relations between countries. Some of the questions we tackle include: Why are some countries prone to violent conflict while others remain peaceful? Why do some countries grow rich while others remain poor? Why does democracy emerge in some countries, while dictators hold onto power elsewhere? How do attitudes about gender and sexuality influence politics? Do particular religions, or the strength of religious faith, strengthen or weaken democracy? The readings and assignments help you make sense of the complexity of world politics - to sift through and distill the avalanche of information available and learn how to develop your own arguments about pertinent global issues. Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and provide examples of 1) the difference between strong and weak states; 2) the distinctions between democratic and non-democratic forms of government; 3) the various ways democracies are governed; 4) arguments explaining the origin of democracy and the persistence of non-democracy; 5) the significance of different forms of political identity such as ethnicity, religion, and gender; 6) why some countries are rich while others remain poor; and 7) why some countries tax and spend more than others. Assignments seek to develop your skills at developing arguments through logic and evidence and to give you the ability to distinguish between a persuasive argument about politics and simply stating an opinion.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL1054+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    This course provides an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. We seek to understand how people establish a durable and legitimate political system, and how they seek to benefit from, transform or even overthrow that system. Over the course of the semester we will explore the following questions: 1) How and why do societies establish political order? 2) What is democracy and how is it different from dictatorship? 3) What factors cause democracy to emerge? 4) What are the different kinds of dictatorships? 5) When, where and why does ethnicity impact politics? 6) What is nationalism? 7) How does religion drive conflict in the contemporary world? 8) What is the impact of women in politics around the world? 9) What causes civil wars? 10) Why are some countries rich and some poor? 11) Why do some countries tax and spend quite a lot, while others have lower tax rates and lower levels of redistribution?
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Anyone interested in global politics
    Exam Format:
    30% Reports/Papers
    50% Written Homework
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: There is one five-page paper, and up to 10 short assignments. A draft of the 5-page paper is required; students will receive feedback before turning in the final version.
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    10 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/13690/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 March 2017

    Fall 2020  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (13666)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (140 of 149 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?asinha+POL1201+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    What does it mean to be free? What is the proper relationship between the individual and the community? What is power and how should it be limited? How we answer these questions matters for how we think about politics and how we live our lives. This course offers students an introduction to three branches of political thought that have each sought to provide coherent answers to these questions. They are Republicanism, Liberalism, and Socialism, and though they do not exhaust the wide spectrum of political thought, each has appeared and reappeared over the course of Western history as various thinkers have grappled with questions of freedom, duty, and power. In this course we will consider a few of the most important formulations of these three "isms" in the writings of figures such as Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Karl Marx. Each of these thinkers is important not just because each produced excellent works of political theory, but also because their works have come to form part of the vocabulary of modern political discourse, both inside and outside of academic settings, making an understanding of their writings necessary for any understanding of contemporary politics.
    Exam Format:
    60% Reports/Papers
    30% Reflection Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    40% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/13666/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 January 2017

    Fall 2020  |  POL 1911 Section 001: Dictatorship and Violence in Central Asia and Afghanistan (33063)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Freshman Seminar
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Freshman and FRFY
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-106
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (19 of 20 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course is an introduction to Central Asia, a region of the world that has layers of history, culture, and politics, that extend back to the time of Alexander the Great's conquest, Islamicization by the Arabs, Tamerlane's empire, and the Great Game of the 19th century. Our focus will mainly be on the twentieth century to the present, a period of invasion and control by the Soviet Union, then independence and a 30 year struggle to establish independent states and new forms of political power. Otherwise known as the "stans" (the land of) - this region includes the land of the Kyrgyz, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Turkmen, Tajiks, and Afghans. We will also discuss Azerbaijan, a Turkic post-Soviet republic in the Caucasus that is a neighbor to the Central Asian region. We will focus on the role of ethnic, religious, and national identities in Soviet and post-Soviet politics. We will explore their history, and especially the legacy of communism for the present day. We will particularly address the problems of the post-Soviet era, including political transition to new regimes, the struggle by some for democracy, human rights issues, the challenges of economic reform, environmental catastrophes, ethnic conflict, civil war, and the growth of radical Islamist movements. We will consider US policy in the region, and how it has positively or negatively affected political developments.
    Class Description:
    This course is an introduction to Central Asia, a region of the world that has layers of history, culture, and politics, that extend back to the time of Alexander the Great's conquest, Islamicization by the Arabs, Tamerlane's empire, and the Great Game of the 19th century. Our focus will mainly be on the twentieth century to the present, a period of invasion and control by the Soviet Union, then independence and a 30 year struggle to establish independent states and new forms of political power.

    Otherwise known as the "stans" (the land of) - this region includes the land of the Kyrgyz, Kazakhs, Uzbeks, Turkmen, Tajiks, and Afghans. We will also discuss Azerbaijan, a Turkic post-Soviet republic in the Caucasus that is a neighbor to the Central Asian region. We will focus on the role of ethnic, religious, and national identities in Soviet and post-Soviet politics. We will explore their history, and especially the legacy of communism for the present day. We will particularly address the problems of the post-Soviet era, including political transition to new regimes, the struggle by some for democracy, human rights issues, the challenges of economic reform, environmental catastrophes, ethnic conflict, civil war, and the growth of radical Islamist movements. We will consider US policy in the region, and how it has positively or negatively affected political developments.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Freshmen
    Learning Objectives:
    Learn the modern history and politics of Central Asia, and related policy issues (how to democratize? how to target foreign aid? how to address radical Islamism?). Learn to write a research paper.
    Grading:
    A-F
    Exam Format:
    papers only
    Class Format:
    lecture and discussion
    Workload:
    about 75 pages reading per week; two short papers and a research paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33063/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    31 March 2020

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (13665)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    15 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Pre-Covid
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (22 of 50 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Students search for and arrange an internship with an organization or office working in government or politics, and then complete academic coursework in association with their internship. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Fall2020 This course is completely online in an asynchronous format. There are no scheduled meeting times.
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
    Learning Objectives:
    To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
    Grading:
    Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
    Exam Format:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/13665/1209
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 February 2017

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (17638)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (55 of 60 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
    Grading:

    Grades are based on points.


    For Fall 2020, all work will be group-based. This serves a few purposes. First, collaborating in research projects is increasingly common in political science as a field, in large part because it allows people to bring their different strengths to the table to create a better end product than one person could alone. Second, it means no one necessarily needs to be operating at 100% effort all the time. This is a nice feature usually -- since life happens! -- but especially with the uncertainty of COVID-19, working in teams means that if anyone gets sick or has caretaker responsibilities, the person can take some time to take care of themselves while the team continues.


    Each team will produce a final research project. Homework will also be team-based, and team members will have the opportunity to explain who did what part of the assignment. There will also be two exams that students will take independently.


    10 points per homework (8 homeworks, lowest grade is dropped, 70 points total)

    50 points for Midterm I

    50 points for Midterm II

    50 points for public presentation

    50 points for final paper

    30 points for lecture activities and preparation

    Exam Format:
    Midterms contain a mixture of multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer. All necessary formulas will be provided. Calculators are allowed.
    Class Format:
    In general: Each class is a mixture of lecture and small-group activities.
    For Fall 2020:
    Most lecture material will be in the form of recorded videos. During class time, students will meet in small groups (between 5-15 students) with Prof. Sumner to talk about the material, work through activities related to the lecture, ask questions, and so on. Teams will also have a biweekly check-in with Prof. Sumner to make sure they are staying on track with their projects and to get any help they need in moving forward.
    Workload:
    2 Exams
    8 Homework Problem Sets
    1 Final Poster Presentation
    1 8-12 Page Final Paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17638/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 June 2020

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (17639)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Thu 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (27 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
    Grading:

    Grades are based on points.


    For Fall 2020, all work will be group-based. This serves a few purposes. First, collaborating in research projects is increasingly common in political science as a field, in large part because it allows people to bring their different strengths to the table to create a better end product than one person could alone. Second, it means no one necessarily needs to be operating at 100% effort all the time. This is a nice feature usually -- since life happens! -- but especially with the uncertainty of COVID-19, working in teams means that if anyone gets sick or has caretaker responsibilities, the person can take some time to take care of themselves while the team continues.


    Each team will produce a final research project. Homework will also be team-based, and team members will have the opportunity to explain who did what part of the assignment. There will also be two exams that students will take independently.


    10 points per homework (8 homeworks, lowest grade is dropped, 70 points total)

    50 points for Midterm I

    50 points for Midterm II

    50 points for public presentation

    50 points for final paper

    30 points for lecture activities and preparation

    Exam Format:
    Midterms contain a mixture of multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer. All necessary formulas will be provided. Calculators are allowed.
    Class Format:
    In general: Each class is a mixture of lecture and small-group activities.
    For Fall 2020:
    Most lecture material will be in the form of recorded videos. During class time, students will meet in small groups (between 5-15 students) with Prof. Sumner to talk about the material, work through activities related to the lecture, ask questions, and so on. Teams will also have a biweekly check-in with Prof. Sumner to make sure they are staying on track with their projects and to get any help they need in moving forward.
    Workload:
    2 Exams
    8 Homework Problem Sets
    1 Final Poster Presentation
    1 8-12 Page Final Paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17639/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 June 2020

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (17640)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Thu 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (28 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
    Grading:

    Grades are based on points.


    For Fall 2020, all work will be group-based. This serves a few purposes. First, collaborating in research projects is increasingly common in political science as a field, in large part because it allows people to bring their different strengths to the table to create a better end product than one person could alone. Second, it means no one necessarily needs to be operating at 100% effort all the time. This is a nice feature usually -- since life happens! -- but especially with the uncertainty of COVID-19, working in teams means that if anyone gets sick or has caretaker responsibilities, the person can take some time to take care of themselves while the team continues.


    Each team will produce a final research project. Homework will also be team-based, and team members will have the opportunity to explain who did what part of the assignment. There will also be two exams that students will take independently.


    10 points per homework (8 homeworks, lowest grade is dropped, 70 points total)

    50 points for Midterm I

    50 points for Midterm II

    50 points for public presentation

    50 points for final paper

    30 points for lecture activities and preparation

    Exam Format:
    Midterms contain a mixture of multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer. All necessary formulas will be provided. Calculators are allowed.
    Class Format:
    In general: Each class is a mixture of lecture and small-group activities.
    For Fall 2020:
    Most lecture material will be in the form of recorded videos. During class time, students will meet in small groups (between 5-15 students) with Prof. Sumner to talk about the material, work through activities related to the lecture, ask questions, and so on. Teams will also have a biweekly check-in with Prof. Sumner to make sure they are staying on track with their projects and to get any help they need in moving forward.
    Workload:
    2 Exams
    8 Homework Problem Sets
    1 Final Poster Presentation
    1 8-12 Page Final Paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17640/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 June 2020

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3225 Section 001: American Political Thought (16014)

    Instructor(s)
    Adam L (TA)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (78 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course provides an introduction to several key periods and some of the leading concepts and debates in American political thought. It might also focus on a broader theme such as: conceptions of destiny, mission, and exceptionalism; arguments over economic development and inequality; or debates over government and corporate power. The course will begin with Puritan religious and political thought, tracing its secularization over time. Considerable attention will be paid to the ideas behind the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, such as the social contract and the right of resistance to civil authority, civic republicanism, and the founders' new science of politics and government. The course will consider some if not all of the following: debates over slavery and emancipation, women's rights, the rise of imperialism and nationalism, race and racism, and the rise of rule by public and private bureaucratic organizations, and the consequences of these developments for the possibility of continued individual liberty, equality, and justice. This course requires considerable reading of difficult texts. The ultimate goal of this course is for students to gain a deeper understanding of American political thought as a product of the country's ever-evolving political discourse. prereq: Suggested prerequisite POL 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3225+Fall2020 This course is completely online in an asynchronous format. There are no scheduled meeting times.
    Class Description:
    In this course we will examine classic texts in the history of American political thought in order to understand how Americans have theorized about and argued over their political system, and to consider how we can draw upon these texts to address contemporary American political problems. Some of the questions we will address: What political and moral obligations do citizens have to the state, and to each other? What is the basis of legitimate state authority? What is the social contract, and how have Americans used social contract theory to legitimate their governments? What is the right of resistance, and when is it acceptable for individuals or a people to resist or rebel against their government? Does the Declaration of Independence merely list the reasons for separating from Great Britain, or is it also a founding document establishing American principles of liberty and equality? How does the Constitution limit (or fail to limit) the power of the state, and protect (or fail to protect) individual and corporate rights? Is class conflict over the distribution of wealth in society a recent development or a long-standing feature of American political discourse? How have religious texts and ideas been used as a basis for political argument? How relevant to our century and our political problems are the ideas of 50, 100, 150, 200, or more years ago? What, if anything, can we still learn and use from these past ideas and theories? How might they help us, or lead us astray, in addressing our own problems today? Prominent theorists covered include Winthrop, Franklin, Paine, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, the Anti-Federalist "Brutus," Thoreau, Calhoun, Douglass, Lincoln, Sumner.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any student interested in political theory, philosophy, American history, American politics, textual interpretation and analysis, or the roles of ideas, race, gender, and religion in politics.
    Learning Objectives:
    To understand significant texts in history of American political thought, both in relation to their original historical context and in terms of how they still resonate with our political concerns and problems today; to understand how Americans have thought about and argued over politics from the colonial period through the present; to cultivate students' analytical reasoning.
    Exam Format:
    80% Reports/Papers
    20% Quizzes
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    150 Pages Reading Per Week
    30 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Paper(s)
    2 Quiz(zes)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16014/1209
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3225_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 February 2017

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (17198)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course considers the nature of contemporary democracy and the role that members of the political community do, can, and should play. While approaches in teaching the class vary, students can expect to read historical and contemporary texts, see films and videos, to approach questions about the nature of democracy, justifications for democracy, and challenges faced by contemporary democracy. Topics will include such questions as the role of civil society in democratic life, deliberative democracy, as well as questions about how members of political communities can best participate in democratic life. Students will write a longer essay that allows them to demonstrate their capacities to understand and explain complex ideas and to make a theoretically compelling argument, using appropriate supporting evidence. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3235W+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:

    Democracy seems to be an intuitively simple concept to many Americans. Americans know what democracy, and the corresponding values of freedom and equality mean because they live under a democratic system of government that guarantees liberty and justice for all, and equality regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Likewise, Americans know that being a citizen means we have certain rights. (and duties?) When we delve a little deeper into what these concepts mean, however, we discover that this apparent certainty papers over a host of disagreements, divisions, and uncertainties. These complexities have bubbled up to the surface today, as they have historically, through a number of contemporary concerns espoused by the Occupy Movement, the Tea Party Movement, Black Lives Matter, anti-establishment politics, etc.


    This class helps students to engage in the contemporary problems of democracy by grounding the conversation in the historical debates of democratic theory. Rather than suggesting any simple answers, our class will instead pose questions with which we, together, must wrestle. What is the democracy? How should we understand basic concepts of democracy like freedom, equality, and solidarity? How should we respond when these concepts come into conflict? Is capitalism inherently in conflict with democracy? Working through these questions, we will tack back and forth between theoretical debates and contemporary and historical political problems, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the political stakes behind these questions, as well as a more critical perspective from which to understand the political challenges of this moment in history.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
    Grading:

    Attendance: 10%

    Paper 1: 35%

    Paper 2: 35%

    Final Presentation: 20%

    Workload:
    approximatley 40 pages of reading per class
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17198/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 March 2017

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3252W Section 001: Revolution, Democracy, and Empire: Modern Political Thought (17641)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Wed, Fri 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    From the seventeenth through the nineteenth centuries, Europe and its colonies were wracked by large scale, sweeping changes: from the violent emergence of the sovereign state, to intense religious conflict, to geographic expansions at once transformative and brutal in search of new economic markets. These changes posed extraordinary challenges to usual ways of conceiving of political order and governance. Our course this semester will read these changes through three key concepts - revolution, democracy, and empire. Class discussion will seek to understand different meanings of these concepts, their political stakes, and ways of knowing how to move between political ideals and historical examples. Students will read a range of materials - from primary historical sources, to philosophic texts, political pamphlets and treatises, and travel journals - so as to study the effects on both the European context and beyond. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?asinha+POL3252W+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Early Modern Political Thought - Professor Yves Winter This course introduces students to early modern European political philosophy and political thought from the Renaissance to the 18th century. Early modern political philosophy develops in some of the most turbulent and contentious epochs of European history, in a period shaped by religious warfare, by the demise of the Catholic Church's monopoly on truth and interpretation, by the emergence of the modern state and the capitalist mode of production, by the rise and fall of absolutism, and by the exploration and colonization of the Americas. In this course, we will discuss the crisis of political authority and the disinteration of medieval understandings of solidarity and community. We will study how political theorists and philosophers in Europe responded to this crisis, what proposals they developed to reconstitute political order and to address the fragmentation and factionalization of political and religious communities. The trajectory of this course will take us from the renewed interest in interpretation and reading generated by the Renaissance to the revolutionary demands for popular participation in the 18th century. We will examine the relations between practices of interpretation, claims of political authority, and the problem of sovereignty. Among the authors we will read in this course are Niccolo Machiavelli, Martin Luther, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
    Grading:
    20% Final Exam
    60% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Late papers will be docked one third of a letter grade for every day late, including weekends. Please note that students who do not complete all assignments or otherwise fail to meet these requirements will not receive a passing grade.
    Exam Format:
    Take-home final examination.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-18 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    3 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: Online discussion: Students are required to post at least TWO questions and at least TWO responses to the online discussion forum throughout the semester.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17641/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2013

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3308 Section 001: Congressional Politics and Institutions (17199)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (81 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origin/development of U.S. congressional institutions, parties, committees, leaders, lobbying/elections, and relations between Congress/executive branch. Relationship of campaigning/governing, nature of representation, biases of institutional arrangements.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL3308+Fall2020
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17199/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3309 Section 001: U.S. Supreme Court Decision-Making, Process, and Politics (17200)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (80 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to judicial politics and decision-making of the U.S. Supreme Court. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. Unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, this course does not study legal doctrine. Rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system with an emphasis on the social scientific literature about how the U.S. Supreme Court functions. Thus, we will cover nominations of justices, decision making models, and how justices interact with one another and the political world beyond the ivory tower. Recommended prerequisite: POL 1001
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL3309+Fall2020 This course is completely online in an asynchronous format. There are no scheduled meeting times.
    Class Description:
    The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to the scientific study of judicial politics. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. This course, unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, does not study legal doctrine; rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system, with an emphasis on the social scientific literature on law and legal process.
    Grading:
    70% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17200/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3317 Section 001: Food Politics: Actors, Arenas, and Agendas (33067)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 310
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Food: Everyone eats it but we increasingly fight about how it is grown, transported, processed and consumed. This disagreements find their ways into politics, whether it is neighbors battling over backyard chicken ordinances, Members of Congress arguing over how best to protect the safety of the food supply, or countries engaging in trade wars to limit the importation of agricultural products. This course takes a broad, multi-disciplinary perspective on food politics drawing on concepts and ideas from political science, sociology, and economics to analyze several contemporary "food fights," including agricultural trade, U.S. farm bills, the National School Lunch Program, proposals for taxing sodas and fatty foods, and the labeling of genetically modified food. Take this course if you want to learn more about the various resources, arguments, evidence, and rules of engagement that structure contemporary food politics. This course satisfies the Social Science Core of the Liberal Education requirements and is an eligible elective for the public health minor in CLA and the Food Systems major in CFANS.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rahnx003+POL3317+Fall2020
    Class Description:
    Food Fights! Neighbors battle over backyard chicken ordinances, Members of Congress disagree about how to safeguard the food supply, and high school students protest new standards in the Federal School Lunch Program. From New York to California and places in between, food--how it's grown, transported, processed, and consumed--has become a political battleground. Take this course if you want to learn more about the various resources, arguments, evidence, and rules of engagement that structure contemporary food politics. This course satisfies the Social Science Core requirement and is an eligible elective for the public health minor and the Food Studies major.
    Exam Format:
    Reading quizzes, participation in food policy simulation,website development, several in-class assignments, two exams
    Class Format:
    50% discussion, 50% lecture
    Workload:
    75 pages of reading per week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33067/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 October 2016

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3323 Section 001: Political Tolerance in the United States (33149)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Willey Hall 175
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (46 of 50 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Intergroup conflict continues to be one of the defining fault lines in American politics. Most obviously, the existence of racial inequality has consequences for any given individual's social and economic standing. However, it also has had an enormous impact on the pattern of attitudes and beliefs that have served as the backdrop for many of society's most pressing political debates and conflicts. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to how political scientists have studied ethno-racial attitudes and the larger problem of inter-ethnic conflict in American society.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?moha0030+POL3323+Fall2020
    Class Description:
    Political tolerance is the willingness to extend basic rights and civil liberties to persons and groups whose viewpoints differ from one's own. In this era of political discontent, much of the roots of our discussion are premised on a understanding of opposing viewpoints. In this class we address the following questions: What is political tolerance and how important is it for the health or viability of democracy? What is the relationship between various political ideologies and tolerance? How politically tolerant are Americans, both masses and elites, what are the roots of political intolerance, and what implications does this have for democratic government and democratic theories? How do Americans compare with other countries and what does this tell us about the roots of intolerance? How does liberal democracy compare with other ideologies and what does that tell us about the importance of tolerance to a free society? In answering these questions, we will use the lens of various movements to focus our study, including but not limited to Race, Gender and Sexual Orientation.
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discusion
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33149/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 November 2018

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3325 Section 001: U.S. Campaigns and Elections (33068)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (212 of 215 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Presidential/congressional campaigns/elections in the United States. How political scientists study electoral politics. Theoretical generalizations about candidates, voters, parties, and the media. Ways electoral context and "rules of the game" matter.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL3325+Fall2020 This course is completely online in an asynchronous format. There are no scheduled meeting times.
    Class Description:
    This course examines presidential and congressional campaigns and elections in the United States. We will explore how political scientists study and understand electoral politics. What theoretical generalizations can we make about candidates, voters, parties, and the media? In what ways do the electoral context and the "rules of the game" matter? What are the effects of incumbency and the economy? How do gender and race affect campaigns and elections? The 2020 elections promise to be interesting for many reasons. Students will monitor the presidential campaigns and some congressional campaigns to asses how theory and practice converge in 2020. In addition to exams, students will write short papers analyzing specific elements of major campaigns and elections and a research paper of around eight to ten pages that addresses one of the themes of the course.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33068/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 March 2020

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3423 Section 001: Politics of Disruption: Violence and Its Alternatives (17201)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political struggles aimed at undermining the existing political order have been a pervasive feature of global politics. Modern states have constantly been sites of relentless challenges from their citizenry, which sometimes take the form of non-violent action while on other occasions manifest in terrorism and violence. This course introduces students to the politics of disruption and violent and non-violent struggles targeted at bringing about political change. We will study a range of manifestations of such struggles focusing on some well-known cases such as the US civil rights movement, the Arab Springs, the Ferguson riots and the Islamic State (ISIS). Can non-violent resistance succeed against a coercive state? Why do individuals and groups participate in high-risk political struggles? What explains patterns of violence in civil conflicts? What are the effects of violence? What facilitates peace? This course will enable you to answer these questions.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL3423+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Political struggles aimed at undermining the existing political order have been a pervasive feature of global politics. Modern states have constantly been sites of relentless challenges from their citizenry, which sometimes take the form of non-violent action while on other occasions manifest in terrorism and violence. This course introduces students to the politics of disruption - violent and non-violent struggles targeted at bringing about political change. We will study a range of manifestations of such struggles focusing on some well-known cases such as the US civil rights movement, the Arab Springs, the Ferguson riots and the Islamic State (ISIS). Can non-violent resistance succeed against a coercive state? Why do individuals and groups participate in high-risk political struggles? What explains patterns of violence in civil conflicts? What are the effects of violence? What facilitates peace? This course will enable you to answer these questions.

    The course will begin with an examination of alternatives to political violence. The focus will be primarily on India's non-violent struggle for independence from the British rule under the leadership of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, but we will also spend some time on the US civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa with Dr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in the lead. Students will be familiarized with definitional, conceptual and practical distinctions between various forms and manifestations of violent and non-violent struggles. To facilitate a better understanding, we will study a carefully-selected list of cases in-depth during the course of the semester.

    Our discussion on political violence will be structured around four broad themes, which are:

    1. Causes underlying violence;
    2. Dynamics of conflict -- focusing on such questions as who participates in violent activities, how violence and violent actors are organized, and what can we learn from the pattern of violence;
    3. Consequences of violence, both short-term and long-term; and,
    4. Prevention and termination of violence.

    This course will instill in students a strong sense of their role as historical agents by: a) facilitating a deeper understanding of the problems and challenges confronting much of humanity; b) inculcating an ability to assess the performance of policies, programs, actions and interventions aimed at addressing these challenges; c) imparting knowledge about the continuous struggles of individuals and groups against the existing political order; and, d) demonstrating the working, performance and implications of the methods and techniques deployed by individuals and groups to change political order. Students will learn that the issues raised by this course confront the larger global community including both the developing and the developed world. The course materials, assignments and class discussions are all directed towards encouraging students to reflect on the implications of the issues and themes covered across diverse cultural and political contexts across the world. We will be constantly engaged in deliberating and discussing the wider applicability and relevance of arguments advanced or developed and experiences acquired in the studied cases.

    The class time will be apportioned between lectures (40 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (25 percent). The multimedia presentations will incorporate movies, documentaries, media reports, speeches, memoirs, etc.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Open to all undergraduate students
    Learning Objectives:
    This course fulfills the Council on Liberal Education (CLE) Global Perspectives Theme. The first four weeks of the course will be devoted to nonviolent resistance. The remainder of the course will cover key topical issues related to political violence mentioned above. During the course of the semester, we will:
    1. Undertake a close examination of approaches to nonviolent resistance;
    2. Learn about the dynamics of mass protest, especially conditions underlying successful mobilization and action;
    3. Examine factors contributing to political violence;
    4. Study violent action involving mass killing and the role of international community in mitigating such episodes;
    5. Study the global problem of terrorism and approaches to addressing it; and,
    6. Examine the challenge of ending violent conflict and problems of peace-making and peace-building
    Grading:
    1. Class Participation: 15%
    2. Seven Short Assignments: 40%
    a. In-class (Three):} 12% (100-150 words)
    b. Homework (Four):} 28% (1-2 pages, single-space)
    3. Individual/Group Research Assignment: 20% (7-8 pages, double-space)
    4. Final Paper: 25% (9-10 pages, double-space)
    Exam Format:
    No exams
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    35% Film/Video
    25% Discussion
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17201/1209
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/sarbahi_POL3423_Spring2018.pdf (Spring 2018)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    17 October 2017

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3451W Section 001: Politics and Society in the New Europe (16602)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Willey Hall 175
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (30 of 40 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The devastation of Europe through two World Wars put the deadly results of ultra-nationalism on full display. To avoid such destruction again, a group of European technocrats and leaders embarked on a mission of incrementally deepening economic and later, social partnerships between an ever-expanding number of European countries. These efforts culminated in the birth of the European Union in the late 20th Century. From its inception, the Union has found obstacles in the forms of a weak institutional structure and authority, deep skepticism of a central European authority, financial crisis, ethnic anxiety, and resurgent nationalism. Yet, the continuation and strengthening of the Union is seen as the antidote to the rise of anti-democratic and authoritarian tendencies on the continent. Some of the key questions that we will engage in are: What are the ideological and historical roots of the European Union? What are the structural flaws of the Union? What are the obstacles to a stronger Union? Is the Union still or even more essential than ever? What are the ways the Union could collapse from within and from the intervention of outside forces?
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?moha0030+POL3451W+Fall2020
    Class Description:
    This course examines the establishment, institutions and functions of the European Union, with an overview of the political processes in European countries and the European Union. Students will examine the history behind the EU's construction, theories of European integration, the EU's institutions and policy competencies, reoccurring problems with democratic representation in the EU, and the EU's political and economic influence over candidate countries via requirements for entry. The class will also discuss the creation of the European Monetary Union and the Euro currency, and challenges it faced during the sovereign debt crisis. Finally, we will address challenges of migration, integration and the rise of nationalist parties across Europe.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    20% Research Paper
    20% Attendance
    20% Short Reflection Papers
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    5 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16602/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    31 May 2016

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3462 Section 001: Politics of Race, Class, and Ethnicity (13702)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (52 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Is it true that since the election of Donald Trump the United States is more racist than ever? Is racism on the rise elsewhere in the world? Consistent with the goals of liberal education, this course helps students navigate their way through what is often seen as one of the most perplexing and intractable problems in today's world - racial and ethnic conflicts. It supplies a set of theoretical tools that can be utilized in the most diverse of settings - including, though to a lesser extent, gender. Rather than looking at these conflicts, as the media and popular knowledge often does, as centuries-old conflicts deeply set in our memory banks, a script from which none of us can escape, the course argues that inequalities in power and authority - in other words, class - go a long way in explaining racial and ethnic dynamics. To support this argument, the course examines the so-called "black-white" conflict in three settings, the U.S., South Africa and Cuba. While all three share certain similarities, their differences provide the most explanatory power. Most instructive is the Cuba versus U.S. and South Africa comparison. Specifically, what are the consequences for race relations when a society, Cuba, attempts to eliminate class inequalities? The course hopes to show that while we all carry with us the legacy of the past, we are not necessarily its prisoners.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL3462+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Is it true that since the election of Donald Trump the United States is more racist than ever? Is racism on the rise elsewhere in the world? Consistent with the goals of liberal education, this course helps students navigate their way through what is often seen as one of the most perplexing and intractable problems in today's world, racial and ethnic conflicts. It supplies a set of theoretical tools that can be utilized in the most diverse of settings, including, race, class, ethnicity, and to a lesser extent, gender. Rather than looking at these conflicts, as the media and popular knowledge often does, as centuries-old conflicts deeply set in our memory banks, a script from which none of us can escape, the course argues that inequalities in power and authority, in other words, class, go a long way in explaining racial and ethnic dynamics. To support this argument, the course examines the so-called "black-white" conflict in three settings, the U.S., South Africa, and Cuba. While all three share certain similarities, their differences provide the most explanatory power. Most instructive is the Cuba versus U.S. and South Africa comparison. Specifically, what are the consequences for race relations when a society, Cuba, attempts to eliminate class inequalities? The course hopes to show that while we all carry with us the legacy of the past, we are not necessarily its prisoners.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/13702/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 March 2020

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (33069)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-108
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (22 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular, those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in other parts have not? We will explore inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course also examines what we mean by "development" and exposes students to cutting-edge debates in contemporary development studies. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3477+Fall2020
    Class Description:
    How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in others parts of the world been stuck in a development rut? This course will explore contending answers to these difficult but important questions. We will do so through discussions of different explanations of development and underdevelopment, examining these issues concretely in several countries, and discussing contemporary "hot topics" such as micro-credit, AIDS, and the resource curse. 3 credits.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    The exams will be a combination of essay, multiple choice, and short answer questions. They will focus on topics not covered in the short papers, so collectively the exams and the essays function as four midterms. The final exam is not cumulative.
    Class Format:
    45% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 Exam(s)
    2 4-5 page essays
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33069/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 March 2017

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3479 Section 001: Latin American Politics (33070)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (54 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course offers an introduction to the political history and contemporary politics of Latin America, along with some of the main concepts and theories used by social scientists to explain the region's political dynamics. Through a comparative, historical approach, the course aims to help students understand the continued challenges faced by countries in the region-- to the establishment of security, the rule of law and rights protection, to the stability and quality of democracy, and to sustainable and equitable economic growth - and how these interact. The objective of the course is not only to help students understand the similarities and differences in outcomes in Latin America over time, but also to reflect on what the region's experiences can teach us about the requirements of and barriers to meaningful democracy and sustainable and equitable development around the world, including "north of the border." In other words, the course seeks not just to provide students' knowledge about Latin America, but to help them learn from Latin America.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL3479+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    This course introduces students to the main contours of political and economic development in Latin America. It aims not only to help students understand the similarities and differences in outcomes in the region over the past several decades, but also to reflect on what Latin America's experiences can teach us about the requirements of and barriers to meaningful democracy and sustainable and equitable development around the world. The course presents key concepts and theories in the study of the region's development and discusses them as they pertain to five main country cases: Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, and Venezuela. Readings on other countries are occasionally assigned and students have opportunities to draw on other cases for class assignments.
    Grading:
    45% Reports/Papers
    25% Final Exam
    15% Quizzes
    15% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Combo of short answer, IDs, and essay
    Class Format:
    65% Lecture
    35% Discussion
    Workload:
    125 Pages Reading Per Week
    10 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Short Paper(s)
    1 Report
    1 Exam (Final)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33070/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 November 2015

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3489W Section 001: Citizens, Consumers, and Corporations (17644)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (51 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Corporations are among the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a variety of goods, and have massive effects on the ecological and social environments in which they do business. How do ordinary people act in order to hold corporations accountable for the effects that their activities have on communities and individuals? This course focuses on two ways that people have mobilized to counter corporate power--as citizens and as consumers. When people mobilize as citizens, they put pressure on corporations through the political system--e.g. through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through the courts. When people mobilize as consumers, they use the power of their purchasing decisions to encourage corporations to change their behavior. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of corporate social responsibility/sweatshops, the industrial food system in the US, and the privatization of life (e.g. genes), water, and war.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3489W+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Corporations are among the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a variety of goods, and have massive effects on the ecological and social environments in which they do business. How do ordinary people act in order to hold corporations accountable for the effects that their activities have on communities and individuals? This course focuses on two ways that people have mobilized to counter corporate power--as citizens and as consumers. When people mobilize as citizens, they put pressure on corporations through the political system--e.g. through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through the courts. When people mobilize as consumers, they use the power of their purchasing decisions to encourage corporations to change their behavior. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of corporate social responsibility/sweatshops, the industrial food system in the US, and the privatization of life (e.g. genes), water, and war.
    Grading:
    25% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    25% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    The final exam will be an essay exam.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    1 Final Exam (essay format)
    2 short papers (about 9 pages total)
    2 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17644/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 April 2019

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3752 Section 001: Chicana/o Politics (16090)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Meets With:
    CHIC 3852 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (14 of 18 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of Chicana/o politics through analysis of Mexican American experience, social agency. Response to larger political systems/behaviors using social science methods of inquiry. Unequal power relations, social justice, political economy.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3752+Fall2020
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16090/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (15533)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?lavine+POL3766+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    This course examines the influence of human nature on political decision making among members of the mass public, asking questions about how human thought processes, emotions, and personality influence political judgments. Political theorists have long disagreed over basic human nature and have advanced different solutions to political governance as a consequence, ranging from participatory democracy to authoritarian regimes. In this course, we carefully consider how well we, as humans, are equipped to deal with different forms of political governance, especially democracy. We examine different aspects of human psychology, including personality, motivation, values, information processing, emotion and intergroup behavior, as well as proximal and distal biological processes (e.g., physiology, genetics, evolution), and consider their influence on political decision making. Readings are drawn from psychology and political science. No prior in-depth knowledge of either psychology or political science is needed to succeed in the course. It would help to have a general interest in politics, however. The course begins with an introductory reading in political psychology, designed to provide an overview of the field. We will then begin a section of the course on obedience to authority, which examines the power of social context and perceptions of legitimate authority in altering social and political behavior. We then consider the impact of group life on political preferences. To what extent do political preferences spring from our membership in groups and our views of other groups in society (including nations)? We will consider the impact of in-group attachments (to one's race, gender or nation), followed by a consideration of how animosity towards outsiders can escalate into prejudice, or even genocide.
    Grading:
    15% - Attendance, Bi-Weekly "Discussion Tweets"
    25% - Midterm Exam
    25% - Election 2016 Analysis (Research Paper)
    35% - Final Exam - 35%
    Exam Format:
    Both the Midterm and Final Exams will feature multiple choice and short answer questions (defining key concepts). The final exam will also include an essay question touching on major themes in the course. The final exam is cumulative.
    Class Format:
    50% lecture, 50% discussion.
    Workload:
    In addition to regular class attendance and completion of the exams/paper, students are expected to complete a short set of readings about relevant research and concepts prior to each class.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/15533/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    16 March 2017

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3767 Section 001: Political Psychology of Elite Behavior (33071)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (46 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Why do some world leaders seek cooperation while others advocate war? Why do some Presidents effect major change while others are relegated to the dustbin of history? How does the personality of leaders affect how they behave in office? In this class, we will address questions like these by exploring the psychology of political elites, those members of society who wield outsized influence over political decisions. This outsized influence means that understanding how elites think is particularly important. It is also unusually difficult, leading some to argue that political psychology can play little role in understanding elite decision-making. Students will exit the class having mastered a body of knowledge about elite decision-making and learned about the different approaches that scholars take to study these decisions. They will also gain the critical capacity to judge arguments about politics, the ability to identify, define, and solve problems, and the skill to locate and critically evaluate information relevant to these tasks. Finally, this course takes a cooperative approach to learning, and many course activities will be structured around learning and working with a group of fellow students over the course of the semester. This course fulfills the Civic Life and Ethics theme requirement.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3767+Fall2020 This course is completely online in an asynchronous format. There are no scheduled meeting times.
    Class Description:
    Can political psychology help us understand the behavior of presidents, party leaders and dictators? This course draws on the approaches of social and cognitive psychology to examine and explain the behavior of political leaders and other elites. We will cover judgement and decision making, the effect of personality and other individual differences, group processes, and other topics. In addition to these substantive topics, we will learn about the methods used by political scientists to study political elites.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33071/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3796 Section 001: Media and Politics (34047)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Meets With:
    JOUR 3796 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (23 of 25 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Do facts matter anymore? Is press freedom under threat? Are audiences trapped in filter bubbles? Why do people hate the media, and how can the news be improved to better serve citizens? Explore the historical and contemporary dynamics that shape the relationship between professionals in the media, the mass public, and political actors across different parts of government. Study major forms of mass media, including television and newspapers, alongside new forms such as digital and social media. Look at specific reporting rituals and practices, as well as issues involving media ownership, regulation, ethics, and press freedom. We will study politicians? efforts to craft messages, advertise strategically, and target select audiences for political gain. The course will focus primarily, but not exclusively, on the United States, and you will be asked to engage with current events and the role of communication technologies in political and civic life.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34047/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3833 Section 001: The United States and the Global Economy (17645)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (79 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3833 teaches students about the politics of the global economy with a focus on the role the United States plays within it. The class covers a variety of topics in international political economy, including international trade, international investment, and international finance. Students will learn about the factors that drive politicians' decision-making, interest-group stances, and citizens' preferences over such salient issues as tariffs and other forms of trade protection, trade and investment agreements, central banking, interest rates, international migration, and more. No background in economics is required or assumed.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL3833+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Globalization has been a defining force driving markets - and, hence, shaping politics - over the past 20 years. Global financial flows and imbalances are implicated in financial crises both recent and past, and the mobility of firms and migrants across international borders has important distributional and regulatory consequences. Yet, the impact of the U.S. on the global economy is not exclusive to purely financial phenomena: conflict and peace, technological innovation, natural resources, and economic development are all affected as rising levels of trade create new "winners" and "losers." This class examines some of the broad themes that characterize globalization with a focus on - but not only on - the U.S. and the ways in which its policy responses shape and are being shaped by globalization.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17645/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 August 2015

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (13664)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (79 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ccreamer+POL3835+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:

    Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, bargaining theory, and international norms and transnational advocacy. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so. Specific topics covered will include: the ascendance of China as a global power; the international politics of nuclear weapons; the ways in which the global economy shapes the terms and conditions of international politics; and the implications of a range of new actors and activities (such as multinational corporations, transnational organized crime, the Internet and social media) for world politics.

    Learning Objectives:

    This course places special emphasis on helping you - as a global citizen - learn to:

    • synthesize and evaluate existing theoretical approaches within international relations

    • identify their strengths and weaknesses

    • construct an argument for why we observe particular outcomes in world politics
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Take-Home Paper
    30% Three Mini-Analytical Papers
    15% Participation and Attendance
    Exam Format:
    The mid-term exam will be a combination of concept identification and short answer questions
    Class Format:
    A mix of lecture, discussion, and in-class activities.
    Workload:
    45-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    1 In-Class Exams
    4 Take-Home Papers
    11-16 Pages Writing Per Term
    5-10 Small Group Activities
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/13664/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 March 2017

    Fall 2020  |  POL 3994 Section 001: Directed Research: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program (16486)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (13 of 20 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Students accepted into the Distinguished Undergraduate Research Program work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, students will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers. Students are chosen through a highly competitive online application the semester prior to registration. Students should check with Political Science advising for details about the application process. This course is only open to Political Science majors.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3070+http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3070+Fall2020
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16486/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 4255 Section 001: Comparative Real Time Political Analysis: Marxist versus Liberal Perspectives (17815)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (26 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Karl Marx and Frederick Engels had better democratic credentials than Alexis de Tocqueville and John Stuart Mill. Vladimir Lenin, too, had better democratic credentials than Max Weber and Woodrow Wilson. That's the provocative argument of this course. Performing what it calls "comparative real-time political analysis," it presents convincing evidence to sustain both claims. When the two sets of protagonists are compared and contrasted in how they read and responded to big political events in motion, in real-time, the Marxists, it contends, proved to be better democrats than the Liberals. Real-time analysis argues that responding to and making decisions about events in motion is the real test of political perspective and theory; on Monday morning, we can all look smart. The writings and actions of all seven protagonists are the primary course materials - reading them in their own words. The European Spring of 1848, the United States Civil War, the 1905 Russian Revolution and, the 1917 Russian Revolution and end of World War I, all consequential in the democratic quest, are the main scenarios the course employs to test its claims. The findings, course participants will learn, challenge assumed political wisdom like never before. Employing the lessons of the comparisons to trying to make sense of current politics - given the unprecedented moment in which we find ourselves - is the other goal of the course.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4255+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Karl Marx and Frederick Engels had better democratic credentials than Alexis de Tocqueville and John Stuart Mill. Vladimir Lenin, too, had better democratic credentials than Max Weber and Woodrow Wilson. That?s the provocative argument of this course. Performing what it calls "comparative real-time political analysis," it presents convincing evidence to sustain both claims. When the two sets of protagonists are compared and contrasted in how they read and responded to big political events in motion, in real-time, the Marxists, it contends, proved to be better democrats than the Liberals. Real-time analysis argues that responding to and making decisions about events in motion is the real test of political perspective and theory; on Monday morning, we can all look smart. The writings and actions of all seven protagonists are the primary course materials?reading them in their own words. The European Spring of 1848, the United States Civil War, the 1905 Russian Revolution and, the 1917 Russian Revolution and end of World War I, all consequential in the democratic quest, are the main scenarios the course employs to test its claims. The findings, course participants will learn, challenge assumed political wisdom like never before. Employing the lessons of the comparisons to trying to make sense of current politics, given the unprecedented moment in which we find ourselves, is the other goal of the course.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17815/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    17 June 2020

    Fall 2020  |  POL 4403W Section 001: Constitutions, Democracy, and Rights: Comparative Perspectives (33075)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Around the world, fundamental political questions are often debated and decided in constitutional terms, and in the United States, the constitution is invoked at almost every turn to endorse or condemn different policies. Is adhering to constitutional terms the best way to safeguard rights and to achieve a successful democracy? When and how do constitutions matter to political outcomes? This course centers on these questions as it moves from debates over how constitutional drafting processes should be structured and how detailed constitutions should be, to the risks and benefits of different institutional structures (federal v. unitary, and the distribution of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary), to which rights (if any) should be constitutionalized and when and why different rights are protected, closing with a discussion of what rules should guide constitutional amendment and rewrite. For each topic, we compare how these issues have been resolved in the U.S. with alternative approaches in a wide variety of other countries around the globe. The goal is not only to expose students to the variety of ways, successful or unsuccessful, that other political communities have addressed these issues, but also to gain a more contextualized and clearer understanding of the pros and cons of the U.S. model, its relevance for other democratic or democratizing countries, whether and how it might be reformed, and, generally speaking, when/how constitutions matter for democratic quality and stability.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4403W+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    From Iraq to India, Spain to South Sudan, Canada to Colombia, fundamental political questions have been debated, and often decided, in recent years in constitutional terms. Meanwhile, here at home, the constitution is invoked at almost every turn to endorse or condemn different policies. Is this obsession with constitutions undermining democracy, or is adhering to constitutional terms the best way to safeguard rights and to achieve successful democracies? This course centers on this question as it moves from debates over how constitutional drafting processes should be structured and how detailed constitutions should be, to the risks and benefits of different institutional structures (federal v. unitary, and the distribution of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary), to which rights (if any) should be constitutionalized and when and why different rights are protected, and closes with a discussion of what rules should guide constitutional amendment, rewrite, and withdrawal (secession). For each topic, we will compare how these issues have been resolved in the U.S. with alternative approaches in other countries. In addition to occasional discussion of examples from the usual suspects in comparative constitutionalism (namely Germany, Canada, and South Africa), the course incorporates material on a wide variety of other countries around the globe. The goal is not only to expose students to the variety of ways, successful or unsuccessful, that other political communities have addressed these issues, but also, and thereby, to gain a more contextualized and clearer understanding of the pros and cons of the U.S. model. This course is writing intensive and, as a 4xxx-level course, offers senior paper credit for Poli Sci majors (though the course is very much open to non-majors). Crafting a written, evidence-based argument that speaks to broader debates about the origins, nature and/or implications of political decisions and outcomes is central to Political Science. To hone this skill, the instructor guides students through the steps of writing an independent research paper, with writing and research tutorials and class activities integrated into the course every few weeks.
    Grading:
    10% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Some quizzes will be in the form of take-home questions. All quizzes will check for reading/reading comprehension.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    10 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: The paper assignment will be cumulative, with the various steps in the research and writing process due across the term, and the final, polished version due during finals week.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33075/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 October 2017

    Fall 2020  |  POL 4478W Section 001: Contemporary Politics in Africa and the Colonial Legacy (33076)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (16 of 20 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Examines how current politics in mainly, though not exclusively, sub-Saharan Africa have been shaped by the pre-colonial and colonial processes. Reality of independence; recurrent political and economic crises, global context and prospects for effective democracy. prereq: 1054 or 3051 or non-pol sci grad or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jwoldens+POL4478W+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33076/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 4501W Section 001: The Supreme Court and Constitutional Interpretation (13467)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (54 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of Articles I, II, and III. This means that we will discuss how the nation's Court of last resort has helped shape the powers of and constraints on the three branches of our federal government. We will also discuss and analyze the development of law surrounding the separation of powers, the structure of federalism, congressional power over the commerce clause, and the creation and demise of the concept of substantive due process. Successful completion of this course will satisfy the liberal education requirement of Civic Life and Ethics. Effective citizenship in the 21st century requires an understanding of our how government was created, is structured, and has been interpreted by the Supreme Court over the past two centuries. This course is premised on the notion that such an understanding is best achieved by reading the primary sources that led to these goals - the opinions handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4501W+Fall2020 This course is completely online in an asynchronous format. There are no scheduled meeting times.
    Class Description:
    This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of Articles I, II, and III.
    Grading:
    33% Midterm Exam
    33% Final Exam
    33% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Exams will be a combination of short answer/multiple choice and essays.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    25 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/13467/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    5 April 2016

    Fall 2020  |  POL 4881 Section 001: The Politics of International Law and Global Governance (33077)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (54 of 55 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    A dense and expanding network of international rules and regulations now covers the globe. These laws seek to regulate almost every activity that takes place across and sometimes within borders. How and to what extent have they been helpful in resolving conflicts between countries or in facilitating the achievement of common goals? How does international law impact government, foreign policies, domestic politics or national legal systems? In addressing these questions, this course provides an introduction to public international law for students of world politics. Throughout, we emphasize the relationship between law and politics and seek to understand why international law operates as it does. We will draw from historical and recent developments to explore these issues, including: the use of drones; the issue of war crimes and the formation of an International Criminal Court; the use of force for humanitarian purposes; the domestic impact of international human rights treaties; foreign investment disputes; and the relationship between international trade, development, and the environment.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ccreamer+POL4881+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    A dense and expanding network of international rules and regulations now covers the globe. These laws seek to regulate almost every activity that takes place across and sometimes within borders. How and to what extent have they been helpful in resolving conflicts between countries or in facilitating the achievement of common goals? How does international law impact government, foreign policies, domestic politics or national legal systems? In addressing these questions, this course provides an introduction to public international law for students of world politics. Throughout, we emphasize the relationship between law and politics and seek to understand why international law operates as it does. We will draw from historical and recent developments to explore these issues, including: the use of drones; the issue of war crimes and the formation of an International Criminal Court; the use of force for humanitarian purposes; the domestic impact of international human rights treaties; foreign investment disputes; and the relationship between international trade, development, and the environment.
    Learning Objectives:

    Understand the basic structures and norms of the international legal system

    Articulate how and why various actors use international law to express values or achieve goals

    Better understand how law relates to important current issues

    Describe when and how international law shapes global politics and policy.

    Explain when and how international law shapes domestic politics and policy

    Use comparative and critical thinking skills to bring together theory and practice
    Grading:
    45% Two 4-6 page papers
    30% Final 6-8 page paper
    15% Assigned discussions
    10% Participation and Attendance
    Exam Format:
    No exam
    Class Format:
    A mix of lecture, discussion, and in-class activities.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33077/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 March 2020

    Fall 2020  |  POL 4885W Section 001: International Conflict and Security (33078)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Tate Laboratory of Physics B50
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (29 of 31 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? How can states cope with the threat posed by would-be terrorists? What is counterinsurgency doctrine? What is the future of military force in global politics? This course addresses these questions - and others. The course is organized loosely into three sections or themes. The first section explores the causes and consequences of interstate war and peace. We will examine whether and how the international system, domestic institutions and politics, ideas and culture, and even human psychology shape the path to war. Along the way, we debate whether war has become obsolete and why great power rivalry might be raising its ugly head once again. Attention is also devoted to the impact of war on economy and politics as well as the relations between armed forces and civilian government. The second section of the class explores the possibilities, limits, and challenges of more limited uses of force - such as the threat of force (coercion), peacekeeping and humanitarian intervention, and terrorism and counterterrorism. A third theme explores the strategic and ethical implications of the use of force and especially of innovation in military technologies - nuclear weapons, cyber, drones. The course is organized around theoretical arguments, historical cases and data, and policy debates. Sessions are deeply interactive, engaged discussion is a must, and the class often divides into smaller groups for more intensive debate. Class time is also devoted to helping students craft an effective final research paper.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL4885W+Fall2020
    Class Description:
    With the end of the Cold War, many foresaw the birth of a new world order. Military strategy, strategic bombing and coercive diplomacy, deterrence and compellence, signaling and the escalatory ladder--these concepts, staples of Cold War thinking, were believed to be outmoded and to have little relevance to the emerging world. The events of the past two decades have shown how wrong this conclusion was. Military force is as pertinent to international politics as ever. Unable to reap the peace dividend that was expected to accompany the end of the Cold War, the United States has since 1989 repeatedly deployed its military forces across the globe--from Kuwait to Somalia to Bosnia and Kosovo to Afghanistan and Iraq. These operations have sometimes ended in apparent success, other times in failure. This course explores central issues regarding the use of military force in international politics. Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? Under what conditions is the use of force ethical, and when does it exceed those bounds? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? What is the future of military force in global politics? Through theoretical readings, concrete historical cases, and contemporary policy debates, this course examines these questions and others.
    Exam Format:
    No exam. Occasional online quizzes. Final research paper, completed in multiple stages. Weekly reading questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    ~75 pages of reading per week; 15-20 pages of writing per term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33078/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 February 2020

    Fall 2020  |  POL 4891 Section 001: The Politics of Nuclear Weapons (33079)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (59 of 60 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Nuclear weapons have been a feature of international politics since the first use of nuclear weapons against Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II. But how exactly do nuclear weapons affect international politics? Are they a force for peace or for instability and war? How likely is nuclear war or nuclear terrorism? How dangerous is nuclear proliferation? Why does the United States have so many nuclear weapons? Is nuclear disarmament possible or desirable? This course examines these questions. We will first examine the the technologies that underpin nuclear weapons and their effects and the major theories used to understand the ways in which nuclear weapons affect international politics. Second, we will examine the major historical episodes of the nuclear age, including the Manhattan Project and bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; the evolution of nuclear strategy and the arms race between the Soviet Union and the United States; the proliferation of nuclear weapons to regional powers and the development of the global non-proliferation regime; nuclear crises including the Cuban Missile Crisis and Korean War; and the rise of arms control. Finally, we'll consider a range of contemporary issues, including nuclear terrorism; the role nuclear energy will (and should) play in the future, the feasibility of nuclear disarmament; the role of nuclear weapons in India-Pakistan and future US-China relations; and the possibility of nuclear deals with so-called "rogue states" like Iran or North Korea.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL4891+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    How do nuclear weapons affect international politics? How likely is nuclear war or nuclear terrorism? How dangerous is nuclear proliferation? Is nuclear disarmament possible? Is it desirable? This course examines these questions.

    The course is organized loosely into three sections. In the first section, students are introduced to the major theories used to understand nuclear weapons. They will be exposed to the technological underpinnings of nuclear materials, nuclear weapons, and their effects; the classic theory of the nuclear revolution and more recent criticisms of it; deterrence theory; theories of escalation and nuclear strategy; and theories of why and how countries seek nuclear weapons. The goal of this section is to give students the technical and conceptual tools needed to understand nuclear weapons and the way they have affected international politics.

    The second section introduces students to the history of the nuclear age. Major historical episodes and the political, strategic, and ethical debates surrounding them will be discussed. For example, the course will cover the Manhattan Project and bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; the evolution of nuclear strategy and the arms race between the Soviet Union and the United States; the proliferation of nuclear weapons to regional powers and the development of the global non-proliferation regime; nuclear crises including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Suez Crisis, and Able Archer; and the history of arms control and detente. The goal of this section of the course is to give students a solid empirical understanding of the nuclear age that will enable them to evaluate, use, and understand the limitations of the theories and concepts introduced in the first third of the course.

    The third section considers a range of contemporary issues, including nuclear terrorism; the role nuclear energy will (and should) play in the future, the feasibility of nuclear disarmament; the role of nuclear weapons in future US-China relations; the role of nuclear weapons in South Asia; the Iran nuclear deal and potential future proliferation; and the ways in which current and future technological developments may impact nuclear issues. In this section of the course, we will use understanding of both history and theory to evaluate the importance and impact of these ongoing and future challenges.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    There are no formal prerequisites for the class, but students who have taken a previous class on international politics (for example, POL 1025: Global Politics, POL 1026: U.S. Foreign Policy, POL 3835: International Relations, POL 3810: International Law, or POL 4885: International Conflict and Security) will likely get the most out of the class. If you don't have any background of this sort, it would be advisable to speak with the TA or instructor before committing to take the class.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33079/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 October 2019

    Fall 2020  |  POL 4991 Section 001: Political Science Capstone (17651)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Political Science senior
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (58 of 66 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL4991+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17651/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 4991 Section 002: Political Science Capstone (33083)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (33 of 33 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL4991+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33083/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 4991 Section 003: Political Science Capstone (33084)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (25 of 33 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL4991+Fall2020 This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33084/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 4993 Section 001: Honors Thesis: Directed Studies (14534)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    12 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol 3108H, political science major, honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (16 of 20 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4993+Fall2020
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14534/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 4994 Section 001: Directed Research: Individual (14184)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (4 of 20 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Directed individual reading and research between a student and faculty member. Prerequisite instructor and department consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4994+Fall2020
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14184/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 8105 Section 001: Professional Development II (16881)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    Second Half of Term
     
    10/27/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Mon 09:05AM - 11:00AM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Research ethics. Skills for teaching undergraduate courses in political science. Completion of dissertation prospecti or early chapters. prereq: Pol sci student, ABD, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16881/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 8108 Section 001: Maximum Likelihood Estimation (17205)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Laboratory
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course presents an overview of the likelihood theory of statistical inference, and its wide range of uses in applied quantitative political science. When dependent variables take the form of ordered or unordered categories, event counts, or otherwise violate the traditional assumptions of the linear regression model, models estimated by maximum likelihood provide an essential alternative. Topics covered include binary, multinomial, and ordered logit/probit, Poisson regression, and multilevel models. We will rely heavily on computational methods of analysis using the R statistical computing environment, and instruction on how to use R for applied research will be provided throughout the length of the course.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17205/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 8160 Section 001: Topics in Models and Methods -- Bayesian Analysis for the Social Sciences (33090)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    12 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Wed 01:30PM - 03:30PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (1 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    ITV course. Bayesian Statistics for Social Sciences. Instructor: Alex Tahk of the University of Wisconsin. First Class Session is on Wednesday, September 2nd.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33090/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 8160 Section 003: Topics in Models and Methods -- Game Theory II (35175)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    12 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Mon 05:35PM - 07:30PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (1 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35175/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 8201 Section 001: Understanding Political Theory (33092)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Graduate Student
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue 03:35PM - 05:30PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Key concepts/major approaches. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33092/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 8301 Section 001: American Politics (33094)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminar on main themes of theory and research in American politics, institutions, law, and policy. Major works on individual, mass, elite, and institutional behavior and their relationship to each other. Foundation for advanced seminars in American politics. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33094/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 8307 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology I (13703)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major or Pol Psy minor
    Meets With:
    PSY 8211 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (1 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/13703/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 8403 Section 001: International Norms and Institutions (33095)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Thu 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (10 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origins, roles, and effectiveness of international norms and institutions; theoretical explanations and debates. Institution of sovereignty; rational choice versus constructivist perspectives; role of international law, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations; and international society and transnational cultural norms. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This class is primarily meant for PhD students in Political Science, particularly those for whom International Relations is a first or second field.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33095/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 March 2018

    Fall 2020  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (14333)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Advanced Doctoral Student
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (28 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14333/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 8621 Section 001: Comparative and Case Study Methods (17206)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Mon 11:15AM - 01:10PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-107
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (12 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course will provide students with a basic introduction to methodological debates surrounding comparative and case study methods in political science. Although the course is designed primarily with an eye to the needs of students in comparative politics, this course will also be useful to students in other subfields who wish to learn more about comparative and/or case study methods. This course is primarily for students in their 2nd year and beyond in the Political Science PhD program.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17206/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Democratization (33096)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    9 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Mon 02:00PM - 03:55PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (11 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    This course is completely online in a synchronous format. The course will meet online at the scheduled times.
    Class Description:
    Title: Democracy and Democratization This seminar considers some of the oldest and most important questions in comparative politics. What is democracy? What are the sources of democratic and non-democratic rule, and what factors promote authoritarian and democratic regime stability and/or change? We will explore research from all major political science approaches to these and related questions. Readings are selected for their theoretical and/or conceptual importance; the seminar does not focus on any particular region of the world. The seminar will be organized around the following main themes: 1) Philosophical traditions, emergence of key concepts 2) Typologies of regimes - empirical referents 3) The rise of the state and sources of democratic and authoritarian rule 4) Processes of regime decay and/or collapse
    Grading:
    50% Reports/Papers
    25% Reflection Papers
    25% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    25% Lecture
    60% Discussion
    15% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    ~200 Pages Reading Per Week
    30 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    Other Workload: Main project is a 25-page research paper.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33096/1209
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    18 March 2008

    Fall 2020  |  POL 8660 Section 002: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Comparative Political Economic Development (33098)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    9 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Sci grad major
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    Tue 05:45PM - 07:40PM
    Off Campus
    UMN REMOTE
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33098/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (14356)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    12 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Pol Doctoral Student
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14356/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (14252)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    100 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Enrollment Requirements:
    Political Science PhD, Doct or ETCR
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (25 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14252/1209

    Fall 2020  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (13754)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2020 - 12/16/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (1 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/13754/1209

    Summer 2020  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (82878)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/08/2020 - 07/31/2020
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (31 of 33 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?smaloney+POL1201+Summer2020
    Class Description:

    Aristotle once called human beings "political animals,"meaning that, unlike gods or the other animals, we naturally create institutions to govern ourselves. What those institutions should look like, what values they should embody, and who should be in charge prove to be difficult questions that Aristotle leaves for us. Building on Aristotle's definition, this course offers an introduction to political theory, a sub-discipline of political science. By exploring some of the core issues and concepts of political theory, students will grapple with a number of "big questions" about politics in history and in the present: Why and how does politics matter in our everyday lives beyond the voting booth? On what basis is political authority seen as legitimate? How should we understand and embody political values like justice and equality in our own lives? What is the role of economics (capitalism, socialism, etc.) and economic inequality in the creation of political order? What should we think of the use of violence or non-violence in contemporary politics and protests? To explore these "big questions," we will relate historical readings to contemporary "hot-button" issues here in the Twin Cities, the US, and the globe.


    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    9-10 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82878/1205
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 January 2017

    Summer 2020  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (82571)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/08/2020 - 07/31/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Students search for and arrange an internship with an organization or office working in government or politics, and then complete academic coursework in association with their internship. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Summer2020
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
    Learning Objectives:
    To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
    Grading:
    Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
    Exam Format:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82571/1205
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 February 2017

    Summer 2020  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (82818)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/08/2020 - 07/31/2020
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (17 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?houst139+POL3085+Summer2020
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data.
    Grading:
    Enter information here.
    Exam Format:
    Enter information here.
    Class Format:
    Enter information here.
    Workload:
    Enter information here.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82818/1205
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    5 March 2020

    Summer 2020  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (82819)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/08/2020 - 07/31/2020
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (26 of 28 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course considers the nature of contemporary democracy and the role that members of the political community do, can, and should play. While approaches in teaching the class vary, students can expect to read historical and contemporary texts, see films and videos, to approach questions about the nature of democracy, justifications for democracy, and challenges faced by contemporary democracy. Topics will include such questions as the role of civil society in democratic life, deliberative democracy, as well as questions about how members of political communities can best participate in democratic life. Students will write a longer essay that allows them to demonstrate their capacities to understand and explain complex ideas and to make a theoretically compelling argument, using appropriate supporting evidence. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?smaloney+POL3235W+Summer2020
    Class Description:

    Democracy seems to be an intuitively simple concept to many Americans. Americans know what democracy, and the corresponding values of freedom and equality mean because they live under a democratic system of government that guarantees liberty and justice for all, and equality regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Likewise, Americans know that being a citizen means we have certain rights. (and duties?) When we delve a little deeper into what these concepts mean, however, we discover that this apparent certainty papers over a host of disagreements, divisions, and uncertainties. These complexities have bubbled up to the surface today, as they have historically, through a number of contemporary concerns espoused by the Occupy Movement, the Tea Party Movement, Black Lives Matter, anti-establishment politics, etc.


    This class helps students to engage in the contemporary problems of democracy by grounding the conversation in the historical debates of democratic theory. Rather than suggesting any simple answers, our class will instead pose questions with which we, together, must wrestle. What is the democracy? How should we understand basic concepts of democracy like freedom, equality, and solidarity? How should we respond when these concepts come into conflict? Is capitalism inherently in conflict with democracy? Working through these questions, we will tack back and forth between theoretical debates and contemporary and historical political problems, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the political stakes behind these questions, as well as a more critical perspective from which to understand the political challenges of this moment in history.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
    Grading:

    Attendance: 10%

    Paper 1: 35%

    Paper 2: 35%

    Final Presentation: 20%

    Workload:
    approximatley 40 pages of reading per class
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82819/1205
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 March 2017

    Summer 2020  |  POL 3311 Section 001: Law and Justice: The View From Hollywood (87508)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/18/2020 - 06/05/2020
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics and the law have played major thematic roles in American films. This course analyzes eight films that focus on justice, the law, and the legal system, to see what they tell us about political and legal culture, and what messages (if any) they have for contemporary politics. To that end, we will read about, watch, talk about, and write about films. Mostly we will be focusing on questions about the relationship between law and justice, the practice of law, and the role of courts and trials in a political system; however, many other issues will arise in the course of these discussions - race/class/gender and the law, legal ethics, legal education, the adversarial system, the relationship between law and popular culture, among others. You should expect to develop a more in-depth understanding of these issues as well as a better appreciation of the cultural and political significance of the way that law, lawyers, and judges are depicted in the movies.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL3311+Summer2020
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87508/1205

    Summer 2020  |  POL 3410 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- European Responses to Catastrophes: War to COVID19 (88267)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/08/2020 - 07/31/2020
    Mon, Wed 05:30PM - 08:00PM
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (11 of 25 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics of current analytical or policy importance to comparative politics. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3410+Summer2020
    Class Description:

    What are the social, economic and political impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on citizens' lives in Europe and across the Atlantic? This course defines the current pandemic as a catastrophe and adopts a comparative approach to examine the novelty of the COVID-19 pandemic, and strategies deployed to contain it in Europe, compared with those followed in the US. It examines also the historical roots of mitigation policies deployed in Europe today to probe whether this catastrophe can open the way for constructive political changes, as the aftermath of WWII did 70 years ago.


    The course will explore some of the following questions and others that may come up during the course's delivery:


    · Facing COVID-19 has been compared to engaging in war. What policies did Europeans develop after WWII? How is this experience shaping current European responses to COVID-19?

    · COVID-19 is putting pressure on the democratic systems of Europe, which differ widely from each other. What kind of pressures? How is the European Union's federal order responding compared to the US? What is different? What is similar?

    · COVID-19 is challenging health care and employment policies across the world.

    What are the intellectual and sociological roots for the current healthcare and employment policies in Europe? Why do these policies differ so much among European countries, and even more so from US policies?

    · COVID-19 is provoking a major economic depression. How did Europeans respond to the 2008 Great Recession? How is this experience shaping current European policies and more specifically Greek policies?

    · COVID 19 is exposing major cracks in the relationships between nation states as well as provoking new collaborations. What are pressures on the European integration's processes today? What kind of leadership can the European Union provide to a world in chaos? Is this leadership effective during the pandemic?

    ·

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Students interested in learning from best practices and responses to COVID 19 across 35+ European countries and the Atlantic in a comparative perspective; students interested in learning more about the European Union and European social and international policies.
    Learning Objectives:

    SLO: This course meets five of the seven Student Learning Objectives by training students to:

    · Master a body of knowledge and a mode of inquiry through the readings assigned, lectures, course materials and in-class exercises and discussions.

    · Locate and critically evaluate information through one Newspost presentation in class, preparing one of the two class debates by posting a blog on the relevant readings, and the final research essay.

    · Understand diverse philosophies and cultures within and across societies by studying comparatively and historically the intellectual and political influences on policy responses to crises and catastrophes, from the aftermath of WWII to the COVID19 pandemic across three dozen European countries

    · Communicate effectively through class discussions, online discussion forums, short class presentations, and a presentation on the final research essay.

    · Acquire skills for effective citizenship and life-long learning through the comparative study of European responses to catastrophes and the COVID-19 pandemic, and two class debates
    putting that knowledge in dialogue with US responses.
    Grading:

    Attendance: 15%

    News post (in class presentation): 5%

    5 short quizzes (responses to readings and webinars): 30%

    In class paper presentation (on one European country's response to COVID 19): 20%
    Final paper: 30%
    Exam Format:
    No exam
    Class Format:

    This is a hybrid online course, which means that we will meet on zoom twice a week, on Monday and Wednesday, for an interactive 90 minutes, and the rest of the time will be devoted to activities you can complete on your own at a suitable time.

    Even though we will meet remotely, this course is conceived as a building of community as well as of knowledge. It will be a highly interactive learning experience, taught by a professor trained and experienced in on-line teaching, The course will include lectures on the weekly topics and readings; student presentations on European news (each student presents once during the term); regular group discussions in break out rooms and with the whole class; films, webinars, and two European guest speaker; and one final paper presentation in class. Your final paper examines the responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in one European country, which you will choose.

    On Mondays we will examine important and ongoing issues in European politics; on Wednesdays we will discuss the responses to COVD-19, which are related to these issues.

    Workload:

    20-35 pages of reading per class; one news post; paper presentation; final paper; 5 short quizzes.

    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/88267/1205
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/guis0001_POL3410_Summer2020.pdf
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 June 2020

    Summer 2020  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (82894)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/08/2020 - 07/31/2020
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (27 of 28 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular, those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in other parts have not? We will explore inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course also examines what we mean by "development" and exposes students to cutting-edge debates in contemporary development studies. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?lunzx007+POL3477+Summer2020
    Class Description:
    Why are some countries wealthy while others remain poor? In this class we take a political economy approach to this question. This means that we examine how societal and economic outcomes are determined in part by political choices, arrangements, and institutions. While this class privileges the connections between political science and economics, it also draws from other disciplines, such as sociology, anthropology, and geography. The overarching goal of this class is to prepare you to think critically about global issues through a social science perspective.
    Grading:

    Final Grade Breakdown:

    10% In-class Participation

    20% Short Essay 1

    20% Short Essay 2

    20% Midterm Exam

    30% Final Exam

    Exam Format:
    The exams consist of multiple choice, short answer, and essay questions. Each exam will cover the material, including readings and lectures, presented in class up to that point.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82894/1205
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 March 2020

    Summer 2020  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (83055)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/08/2020 - 07/31/2020
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (26 of 28 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?armen013+POL3766+Summer2020
    Class Description:

    People differ in their political preferences, behaviors, and attitudes. Yet, we are all fundamentally human. In this course, we will learn how essential aspects of human psychology influence people's attitudes and behaviors towards politics. We will explore how personality, emotions, values, and even genetic differences (partly) shape people's political attitudes and behaviors. We will review how these different psychological processes influence our positions on policy issues, our voting decisions, how we process information, and even our preferences towards various forms of government.

    We will cover seven broad thematic units. The first unit focuses on the bases of political psychology (theoretical and methodological). The remaining six units will review how psychology influences political attitudes and behaviors, including: personality and other psychological predispositions, genetic factors, core values and morality, emotions, how we process political information, and how we identify with groups in society. During the course, we will apply what we learn in each unit to understand current world events that impact our lives.

    The course will be held asynchronously, though we will schedule one or two synchronous weekly (online) meetings to discuss the readings and answer your questions. These sessions are not mandatory but are highly recommended.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    There are no pre-requisites for this class.
    Learning Objectives:
    The main objective of this class is for students to familiarize themselves with how people's personalities, predispositions, emotions, and values influence their attitudes and behaviors in the political world. My goal is for students to understand how psychology plays a crucial role in how we think about politics, how we react to political events, and how we behave in the political arena.
    I understand that these are difficult times, so I'll strive to make this class as approachable as possible in order to meet students' needs. I'll also make sure that the online format allows enough flexibility depending on students' resources and schedules.
    Grading:
    20% - Short, twitter-style reflections.
    20% - Midterm Exam (take-home).
    30% - Group project.
    30% - Research Paper.
    Exam Format:
    The Midterm exam will feature multiple-choice and short answer questions (defining key concepts). This exam will also include a short essay question touching on major themes in the course. Students will be able to consult the readings and their notes during the exam. We will review the topics included in the midterm exam so that students have a chance to ask as many questions as they need.
    Class Format:
    40% lecture, 30% discussion (forum, small groups), 30% in-class activities.
    Workload:
    Students are expected to complete a short set of readings about relevant research and concepts prior to each class. Given the current circumstances, I'll aim to make this class flexible enough to meet students' needs.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83055/1205
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 May 2020

    Summer 2020  |  POL 3810 Section 001: Topics in International Relations and Foreign Policy -- The International Relations of COVID19 (88209)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/08/2020 - 07/31/2020
    Tue, Thu 09:00AM - 11:30AM
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (19 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics courses delve in-depth into important issues in contemporary international politics. They aim to give students the theoretical, conceptual, and historical understanding, and/or empirical tools needed to understand the complexity of international politics today. Topics courses vary substantially from year to year as specified in the class schedule, but recent topics courses have included: 'Technology and War', International Law', 'Drones, Detention and Torture: The Laws of War', and 'The Consequences of War.'
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?fazal007+POL3810+Summer2020
    Class Description:
    This course will consider various international aspects central to the commencement, continuation, and long- term consequences of the COVID19 pandemic. We will consider questions such as 1) What limitations do the World Health Organization and other international institutions face in responding to international public health crises? 2) What are the effects of the globalization of supply chains on how individual counties have responded to the pandemic? 3) To what extent is the increased role of cities and states in the US as taking the lead in the response mirrored globally? 4) What will the implications of the pandemic be for the relative international standing of the US and China? 5) What, if any, lessons and practices may emerge from the pandemic that could be applied to issues such as climate change?
    In addition to pre-recorded lectures, one pillar of this course will be an ongoing simulation around the pandemic. Students will be assigned specific roles in specific countries or organizations. Each week, they will respond to a new set of challenges. Through lectures, discussion, written assignments, and simulation, students will take a deep dive into the international relations of COVID19.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/88209/1205
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 April 2020

    Summer 2020  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (82934)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/08/2020 - 07/31/2020
    Mon, Wed 09:00AM - 11:30AM
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (19 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sanch417+POL3835+Summer2020
    Class Description:

    Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas?
    What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events.

    This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort will be made to relate the course material to current political developments.

    Specific topics covered will include: great power politics in an age of populism and economic rivalries; international law and institutions; human rights and humanitarian intervention; the politics of nuclear weapons; transnational activism and environmental politics; and the roles of a diverse range of state, substate, and supranational actors in world politics.

    Learning Objectives:
    This course will equip students with the necessary theoretical knowledge to interpret the causes and consequences of political developments across a variety of issue areas that impact the daily lives of people throughout the globe. Expertise in international political issues is a sought-after skill set across a range of career paths, and is beneficial for all students seeking to engage with the world around them as informed citizens. This course will prepare students to identify credible sources of information, analyze peer-reviewed research studies, and engage in articulate written and oral discussions of international politics.
    Grading:
    Graded assignments for this class include: attendance, in-class discussion participation, 3 short response papers, a midterm exam, and a final exam.
    Exam Format:
    The midterm exam will be based on identification and short answer questions. The final exam will be essay-based. Exams will be cumulative.
    Class Format:
    This course will be lecture-based, but include a significant discussion component. Each class period will include small group as well as class-wide discussion.
    Workload:
    Due to the short duration of the summer session, expect the weekly reading workload to exceed the typical workload for a class of this level during the academic year.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82934/1205
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 March 2020

    Summer 2020  |  POL 4900H Section 001: Honors Thesis (83016)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/08/2020 - 07/31/2020
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (1 of 10 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83016/1205

    Summer 2020  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (82589)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/08/2020 - 07/31/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (4 of 10 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82589/1205
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Summer 2020  |  POL 4970 Section 101: Individual Reading and Research (82717)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/18/2020 - 06/05/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (2 of 10 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82717/1205
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Summer 2020  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (82967)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/08/2020 - 07/31/2020
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 20 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL5970+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82967/1205

    Summer 2020  |  POL 8333 Section 001: FTE: Master's (82641)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/08/2020 - 08/14/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Master's student, adviser and DGS consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8333+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82641/1205

    Summer 2020  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (82664)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/08/2020 - 08/14/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8444+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82664/1205

    Summer 2020  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (82687)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/08/2020 - 08/14/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8666+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82687/1205

    Summer 2020  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (82798)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/08/2020 - 07/31/2020
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8888+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82798/1205

    Summer 2020  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (82572)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    Completely Online
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Online Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/08/2020 - 07/31/2020
    Off Campus
    Virtual Rooms ONLINEONLY
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8990+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82572/1205

    Spring 2020  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (53329)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. The course is designed to help students understand what liberal education is by engaging in the study of American politics as a fundamentally critical and creative enterprise, and by grappling with the most complex and challenging problems of political life, such as the sources of political equality and inequality, and the tension between individual aspirations and political control. Questions of power and choice, opportunity and discrimination, freedom and restrictions on freedom are fundamental to the historical development of and current controversies within the American political system, and we will attend to all of these. We will explore topics including the ideas underlying the nation's founding and its constitutional foundations; civil rights and civil liberties; the role of the United States in an increasingly globalized world; the structure and function of American political institutions; and the behavior of American citizens in the political process. In addition, we will learn to think and communicate like political scientists. We will read primary documents, such as the Federalist papers, engage with scholarly arguments about the way the American political system works, and critically evaluate critiques of the American political system that have been offered from a variety of perspectives. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them. Students will be able to identify, define, and solve problems and to locate and critically evaluate information. Students will have mastered a body of knowledge and a mod
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL1001+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53329/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 1001 Section 002: American Democracy in a Changing World (65342)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (44 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. The course is designed to help students understand what liberal education is by engaging in the study of American politics as a fundamentally critical and creative enterprise, and by grappling with the most complex and challenging problems of political life, such as the sources of political equality and inequality, and the tension between individual aspirations and political control. Questions of power and choice, opportunity and discrimination, freedom and restrictions on freedom are fundamental to the historical development of and current controversies within the American political system, and we will attend to all of these. We will explore topics including the ideas underlying the nation's founding and its constitutional foundations; civil rights and civil liberties; the role of the United States in an increasingly globalized world; the structure and function of American political institutions; and the behavior of American citizens in the political process. In addition, we will learn to think and communicate like political scientists. We will read primary documents, such as the Federalist papers, engage with scholarly arguments about the way the American political system works, and critically evaluate critiques of the American political system that have been offered from a variety of perspectives. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them. Students will be able to identify, define, and solve problems and to locate and critically evaluate information. Students will have mastered a body of knowledge and a mod
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL1001+Spring2020
    Class Description:

    Why doesn't Congress seem to work? Why do Americans love democracy, but hate politics? Why are there only two political parties, and why do they seem to despise each other so much? This course will introduce students to politics in the United States, addressing these and many more questions about how the American political system really works. We will begin with the founding principles and historical development of the American system of government and then move on to examine the contemporary structure and function of American political institutions and the role that average citizens play in the political process. Students will exit the class with a better understanding of how the American political system succeeds or fails at living up to our ideals and what we can do about it.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This class will be of interest to anyone who wants a better understanding of how the American political system operates, what is going on in Washington, or how to effect change in our current political climate. The class is also an entry point for the department's upper division American politics classes, including classes on political psychology, social movements, Congress, the Supreme Court, and state and local government.
    Grading:
    Grades will be based on three elements. Short quizzes at the beginning of each class will evaluate students' comprehension of key concepts from readings and lecture (40%), three long quizzes over the course of the semester will evaluate students' ability to apply these concepts to new situations and problems (40%), and a final paper will evaluate students' ability to use these concepts to advance and defend an argument (20%).
    Exam Format:
    All short quizzes will be multiple choice and closed book. All long quizzes will be short answer/essay and open book.
    Class Format:
    Class is lecture based, but "lecture" will be broken up by short writing exercises, small group discussion, and other exercises that will ask you to apply the concepts you are learning in real time. While these will not be graded, engaging fully with them will make the subsequent quizzes and essays much, much easier.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65342/1203
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2018.docx (Fall 2018)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2017.docx (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 March 2017

    Spring 2020  |  POL 1019 Section 001: Indigenous Peoples in Global Perspective (54731)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    AMIN 1002 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Thu 02:30PM - 04:30PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Fraser Hall 101
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (10 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Colonial experiences of selected indigenous peoples in Americas, Euroasia, Pacific Rim.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54731/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (52043)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon, Wed, Fri 09:05AM - 09:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (70 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Global politics is complex, fast-paced, and often confusing. Seeking to reveal the deeper processes at work in the international system, this introductory course explores both the enduring challenges of international politics as well as more recent transformative trends? What has changed and what has stayed the same. It introduces theoretical traditions, but the course's focus is on making sense of real-world problems, both today and in the past. Why and when do states go to war and use military force? Why do they sign international agreements and treaties, on matters from arms control to investment? What effect does international trade have on the distribution of global wealth, and why do barriers to trade arise? Why has human rights emerged as a central problem in world politics? Why has our world become an increasingly legalized and regulated space? And what difference does it make? What good are nuclear weapons? Why do some turn to terrorism to advance their political agenda? Does foreign aid make the world a better place? How can we reduce global inequality? What are the prospects for international cooperation to address climate change? These are among the pressing real-world questions that this course in Global Politics will address? And that it will give you the tools to answer, though particular instructors will naturally choose to emphasize different topics and questions. But the course will also highlight how our answers to these questions are changing along with the deep power structures of global politics-as US dominance wanes and others, most notably China, rise; as core ideas and discourses underpinning the international system, such as sovereignty, come under assault; and as institutions, such as those governing international law, thicken. Global Politics is an essential guide to our increasingly globalized world.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL1025+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Global politics introduces students to the study of the world's political systems and to the debates over certain global issues. Various theroretical frameworks are examined throughout the semester, but the emphasis is on the so-called realist and liberal perspectives. Related middle range accounts of war and of international political economy also are studied. While many global political issues will be mentioned, the focus will be on the legacies of the East-West conflict, particularly nuclear proliferation, and on the North-South conflict, expecially Southern demands for distributional justice. At the end of the semester, students will be able to describe and predict the evolution of a global political system. In addition, they will be able to carve out and defend a stand on one of the global issues mentioned above.
    Exam Format:
    20% Midterm Exams (3)
    40% Final Exam Other Grading Information: Weightings are approximate
    Class Format:
    Some digitized video materials are used.
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    4 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52043/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 October 2016

    Spring 2020  |  POL 1026 Section 001: U.S. Foreign Policy (55297)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (77 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This makes the question of what the role in the U.S. is in the world and how the United States interacts with other countries, international organizations, and other actors in international politics a question of real importance. US foreign policy will play a crucial role in determining the world we live in four, ten, and fifty years time. As a result, we should all try to better understand how the United States behaves in international politics, why it behaves in that way, how it should behave, and how it has behaved in the past. These are the questions that this class tackles. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and how has US foreign policy varied in the past? What do past conflicts in which the United States has been involved tell us about current U.S. foreign policy? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily secure? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? How serious is the threat of cyber war? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from getting nuclear weapons?
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL1026+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This makes the question of the U.S. role in the world--how the United States interacts with other countries, international organizations, and other actors in international politics--a question of real importance. As a new presidential administration comes into power promising to shake up US foreign policy, US foreign policy will play a crucial role in determining the world we live in four, ten, and fifty years time. As a result, we should all try to better understand how the United States behaves in international politics, why it behaves in that way, how it should behave, and how it has behaved in the past.

    These are the questions that this class tackles. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and how has US foreign policy varied in the past? What do past conflicts in which the United States has been involved tell us about current U.S. foreign policy? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily secure? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? How serious is the threat of cyber war? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from getting nuclear weapons? How unusual is Donald Trump's foreign policy?

    The course begins by introducing a number of theories that help shed light on different American foreign policies. We will then examine how U.S. foreign policies have evolved over time with particular attention to the ideas that have motivated broad currents in American foreign policy. We will conclude by examining a series of current foreign policy issues that the United States faces. Although the class is separated into these three sections, this distinction is somewhat artificial. In examining the theories, we will discuss whether historical events seem to validate or disconfirm those theories. When we discuss historical events we will ask which theories seem to explain these events best. And when analyzing current policy issues we will ask what the different theories suggest that the United States will do in response to these challenges and which policy options are in line with the ways in which the United States has conducted foreign policy in the past.

    Students who complete this course will be able to critically analyze the major dynamics shaping U.S. foreign policy today, understand the theories that help shed light on U.S. actions in the world, and understand how U.S. foreign policy today has changed (or stayed the same) over time. This class is ambitious: we are going to cover a lot of ground and many of the topics we will spend a week on are topics that you could take an entire semester-long class studying. The goal is to whet your appetite for future classes on international politics and U.S. foreign policy--this is just an introduction to the subject!
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This is an introductory class and all students are welcome to enroll
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55297/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 October 2019

    Spring 2020  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Puzzles in World Politics (53868)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    West Bank Skyway AUDITORIUM
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (34 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course is an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. It focuses on domestic politics within countries, as opposed to a course in international relations, which focuses on relations between countries. Some of the questions we tackle include: Why are some countries prone to violent conflict while others remain peaceful? Why do some countries grow rich while others remain poor? Why does democracy emerge in some countries, while dictators hold onto power elsewhere? How do attitudes about gender and sexuality influence politics? Do particular religions, or the strength of religious faith, strengthen or weaken democracy? The readings and assignments help you make sense of the complexity of world politics - to sift through and distill the avalanche of information available and learn how to develop your own arguments about pertinent global issues. Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and provide examples of 1) the difference between strong and weak states; 2) the distinctions between democratic and non-democratic forms of government; 3) the various ways democracies are governed; 4) arguments explaining the origin of democracy and the persistence of non-democracy; 5) the significance of different forms of political identity such as ethnicity, religion, and gender; 6) why some countries are rich while others remain poor; and 7) why some countries tax and spend more than others. Assignments seek to develop your skills at developing arguments through logic and evidence and to give you the ability to distinguish between a persuasive argument about politics and simply stating an opinion.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL1054+Spring2020
    Class Description:

    This course is an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. We will focus on some important questions in contemporary comparative politics, such as: Why are some countries democratic and other authoritarian? How democracies organize their political institutions and what are their effects? What does the comparative approach teach us about race/ethnicity and gender? How to explain the emergence of protest and other forms of collective action, such as social revolutions?

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    No prior knowledge is assume, class is open to anyone, including non-majors.
    Exam Format:
    3 Quizzes - 54% of final grade
    2 Short Essays (1-2 pages) - 36% of final grade
    Attendance grade - 10% of final grade
    Class Format:
    Lectures and discussion.
    Workload:
    Average of 100 pages of reading per week.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53868/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    31 December 2019

    Spring 2020  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (52005)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-104
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (75 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?smaloney+POL1201+Spring2020
    Class Description:

    Aristotle once called human beings "political animals,"meaning that, unlike gods or the other animals, we naturally create institutions to govern ourselves. What those institutions should look like, what values they should embody, and who should be in charge prove to be difficult questions that Aristotle leaves for us. Building on Aristotle's definition, this course offers an introduction to political theory, a sub-discipline of political science. By exploring some of the core issues and concepts of political theory, students will grapple with a number of "big questions" about politics in history and in the present: Why and how does politics matter in our everyday lives beyond the voting booth? On what basis is political authority seen as legitimate? How should we understand and embody political values like justice and equality in our own lives? What is the role of economics (capitalism, socialism, etc.) and economic inequality in the creation of political order? What should we think of the use of violence or non-violence in contemporary politics and protests? To explore these "big questions," we will relate historical readings to contemporary "hot-button" issues here in the Twin Cities, the US, and the globe.


    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    9-10 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52005/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 January 2017

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3065 Section 001: Political Engagement Careers: Planning and Preparing For Your Future (54843)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Wed, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 220
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (33 of 35 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Are you interested in pursuing a career in public service? Do you plan to run for office in the future, or work in a government agency (such as the State Department or the FBI or the MN DNR), or become a professional campaign manager or lobbyist, or work as an issue activist on a cause important to you? Would you like to learn more about the variety of public service careers open to a college graduate? Do you wonder what motivates people to pursue careers in politics, public administration, and community service, and how these motivations vary across career fields? Would you like to explore some options for future internship or service learning while at the University? Then this course is for you! This course is the Political Science Department's introduction to careers in political and civic engagement. Through readings focused on theories about and case studies of political engagement, and on the ethics of politics and public service, numerous guest speakers with extensive experience as public service professionals, and a discussion-oriented class format, we will explore the meaning of public service and the main types of public service careers that you could pursue. We will think about the virtues and challenges associated with doing public service work, and how these differ across different types of jobs and venues for serving the public. Finally, you will acquire practical knowledge and skills related to the search for public service work opportunities, including how to write a resume and cover letter, how to conduct an informational interview, networking, and the job search and application process. Intended primarily for first- and second-year undergraduates, but open to students of any major at any point in their undergraduate program.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3065+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54843/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3070 Section 001: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Internship (54637)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (16 of 15 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Interns work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, interns will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers. Interns are chosen through a highly competitive online application the semester prior to registration. Students should check with Political Science advising for details about the application process. This course is only open to Political Science majors.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3070+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54637/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (52004)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (59 of 75 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
    Learning Objectives:
    To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
    Grading:
    Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
    Exam Format:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52004/1203
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 February 2017

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (53175)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (60 of 61 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
    Grading:

    Grades are based on points.



    10 points per homework (8 homeworks, lowest grade is dropped, 70 points total)

    50 points for Midterm I

    50 points for Midterm II

    50 points for poster presentation

    50 points for final paper

    30 points for class participation

    Exam Format:
    Midterms contain a mixture of multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer. All necessary formulas will be provided. Calculators are allowed.
    Class Format:
    Each class is a mixture of lecture and small-group activities.
    Workload:
    2 Exams
    8 Homework Problem Sets
    1 Final Poster Presentation
    1 8-12 Page Final Paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53175/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    11 October 2018

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (53687)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Thu 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 260
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (32 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
    Grading:

    Grades are based on points.



    10 points per homework (8 homeworks, lowest grade is dropped, 70 points total)

    50 points for Midterm I

    50 points for Midterm II

    50 points for poster presentation

    50 points for final paper

    30 points for class participation

    Exam Format:
    Midterms contain a mixture of multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer. All necessary formulas will be provided. Calculators are allowed.
    Class Format:
    Each class is a mixture of lecture and small-group activities.
    Workload:
    2 Exams
    8 Homework Problem Sets
    1 Final Poster Presentation
    1 8-12 Page Final Paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53687/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    11 October 2018

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (54026)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Thu 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 135
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (28 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
    Grading:

    Grades are based on points.



    10 points per homework (8 homeworks, lowest grade is dropped, 70 points total)

    50 points for Midterm I

    50 points for Midterm II

    50 points for poster presentation

    50 points for final paper

    30 points for class participation

    Exam Format:
    Midterms contain a mixture of multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer. All necessary formulas will be provided. Calculators are allowed.
    Class Format:
    Each class is a mixture of lecture and small-group activities.
    Workload:
    2 Exams
    8 Homework Problem Sets
    1 Final Poster Presentation
    1 8-12 Page Final Paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54026/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    11 October 2018

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3108H Section 001: Honors Tutorial: Thesis Preparation and Political Science Inquiry (54290)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Wed 01:00PM - 03:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 425
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (20 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    In this course, students will improve their research skills in preparation to write their senior theses. Students will enter with a few ideas for topics about which they might like to write their theses. They will leave the class with a clear and tractable research question, a literature review that describes how this question fits in with the existing scholarly literature, and a research design that will enable them to answer the question. Along the way, they will advance their understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct political science research. Students will be graded on the basis of drafts of their annotated bibliography, literature review and research design, a class presentation of the "front half" of their senior thesis, and class participation including short weekly assignments. Students are expected to keep up with the reading and, most importantly, to begin to conduct their own independent research. prereq: Pol sci major, honors
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3108H+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    In this course, students will improve their research skills in preparation to write their senior theses. Students will enter with a few ideas for topics about which they might like to write their theses. They will leave the class with a clear and tractable research question, a literature review that describes how this question fits in with the existing scholarly literature, and a research design that will enable them to answer the question. Along the way, they will advance their understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct political science research. Students will be graded on the basis of drafts of their annotated bibliography, literature review and research design, a class presentation of the ?front half? of their senior thesis, and class participation including short weekly assignments. Students are expected to keep up with the reading and, most importantly, to begin to conduct their own independent research.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54290/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 November 2014

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (55298)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 155
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (56 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course considers the nature of contemporary democracy and the role that members of the political community do, can, and should play. While approaches in teaching the class vary, students can expect to read historical and contemporary texts, see films and videos, to approach questions about the nature of democracy, justifications for democracy, and challenges faced by contemporary democracy. Topics will include such questions as the role of civil society in democratic life, deliberative democracy, as well as questions about how members of political communities can best participate in democratic life. Students will write a longer essay that allows them to demonstrate their capacities to understand and explain complex ideas and to make a theoretically compelling argument, using appropriate supporting evidence. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?a-bose+POL3235W+Spring2020
    Class Description:

    Democracy seems to be an intuitively simple concept to many Americans. Americans know what democracy, and the corresponding values of freedom and equality mean because they live under a democratic system of government that guarantees liberty and justice for all, and equality regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Likewise, Americans know that being a citizen means we have certain rights. (and duties?) When we delve a little deeper into what these concepts mean, however, we discover that this apparent certainty papers over a host of disagreements, divisions, and uncertainties. These complexities have bubbled up to the surface today, as they have historically, through a number of contemporary concerns espoused by the Occupy Movement, the Tea Party Movement, Black Lives Matter, anti-establishment politics, etc.


    This class helps students to engage in the contemporary problems of democracy by grounding the conversation in the historical debates of democratic theory. Rather than suggesting any simple answers, our class will instead pose questions with which we, together, must wrestle. What is the democracy? How should we understand basic concepts of democracy like freedom, equality, and solidarity? How should we respond when these concepts come into conflict? Is capitalism inherently in conflict with democracy? Working through these questions, we will tack back and forth between theoretical debates and contemporary and historical political problems, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the political stakes behind these questions, as well as a more critical perspective from which to understand the political challenges of this moment in history.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
    Grading:

    Attendance: 10%

    Paper 1: 35%

    Paper 2: 35%

    Final Presentation: 20%

    Workload:
    approximatley 40 pages of reading per class
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55298/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 March 2017

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3251W Section 001: Power, Virtue, and Vice: Ancient and Early Modern Political Theory (65343)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (51 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Key concepts of contemporary political life such as 'democracy', 'tyranny', 'authority' - and indeed 'politics' itself - derive from ancient sources. This course offers students an opportunity to return to the foundations of this vocabulary by delving into work by such major thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and Machiavelli. Lectures and discussion shall consider the endurance of certain basic questions of political life, such as: What is justice? What is the best regime? What is the relationship between human nature and political order? Can politics be virtuous and, if so, in what way? The course will also consider the radically diverse responses to these essential questions through examination of a wide range of historical periods and the unique terms of political order each offered. Previous iterations of the course have included examination of the Classical Greek city-state system and its fragile experiments with democracy; the rise and fall of the Roman empire; the establishment of Western Christendom; the Renaissance, so-called 'discovery' of the New World, and dawn of the modern era. Students will gain a glimpse into worlds preoccupied by matters of truth, virtue and nobility, but also widely populated by slavery, imperialism, violence, and religious strife. In this way, the study of ancient theory is intended to serve as both supplement and challenge to the terms of contemporary political life.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?smaloney+POL3251W+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Political theory exists as an academic discipline because people sometimes do really great and really horrible things to each other and its hard to understand why. This class surveys a 2,400 year long conversation on the topic, sampling notable contributions from Athens in the 5th century BCE to Florence in the 15th century of the Common Era.
    Grading:
    The course will have three 7-page papers worth 20% of your grade each, a take home final exam worth 20% of your grade, and weekly reading quizzes with 20% of your grade in total.
    Exam Format:
    Take home
    Class Format:
    Lecture (with lots of discussion)
    Workload:
    120 pages of close reading per week.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65343/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 July 2018

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3265 Section 001: Ideas and Protest in French Postwar Thought (65344)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 115
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (33 of 33 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    France witnessed a number of extraordinary events in the 20th century: the carnage and trauma of World Wars I and II; the Vichy regime's collaboration with German Nazis; the general strike and student protests of the 1960s; the tensions prompted by anti-colonialism and later decolonization in North Africa; and the challenges of post-colonialism and racial politics. This course will examine these events, the political and ethical challenges they raised, and the intellectuals who shaped the ensuing public debates. It will draw on historical documents, cultural media (e.g. posters, art, film), and philosophical texts to explore contemporary France in its century of politics and protest. Thinkers range from film-maker Gillo Pontecorvo, to philosopher-playwright Jean-Paul Sartre, to philosopher Michel Foucault.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL3265+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    France witnessed a number of extraordinary events in the 20th century: the carnage and trauma of World Wars I and II; the Vichy regime's shameful collaboration with German Nazis; the general strike and student protests of the 1960s; the tensions prompted by decolonization in North Africa; and the challenges of contemporary multiculturalism and identity politics from the 1990s to the 2015 Charlie Hebdo tragedy. This course will examine these events, the political and ethical challenges they raised, and the intellectuals who shaped the ensuing public debates. It will draw on historical documents, cultural media (e.g. posters, art, film), and philosophical texts to explore contemporary France in its century of politics and protest. Thinkers range from novelist Albert Camus, to philosopher-playwright Jean-Paul Sartre, to philosopher Michel Foucault.
    Exam Format:
    20% Midterm Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Special Projects
    10% In-class Presentations
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    3 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65344/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 March 2015

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3306 Section 001: Presidential Leadership and American Democracy (67232)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    West Bank Skyway AUDITORIUM
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (82 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    To most Americans - if not most human beings - the President of the United States is probably the most powerful person on the planet. This course examines how, why, and whether that is the case. What does the US President do, and why? Why is so much power entrusted to just one person? Students will critically analyze these questions and synthesize answers by evaluating the history, evolution, and current state of the "highest office in the land."
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?tpcollin+POL3306+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67232/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3309 Section 001: Justice in America (54725)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 370
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (77 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    American judiciary. Selection of judges. How/why these individuals/institutions behave as they do. What influences judicial decisions. What impact decisions have. Why people comply with them. prereq: 1001 or 1002 or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL3309+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to the scientific study of judicial politics. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. This course, unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, does not study legal doctrine; rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system, with an emphasis on the social scientific literature on law and legal process.
    Grading:
    70% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54725/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3310 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Race, Class, Gender & US Social Policy (67163)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (36 of 35 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topic in American politics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL3310+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67163/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (54436)

    Instructor(s)
    Adam L (TA)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 5
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    What role does education play in American democracy? What role should it play? Does American education, particularly public education, live up to its citizens' hopes and expectations? And, perhaps most importantly, what do we mean by a "good education"? This is a question with deep historical roots in this country, one that is the subject of current policy debates and one that cannot be separated from questions of discrimination and inequality. The over-arching theme of the course is to wrestle with what it means to be an educated citizen in the context of historical struggles to achieve that vision in the face of multiple and inter-related inequalities and competing visions about how to make the American dream a reality in the field of public education. No one political perspective will be offered or favored. No magic powder will be revealed on the last day of the course. The fact is that the underlying issues are really complicated, often seemingly intractable, and very, very political. This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It will focus on K-12 education, especially in the public system. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools, private school vouchers, and standardized testing. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of public education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for their schools. This course fulfills the
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL3319+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Students with an interest in American education, especially public education. Students interested in public policy.
    Learning Objectives:
    To develop a thorough and critical understanding of American education policy.
    Grading:
    2 exams, final paper
    Exam Format:
    short answer/essay
    Class Format:
    55% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54436/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2019

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3451W Section 001: Politics and Society in the New Europe (65529)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-103
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The devastation of Europe through two World Wars put the deadly results of ultra-nationalism on full display. To avoid such destruction again, a group of European technocrats and leaders embarked on a mission of incrementally deepening economic and later, social partnerships between an ever-expanding number of European countries. These efforts culminated in the birth of the European Union in the late 20th Century. From its inception, the Union has found obstacles in the forms of a weak institutional structure and authority, deep skepticism of a central European authority, financial crisis, ethnic anxiety, and resurgent nationalism. Yet, the continuation and strengthening of the Union is seen as the antidote to the rise of anti-democratic and authoritarian tendencies on the continent. Some of the key questions that we will engage in are: What are the ideological and historical roots of the European Union? What are the structural flaws of the Union? What are the obstacles to a stronger Union? Is the Union still or even more essential than ever? What are the ways the Union could collapse from within and from the intervention of outside forces?
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?moha0030+POL3451W+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    This course examines the establishment, institutions and functions of the European Union, with an overview of the political processes in European countries and the European Union. Students will examine the history behind the EU's construction, theories of European integration, the EU's institutions and policy competencies, reoccurring problems with democratic representation in the EU, and the EU's political and economic influence over candidate countries via requirements for entry. The class will also discuss the creation of the European Monetary Union and the Euro currency, and challenges it faced during the sovereign debt crisis. Finally, we will address challenges of migration, integration and the rise of nationalist parties across Europe.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    20% Research Paper
    20% Attendance
    20% Short Reflection Papers
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    5 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65529/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    31 May 2016

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3464 Section 001: Politics Economic Inequality (65346)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-106
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Democracy is premised on formal political equality. Yet if economic wealth can be transformed into political influence, then we have good reason to worry about the quality of democracy. In this course students engage the question of the relationship between inequality and democracy in comparative perspective. The course first explores core conceptual and normative issues: how do we measure economic inequality, and why should we care about it? We then turn to the origins of inequality and explanations of its evolution, and then consider political efforts to redress inequalities, starting with the question of why the poor do not soak the rich under democracy ? the ?Robin Hood Paradox.? We then turn to efforts to explain real-world variation in economic redistribution around the world. Finally, we explore consequences of inequality for democracy: the extent to which the rich ?win? over everyone else in terms of policy representation, and the impact of economic inequality on the long-term evolution of democracy itself.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL3464+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Distributional issues are at the core of the study of politics. After all, democracy is premised on formal political equality. Yet if economic wealth can be transformed into political influence, then we have good reason to worry about the quality of democracy. In this course students will read, discuss and engage questions about the relationship between inequality and democracy. We will draw on examples from the US and other countries, exploring such questions as "What is the relationship between income and power in democratic societies?" "What are the political consequences of rising inequality?" and "What sorts of policies increase or decrease inequality?" The course first explores conceptual issues and normative issues: how do we measure inequality, and why should we care about it? We then turn to the origins of economic inequality and consider explanations of its evolution, and then explore political efforts to redress inequalities, starting with the question of why the poor do not vote to "soak the rich" under democracy. Given this "Robin Hood Paradox," we then turn to efforts to explain real-world variation in redistribution around the world. Next we explore important consequences of inequality for democracy: the extent to which the rich "win" over everyone else in terms of policy representation. Finally, we will debate a series of potential remedies for rising inequality in the United States.

    Readings are drawn from across the social sciences, and are chosen to highlight the key questions at stake in the study of the tension between inequality and democracy.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Anyone interested in learning how scholars measure inequality and try to understand its political origins and consequences
    Learning Objectives:
    1) Learn how social scientists measure different forms of economic inequality
    2) Understand the key elements of the debate between libertarian and egalitarian views of inequality
    3) Appreciate the sources of the long-term evolution of economic inequality around the world
    4) Gain insight into the sources of recent increase in inequality in the USA, including racial and gender inequities
    5) Understand the nature of "social welfare state" government policies by placing the USA in comparative perspective
    6) Consider the extent to which average citizens understand inequality and its effects
    7) Evaluate the impact of economic inequality on political representation
    8) Appreciate the impact of local-level distributions of power on inequalities in the Twin Cities
    Grading:
    Grades will be based on five short assignments (2 pp each), a longer research paper (10 pp) and participation in a class debate.
    Exam Format:
    There is no midterm or final in this class
    Class Format:
    Lecture, group discussion and activities
    Workload:
    Reading will *average* about 100 pages per week. Students will also frequently engage with videos and interactive websites
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65346/1203
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/dsamuels_POL3464_Spring2020.pdf
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2019

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (55299)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (35 of 35 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular, those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in other parts have not? We will explore inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course also examines what we mean by "development" and exposes students to cutting-edge debates in contemporary development studies. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3477+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Why are there such vast disparities of wealth among countries? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world experienced stunning economic growth while others have not? We will explore the issue of inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course focuses primarily on countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, with explicit comparisons between Brazil, South Korea, and Nigeria, but we will begin the course with an exploration of the "Rise of the West" in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. What do we mean by "development," and what has been the role of rich countries in producing and perpetuating poverty? What are the costs of development? What role can the US play in alleviating global inequality? Is foreign aid an effective way to help solve development inequalities? By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55299/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 March 2017

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3479 Section 001: Latin American Politics (65347)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course offers an introduction to the political history and contemporary politics of Latin America, along with some of the main concepts and theories used by social scientists to explain the region's political dynamics. Through a comparative, historical approach, the course aims to help students understand the continued challenges faced by countries in the region-- to the establishment of security, the rule of law and rights protection, to the stability and quality of democracy, and to sustainable and equitable economic growth - and how these interact. The objective of the course is not only to help students understand the similarities and differences in outcomes in Latin America over time, but also to reflect on what the region's experiences can teach us about the requirements of and barriers to meaningful democracy and sustainable and equitable development around the world, including "north of the border." In other words, the course seeks not just to provide students' knowledge about Latin America, but to help them learn from Latin America.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL3479+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    This course introduces students to the main contours of political and economic development in Latin America. It aims not only to help students understand the similarities and differences in outcomes in the region over the past several decades, but also to reflect on what Latin America's experiences can teach us about the requirements of and barriers to meaningful democracy and sustainable and equitable development around the world. The course presents key concepts and theories in the study of the region's development and discusses them as they pertain to five main country cases: Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, and Venezuela. Readings on other countries are occasionally assigned and students have opportunities to draw on other cases for class assignments.
    Grading:
    45% Reports/Papers
    25% Final Exam
    15% Quizzes
    15% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Combo of short answer, IDs, and essay
    Class Format:
    65% Lecture
    35% Discussion
    Workload:
    125 Pages Reading Per Week
    10 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Short Paper(s)
    1 Report
    1 Exam (Final)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65347/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 November 2015

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (54196)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (84 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3766+Spring2020
    Class Description:

    This course reviews how several different aspects of human psychology influence public opinion and political behavior at the mass level. How we discuss politics with others, our positions on major policy issues, the decision to vote in elections, how we interpret political information, and more, are all shaped (at least in part) by psychological factors.


    Over the term, we will cover several different aspects of political psychology, including various theoretical underpinnings, personality, partisanship and other forms of identity, morality, media and misinformation, and neurological and evolutionary factors, among other topics. Along the way, we will relate core principles learned in each unit to central questions and challenges in political science more broadly.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Learn the various theoretical frameworks in political psychology, how they are tested empirically, and how they are applied to various political phenomena and outcomes.


    • Evaluate research critically and identify alternative explanations.


    • Think about social science phenomena in an interdisciplinary manner.
    Grading:
    10% - Pop quizzes
    20% - Exam 1
    20% - Exam 2
    20% - Exam 3
    10% - Final paper outline
    20% - Final paper
    Exam Format:
    The exams in this class will be a combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. Each exam will be non-cumulative.
    Class Format:
    A mixture of lecture and discussion.
    Workload:
    In addition to regular class attendance and completion of the exams/paper, students are expected to complete a short set of readings about relevant research and concepts prior to each class.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54196/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 November 2019

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3810 Section 001: Topics in International Relations and Foreign Policy -- The Laws of War in International Politics (66521)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 425
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (29 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics courses delve in-depth into important issues in contemporary international politics. They aim to give students the theoretical, conceptual, and historical understanding, and/or empirical tools needed to understand the complexity of international politics today. Topics courses vary substantially from year to year as specified in the class schedule, but recent topics courses have included: 'Technology and War', International Law', 'Drones, Detention and Torture: The Laws of War', and 'The Consequences of War.'
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66521/1203
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/kuo00039_POL3810_Spring2021.docx (Spring 2021)

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3833 Section 001: The United States and the Global Economy (54969)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (84 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3833 teaches students about the politics of the global economy with a focus on the role the United States plays within it. The class covers a variety of topics in international political economy, including international trade, international investment, and international finance. Students will learn about the factors that drive politicians' decision-making, interest-group stances, and citizens' preferences over such salient issues as tariffs and other forms of trade protection, trade and investment agreements, central banking, interest rates, international migration, and more. No background in economics is required or assumed.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3833+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Globalization has been a defining force driving markets - and, hence, shaping politics - over the past 20 years. Global financial flows and imbalances are implicated in financial crises both recent and past, and the mobility of firms and migrants across international borders has important distributional and regulatory consequences. Yet, the impact of the U.S. on the global economy is not exclusive to purely financial phenomena: conflict and peace, technological innovation, natural resources, and economic development are all affected as rising levels of trade create new "winners" and "losers." This class examines some of the broad themes that characterize globalization with a focus on - but not only on - the U.S. and the ways in which its policy responses shape and are being shaped by globalization.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54969/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 August 2015

    Spring 2020  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (52533)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (82 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ccreamer+POL3835+Spring2020
    Class Description:

    Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, bargaining theory, and international norms and transnational advocacy. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so. Specific topics covered will include: the ascendance of China as a global power; the international politics of nuclear weapons; the ways in which the global economy shapes the terms and conditions of international politics; and the implications of a range of new actors and activities (such as multinational corporations, transnational organized crime, the Internet and social media) for world politics.

    Learning Objectives:

    This course places special emphasis on helping you - as a global citizen - learn to:

    • synthesize and evaluate existing theoretical approaches within international relations

    • identify their strengths and weaknesses

    • construct an argument for why we observe particular outcomes in world politics
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Take-Home Paper
    30% Three Mini-Analytical Papers
    15% Participation and Attendance
    Exam Format:
    The mid-term exam will be a combination of concept identification and short answer questions
    Class Format:
    A mix of lecture, discussion, and in-class activities.
    Workload:
    45-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    1 In-Class Exams
    4 Take-Home Papers
    11-16 Pages Writing Per Term
    5-10 Small Group Activities
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52533/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 March 2017

    Spring 2020  |  POL 4210 Section 002: Topics in Political Theory -- Black Political Thought: Conceptions of Freedom (66147)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 240
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (20 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics in political theory, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?a-bose+POL4210+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    On January 21, 1964, Ella Baker, one of the most important Black leaders of the Civil Rights Movement stood in front of large crowd in Hattiesburg, MS & said: "Even if segregation is gone, we will still need to be free; we will still have to see that everyone has a job. Even if we can all vote, but if people are still hungry, we will not be free. Remember, we are not fighting for the freedom of the Negro alone, but for the freedom of the human spirit, a larger freedom that encompasses all mankind."

    With these words, Baker held before the crowd a political vision that went beyond the immediate goals of social struggle & defined one of the central impulses of Black political thought: to articulate a large & expansive conception of freedom. In this course, our main objective is to enter an intellectual terrain of rich & vibrant debates between African American political thinkers over the meaning of Black freedom.

    We will explore questions about 1) the geographical reach of their visions of freedom 2) their strategies for agitating for & achieving freedom 3) their different understandings of the nature of domination & how this informs their conception of freedom & 4) their emphasis on political affect in the struggle for freedom.

    Our orientation will be historical & theoretical. To this end, we reconstruct theoretical debates from four important periods of African American history 1) pre-Civil war debates about the Abolition of slavery (1830-1860) 2) Turn of the century debates about racial progress (1880-1910) 3) Civil rights era debates about integration & separatism (1950-1970) & 4) contemporary debates about law enforcement, police killings, mass incarceration & political disenfranchisement (1990-).

    As we move through these four historical periods, we will examine the ways in which African American political thinkers articulated conceptions of freedom that sought to transform the American polity & the world at large.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66147/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    12 December 2019

    Spring 2020  |  POL 4315W Section 001: State Governments: Laboratories of Democracy (65349)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (56 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    State governments are rarely at the forefront of the minds of the American public, but in recent years they have made critical decisions about issues like education, health care, climate change, and same-sex marriage. State governments perform a host of vital services, and they regulate and tax a wide array of business activities. Moreover, the states have adopted a very wide range of approaches in addressing these and other policy issues. This course examines the institutional and political changes that sparked the recent "resurgence of the states," and it investigates why state policies differ so dramatically from one another. In addition to playing a central and increasingly important role in the U.S. political system, the American states provide an unusually advantageous venue in which to conduct research about political behavior and policymaking. They are broadly similar in many ways, but they also offer significant variation across a range of social, political, economic, and institutional characteristics that are central to theories about politics. As a result, it becomes possible for scholars to evaluate hypotheses about cause-and-effect relationships in a valid way. This course pursues two related objectives. Its first goal is to give students a better understanding of American state governments' substantive significance. Its second goal is to use the states as an analytical venue in which students can hone their research and writing skills. Students will design and complete an original research paper on an aspect of state politics of their choosing. They will develop a research question, gather and critically evaluate appropriate and relevant evidence, and discuss the implications of their research. prereq: 1001 or equiv, non-pol sci grad major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL4315W+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    State governments have been incredibly active in recent years, making critical decisions about such diverse issues as climate change, same-sex marriage, health care, and immigration. This course examines the institutional and political changes that sparked this resurgence of the states and help explain why state policies in these and other areas differ so dramatically.
    Grading:
    10% Homework Assignments
    10% First Writing Assignment
    20% Midterm Exam
    10% Second Writing Assignment
    25% Final Research Paper
    25% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    10% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-75 pages of reading per week; the three writing assignments use "scaffolding" and culminate in a 15-page original research paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65349/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    12 November 2019

    Spring 2020  |  POL 4335 Section 001: African American Politics (54998)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    AFRO 4335 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 115
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (21 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course examines the historical and contemporary efforts by African Americans to gain full inclusion as citizens in the US political system. Specifically, the course explores advocacy efforts by civil rights organizations and political parties to obtain and enforce civil and political rights for blacks. An examination of these efforts begins in the Reconstruction Era and concludes with the historic election of the nation's first African American president. The course will cover topics such as the politics of the civil rights movement, black presidential bids and racialized voting in federal and state elections. Finally, the course examines how political parties and organized interests used the Voting Rights Act to increase the number of minorities in Congress. The course focuses on whether the growing number of minorities in Congress increases citizens' trust in government and their involvement in voting and participation in political organizations.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL4335+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54998/1203
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/mdminta_AFRO4335_Spring2023.pdf (Spring 2023)

    Spring 2020  |  POL 4461W Section 001: European Government and Politics (65824)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 317
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (33 of 55 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course will introduce you to three major topics that shape European social and political life today: 1) the struggle over what makes for a national/European identity: how contested national identities matter to European democratic politics and to the new populist movements, and the historical role of Islam in shaping European identities 2) the role of institutions in shaping popular representation and citizen agency; 3) European Union policies: dealing with immigration, the single currency and foreign and security policy especially in regard to Eastern/Central Europe and Russia. Each section will conclude with a comparative class debate, led by students, on the way contested historical interpretations and identities, institutions and policies matter also to US political and civic life. This is a writing intensive course and you will be asked to write a 12-15 page research essay on a European country of your choice. Several assignments, preceded by a writing workshop, will help you complete your final essay. The course will consist of lectures with PPTs, class discussions and group work, and at least one guest lecturer working in a local business connected with Europe. Indeed this course aims at preparing you to live and work in a deeply interconnected world, with special attention to the historical, social, political and economic ties between the US and Europe. Small changes will be made to the syllabus if current events or unexpected class needs require it, but the main themes, most readings and the assignments will remain as indicated in the syllabus. prereq: 1054 or 3051 or non-pol sci grad or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?guis0001+POL4461W+Spring2020
    Class Description:

    This intensive writing course on European politics will prepare you to thrive in a deeply interconnected world; and help you hone the writing and research skills crucial to success in any profession. The course is organized around four major themes: 1) the struggle over what makes for a national/European identity, and how contested national identities matter to European democratic politics; 2) the role of institutions in shaping popular representation; 3) dealing with immigration; 4) foreign and security policy especially in regard to Eastern/Central Europe and Russia. We will study and debate together topical questions such as:

    Is "peace" as important to young Europeans as it was to their parents? Can we compare the memory work done in Europe about war and domination with the ongoing confrontation of the past in the US?

    How "European" will the United Kingdom remain if it leaves the European Union? Will Ireland return to its old divisions?

    Europe has a much larger Muslim population population than the US. How do different European countries deal with immigrants of different cultures and religions from the native population?

    Why are Europeans less willing to spend on military defense and more on welfare policies than the US? What are the consequences for national security?
    How can citizens be empowered to change policies? The cases of direct democracy and popular assemblies in Switzerland and the Republic of Ireland.

    The course consists of lectures with PPT, class discussions and group work. You will be asked to write a 12-15-page research essay on a European country of your choice (out of 47). Several assignments, preceded by a writing workshop, will train you to complete this essay.


    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Students interested in Europe and its 47 countries, its relationship with the US, and in current political challenges such as: How to attain social and economic equality within a capitalistic system? How to guarantee people's representation with an efficient decision-making process? How to get countries which warred against one another for centuries to cooperate and turn to non-violent conflict-resolution?
    Students interested in honing their research and writing skills and developing a paper, which could demonstrate to prospective employers/graduate programs their skills. As a 4000-level course, this course offers senior paper credit for Political Science majors (though the course is very much open to non-majors).
    If you have not taken the course prerequisites, please get in touch with me. You can do well in this course even if you have not taken these courses.
    Learning Objectives:
    This course meets five of the seven Student Learning Outcomes by helping you to:
    Master a body of knowledge and a mode of inquiry through the readings assigned, lectures, course materials and in-class exercises and discussions.
    Locate and and critically evaluate information through your final research essay.
    Understand diverse philosophies and cultures within and across societies by studying the formation of collective identities, institutions and policies across 21st century Europe.
    Communicate effectively through class discussions, online discussion forums, short class presentations, and the writing of the final research essay.
    Acquire through the comparative study of European identities, institutions, and policies, and three class debates putting that knowledge in dialogue with contemporary social and political realities in the US.

    Grading:
    25%: Participation (attendance and engagement in class discussions, in-class quizzes)
    10%: 2 posts on Canvas (one news story with comment, one post preparing one of the three class debates based on readings
    5%: Final in-class short paper (reflections on the course, you show up, you write, you get your 5%)
    60% research paper (divided in five assignments, which will help you choose your topic, find references, develop research question and write the paper, see draft syllabus for details).
    Exam Format:
    No mid-term or final exam
    Class Format:
    30% Lecture with PPT and occasional video clips on European current affairs
    45% class and small group discussions
    25% Other Style student presentations (see syllabus for details)
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    16 Pages Writing Per Term: 1 research paper, written in several stages, two posts on Canvas, for more details see draft syllabus.
    Reading news posts of other students (about 4 a week).
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65824/1203
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/guis0001_POL4461W_Spring2020.pdf
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/guis0001_POL4461W_Spring2018.docx (Spring 2018)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    12 December 2019

    Spring 2020  |  POL 4463 Section 001: The Cuban Revolution Through the Words of Cuban Revolutionaries (54889)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 225
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (27 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Why do policy makers in Washington, D.C. continue to rail against the Cuban Revolution? Despite their best efforts, both Republican and Democratic administrations, the Revolution is still in place after six decades. How to explain? This is the central research question of the course. A definitive answer would require a thorough examination of the revolution from its initiation until today - which is beyond what can be done in a semester. The focus, rather, is more limited. First, how was the revolution made and consolidated - from 1953 until about 1969 - and, second, how has it been able to survive and advance since the collapse of the Soviet Union, that is, since 1991? The emphasis here is on the role of leadership and strategy, how the Cubans and their leaders saw and see what they are doing - in their own words. This is an attempt to get into their heads, their understandings, through documents, speeches and writings. In keeping with the goals of liberal education, this course helps students to think outside the box of conventional wisdom. Why, for example, an underdeveloped society lacking many of the characteristics of a liberal democracy can do a better job in meeting the basic needs of its citizens than its far richer neighbor to the north? What the Cubans seek to do is reorganize human relations on the basis of solidarity and not individual self-interest. How successful they have been in that pursuit is exactly one of the questions to which the course seeks to provide an answer. These questions are not simply of intellectual interest. Given the deepening crisis of world capitalism with the accompanying human misery, to know about Cuba's reality can have life and death consequences. Given, also, that the U.S. government doesn't make it easy for most of its citizens to travel to the island to make up their own minds about its reality, this course is a unique educational opportunity.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4463+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    The history of socialist revolutions over the course of a century or more reveals that what occurred in Cuba has proven to have more lasting power. In spite of all the challenges it continues to face, what explains why the Cuban Revolution is still in place after four decades? This is the central research question of the course. A definitive answer would require a thorough examination of the revolution from its initiation until today, which is beyond what can be done in a semester or its equivalent. The focus, rather, will be more limited. First, how was the revolution made and consolidated, from 1953 until about 1969. Second, how has it been able to survive and advance since the collapse of the Soviet Union, that is, since 1991? The emphasis here is on the role of leadership and strategy and how the Cubans and their leaders saw and see what they are doing, in their own words. This is an attempt to get into their heads, their understandings, through documents, speeches and writings. For the first question I will also draw on the data from a research/film documentary project that I'm involved in at this moment: the participation of women and men in the guerrilla army and underground movement.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54889/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Spring 2020  |  POL 4474W Section 001: Russian Politics: From Soviet Empire to Post-Soviet State (65530)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon, Fri 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 215
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (41 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Twenty five years ago, Russia appeared to be democratizing and was even on friendly relations with the US and NATO. Now Vladimir Putin runs the state with the FSB (KGB), and US-Russian relations are at their worst point since the 1970s. This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics. It begins with the Russian Revolution of 1917, and continues with a study of the creation of the USSR and Soviet rule under Lenin, Stalin, and later decades. We look in depth at the economic and political system set up by the Communist Party, and at the causes of its collapse in 1991, which has had profound legacies for the post-Soviet development of Russia. Then in the second half of the course we turn to themes of political, economic, social and civic development under Yeltsin and Putin. We will pose the following questions: Why does democratization begin and why does it fail? How is economic reform undermined? What type of state and regime is Russia now? What caused the Chechen wars and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus during this period? Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Are US-Russian relations improving as a result of Obama's "Reset," or are we now in an era of a new Cold War? What is Russia's goal in Syria, Iran, or Central Asia? Is Putin rebuilding Russia, or driving it to disaster, and how will this impact the West?
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL4474W+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Twenty five years ago, Russia appeared to be democratizing and was even on friendly relations with the US and NATO. Now Vladimir Putin runs the state with the FSB (KGB), and US-Russian relations are at their worst point since the 1970s. This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviety Russian politics. It begins with an overview of Communism, Stalin's use of the KGB, and mass repression, and key moments in the USSR's Cold War foreign policy, which have a legacy for today. We study the Communist economic and political system, and why it collapsed in 1991. We examine Russian foreign policy under Putin: Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Did US-Russian relations improve under Yeltsin, or as a result of Obama's "Reset"? Are we now in a new Cold War? Why is Russia attempting to destabilize Western elections? What is Russia's goal in Syria, Iran, or Central Asia? We study Russia's failed democratization and how corruption has undermined economic reform. We study the Russian military and the Chechen wars, and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus, leading to Islamist radicalization and fighters joining ISIS. Finally, we ask whether Putin is successfully rebuilding Russia, or driving it to disaster.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Students in any college with an interest in Russia!
    Grading:
    Primarily based on papers (a research paper and some short writing assignments).
    Exam Format:
    no in class exams
    Class Format:
    lecture with discussion, especially debates about foreign policy issues related to Russia and the USSR.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65530/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 November 2019

    Spring 2020  |  POL 4487 Section 001: The Struggle for Democratization and Citizenship (53365)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 115
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (17 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How best to advance democracy - through the ballot box or in the streets? This question more than any other is what informs the course. As well as the streets, the barricades and the battlefields, it argues, are decisive in the democratic quest. If democracy means the rule of the demos, the people, then who gets to be included in "the people"? An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of the people, the citizens, is due to social struggles or the threat of such - an assumption to be examined in the course. Struggles refer to any kinds of movement for social change, from protests and strikes to revolutions broadly defined. This course seeks to see if there are lessons of struggle. The course traces the history of the democratic movement from its earliest moments in human history and attempts to draw a balance sheet. In the process it seeks to answer a number of questions. Did social inequality always exist? How do property rights figure in the inclusion process? What is the relationship between the state, social inequality and democracy? Which social layers played a decisive role in the democratic breakthrough? What are the effective strategies and tactics in the democratic struggle? How crucial is leadership? And lastly, can the lessons of the past inform current practice? A particular feature of the course is to read about the thinking and actions of activists on both sides of the democratic struggle in, as much as possible, their own words.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4487+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    The setting for this course is the mounting effort on the part of states and a variety of social forces to roll back the historic gains of the world-wide democratic movement--from anti-immigrant campaigns (in both fascist and non-fascist clothing) that would limit citizenship rights to efforts that undermine civil liberties in the guise of combatting terrorisim. This takes place in a larger context in which increasing numbers of citizens feel disempowered and alienated from the state. As democracy and popular participation are central to citizenship the course traces the origins of the democratic process with particular emphasis on how the disenfranchised fought to become included. Both implicitly and explicitly it seeks to understand how that occured in order to see if there are lessons of the past that that might have appllicability for the defense and extension of democratic rights today. To understand it was the disenfranchised who empowered themselves is in itself empowering. An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of citizens is due to social struggles or the threat of such--an assumption to be examined in the course.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    50% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53365/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 October 2011

    Spring 2020  |  POL 4497 Section 001: Patronage & Corruption (55322)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 215
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course examines dysfunction within the state apparatus -- in the specific forms of patronage, corruption, and clientalism -- and asks why such dysfunction persists and what factors drive it to change. The first half of the course will be primarily devoted to patronage. It will examine the functioning of the patronage mechanism; ask when and why patronage is abandoned in favor of meritocracy; and will assess the relationship between merit reforms and changes in the quality of governance. The second half of the course will be devoted to corruption. Specific topics to be covered will include: an examination of different forms of corruption, both at the level of political leaders and of bureaucratic officials; the relationship between corruption, democracy, transparency and accountability; governments' manipulation of corruption to provide incentives to bureaucratic and party officials; and different means of combating corruption. The course will conclude with an examination of the relationship between patronage, corruption, clientalism and party politics, with a particular focus on the mechanisms that cause the correlation between these different forms of mis-governance.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL4497+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    This course examines dysfunction within the state apparatus -- in the specific forms of patronage, corruption, and clientelism -- and asks why such dysfunction persists and what factors drive it to change. The first half of the course will be primarily devoted to patronage. It will examine the functioning of the patronage mechanism; ask when and why patronage is abandoned in favor of meritocracy; and will assess the relationship between merit reforms and changes in the quality of governance. The second half of the course will be devoted to corruption. Specific topics to be covered will include: an examination of different forms of corruption, both at the level of political leaders and of bureaucratic officials; the relationship between corruption, democracy, transparency and accountability; governments' manipulation of corruption to provide incentives to bureaucratic and party officials; and different means of combating corruption. The course will conclude with an examination of the relationship between patronage, corruption, clientelism and party politics, with a particular focus on the mechanisms that cause the correlation between these different forms of mis-governance. Assignments consist of response papers to a given week's reading (4 papers, 2-3 pages each) and a 10-15 page final paper. Grading is based on these assignments and classroom participation.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55322/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 November 2014

    Spring 2020  |  POL 4502W Section 001: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights (52041)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (64 of 63 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Supreme Court's interpretation of Bill of Rights, 14th amendment. Freedom of speech, press, religion; crime/punishment; segregation/desegregation, affirmative action; abortion/privacy.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4502W+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    This course deals with civil liberties in the United States and how the United States Supreme Court decides which rights and liberties get which protections, at which times. Specifically, our focus will be on the First Amendment, and the Right to Privacy. Special emphasis will be placed on how the Supreme Court defines, establishes, and protects these liberties through its interpretation of the Constitution.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Exam -- Hypothetical Questions
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    60% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    40-50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    5 Paper(s)
    25 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52041/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 October 2012

    Spring 2020  |  POL 4891 Section 001: The Politics of Nuclear Weapons (65351)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Nuclear weapons have been a feature of international politics since the first use of nuclear weapons against Hiroshima and Nagasaki at the end of World War II. But how exactly do nuclear weapons affect international politics? Are they a force for peace or for instability and war? How likely is nuclear war or nuclear terrorism? How dangerous is nuclear proliferation? Why does the United States have so many nuclear weapons? Is nuclear disarmament possible or desirable? This course examines these questions. We will first examine the the technologies that underpin nuclear weapons and their effects and the major theories used to understand the ways in which nuclear weapons affect international politics. Second, we will examine the major historical episodes of the nuclear age, including the Manhattan Project and bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; the evolution of nuclear strategy and the arms race between the Soviet Union and the United States; the proliferation of nuclear weapons to regional powers and the development of the global non-proliferation regime; nuclear crises including the Cuban Missile Crisis and Korean War; and the rise of arms control. Finally, we'll consider a range of contemporary issues, including nuclear terrorism; the role nuclear energy will (and should) play in the future, the feasibility of nuclear disarmament; the role of nuclear weapons in India-Pakistan and future US-China relations; and the possibility of nuclear deals with so-called "rogue states" like Iran or North Korea.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL4891+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    How do nuclear weapons affect international politics? How likely is nuclear war or nuclear terrorism? How dangerous is nuclear proliferation? Is nuclear disarmament possible? Is it desirable? This course examines these questions.

    The course is organized loosely into three sections. In the first section, students are introduced to the major theories used to understand nuclear weapons. They will be exposed to the technological underpinnings of nuclear materials, nuclear weapons, and their effects; the classic theory of the nuclear revolution and more recent criticisms of it; deterrence theory; theories of escalation and nuclear strategy; and theories of why and how countries seek nuclear weapons. The goal of this section is to give students the technical and conceptual tools needed to understand nuclear weapons and the way they have affected international politics.

    The second section introduces students to the history of the nuclear age. Major historical episodes and the political, strategic, and ethical debates surrounding them will be discussed. For example, the course will cover the Manhattan Project and bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki; the evolution of nuclear strategy and the arms race between the Soviet Union and the United States; the proliferation of nuclear weapons to regional powers and the development of the global non-proliferation regime; nuclear crises including the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Suez Crisis, and Able Archer; and the history of arms control and detente. The goal of this section of the course is to give students a solid empirical understanding of the nuclear age that will enable them to evaluate, use, and understand the limitations of the theories and concepts introduced in the first third of the course.

    The third section considers a range of contemporary issues, including nuclear terrorism; the role nuclear energy will (and should) play in the future, the feasibility of nuclear disarmament; the role of nuclear weapons in future US-China relations; the role of nuclear weapons in South Asia; the Iran nuclear deal and potential future proliferation; and the ways in which current and future technological developments may impact nuclear issues. In this section of the course, we will use understanding of both history and theory to evaluate the importance and impact of these ongoing and future challenges.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    There are no formal prerequisites for the class, but students who have taken a previous class on international politics (for example, POL 1025: Global Politics, POL 1026: U.S. Foreign Policy, POL 3835: International Relations, POL 3810: International Law, or POL 4885: International Conflict and Security) will likely get the most out of the class. If you don't have any background of this sort, it would be advisable to speak with the TA or instructor before committing to take the class.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65351/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 October 2019

    Spring 2020  |  POL 4900H Section 001: Honors Thesis (52840)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (12 of 20 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900H+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52840/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 4910 Section 001: Topics in Political Science -- Democracy Under Threat: Populism & Racial Politics (67164)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Blegen Hall 125
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (27 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics courses provide students the opportunity to study key concepts and themes in political science with an interdisciplinary approach. Subject matter will vary course to course.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?lavine+POL4910+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    This course deals with the rise of populism around the world, and particularly in the United States. The course focuses on the transformations that have occurred in the American electorate in the wake of Donald Trump's surprising victory in 2016. It will focus on the special case of the white working class, including how its political preferences and identities have become a central focus of party competition and scholarly analysis. We will also focus on race and politics, and how racial attitudes and party identification may reinforce one another. This class should be of interest to anyone with an interest in the psychological, economic, and cultural underpinnings of ordinary Americans' political attitudes.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67164/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 January 2020

    Spring 2020  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (52626)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (16 of 20 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52626/1203
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Spring 2020  |  POL 4991 Section 001: Political Science Capstone (55361)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 255
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (51 of 60 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL4991+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55361/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 4991 Section 002: Political Science Capstone (65353)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 60
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (29 of 29 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL4991+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65353/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 4991 Section 003: Political Science Capstone (65352)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 125
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (22 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL4991+Spring2020
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65352/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (66065)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 15 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66065/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (66655)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Fri 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    PED Proseminar
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66655/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8070 Section 001: Advanced Research and Writing in Political Science (65354)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Wed 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (4 of 10 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Commentary/guidance at all stages of dissertation research process, from conceptualization of topic/project to editing of nearly final drafts.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65354/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8104 Section 001: Professional Development I (54585)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    First Half of Term
     
    01/21/2020 - 03/16/2020
    Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The objectives of this course are as follows: (1) to provide students with professional advice that will help them move with dispatch through the graduate program; (2) to learn the formal and informal norms of the discipline; and (3) to help them prepare to do independent research and dissertation research. prereq: 1st year Pol graduate student
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54585/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8107 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science II (54244)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue 10:00AM - 12:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Multiple linear regression model applied to political science data. How to use regression techniques to analyze data, interpret statistical results, and summarize/report the findings. Estimation of model. Underlying assumptions. Inference. Model diagnostics. Extensions of model. prereq: Political science grad major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54244/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8124 Section 001: Game Theory (68609)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon 05:35PM - 07:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Application of noncooperative game theory in political science. Equilibrium concepts, bargaining, repeated games, games of incomplete information, signaling games, reputation, learning in games. prereq: [8122, grad pol sci major] or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68609/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8160 Section 002: Topics in Models and Methods -- Agent Based Modeling (65357)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Wed 01:30PM - 03:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Virtual Rooms NORMREQD
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (1 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    ITV Course Professor Alicia Uribe-McGuire of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65357/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8252 Section 001: Early Modern Political Thought (65359)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theorists and texts from Renaissance to French Revolution. Selectively includes Machiavelli, More, Calvin, Luther, Grotius, Bodin, Hobbes, Winstanley, Harrington, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Hume, Smith, Burke, and Wollstonecraft; key debates over liberty, law, power, and knowledge. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    Instructor: Professor Anurag Sinha
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65359/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8260 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- French Theory & Anticolonial Struggle (65358)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue 03:25PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in special topics or problems.
    Class Notes:
    Topics Title: French Theory
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65358/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8302 Section 001: Public Opinion and Political Behavior (65361)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Major theoretical perspectives/research on political participation, voting behavior, public opinion. Voter turnout, importance of party identification, effects of campaigns, long-term change in public opinion, designing/conducting research. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65361/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8308 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology II (52042)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Fri 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52042/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (52672)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (28 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52672/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8460 Section 001: Topics in International Relations -- International Law & Regulation (65362)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Thu 03:25PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in advanced topics or problems. Recent topics: global environmental issues, morality in world politics, and norms and institutions in world politics.
    Class Notes:
    Topics Title: International Law and Regulation
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65362/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8621 Section 001: Comparative and Case Study Methods (55311)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Fri 03:25PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course will provide students with a basic introduction to methodological debates surrounding comparative and case study methods in political science. Although the course is designed primarily with an eye to the needs of students in comparative politics, this course will also be useful to students in other subfields who wish to learn more about comparative and/or case study methods. This course is primarily for students in their 2nd year and beyond in the Political Science PhD program.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55311/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics (65363)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Mon 03:25PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Topics Title: Religion and Politics
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65363/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8660 Section 002: Topics in Comparative Politics (65364)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (4 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Topics Title: Law and Courts
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65364/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (52697)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52697/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (52749)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (6 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52749/1203

    Spring 2020  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (52088)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2020 - 05/04/2020
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (1 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52088/1203

    Fall 2019  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (18255)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (81 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL1001+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? Through an examination of the roles of American political institutions and the behavior of American citizens, we will be able to critically reflect on issues such as political and economic inequality in the U.S., the role of American political and economic power in the world, and the possibility for an American public policy that lives up to the ideals of the founders. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Students who want a basic introduction to American government in a way that connects the core material to current events
    Grading:
    80% each/ three in-class tests
    20% in-class assignments
    Exam Format:
    multiple choice
    short answer
    essay
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 tests in-class assignments
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18255/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2019

    Fall 2019  |  POL 1019 Section 001: Indigenous Peoples in Global Perspective (20748)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    AMIN 1002 Section 002
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Peik Hall 28
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (11 of 15 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Colonial experiences of selected indigenous peoples in Americas, Euroasia, Pacific Rim.
    Class Description:
    Colonial experiences of selected indigenous peoples in Americas, Euroasia, Pacific Rim.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Undergraduate students
    Learning Objectives:
    As an introductory course, AmIn 1002/POL 1019, Indigenous Peoples in Global Perspective aims to introduce students to the crucial social, political, and economic experiences of indigenous communities from around the world, exploring how their cultural knowledge and social-political practices inform their social, political, and economic interactions with the nation-states that have, in the last 500 years, engulfed them. In the course students take exams that test their retention of critical introductory material from readings and lectures.
    AmIn 1002/POL 1019 requires students to submit weekly essay-style questions that demonstrate both an engagement with the week�s readings but also demonstrate the ability to articulate the kinds of questions that open the issues in the readings to further reflection, as well as drawing connections and contrasts between readings. Students must also write a research paper that requires the crafting of an argument that allows for a critical synthesis of material (rather than a summary of material), with the idea that the effective communication of critical thought will help students reflect on challenging social and political issues throughout both their collegiate and post-collegiate careers.
    Grading:
    A-F; Audit
    Exam Format:
    The exams are evaluated on the completeness of the answer provided for each question and for the thoroughness with which those answers reflect an understanding of the data contained in the readings and lectures.
    All writing in the course is evaluated for the effectiveness with which it engages the issue under consideration, how well each writing task articulates its question or argument, how well material from course readings and original research is implemented to support and develop the writer�s point, as well as for how well each paper observes the mechanical issues of organization, punctuation, and citation.
    Class Format:
    Lecture
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20748/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 July 2019

    Fall 2019  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (17033)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 317
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (82 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Global politics is complex, fast-paced, and often confusing. Seeking to reveal the deeper processes at work in the international system, this introductory course explores both the enduring challenges of international politics as well as more recent transformative trends? What has changed and what has stayed the same. It introduces theoretical traditions, but the course's focus is on making sense of real-world problems, both today and in the past. Why and when do states go to war and use military force? Why do they sign international agreements and treaties, on matters from arms control to investment? What effect does international trade have on the distribution of global wealth, and why do barriers to trade arise? Why has human rights emerged as a central problem in world politics? Why has our world become an increasingly legalized and regulated space? And what difference does it make? What good are nuclear weapons? Why do some turn to terrorism to advance their political agenda? Does foreign aid make the world a better place? How can we reduce global inequality? What are the prospects for international cooperation to address climate change? These are among the pressing real-world questions that this course in Global Politics will address? And that it will give you the tools to answer, though particular instructors will naturally choose to emphasize different topics and questions. But the course will also highlight how our answers to these questions are changing along with the deep power structures of global politics-as US dominance wanes and others, most notably China, rise; as core ideas and discourses underpinning the international system, such as sovereignty, come under assault; and as institutions, such as those governing international law, thicken. Global Politics is an essential guide to our increasingly globalized world.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?fazal007+POL1025+Fall2019
    Class Description:

    This course provides an introduction to the study of international relations. We will cover several approaches to and issues in the field, including the causes of war and peace, nuclear proliferation, trade, finance, globalization, international law, the environment, and terrorism. We will discuss several cases, such as the 2003 Iraq War and the 2008 financial crisis, throughout the semester. We will also discuss current events in international relations.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    There are no prerequisites for this course. This course is meant as an introduction to international relations, and is thus suitable for any student interested in gaining an entry-level understanding and overview of this topic.
    Learning Objectives:
    By the end of the semester, students should have gained an understanding of:
    - The role of the state in international politics
    - Basic theories of international relations and their application to questions of conflict and cooperation
    - The challenges of international bargaining and diplomacy
    - Ongoing issues in international relations
    Grading:

    Course grades will be based on:


    One ~1000 word paper analyzing an in-class exercise (10%)

    Statecraft* quizzes and memos (10%)

    One in-class mid-term examination (20%)

    One ~1500 word policy paper based on critical analysis of course readings, lectures, and your own research (15%)

    Final examination (35%)

    Participation in Statecraft (10%)


    *Statecraft is an online platform that implements a simulation of international politics. Statecraft memos should be at least 300 words and must be posted before each turn starts, beginning with Turn 1. These memos should detail challenges faced and strategies recommended for your country for each turn, and also should focus on your role within the simulation (e.g., the defense minister must include a defense budget for each turn). Each student must take both Statecraft quizzes and complete memos every other week, beginning with Week 1 or Week 2. In addition, students will be evaluated by both the T.A.'s and their peers regarding their participation in Statecraft. Students are responsible for turning memos in and taking quizzes on time. Statecraft will not accept late assignments, and you will lose credit for these assignments if they are submitted late.

    Exam Format:
    The midterm exam is in-class and closed book.

    The final examination will have an in-class component that will be administered on the last day of class and a take-home essay portion that will be distributed on following the final class session and due approximately five days later.

    Class Format:
    This class will meet twice weekly. Each session is 75 minutes. Class sessions will be a mix of lecture, discussion, and Statecraft.
    Workload:
    - Approximately 50 pages of reading assigned per session
    - Statecraft will begin approximately the fourth week of class. Students should plan to spend at least 30 minutes/week (outside of class) on Statecraft, and may certainly choose to spend additional time.
    - Students are expected to attend class.
    - Workload for course assignments (see "Grading," above) will vary by student.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17033/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 March 2018

    Fall 2019  |  POL 1025H Section 001: Honors: Global Politics (32943)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon, Wed, Fri 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 125
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (25 of 25 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to international relations/issues in contemporary world affairs. War, peace, nuclear proliferation. Politics of humanitarian intervention. Global monetary/trading systems. Activities of international institutions/non-governmental organizations. prereq: Honors student
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL1025H+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32943/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 1026 Section 001: U.S. Foreign Policy (20922)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (78 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This makes the question of what the role in the U.S. is in the world and how the United States interacts with other countries, international organizations, and other actors in international politics a question of real importance. US foreign policy will play a crucial role in determining the world we live in four, ten, and fifty years time. As a result, we should all try to better understand how the United States behaves in international politics, why it behaves in that way, how it should behave, and how it has behaved in the past. These are the questions that this class tackles. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and how has US foreign policy varied in the past? What do past conflicts in which the United States has been involved tell us about current U.S. foreign policy? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily secure? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? How serious is the threat of cyber war? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from getting nuclear weapons?
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL1026+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    POL1026 is designed to provide students with the theoretical framework necessary for understanding and analyzing the development and goals of US foreign policy.The class begins by providing an overview of the main theories used to explain American foreign policy. We will then discuss American foreign policy in historical perspective, focusing on the main ideas that have motivated the major policies and goals of American foreign policies. We will then examine some of the major issues in US current foreign policy such as: What is the role of the US in the Middle East and what should it be? What role do international organizations like the WTO and the UN play? Is NATO an obsolete institution?How can we make sense of the rise of China and what are its implications for the US? What are some of the major aspects of the current debate surrounding nuclear proliferation? What should US policy be towards Iran and North Korea? Lastly, how exceptional is the foreign policy of Donald Trump?
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20922/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 September 2019

    Fall 2019  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Puzzles in World Politics (17019)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (79 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course is an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. It focuses on domestic politics within countries, as opposed to a course in international relations, which focuses on relations between countries. Some of the questions we tackle include: Why are some countries prone to violent conflict while others remain peaceful? Why do some countries grow rich while others remain poor? Why does democracy emerge in some countries, while dictators hold onto power elsewhere? How do attitudes about gender and sexuality influence politics? Do particular religions, or the strength of religious faith, strengthen or weaken democracy? The readings and assignments help you make sense of the complexity of world politics - to sift through and distill the avalanche of information available and learn how to develop your own arguments about pertinent global issues. Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and provide examples of 1) the difference between strong and weak states; 2) the distinctions between democratic and non-democratic forms of government; 3) the various ways democracies are governed; 4) arguments explaining the origin of democracy and the persistence of non-democracy; 5) the significance of different forms of political identity such as ethnicity, religion, and gender; 6) why some countries are rich while others remain poor; and 7) why some countries tax and spend more than others. Assignments seek to develop your skills at developing arguments through logic and evidence and to give you the ability to distinguish between a persuasive argument about politics and simply stating an opinion.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL1054+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    This course provides an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. We seek to understand how people establish a durable and legitimate political system, and how they seek to benefit from, transform or even overthrow that system. Over the course of the semester we will explore the following questions: 1) How and why do societies establish political order? 2) What is democracy and how is it different from dictatorship? 3) What factors cause democracy to emerge? 4) What are the different kinds of dictatorships? 5) When, where and why does ethnicity impact politics? 6) What is nationalism? 7) How does religion drive conflict in the contemporary world? 8) What is the impact of women in politics around the world? 9) What causes civil wars? 10) Why are some countries rich and some poor? 11) Why do some countries tax and spend quite a lot, while others have lower tax rates and lower levels of redistribution?
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Anyone interested in global politics
    Exam Format:
    30% Reports/Papers
    50% Written Homework
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: There is one five-page paper, and up to 10 short assignments. A draft of the 5-page paper is required; students will receive feedback before turning in the final version.
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    10 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17019/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 March 2017

    Fall 2019  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (16993)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-108
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (81 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL1201+Fall2019
    Class Description:

    Aristotle once called human beings "political animals,"meaning that, unlike gods or the other animals, we naturally create institutions to govern ourselves. What those institutions should look like, what values they should embody, and who should be in charge prove to be difficult questions that Aristotle leaves for us. Building on Aristotle's definition, this course offers an introduction to political theory, a sub-discipline of political science. By exploring some of the core issues and concepts of political theory, students will grapple with a number of "big questions" about politics in history and in the present: Why and how does politics matter in our everyday lives beyond the voting booth? On what basis is political authority seen as legitimate? How should we understand and embody political values like justice and equality in our own lives? What is the role of economics (capitalism, socialism, etc.) and economic inequality in the creation of political order? What should we think of the use of violence or non-violence in contemporary politics and protests? To explore these "big questions," we will relate historical readings to contemporary "hot-button" issues here in the Twin Cities, the US, and the globe.


    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    9-10 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16993/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 January 2017

    Fall 2019  |  POL 1201 Section 002: Political Ideas (32945)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (81 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL1201+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    This course examines different models of political rule. What models of politics, throughout history, have structure those relations of rulers and ruled? How does each model for rule try to grapple with questions of inequality, power and domination, justice and equality? To answer these questions, we will range across the globe (looking at examples that bear on contemporary politics both in the US and elsewhere), and also across history.
    Grading:
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Journal
    30% Reflection Papers
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    4 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 2 of the papers will be 1-2 page micro-papers; the others will be 4-5 pages each
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32945/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 December 2018

    Fall 2019  |  POL 1911 Section 001: Islam, State, and Violence in Central Asia and Afghanistan (33899)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Freshman Seminar
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon, Fri 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 260
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (18 of 20 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course will examine the twentieth and twenty-first century political trajectories of the countries of Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan). We will read works that discuss the pre-modern tribal and clan-based structures of these societies, as well as the urban Islamic settlements that were long centers of Islamic scholarship and of the Silk Road. We will examine the massive repression of the communist era, and the consequences for Islam, clan, and tribe. Then we will turn to the rise of post-Soviet forms of political Islam, in the context of a growth in corruption and new dictatorships. We will consider attempts at democratization and the causes of their failure. In the latter half of the course, we will contrast Soviet Central Asia with its southern neighbors, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Our focus will be on the growth of the Taliban in the wake of the Soviet-Afghan war, and again more recently. Finally, we will consider United States policy in the region.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33899/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3070 Section 001: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Internship (19991)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (11 of 15 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Interns work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, interns will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers. Interns are chosen through a highly competitive online application the semester prior to registration. Students should check with Political Science advising for details about the application process. This course is only open to Political Science majors.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3070+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19991/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (16992)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (22 of 40 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
    Learning Objectives:
    To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
    Grading:
    Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
    Exam Format:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16992/1199
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 February 2017

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (32946)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Wed, Fri 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 2-215
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (46 of 54 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3085+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    1-2 article(s) or book chapter(s) per class
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32946/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 May 2019

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (32947)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Fri 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (24 of 27 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3085+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    1-2 article(s) or book chapter(s) per class
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32947/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 May 2019

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (32948)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (22 of 27 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3085+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    1-2 article(s) or book chapter(s) per class
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32948/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 May 2019

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3225 Section 001: American Political Thought (19473)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (82 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course provides an introduction to several key periods and some of the leading concepts and debates in American political thought. It might also focus on a broader theme such as: conceptions of destiny, mission, and exceptionalism; arguments over economic development and inequality; or debates over government and corporate power. The course will begin with Puritan religious and political thought, tracing its secularization over time. Considerable attention will be paid to the ideas behind the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, such as the social contract and the right of resistance to civil authority, civic republicanism, and the founders' new science of politics and government. The course will consider some if not all of the following: debates over slavery and emancipation, women's rights, the rise of imperialism and nationalism, race and racism, and the rise of rule by public and private bureaucratic organizations, and the consequences of these developments for the possibility of continued individual liberty, equality, and justice. This course requires considerable reading of difficult texts. The ultimate goal of this course is for students to gain a deeper understanding of American political thought as a product of the country's ever-evolving political discourse. prereq: Suggested prerequisite POL 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3225+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    In this course we will examine classic texts in the history of American political thought in order to understand how Americans have theorized about and argued over their political system, and to consider how we can draw upon these texts to address contemporary American political problems. Some of the questions we will address: What political and moral obligations do citizens have to the state, and to each other? What is the basis of legitimate state authority? What is the social contract, and how have Americans used social contract theory to legitimate their governments? What is the right of resistance, and when is it acceptable for individuals or a people to resist or rebel against their government? Does the Declaration of Independence merely list the reasons for separating from Great Britain, or is it also a founding document establishing American principles of liberty and equality? How does the Constitution limit (or fail to limit) the power of the state, and protect (or fail to protect) individual and corporate rights? Is class conflict over the distribution of wealth in society a recent development or a long-standing feature of American political discourse? How have religious texts and ideas been used as a basis for political argument? How relevant to our century and our political problems are the ideas of 50, 100, 150, 200, or more years ago? What, if anything, can we still learn and use from these past ideas and theories? How might they help us, or lead us astray, in addressing our own problems today? Prominent theorists covered include Winthrop, Franklin, Paine, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, the Anti-Federalist "Brutus," Thoreau, Calhoun, Douglass, Lincoln, Sumner.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any student interested in political theory, philosophy, American history, American politics, textual interpretation and analysis, or the roles of ideas, race, gender, and religion in politics.
    Learning Objectives:
    To understand significant texts in history of American political thought, both in relation to their original historical context and in terms of how they still resonate with our political concerns and problems today; to understand how Americans have thought about and argued over politics from the colonial period through the present; to cultivate students' analytical reasoning.
    Exam Format:
    80% Reports/Papers
    20% Quizzes
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    150 Pages Reading Per Week
    30 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Paper(s)
    2 Quiz(zes)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19473/1199
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3225_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 February 2017

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (20925)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course considers the nature of contemporary democracy and the role that members of the political community do, can, and should play. While approaches in teaching the class vary, students can expect to read historical and contemporary texts, see films and videos, to approach questions about the nature of democracy, justifications for democracy, and challenges faced by contemporary democracy. Topics will include such questions as the role of civil society in democratic life, deliberative democracy, as well as questions about how members of political communities can best participate in democratic life. Students will write a longer essay that allows them to demonstrate their capacities to understand and explain complex ideas and to make a theoretically compelling argument, using appropriate supporting evidence. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3235W+Fall2019
    Class Description:

    Democracy seems to be an intuitively simple concept to many Americans. Americans know what democracy, and the corresponding values of freedom and equality mean because they live under a democratic system of government that guarantees liberty and justice for all, and equality regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Likewise, Americans know that being a citizen means we have certain rights. (and duties?) When we delve a little deeper into what these concepts mean, however, we discover that this apparent certainty papers over a host of disagreements, divisions, and uncertainties. These complexities have bubbled up to the surface today, as they have historically, through a number of contemporary concerns espoused by the Occupy Movement, the Tea Party Movement, Black Lives Matter, anti-establishment politics, etc.


    This class helps students to engage in the contemporary problems of democracy by grounding the conversation in the historical debates of democratic theory. Rather than suggesting any simple answers, our class will instead pose questions with which we, together, must wrestle. What is the democracy? How should we understand basic concepts of democracy like freedom, equality, and solidarity? How should we respond when these concepts come into conflict? Is capitalism inherently in conflict with democracy? Working through these questions, we will tack back and forth between theoretical debates and contemporary and historical political problems, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the political stakes behind these questions, as well as a more critical perspective from which to understand the political challenges of this moment in history.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
    Grading:

    Attendance: 10%

    Paper 1: 35%

    Paper 2: 35%

    Final Presentation: 20%

    Workload:
    approximatley 40 pages of reading per class
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20925/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 March 2017

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3252W Section 001: Revolution, Democracy, and Empire: Modern Political Thought (32949)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (49 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Thinkers, discourses, events that craft understanding of revolution, democracy, empire. Emergence of democracy/democratic institutions alongside problems of religious zealotry, political hierarchy/exclusion, market economies, cultural marginalization. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
    Class Notes:
    Instructor: Professor Anurag Sinha http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3252W+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Early Modern Political Thought - Professor Yves Winter This course introduces students to early modern European political philosophy and political thought from the Renaissance to the 18th century. Early modern political philosophy develops in some of the most turbulent and contentious epochs of European history, in a period shaped by religious warfare, by the demise of the Catholic Church's monopoly on truth and interpretation, by the emergence of the modern state and the capitalist mode of production, by the rise and fall of absolutism, and by the exploration and colonization of the Americas. In this course, we will discuss the crisis of political authority and the disinteration of medieval understandings of solidarity and community. We will study how political theorists and philosophers in Europe responded to this crisis, what proposals they developed to reconstitute political order and to address the fragmentation and factionalization of political and religious communities. The trajectory of this course will take us from the renewed interest in interpretation and reading generated by the Renaissance to the revolutionary demands for popular participation in the 18th century. We will examine the relations between practices of interpretation, claims of political authority, and the problem of sovereignty. Among the authors we will read in this course are Niccolo Machiavelli, Martin Luther, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
    Grading:
    20% Final Exam
    60% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Late papers will be docked one third of a letter grade for every day late, including weekends. Please note that students who do not complete all assignments or otherwise fail to meet these requirements will not receive a passing grade.
    Exam Format:
    Take-home final examination.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-18 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    3 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: Online discussion: Students are required to post at least TWO questions and at least TWO responses to the online discussion forum throughout the semester.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32949/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2013

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3272 Section 001: What Makes Political Community? (20499)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 215
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (27 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    We will explore different ways to think political community. Many contemporary political challenges are not just thorny problems but transform the very institutions, engagements, and concepts through which we understand what the activity of politics is and might be. Other societies and thinkers have faced drastically new challenges to their politics. So, we propose a course that would explore how political actors make and remake community. Our first unit, Polis and Empire, turns to the ancient world to reexamine the scope of politics, as it experimented with small city-states and large empires. Second, Colonial Encounters will analyze the movements of ideas, trades, and people back and forth across the Atlantic. Third, Revolution Reimagined treats incendiary moments of cultural and political contact. This course speaks to humanist concerns of how humans forge meanings and communities even from conditions of injustice and inequality.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL3272+Fall2019
    Class Description:

    What Makes Political Community? We will explore different ways to think political community. Many contemporary political challenges are not just thorny problems but transform the very institutions, engagements, and concepts through which we understand what the activity of politics is and might be. Other societies and thinkers have faced drastically new challenges to their politics. So, we propose a course that would explore how political actors make and remake community. Our first unit, Colonial Encounters, studies the contact between Europeans and AmerIndians in the West Indies and North America, to think about the forging of new concepts of "human" and political order. Second, Revolution Reimagined, will analyze the movements of ideas, trades, and people back and forth across the Black Atlantic, with special attention to the Haitian Revolution. Third, Reparative Futures, treats the presence of the past as it thinks about the historical legacies of slavery for Africans and Americans. This course speaks to humanist concerns of how humans forge meanings and communities even from conditions of injustice and inequality.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    As a 3xxx course, it should appeal to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
    Grading:
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Journal
    30% Reflection Papers
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture; 50% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    4 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 2 of the papers will be 1-2 page micro-papers; the others will be 4-5 pages each
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20499/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    6 April 2019

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3308 Section 001: Congressional Politics and Institutions (20927)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (84 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origin/development of U.S. congressional institutions, parties, committees, leaders, lobbying/elections, and relations between Congress/executive branch. Relationship of campaigning/governing, nature of representation, biases of institutional arrangements.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL3308+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20927/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3309 Section 001: Justice in America (20928)

    Instructor(s)
    Siyu Li (TA)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    American judiciary. Selection of judges. How/why these individuals/institutions behave as they do. What influences judicial decisions. What impact decisions have. Why people comply with them. prereq: 1001 or 1002 or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL3309+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to the scientific study of judicial politics. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. This course, unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, does not study legal doctrine; rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system, with an emphasis on the social scientific literature on law and legal process.
    Grading:
    70% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20928/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (19670)

    Instructor(s)
    Adam L (TA)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (81 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    What role does education play in American democracy? What role should it play? Does American education, particularly public education, live up to its citizens' hopes and expectations? And, perhaps most importantly, what do we mean by a "good education"? This is a question with deep historical roots in this country, one that is the subject of current policy debates and one that cannot be separated from questions of discrimination and inequality. The over-arching theme of the course is to wrestle with what it means to be an educated citizen in the context of historical struggles to achieve that vision in the face of multiple and inter-related inequalities and competing visions about how to make the American dream a reality in the field of public education. No one political perspective will be offered or favored. No magic powder will be revealed on the last day of the course. The fact is that the underlying issues are really complicated, often seemingly intractable, and very, very political. This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It will focus on K-12 education, especially in the public system. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools, private school vouchers, and standardized testing. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of public education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for their schools. This course fulfills the
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL3319+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Students with an interest in American education, especially public education. Students interested in public policy.
    Learning Objectives:
    To develop a thorough and critical understanding of American education policy.
    Grading:
    2 exams, final paper
    Exam Format:
    short answer/essay
    Class Format:
    55% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19670/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2019

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3321 Section 001: Issues in American Public Policy (20472)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (81 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. Recent controversies over Social Security reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (?Obamacare?), and the No Child Left Behind Act and Common Core showcase the profound political and substantive impact of this topic. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars typically describe the United States as a ?laggard? where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than are corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. Is this an accurate portrayal of American social policy? Recent scholarship challenges the conventional wisdom, suggesting that the United States does not necessarily do less in terms of social policy but that it relies on an unusual set of policy tools to pursue objectives like poverty alleviation. What explains the distinctive shape of American social policy? This course investigates the impact of political culture, the relative power of various interest groups, the American constitutional system, and other factors. The second half of the course examines recent trends in American social policy, focusing on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. It examines both the historical origins of contemporary American policies and recent reform proposals. A major theme of the course is that it is impossible to understand the contemporary shape of social policy, and the positions of specific stakeholders, without understanding the long-term historical processes that have shaped, and that continue to shape, the present political terrain of preferences and actors. New generations of leaders do not have the opportunity to build social policy from scratch. Rather, they have to react to what already exists. Some reforms will seem like logical extensions of what is already in place, while existing programs might make other alternative
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL3321+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars often describe the United States as a laggard where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. How accurate is this conventional wisdom? In what ways is the American welfare state unusual? How have political culture, interest groups, government institutions, and other factors contributed to the distinctive shape of American social policy? The second half of the course applies the analytical frameworks discussed in the first half of the course to contemporary trends in American social policy. It focuses on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. In addition to examining the historical origins of existing programs in each of these policy areas, it also looks closely at the political and substantive impact of contemporary reforms like the Affordable Care Act and charter schools.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam I
    10% Social Security Reform Policy Analysis
    10% Health Care Reform Policy Analysis
    20% Midterm Exam II
    15% Education Policy Memo
    25% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75-100 pages of reading per week
    Three exams
    Three papers (2-4 double-spaced pages each)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20472/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3323 Section 001: Political Tolerance in the United States (32950)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (70 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Intergroup conflict continues to be one of the defining fault lines in American politics. Most obviously, the existence of racial inequality has consequences for any given individual's social and economic standing. However, it also has had an enormous impact on the pattern of attitudes and beliefs that have served as the backdrop for many of society's most pressing political debates and conflicts. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to how political scientists have studied ethno-racial attitudes and the larger problem of inter-ethnic conflict in American society.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?lavine+POL3323+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Political tolerance is the willingness to extend basic rights and civil liberties to persons and groups whose viewpoints differ from one's own. In this era of political discontent, much of the roots of our discussion are premised on a understanding of opposing viewpoints. In this class we address the following questions: What is political tolerance and how important is it for the health or viability of democracy? What is the relationship between various political ideologies and tolerance? How politically tolerant are Americans, both masses and elites, what are the roots of political intolerance, and what implications does this have for democratic government and democratic theories? How do Americans compare with other countries and what does this tell us about the roots of intolerance? How does liberal democracy compare with other ideologies and what does that tell us about the importance of tolerance to a free society? In answering these questions, we will use the lens of various movements to focus our study, including but not limited to Race, Gender and Sexual Orientation.
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discusion
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32950/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 November 2018

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3410 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Islamism in Afghanistan, Russia & Central Asia (34525)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 205
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (18 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics of current analytical or policy importance to comparative politics. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL3410+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    The course offers students an understanding of the emergence of Islamism (political Islam of various forms) in Afghanistan and its Central Asian neighbors
    (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia). The United States has been at war in Afghanistan for 18 years, but few Americans understand the roots of the conflict, the challenges of transforming the country and bringing peace, much less the role of Islam in Afghan society and politics. Likewise, few understand U.S. policy there and the implications of Afghan instability for its neighbors. The course begins by offering background on the nature and causes of Islamist emergence generally, and distinguishes Islam from Islamism and radical Islamism. The empirical content of the course then focuses specifically on the historical, political, and geopolitical dynamics of Islamism in this region. We will look at the emergence and evolution of Islamism in Afghanistan in the latter half of the 20th century, beginning with the Russian/Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.
    The course continues with the spread of radical Islamism under the Taliban in the 1990s, the birth of al Qaeda in Afghanistan, 9/11, and the U.S. war in Afghanistan since 2001. The course also addresses alternative paths for Islam's relationship to politics, by examining the neighboring Central Asians states,
    which experienced Russian takeover and rule very differently in the nineteenth-twentieth centuries. We will study the fate and legacy of Russian/Soviet policies over the past 30 years of Central Asian independence. Uzbekistan and the other "stans" have sought to maintain control, balancing the interests of the US and Russia, and containing spillover from Afghanistan. The course will focus on the struggle between secularists and several new waves of Islamists across the region - from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan to the neo-Taliban to the spread of ISIS in Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan-- and the implications for human rights, democracy, geopolitics, and regional stability. There will be a strong policy focus to discussions and writing assignments. In addition to teaching and research, the professor has worked on projects for the U.S. government, the UNDP, and the ICG in Central Asia since 2002. She makes frequent presentations of her research on security, Islamist groups, human rights, and corruption in Central Asia to policymakers in various branches of the US government.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    The class is open to all levels, without prerequisites, although it is more suitable for sophomores-seniors.
    Grading:
    VARIES BY SEMESTER depending on enrollment. Primarily papers and class participation.
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    Coursework involves significant reading, a 10-12 pg research paper (approximately 40%), class participation in discussion/debates (20%), and several short writing assignments (focused on policy analysis; for example, Should the US withdraw completely form Afghanistan?; Assess the causes of the Soviet army's failure in Afghanistan) on the assigned readings (approximately 40%). There will be no exams.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34525/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    12 April 2019

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3423 Section 001: Politics of Disruption: Violence and Its Alternatives (20931)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political struggles aimed at undermining the existing political order have been a pervasive feature of global politics. Modern states have constantly been sites of relentless challenges from their citizenry, which sometimes take the form of non-violent action while on other occasions manifest in terrorism and violence. This course introduces students to the politics of disruption and violent and non-violent struggles targeted at bringing about political change. We will study a range of manifestations of such struggles focusing on some well-known cases such as the US civil rights movement, the Arab Springs, the Ferguson riots and the Islamic State (ISIS). Can non-violent resistance succeed against a coercive state? Why do individuals and groups participate in high-risk political struggles? What explains patterns of violence in civil conflicts? What are the effects of violence? What facilitates peace? This course will enable you to answer these questions.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL3423+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Political struggles aimed at undermining the existing political order have been a pervasive feature of global politics. Modern states have constantly been sites of relentless challenges from their citizenry, which sometimes take the form of non-violent action while on other occasions manifest in terrorism and violence. This course introduces students to the politics of disruption - violent and non-violent struggles targeted at bringing about political change. We will study a range of manifestations of such struggles focusing on some well-known cases such as the US civil rights movement, the Arab Springs, the Ferguson riots and the Islamic State (ISIS). Can non-violent resistance succeed against a coercive state? Why do individuals and groups participate in high-risk political struggles? What explains patterns of violence in civil conflicts? What are the effects of violence? What facilitates peace? This course will enable you to answer these questions.

    The course will begin with an examination of alternatives to political violence. The focus will be primarily on India's non-violent struggle for independence from the British rule under the leadership of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, but we will also spend some time on the US civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa with Dr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in the lead. Students will be familiarized with definitional, conceptual and practical distinctions between various forms and manifestations of violent and non-violent struggles. To facilitate a better understanding, we will study a carefully-selected list of cases in-depth during the course of the semester.

    Our discussion on political violence will be structured around four broad themes, which are:

    1. Causes underlying violence;
    2. Dynamics of conflict -- focusing on such questions as who participates in violent activities, how violence and violent actors are organized, and what can we learn from the pattern of violence;
    3. Consequences of violence, both short-term and long-term; and,
    4. Prevention and termination of violence.

    This course will instill in students a strong sense of their role as historical agents by: a) facilitating a deeper understanding of the problems and challenges confronting much of humanity; b) inculcating an ability to assess the performance of policies, programs, actions and interventions aimed at addressing these challenges; c) imparting knowledge about the continuous struggles of individuals and groups against the existing political order; and, d) demonstrating the working, performance and implications of the methods and techniques deployed by individuals and groups to change political order. Students will learn that the issues raised by this course confront the larger global community including both the developing and the developed world. The course materials, assignments and class discussions are all directed towards encouraging students to reflect on the implications of the issues and themes covered across diverse cultural and political contexts across the world. We will be constantly engaged in deliberating and discussing the wider applicability and relevance of arguments advanced or developed and experiences acquired in the studied cases.

    The class time will be apportioned between lectures (40 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (25 percent). The multimedia presentations will incorporate movies, documentaries, media reports, speeches, memoirs, etc.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Open to all undergraduate students
    Learning Objectives:
    This course fulfills the Council on Liberal Education (CLE) Global Perspectives Theme. The first four weeks of the course will be devoted to nonviolent resistance. The remainder of the course will cover key topical issues related to political violence mentioned above. During the course of the semester, we will:
    1. Undertake a close examination of approaches to nonviolent resistance;
    2. Learn about the dynamics of mass protest, especially conditions underlying successful mobilization and action;
    3. Examine factors contributing to political violence;
    4. Study violent action involving mass killing and the role of international community in mitigating such episodes;
    5. Study the global problem of terrorism and approaches to addressing it; and,
    6. Examine the challenge of ending violent conflict and problems of peace-making and peace-building
    Grading:
    1. Class Participation: 15%
    2. Seven Short Assignments: 40%
    a. In-class (Three):} 12% (100-150 words)
    b. Homework (Four):} 28% (1-2 pages, single-space)
    3. Individual/Group Research Assignment: 20% (7-8 pages, double-space)
    4. Final Paper: 25% (9-10 pages, double-space)
    Exam Format:
    No exams
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    35% Film/Video
    25% Discussion
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20931/1199
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/sarbahi_POL3423_Spring2018.pdf (Spring 2018)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    17 October 2017

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3431 Section 001: Politics of India (32951)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 145
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The course introduces students to the politics of India; a non-Western, parliamentary political system that stands out as a bastion of democracy in the developing world, despite underdevelopment & significant ethno-religious divisions. By focusing on India, we offer an understanding of the problems of democratization, underdevelopment, governance & political violence. We examine India's political institutions & challenges confronting the institutions such as socio-economic inequalities, social exclusion, social divisions, ethno-religious & ideological insurgencies, criminalization of politics & rampant corruption. The course enables students to answer important questions: Why did democracy endure in post-colonial India when much of the developing world endured authoritarian regimes? What accounts for the persistence of ethno-religious conflict & violence? What determines a country's approach to socio-economic development? What accounts for India's economic development over the last few decades? How do we explain the existence of political democracy and rampant corruption?
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL3431+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    This course will introduce you to the politics of India - the world's largest democracy (over 800 million voters - 2.5 times the US population), the world's third largest economy (in purchasing power parity), and one of the most ethnically-diverse nations (over 4,500 ethno-cultural groups from all major world religions and speaking more than 750 languages). You will not only learn more about India, a fifth of world's population, but through a focus on India, this course will offer you an understanding of the problems of democratization, underdevelopment, governance and political violence.

    We will learn about India's political institutions as well as challenges confronting these institutions such as widespread socio-economic inequalities, social exclusion, deep-seated societal divisions, ethno-religious and ideological insurgencies, continued criminalization of politics and rampant corruption. The course will enable students to answer such important questions as: Why did democracy endure in post-colonial India when much of the developing world endured authoritarian regimes? How do political institutions and processes interact with socio-cultural factors? What accounts for the persistence of ethno-religious conflict and violence? What factors determine a country's approach to socio-economic development? What accounts for India's rapid economic development over the last couple of decades? How do we explain the co-existence of political democracy with rampant institutional corruption?

    Grading:
    Three In-class assignments: 12%
    Four homework assignments: 28%
    One individual/group research assignment: 15%
    Final paper: 25%
    Class Participation: 20%
    Exam Format:
    No exam
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    25% Film/Video
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    Around 100 pages of readings per week; four homework assignments;
    three in-class assignments, a research assignment and a final paper.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32951/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 December 2016

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3451W Section 001: Politics and Society in the New Europe (20115)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-109
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (53 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The devastation of Europe through two World Wars put the deadly results of ultra-nationalism on full display. To avoid such destruction again, a group of European technocrats and leaders embarked on a mission of incrementally deepening economic and later, social partnerships between an ever-expanding number of European countries. These efforts culminated in the birth of the European Union in the late 20th Century. From its inception, the Union has found obstacles in the forms of a weak institutional structure and authority, deep skepticism of a central European authority, financial crisis, ethnic anxiety, and resurgent nationalism. Yet, the continuation and strengthening of the Union is seen as the antidote to the rise of anti-democratic and authoritarian tendencies on the continent. Some of the key questions that we will engage in are: What are the ideological and historical roots of the European Union? What are the structural flaws of the Union? What are the obstacles to a stronger Union? Is the Union still or even more essential than ever? What are the ways the Union could collapse from within and from the intervention of outside forces?
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?moha0030+POL3451W+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    This course examines the establishment, institutions and functions of the European Union, with an overview of the political processes in European countries and the European Union. Students will examine the history behind the EU's construction, theories of European integration, the EU's institutions and policy competencies, reoccurring problems with democratic representation in the EU, and the EU's political and economic influence over candidate countries via requirements for entry. The class will also discuss the creation of the European Monetary Union and the Euro currency, and challenges it faced during the sovereign debt crisis. Finally, we will address challenges of migration, integration and the rise of nationalist parties across Europe.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    20% Research Paper
    20% Attendance
    20% Short Reflection Papers
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    5 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20115/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    31 May 2016

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3489W Section 001: Citizens, Consumers, and Corporations (32952)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management L-114
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (47 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Corporations are among the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a variety of goods, and have massive effects on the ecological and social environments in which they do business. How do ordinary people act in order to hold corporations accountable for the effects that their activities have on communities and individuals? This course focuses on two ways that people have mobilized to counter corporate power--as citizens and as consumers. When people mobilize as citizens, they put pressure on corporations through the political system--e.g. through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through the courts. When people mobilize as consumers, they use the power of their purchasing decisions to encourage corporations to change their behavior. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of corporate social responsibility/sweatshops, the industrial food system in the US, and the privatization of life (e.g. genes), water, and war.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3489W+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Corporations are among the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a variety of goods, and have massive effects on the ecological and social environments in which they do business. How do ordinary people act in order to hold corporations accountable for the effects that their activities have on communities and individuals? This course focuses on two ways that people have mobilized to counter corporate power--as citizens and as consumers. When people mobilize as citizens, they put pressure on corporations through the political system--e.g. through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through the courts. When people mobilize as consumers, they use the power of their purchasing decisions to encourage corporations to change their behavior. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of corporate social responsibility/sweatshops, the industrial food system in the US, and the privatization of life (e.g. genes), water, and war.
    Grading:
    25% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    25% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    The final exam will be an essay exam.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    1 Final Exam (essay format)
    2 short papers (about 9 pages total)
    2 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32952/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 April 2019

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3739 Section 001: Politics of Race, Class, and Ethnicity (17031)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management L-114
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Is it true that since the election of Donald Trump the United States is more racist than ever? Is racism on the rise elsewhere in the world? Consistent with the goals of liberal education, this course helps students navigate their way through what is often seen as one of the most perplexing and intractable problems in today's world - racial and ethnic conflicts. It supplies a set of theoretical tools that can be utilized in the most diverse of settings - including, though to a lesser extent, gender. Rather than looking at these conflicts, as the media and popular knowledge often does, as centuries-old conflicts deeply set in our memory banks, a script from which none of us can escape, the course argues that inequalities in power and authority - in other words, class - go a long way in explaining racial and ethnic dynamics. To support this argument, the course examines the so-called "black-white" conflict in three settings, the U.S., South Africa and Cuba. While all three share certain similarities, their differences provide the most explanatory power. Most instructive is the Cuba versus U.S. and South Africa comparison. Specifically, what are the consequences for race relations when a society, Cuba, attempts to eliminate class inequalities? The course hopes to show that while we all carry with us the legacy of the past we are not necessarily its prisoners.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL3739+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    What similarities are there, if any, between the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, South Africa, Northern Ireland, Rwanda, and Palestine/Israel? Why does racial and ethnic conflict persist in so many regions of the world? To what extent does racial conflict in th U.S. reflect the increasing disparities in wealth? How is racial/ethnic oppression similar and different from sexual oppression? These are some of the questions that this course will address and attempt to answer. This will be done primarily through a comparative analysis of racial/ethnic/class conflict in the U.S., South Africa, and Cuba with particular attention on the experiences of Blacks in the three countries.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    50% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17031/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3752 Section 001: Chicana/o Politics (19564)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    CHIC 3852 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Ford Hall 115
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (9 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of Chicana/o politics through analysis of Mexican American experience, social agency. Response to larger political systems/behaviors using social science methods of inquiry. Unequal power relations, social justice, political economy.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19564/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (18965)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    West Bank Skyway AUDITORIUM
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (70 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3766+Fall2019
    Class Description:

    Do citizens support candidates and parties because they agree with their values and interests? Or do citizens associate with candidates and parties because of their social identity? In other words, do politicians follow the preferences of voters or do voters just follow their preferred leaders on policy issues? An what are the implications for accountability and representation? In the beginning of the course we will first review the critique of democratic theory that is informed by findings in political psychology. Are people rational or motivated reasoners? Do they update their beliefs given new information or do they rationalize new information to fit their prior beliefs? Beyond such questions, we will discuss topics related to affective polarization, group bias, personality and core values. Finally, we will review research that suggests our genes and personality traits affect political behavior. We will then conclude by returning to the debate about democratic theory, focusing on how informational shortcut and ambivalent partisanship might mitigate the public's lack of political information and purported lack of rationality. By the end of this course students should be able to critically interrogate the debate about the possibilities of democratic accountability and representation in light of recent scholarship on political psychology.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    There are no requirements for this class.
    Learning Objectives:
    By the end of this course students should be able to critically interrogate the debate about democratic accountability and representation in light of the recent scholarship on political psychology.
    Grading:
    10% - Attendance
    40% - 2 Exams in Essay format
    20% - Short Paper (2-3 pages)
    30% - Long Paper (6-8 pages)

    Exam Format:
    The exams are in essay format and students will be required to summarize some of the class readings.
    The papers will require students to answer the main questions of the course, taking a position. This is an argumentative paper in which students must defend their position with supporting evidence and examples drawn from the class materials.
    Class Format:
    50% lecture, 50% discussion.
    Workload:
    In addition to regular class attendance and completion of the assignments, students are expected to complete the readings prior to each class.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18965/1199
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/jucax001_POL3766_Fall2019.pdf
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 August 2019

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3769 Section 001: Public Opinion and Voting Behavior (20933)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (50 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Polls are ubiquitous, measuring what Americans think on topics big and small. This course examines the nature, measurement, and consequences of public opinion in the contemporary United States, with a particular emphasis on understanding why some voters preferred Donald Trump to Hillary Clinton - vice versa - in the 2016 presidential election. We'll address the following questions throughout the term. First, how do pollsters measure what the public thinks about government and public affairs? Second, can we assume that the responses people give to survey questions reflect their true thoughts and feelings about politics? Third, what are the major factors that shape voter decision making in U.S. presidential elections? By the end of this semester you will have a broader and deeper understanding of the nature, measurement, meaning, and consequences of public opinion.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?pgoren+POL3769+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    This course focuses on whether citizens and the broader public make sensible political decisions. We will assess whether ordinary citizens are capable of meeting their responsibilities as democratic citizens. The first part of the course focuses on what public opinion means, how it is measured, and how it changes over time. The second part of the course focuses on how voters decide which presidential candidate to vote for and whether to turn out on election day. Class time will feature lecturing, classroom discussion and debate, viewing political films/video, and evaluating the videos. Note finally that I will provide pdf copies of slides for each lecture a day or two before the materials are formally presented in class.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    25% Special Projects
    15% Attendance
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: If you do the readings, show up regularly, pay attention in class, and study, you will do well in this course.
    Exam Format:
    A combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. There will also be extra credit opportunities on the exams.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    20% Film/Video
    40% Discussion I will strive for the right mix of lecture and classroom discussion each day. In no case will I lecture for 3 straight hours. I lack sufficient charm to pull that off!
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exams
    2 medium-length writing assignments
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20933/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2017

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3796 Section 001: Media and Politics (34128)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    JOUR 3796 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Nicholson Hall 155
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (27 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Do facts matter anymore? Is press freedom under threat? Are audiences trapped in filter bubbles? Why do people hate the media, and how can the news be improved to better serve citizens? Explore the historical and contemporary dynamics that shape the relationship between professionals in the media, the mass public, and political actors across different parts of government. Study major forms of mass media, including television and newspapers, alongside new forms such as digital and social media. Look at specific reporting rituals and practices, as well as issues involving media ownership, regulation, ethics, and press freedom. We will study politicians? efforts to craft messages, advertise strategically, and target select audiences for political gain. The course will focus primarily, but not exclusively, on the United States, and you will be asked to engage with current events and the role of communication technologies in political and civic life.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34128/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3810 Section 001: Topics in International Relations and Foreign Policy -- Critical Humanitarianism (33865)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (62 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics courses delve in depth into important issues in contemporary international politics. They aim to give students the theoretical, conceptual, and historical understanding, and/or empirical tools needed to understand the complexity of international politics today. Topics courses vary substantially from year to year as specified in the class schedule, but recent topics courses have included: 'Technology and War', International Law', 'Drones, Detention and Torture: The Laws of War', and 'The Consequences of War.'
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33865/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3833 Section 001: The United States and the Global Economy (32953)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3833 teaches students about the politics of the global economy with a focus on the role the United States plays within it. The class covers a variety of topics in international political economy, including international trade, international investment, and international finance. Students will learn about the factors that drive politicians' decision-making, interest-group stances, and citizens' preferences over such salient issues as tariffs and other forms of trade protection, trade and investment agreements, central banking, interest rates, international migration, and more. No background in economics is required or assumed.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL3833+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Globalization has been a defining force driving markets - and, hence, shaping politics - over the past 20 years. Global financial flows and imbalances are implicated in financial crises both recent and past, and the mobility of firms and migrants across international borders has important distributional and regulatory consequences. Yet, the impact of the U.S. on the global economy is not exclusive to purely financial phenomena: conflict and peace, technological innovation, natural resources, and economic development are all affected as rising levels of trade create new "winners" and "losers." This class examines some of the broad themes that characterize globalization with a focus on - but not only on - the U.S. and the ways in which its policy responses shape and are being shaped by globalization.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32953/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 August 2015

    Fall 2019  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (16991)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (82 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3835+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Why does war occur? What role do international institutions and international law play in international politics? Do ideas and culture matter in a world dominated by power politics? This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of theoretical approaches for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. Specific topics will include: the causes and consequences of war; the role of law and institutions; human rights and humanitarian intervention; transnational activism and environmental politics; the regulation of arms and conflict; globalization and political economy; and the role of ideas, norms, and culture. By the end of the course, students will gain a better understanding of why and how events happen in global politics, and will be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical cases in global politics.
    Learning Objectives:
    Students who complete this course will gain a better understanding of why and how things happen in international relations. They will be able to critically analyze scholarly and popular articles, and by the end of the term should be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical events in international relations. They should be able to apply analytical frameworks and tools to understand the political world.
    Grading:
    30% Two Response Papers
    25% Midterm Exam
    35% Final Exam
    15% Participation (inc. Attendance)
    Exam Format:
    The midterm exam will be a combination of short answer and essay questions. The final exam is a longer, analytical essay (5-7 pages).
    Class Format:
    A mix of lecture, discussion, and in-class activities.
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    1 In-Class Exam
    2 Short Papers
    1 Essay Final
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16991/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 March 2017

    Fall 2019  |  POL 4255 Section 001: Comparative Real Time Political Analysis: Marxist versus Liberal Perspectives (33529)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 2-224
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (27 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Karl Marx and Frederick Engels had better democratic credentials than Alexis de Tocqueville and John Stuart Mill. Vladimir Lenin, too, had better democratic credentials than Max Weber and Woodrow Wilson. That's the provocative argument of this course. Performing what it calls "comparative real-time political analysis," it presents convincing evidence to sustain both claims. When the two sets of protagonists are compared and contrasted in how they read and responded to big political events in motion, in real-time, the Marxists, it contends, proved to be better democrats than the Liberals. Real-time analysis argues that responding to and making decisions about events in motion is the real test of political perspective and theory; on Monday morning, we can all look smart. The writings and actions of all seven protagonists are the primary course materials - reading them in their own words. The European Spring of 1848, the United States Civil War, the 1905 Russian Revolution and, the 1917 Russian Revolution and end of World War I, all consequential in the democratic quest, are the main scenarios the course employs to test its claims. The findings, course participants will learn, challenge assumed political wisdom like never before. Employing the lessons of the comparisons to trying to make sense of current politics - given the unprecedented moment in which we find ourselves - is the other goal of the course.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4255+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33529/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 4267 Section 001: Imperialism and Modern Political Thought (32954)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 115
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How has political theory been shaped by imperialism? We will investigate this question through a study of such key thinkers as Kant, Mill, Marx, Lenin, Csaire, Fanon, and Gandhi, reading them through the lens of empire. Our goal is to analyze how such thinkers reflected upon, problematized and, at times, justified forms of Western imperialism. We will look at their explicit reflections on empire, as well as more tangential or ostensibly separate themes that may have only been shaped by the imperial context in indirect ways. Finally, we will reflect upon our contemporary location as readers and agents situated in the wake of these political and intellectual developments, analyzed through the question of what it means to engage in anti-colonial, decolonial, and/or postcolonial critique. This course will combine lectures by the professor with student-led seminar discussion.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rbnichol+POL4267+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    How has political theory been shaped by imperialism? We will investigate this question through a study of such key thinkers as Kant, Mill, Marx, Lenin, Cesaire, Fanon, and Gandhi, reading them through the lens of empire. Our goal is to analyze how such thinkers reflected upon, problematized and, at times, justified forms of Western imperialism. We will look at their explicit reflections on empire, as well as more tangential or ostensibly separate themes that may have only been shaped by the imperial context in indirect ways. Finally, we will reflect upon our contemporary location as readers and agents situated in the wake of these political and intellectual developments, analyzed through the question of what it means to engage in anti-colonial, decolonial, and/or postcolonial critique. This course will combine lectures by the professor with student-led seminar discussion.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32954/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2019

    Fall 2019  |  POL 4465 Section 001: Democracy and Dictatorship in Southeast Asia (32955)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    POL 5465 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Blegen Hall 220
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (17 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    A fundamental question of politics is why some regimes endure for many years while others do not. This course examines the "menu of manipulation" through which dictators and democrats claim and retain power, and the conditions under which average citizens mobilize to challenge their governments, despite the risks and in the face of what may seem to be insurmountable odds. We will explore these political dynamics in Southeast Asia, one of the most culturally and politically diverse regions of the globe. Composed of eleven countries, Southeast Asia covers a wide geographical region stretching from India to China. With a rich endowment of natural resources, a dynamic manufacturing base, and a strategic location on China's southern flank, the region has come to play an increasingly important role in the political and economic affairs of the globe. Culturally and ethnically diverse, hundreds of languages are spoken, and the religions practiced include Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Islam. The region is similarly diverse in its political systems, which range from democratic to semi-democratic to fully authoritarian.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL4465+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Why do some dictators stay in power for many years while others do not? What forces sustain and undermine democratic governance? Under what conditions do average citizens mobilize successfully to demand political change? We will examine these questions by studying the politics of Southeast Asia, one of the most culturally and politically diverse regions of the globe. Composed of eleven countries, Southeast Asia covers a wide geographical region stretching from India to China. With a rich endowment of natural resources, a dynamic manufacturing base, and a strategic location on China's southern flank, the region has come to play an increasingly important role in the political and economic affairs of the globe. Culturally and ethnically diverse, hundreds of languages are spoken in the region, and the religions practiced include Buddhism, Catholocism, Hinduism, and Islam. Indonesia is not only the fourth largest nation in the world but the largest Muslim majority country in the world. The political systems range from the formally democratic through civilian authoritarianism to military authoritarianism. Because the region is so diverse, the introduction must necessarily be incomplete. Readings and lectures will focus on seven countries: Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
    Grading:
    50% Exams
    30% Research Paper
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Short essay.
    Class Format:
    35% Lecture
    20% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32955/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 April 2019

    Fall 2019  |  POL 4481 Section 001: Comparative Political Economy: Governments and Markets (32957)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (53 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course analyzes the compatibility of democracy and markets - whether democratic institutions undermine (enhance) the workings of market institutions and vice versa. Competing theoretical perspectives in political economy are critically evaluated. And the experiences of countries with different forms of democratic market systems are studied. Among the topics singled out for in-depth investigation are the economics of voting, producer group politics, the politics of monetary and fiscal policy, political business cycles, and trade politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL4481+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    This course addresses the question of whether democracy and markets are compatible, whether democratic institutions enhance (undermine) the workings of market institutions and vice versa. Competing theoretical perspectives in the field of political economy are critically evaluated. And the experiences of countries with different forms of democratic market system are studied. Among the topics singled out for in-depth investigation are the economics of voting, politics of money management, political business cycles,and the politics of trade.
    Exam Format:
    3 exams (two mid term exams and a final)
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32957/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2017

    Fall 2019  |  POL 4501W Section 001: The Supreme Court and Constitutional Interpretation (16792)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-108
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (61 of 60 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of Articles I, II, and III. This means that we will discuss how the nation's Court of last resort has helped shape the powers of and constraints on the three branches of our federal government. We will also discuss and analyze the development of law surrounding the separation of powers, the structure of federalism, congressional power over the commerce clause, and the creation and demise of the concept of substantive due process. Successful completion of this course will satisfy the liberal education requirement of Civic Life and Ethics. Effective citizenship in the 21st century requires an understanding of our how government was created, is structured, and has been interpreted by the Supreme Court over the past two centuries. This course is premised on the notion that such an understanding is best achieved by reading the primary sources that led to these goals - the opinions handed down by the U.S. Supreme Court.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4501W+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of Articles I, II, and III.
    Grading:
    33% Midterm Exam
    33% Final Exam
    33% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Exams will be a combination of short answer/multiple choice and essays.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    25 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16792/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    5 April 2016

    Fall 2019  |  POL 4771 Section 001: Race and Politics in America: Making Sense of Racial Attitudes in the United States (32958)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (34 of 35 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Race continues to be one of the defining fault lines in American politics. Most obviously, the existence of racial inequality has enormous consequences for any given individual's social and economic standing. However, it also has had an enormous impact on the pattern of attitudes and beliefs which have served as the backdrop for many of society's most pressing political debates and conflicts. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to how political scientists have studied racial attitudes and the larger problem of inter-ethnic conflict in American society. We will begin with a look at the historical circumstances which have given rise to the major research questions in the area. From there, we'll look at the major research perspectives in the area, and see how well they actually explain public opinion on matters of race. In doing so, we'll also get a look at some of the major controversies in this area of study, particularly the issues of whether the "old-fashioned racism" of the pre-civil-rights era has been replaced by new forms of racism; and the degree to which debates over policy matters with no apparent link to race - such as crime and social welfare - may actually have a lot to do with racial attitudes. Finally, we will conclude by taking an informed look at racial attitudes in recent American history, focusing on how racial attitudes and their political consequences of have changed - and not changed - over the course of the Obama presidency and the tumultuous 2016 election.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?federico+POL4771+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Race continues to be one of the defining fault lines in American politics. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to how political scientists have studied racial attitudes and the larger problem of inter-ethnic conflict in American society. We will begin with a look at the historical circumstances which have given rise to the major research questions in the area. From there, we'll look at the major research perspectives in the area, and see how well they actually explain public opinion on matters of race. In doing so, we’ll also get a look at some of the major controversies in this area of study, particularly whether the
    “old-fashioned racism” of the pre-civil-rights era has been replaced by new forms of racism and the degree to which debates over policy matters with no apparent link to race—such as crime and social welfare—may actually have a lot to do with racial attitudes. Finally, we will conclude by taking a look at the question of whether the election of America’s first African-American president has ushered in a “post-racial” era.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    35% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    There will be one midterm and a final exam; the midterm is worth 30%, whereas the final is worth 40%. Both exams consist of short answers and one essay question. In addition, students will complete a 5-10 page paper, worth 30% of their course grade.
    Class Format:
    75% lecture, 25% class discussion and small-group activities.
    Workload:
    100-150 pages of reading per week, plus one 5-10 page term paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32958/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2019  |  POL 4773W Section 001: Advocacy Organizations, Social Movements, and the Politics of Identity (20937)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (41 of 40 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course introduces students to the major theoretical concepts and empirical findings in the study of U.S interest group politics. Students will read books and articles from a wide range of topics that include how interest groups are formed and maintained; various strategies and tactics that groups use to influence Congress, the courts, and executive branch; and whether those strategies result in fair and effective representation for all citizens in society. Throughout the semester students will be exposed to research using a variety of methodologies and intellectual approaches. Further, the class discussions will emphasize general concepts that reoccur in the readings and in other classes. The goal is to assist students in mastering the key concepts in group politics. This is also a writing intensive course. Effective writing is encouraged through several writing assignments that require you to think clearly and express your thoughts concisely.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL4773W+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20937/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 4887 Section 001: Thinking Strategically in International Politics (20938)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (41 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The purpose of this class is threefold: First, to introduce students to the use and value of formal models of strategic interaction (game theoretic models) in international relations. Second, to impart some basic tools of such modeling to students. And third, to examine the contribution of theoretical models to substantive areas in international relations. In keeping with these three goals, the course is divided into three sections. The first two weeks will devoted to such questions as: What is a theoretical model? What are rational choice and game theory? How are game theoretic models employed in international relations and what have been seminal contributions to the literature? The next portion of the class will introduce students to the basic tools employed in game theoretic analysis. The readings will illustrate the use of the tools introduced in class. And five problem sets will be administered, requiring students to make use of these tools. The final portion of the class will examine substantive questions in international relations through the lens of game theory. The topics to be presented include: Domestic Politics and War, International Agreements and Treaties, International Finance and Trade, Conditionality, Terrorism, and Human Rights.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL4887+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    This course surveys current theories of international relations, and introduces students to elementary game theory. Major topics include the causes of war, the conditions for international cooperation, and the role of international institutions. By the end of the semester, students will be expected to: 1. Understand the relevant international relations literature; 2. Understand simple game-theortic techniques; 3. Critically analyze theories of international politics; and 4. Understand the general scientific method of theory building and empirical testing. Possible textbooks: Kenneth N. Waltz. 1954. Man, the State, and War; Waltz, Kenneth N. Theory of International Politics; Bruce Bueno de Mesquita, 2000. Principles of International Politics.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam
    10% Class Participation
    20% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: homework
    Exam Format:
    Multiple choice, essay, and short answer are all possible.
    Class Format:
    Lectures and discussions after each homework is graded.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    5 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 3 game theory homework assignments
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20938/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Fall 2019  |  POL 4900H Section 001: Honors Thesis (17894)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (11 of 20 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900H+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17894/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (17528)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (9 of 20 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17528/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Fall 2019  |  POL 4991 Section 001: Political Science Capstone (32962)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 335
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (25 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL4991+Fall2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32962/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 5465 Section 001: Democracy and Dictatorship in Southeast Asia (32956)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    POL 4465 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 220
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (1 of 5 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    A fundamental question of politics is why some regimes endure for many years while others do not. This course examines the "menu of manipulation" through which dictators and democrats claim and retain power, and the conditions under which average citizens mobilize to challenge their governments, despite the risks and in the face of what may seem to be insurmountable odds. We will explore these political dynamics in Southeast Asia, one of the most culturally and politically diverse regions of the globe. Composed of eleven countries, Southeast Asia covers a wide geographical region stretching from India to China. With a rich endowment of natural resources, a dynamic manufacturing base, and a strategic location on China's southern flank, the region has come to play an increasingly important role in the political and economic affairs of the globe. Culturally and ethnically diverse, hundreds of languages are spoken, and the religions practiced include Buddhism, Catholicism, Hinduism, and Islam. The region is similarly diverse in its political systems, which range from democratic to semi-democratic to fully authoritarian.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Grading:
    50% Exams
    30% Research Paper
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Short essay.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32956/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 April 2019

    Fall 2019  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (34711)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 15 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34711/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (19674)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    Power, Equity, and Diversity Core Instructor: Professor Anuja Bose
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19674/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 8105 Section 001: Professional Development II (20475)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    S-N or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Second Half of Term
     
    10/22/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Research ethics. Skills for teaching undergraduate courses in political science. Completion of dissertation prospecti or early chapters. prereq: Pol sci student, ABD, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20475/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 8108 Section 001: Maximum Likelihood Estimation (20940)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Laboratory
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon 03:25PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course presents an overview of the likelihood theory of statistical inference, and its wide range of uses in applied quantitative political science. When dependent variables take the form of ordered or unordered categories, event counts, or otherwise violate the traditional assumptions of the linear regression model, models estimated by maximum likelihood provide an essential alternative. Topics covered include binary, multinomial, and ordered logit/probit, Poisson regression, and multilevel models. We will rely heavily on computational methods of analysis using the R statistical computing environment, and instruction on how to use R for applied research will be provided throughout the length of the course.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20940/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 8160 Section 001: Topics in Models and Methods -- Causal Inference & Experimental Methods (32964)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (4 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Topics Title: Causal Inference & Experimental Methods
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32964/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 8253 Section 001: Late Modern Political Thought (32967)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Thu 03:25PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (11 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theoretical responses to and rival interpretations of Western economy, society, politics, and democratic culture in the modern age; theories of history; class struggle; the end of metaphysics and the death of God; technology and bureaucracy; psychology of culture, in Hegel, Marx, Tocqueville, Mill, Nietzsche, Weber, Freud. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Theoretical responses to and rival interpretations of Western economy, society, politics, and democratic culture in the modern age; theories of history; class struggle; the end of metaphysics and the death of God; technology and bureaucracy; psychology of culture, in Hegel, Marx, Tocqueville, Mill, Nietzsche, Weber, Freud. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32967/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2019

    Fall 2019  |  POL 8307 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology I (17032)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    PSY 8211 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Fri 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (4 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17032/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 8401 Section 001: International Relations (32970)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Wed 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (9 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Basic theories/approaches to study of international politics. Surveys representative work/central issues of scholarship. prereq: Grad pol sci major or dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32970/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (17684)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (21 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17684/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 8601 Section 001: Introduction to Comparative Politics (32971)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Mon 05:35PM - 07:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (10 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Main theoretical approaches and issues: comparative method, the state and class; political culture; development, democratization, rational choice, social movements. prereq: Grad pol sci major
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32971/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 8621 Section 001: Comparative and Case Study Methods (20949)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Fri 03:25PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course will provide students with a basic introduction to methodological debates surrounding comparative and case study methods in political science. Although the course is designed primarily with an eye to the needs of students in comparative politics, this course will also be useful to students in other subfields who wish to learn more about comparative and/or case study methods. This course is primarily for students in their 2nd year and beyond in the Political Science PhD program.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20949/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 8637 Section 001: Comparative Political Economy (32972)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Connections between democracy and markets, emphasizing experiences of countries in North America and Europe. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    This course focuses on the theme of "Inequality and Democracy."

    Distributional issues are at the core of the study of politics. Since Laswell's famous claim that politics is about "who gets what, how, and when," the politics of inequality has featured prominently among the central themes in the discipline. In recent years interest in inequality has grown even more intense, as new sources of data reveal growing disparities between rich and poor in countries across the world. Real-world developments have drawn renewed attention to the question of the relationship between economic and political power.

    Democracy is premised on formal political equality. Yet if economic wealth can be transformed into political influence, then we have good reason to worry about the quality of democracy. In this course students will read, discuss and engage with current social-science research about the relationship between inequality and democracy in comparative perspective. We will draw on examples from around the world, and explore key conceptual, empirical, and normative issues, as well as gain a handle on central theoretical debates in the field. We will consider both the political origins as well as the political consequences of economic inequalities, asking such questions as "Which policies tend to increase inequality?" "What is the relationship between economic and political influence?" "Is there a ‘power elite,' or does policy-making include a broader range of citizens' interests?"

    The course first explores core conceptual and normative issues: how do we measure inequality, and why should we care about it? We then turn to the origins of inequalities and explanations of its evolution, and then to political efforts to redress inequalities, starting with the question of why the poor do not soak the rich under democracy. Given this "Robin Hood Paradox," we then turn to efforts to explain real-world variation in redistribution around the world. Finally, we explore important consequences of inequality for democracy: the extent to which the rich "win" over everyone else in terms of policy representation, and the impact of economic inequality on the long-term evolution of democracy itself.

    The readings we will use to explore these issues are drawn from across the social sciences, and are chosen to highlight the key theoretical questions at stake in the study of the tension between inequality and democracy.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32972/1199
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 February 2019

    Fall 2019  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (17708)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17708/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (17599)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (11 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17599/1199

    Fall 2019  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (17083)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2019 - 12/11/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17083/1199

    Summer 2019  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (82908)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/10/2019 - 08/02/2019
    Tue, Thu 05:30PM - 08:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-132
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (18 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?joh12819+POL1201+Summer2019
    Class Description:

    Politics requires a constant negotiation between commonality and difference. Political societies undertake the twin tasks of holding together a community based on a shared set of common beliefs, practices, or shared backgrounds, while also negotiating how differences across the larger community disrupt stability and challenge the common order. This course reads a wide selection of historical and more contemporary texts - from Plato, to Jean-Jacques Rousseau, W.E.B. Du Bois, James Baldwin, and Audre Lorde - to investigate the political dynamics that cut across this commonality/difference relationship, as well as how different thinkers have sought to negotiate these dynamics.

    Learning Objectives:
    Students will develop skills in reading complex and theoretical texts. Writing skills focused on developing textual analysis and reconstruction.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    50% Class Discussion
    10% Group Work
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    9-14 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82908/1195
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 March 2019

    Summer 2019  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (82555)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/10/2019 - 08/02/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (17 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Summer2019
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
    Learning Objectives:
    To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
    Grading:
    Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
    Exam Format:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82555/1195
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 February 2017

    Summer 2019  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (82845)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/10/2019 - 08/02/2019
    Tue, Thu 09:00AM - 12:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (12 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mcvei012+POL3085+Summer2019
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    1-2 article(s) or book chapter(s) per class
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82845/1195
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 May 2019

    Summer 2019  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (82846)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/10/2019 - 08/02/2019
    Mon, Wed 05:30PM - 08:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-136
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (24 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course considers the nature of contemporary democracy and the role that members of the political community do, can, and should play. While approaches in teaching the class vary, students can expect to read historical and contemporary texts, see films and videos, to approach questions about the nature of democracy, justifications for democracy, and challenges faced by contemporary democracy. Topics will include such questions as the role of civil society in democratic life, deliberative democracy, as well as questions about how members of political communities can best participate in democratic life. Students will write a longer essay that allows them to demonstrate their capacities to understand and explain complex ideas and to make a theoretically compelling argument, using appropriate supporting evidence. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mende184+POL3235W+Summer2019
    Class Description:

    Democracy seems to be an intuitively simple concept to many Americans. Americans know what democracy, and the corresponding values of freedom and equality mean because they live under a democratic system of government that guarantees liberty and justice for all, and equality regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Likewise, Americans know that being a citizen means we have certain rights. (and duties?) When we delve a little deeper into what these concepts mean, however, we discover that this apparent certainty papers over a host of disagreements, divisions, and uncertainties. These complexities have bubbled up to the surface today, as they have historically, through a number of contemporary concerns espoused by the Occupy Movement, the Tea Party Movement, Black Lives Matter, anti-establishment politics, etc.


    This class helps students to engage in the contemporary problems of democracy by grounding the conversation in the historical debates of democratic theory. Rather than suggesting any simple answers, our class will instead pose questions with which we, together, must wrestle. What is the democracy? How should we understand basic concepts of democracy like freedom, equality, and solidarity? How should we respond when these concepts come into conflict? Is capitalism inherently in conflict with democracy? Working through these questions, we will tack back and forth between theoretical debates and contemporary and historical political problems, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the political stakes behind these questions, as well as a more critical perspective from which to understand the political challenges of this moment in history.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
    Grading:

    Attendance: 10%

    Paper 1: 35%

    Paper 2: 35%

    Final Presentation: 20%

    Workload:
    approximatley 40 pages of reading per class
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82846/1195
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 March 2017

    Summer 2019  |  POL 3311 Section 001: Law and Justice: The View From Hollywood (87678)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/20/2019 - 06/07/2019
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 08:00AM - 10:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 2-228
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (21 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics and the law have played major thematic roles in American films. This course analyzes eight films that focus on justice, the law, and the legal system, to see what they tell us about political and legal culture, and what messages (if any) they have for contemporary politics. To that end, we will read about, watch, talk about, and write about films. Mostly we will be focusing on questions about the relationship between law and justice, the practice of law, and the role of courts and trials in a political system; however, many other issues will arise in the course of these discussions - race/class/gender and the law, legal ethics, legal education, the adversarial system, the relationship between law and popular culture, among others. You should expect to develop a more in-depth understanding of these issues as well as a better appreciation of the cultural and political significance of the way that law, lawyers, and judges are depicted in the movies.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL3311+Summer2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87678/1195

    Summer 2019  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (82926)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/10/2019 - 08/02/2019
    Tue, Thu 05:30PM - 08:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management L-118
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (17 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular, those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in others parts have not? We will explore inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course also examines what we mean by "development" and exposes students to cutting-edge debates in contemporary development studies. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?tekxx005+POL3477+Summer2019
    Class Description:
    Why are there such vast disparities of wealth among countries? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world experienced stunning economic growth while others have not? We will explore the issue of inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course focuses primarily on countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, with explicit comparisons between Brazil, South Korea, and Nigeria, but we will begin the course with an exploration of the "Rise of the West" in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. What do we mean by "development," and what has been the role of rich countries in producing and perpetuating poverty? What are the costs of development? What role can the US play in alleviating global inequality? Is foreign aid an effective way to help solve development inequalities? By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82926/1195
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 March 2017

    Summer 2019  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (87204)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/10/2019 - 08/02/2019
    Mon, Wed 09:00AM - 11:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-127
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (13 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jucax001+POL3766+Summer2019
    Class Description:

    In this course we will study how political psychology affects attitudes and behavior. Do citizens support candidates and parties because they agree with their values and interests? Or do citizens associate with candidates and parties because of their social identity? In other words, do politicians follow the preferences of voters or do voters just follow their preferred leaders on policy issues? And what are the implications for accountability and representation? In the beginning of the course, we will first review the critique of democratic theory that is informed by findings in political psychology. Are people rational or motivated reasoners? Do they update their beliefs given new information or do they rationalize new information to fit their prior beliefs? Beyond such questions, we will discuss topics related to affective polarization, implicit group bias, personality and core values. Then we will discuss the effects of the changing media landscape, debating concepts such as persuasion, framing, priming, the politics of fear and partisan media. We will then conclude by returning to the debate about democratic theory, focusing on how informational shortcut and ambivalent partisanship might mitigate the public's lack of political information and purported lack of rationality. By the end of this course students should be able to critically interrogate the debate about the possibility of democratic accountability and representation in light of recent scholarship on political psychology.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    There are no requirements for this class.
    Learning Objectives:
    By the end of this course students should be able to critically interrogate the debate about democratic accountability and representation in light of the recent scholarship on political psychology.
    Grading:
    10% - Attendance
    40% - 2 Exams in Essay format
    50% - 2 Short Papers (2-3 pages)

    Exam Format:
    The exams are in essay format and students will be required to summarize some of the class readings.
    The short papers will require students to answer the main questions of the course, taking a position in the debate. This is an argumentative paper in which students must defend their position with supporting evidence and examples drawn from the class materials.
    Class Format:
    50% lecture, 50% discussion.
    Workload:
    In addition to regular class attendance and completion of the assignments, students are expected to complete the readings prior to each class.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87204/1195
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/jucax001_POL3766_Fall2019.pdf (Fall 2019)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 May 2019

    Summer 2019  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (82971)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/10/2019 - 08/02/2019
    Mon, Wed 09:00AM - 11:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management L-118
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (16 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?munha009+POL3835+Summer2019
    Class Description:
    Why do wars happen? How do states engage in conflict and cooperation? What roles do race, gender and sexuality play in international relations? How has the "War on Terror" shaped international order? This course provides theoretical and conceptual tools to analyze these questions and issues that shape everyday lives of people from New York to Moscow to Beirut and Shanghai. The first part of the course will introduce students to the main theories in International Relations while the second part of the course will engage students with specific topics such as causes of war, international migration and political borders, humanitarianism and intervention, militarization and human rights.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This course is open to all students. You don't have to be a political science major to take this course. International politics affect our everyday lives no matter what we do and where we live.The time when citizens of any country could ignore international relations has long since passed. This course engages students with issues and matters that are contemporary and relevant while situating them within historical and theoretical context.
    Learning Objectives:
    Students who complete this course will gain a better understanding of why and how things happen in international relations. They will be able to critically analyze scholarly and popular articles, and by the end of the term should be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical events in international relations. They should be able to apply analytical frameworks and tools to understand the political world.
    Grading:
    No exams. Students' progress will be evaluated through:
    1. Two short papers (2-3 pages each)- 20%
    2. One oral presentation (Each student is required to give one oral presentation during the course of the semester. These presentations will be short (8-10 minutes), and will require students to take sides on clashing views in international relations. Students will be provided with a list of potential topics or they can present on a topic of their own choosing)- 20%
    3. Final Paper (6-7 pages)- 40%
    4. Being present (attendance and participation) - 20%
    Exam Format:
    No exams.
    Class Format:
    50% lecture and 50% discussion, films and in-class activities. Students will be provided with free access to electronic version of the text book. Other course materials will be posted on Canvas.
    Workload:
    50-80 pages reading per week
    2 Short Papers
    1 Final paper
    1 Oral presentation
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82971/1195
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/march122_POL3835_Spring2019.docx (Spring 2019)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    5 April 2019

    Summer 2019  |  POL 4900H Section 001: Honors Thesis (83066)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/10/2019 - 08/02/2019
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (1 of 10 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900H+Summer2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83066/1195

    Summer 2019  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (82573)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/10/2019 - 08/02/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Summer2019
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82573/1195
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Summer 2019  |  POL 4970 Section 101: Individual Reading and Research (82710)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/20/2019 - 06/07/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82710/1195
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Summer 2019  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (83010)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/10/2019 - 08/02/2019
    UMTC, East Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 20 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL5970+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83010/1195

    Summer 2019  |  POL 8333 Section 001: FTE: Master's (82629)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/10/2019 - 08/16/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Master's student, adviser and DGS consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8333+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82629/1195

    Summer 2019  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (82654)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/10/2019 - 08/16/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8444+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82654/1195

    Summer 2019  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (82677)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/10/2019 - 08/16/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8666+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82677/1195

    Summer 2019  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (82824)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/10/2019 - 08/02/2019
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8888+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82824/1195

    Summer 2019  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (82556)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/10/2019 - 08/02/2019
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8990+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82556/1195

    Spring 2019  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (53526)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Meets With:
    POL 1001H Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 270
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (72 of 75 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL1001+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? Through an examination of the roles of American political institutions and the behavior of American citizens, we will be able to critically reflect on issues such as political and economic inequality in the U.S., the role of American political and economic power in the world, and the possibility for an American public policy that lives up to the ideals of the founders. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them.
    Grading:
    50% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53526/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 November 2012

    Spring 2019  |  POL 1001H Section 001: Honors Course: American Democracy in a Changing World (54683)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Honors
    Meets With:
    POL 1001 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 270
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (9 of 8 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL1001H+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them. Part of our explorations will involve critical readings of primary source materials.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Students who have had some preparation in American government and are on the honors track.
    Learning Objectives:
    To develop a critical understand of American government.
    Grading:
    20% Reports/Papers
    60% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    short answer, short essay
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    125 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54683/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 October 2017

    Spring 2019  |  POL 1019 Section 001: Indigenous Peoples in Global Perspective (55200)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    AMIN 1002 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Nicholson Hall 155
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (10 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Colonial experiences of selected indigenous peoples in Americas, Euroasia, Pacific Rim.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55200/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (52170)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon, Wed, Fri 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 370
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL1025+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Global politics introduces students to the study of the world's political systems and to the debates over certain global issues. Various theroretical frameworks are examined throughout the semester, but the emphasis is on the so-called realist and liberal perspectives. Related middle range accounts of war and of international political economy also are studied. While many global political issues will be mentioned, the focus will be on the legacies of the East-West conflict, particularly nuclear proliferation, and on the North-South conflict, expecially Southern demands for distributional justice. At the end of the semester, students will be able to describe and predict the evolution of a global political system. In addition, they will be able to carve out and defend a stand on one of the global issues mentioned above.
    Exam Format:
    20% Midterm Exams (3)
    40% Final Exam Other Grading Information: Weightings are approximate
    Class Format:
    Some digitized video materials are used.
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    4 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52170/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 October 2016

    Spring 2019  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Puzzles in World Politics (54083)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (64 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course is an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. It focuses on domestic politics within countries, as opposed to a course in international relations, which focuses on relations between countries. Some of the questions we tackle include: Why are some countries prone to violent conflict while others remain peaceful? Why do some countries grow rich while others remain poor? Why does democracy emerge in some countries, while dictators hold onto power elsewhere? How do attitudes about gender and sexuality influence politics? Do particular religions, or the strength of religious faith, strengthen or weaken democracy? The readings and assignments help you make sense of the complexity of world politics - to sift through and distill the avalanche of information available and learn how to develop your own arguments about pertinent global issues. Upon completion of this course you will be able to understand and provide examples of 1) the difference between strong and weak states; 2) the distinctions between democratic and non-democratic forms of government; 3) the various ways democracies are governed; 4) arguments explaining the origin of democracy and the persistence of non-democracy; 5) the significance of different forms of political identity such as ethnicity, religion, and gender; 6) why some countries are rich while others remain poor; and 7) why some countries tax and spend more than others. Assignments seek to develop your skills at developing arguments through logic and evidence and to give you the ability to distinguish between a persuasive argument about politics and simply stating an opinion.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL1054+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Why are some countries democratic while others are authoritarian? Why do seemingly parochial identities such as race, ethnicity and religion continue to play a powerful role in modern politics? What accounts for the variation in the prevalence of civil wars and other forms of political violence across countries? Why are some countries still plagued by poverty and underdevelopment? This introductory course in comparative politics will provide you with the skills and knowledge to answer these and other intriguing questions in world politics. You will be able to recognize, understand and explain the variation in political systems, which includes political institutions, processes, behavior, culture and outcomes, across countries. Students will be introduced to terminology, concepts, issues and approaches that would provide the foundation for upper division courses in political science. They will read some of the classic and path-breaking works and will be familiarized with cutting-edge research in the discipline.
    Grading:
    Three In-class assignments: 12%
    Four homework assignments: 28%
    Two individual/group research assignments: 40%
    Class Participation: 20%
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    Workload:

    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54083/1193

    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    6 November 2016

    Spring 2019  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas (52131)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 270
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (109 of 116 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course serves as an introduction to the study of political theory. Political theory analyzes the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts in politics. Starting from such basic concerns as the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, political theorists explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). In this introductory course, students will investigate some of the basic texts in political theory, with the goal of learning how to read texts more analytically and to address fundamental questions in political theory. Among the topics that might be the nature of justice and injustice, political obligation and civil disobedience, democracy and other forms of governance. Students who complete this course will understand the deep issues about the nature of politics, will have learned to read and to analyze complex texts. They will also have had the opportunity to reflect upon their own ethical engagement in political life and upon the ways in which historically, political ideas change.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL1201+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    This course examines different models of political rule. What models of politics, throughout history, have structure those relations of rulers and ruled? How does each model for rule try to grapple with questions of inequality, power and domination, justice and equality? To answer these questions, we will range across the globe (looking at examples that bear on contemporary politics both in the US and elsewhere), and also across history.
    Grading:
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Journal
    30% Reflection Papers
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    4 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 2 of the papers will be 1-2 page micro-papers; the others will be 4-5 pages each
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52131/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 December 2018

    Spring 2019  |  POL 1915 Section 001: Contemporary Civil Wars (66165)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Freshman Seminar
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 260
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (20 of 20 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Why did civil war erupt in Syria, but not Jordan? Why has the Syrian regime targeted civilians so brutally? How will the rise of the Islamic State affect the conduct and conclusion of the civil war? How will the fractured nature of the rebels affect the possibilities for peace? Will additional international intervention prolong war or bring it to a close more quickly? Will the Kurdish minority that populates parts of Syria, Iraq, and Turkey finally gain an independent state? We will address these and other questions in this class, keeping in mind the effects that civil wars have on ordinary citizens in war-torn countries. We will focus particularly on developing an operational definition of civil war, understanding causes of civil war, examining strategies of violence employed in civil war, and civil war termination. Current events, such as those in Syria, Yemen, Colombia, Ukraine, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic will be brought into the class throughout the semester.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?fazal007+POL1915+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66165/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3065 Section 001: Political Engagement Careers: Planning and Preparing For Your Future (55421)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Wed, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 220
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (33 of 35 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Exploration of careers in public service or political engagement; theories of political engagement; case studies of challenges and opportunities in public service careers; ethics of political engagement; development of resume, cover letter, informational interview, and networking skills; development of individual public service career plan.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3065+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55421/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3070 Section 001: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Internship (54919)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (14 of 15 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Interns work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, interns will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers. Interns are chosen through a highly competitive online application the semester prior to registration. Students should check with Political Science advising for details about the application process. This course is only open to Political Science majors.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rahnx003+POL3070+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54919/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Internship in Politics or Government (52130)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (69 of 75 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
    Learning Objectives:
    To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
    Grading:
    Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
    Exam Format:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52130/1193
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 February 2017

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (53372)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (45 of 54 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
    Grading:

    Grades are based on points.



    10 points per homework (8 homeworks, lowest grade is dropped, 70 points total)

    50 points for Midterm I

    50 points for Midterm II

    50 points for poster presentation

    50 points for final paper

    30 points for class participation

    Exam Format:
    Midterms contain a mixture of multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer. All necessary formulas will be provided. Calculators are allowed.
    Class Format:
    Each class is a mixture of lecture and small-group activities.
    Workload:
    2 Exams
    8 Homework Problem Sets
    1 Final Poster Presentation
    1 8-12 Page Final Paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53372/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    11 October 2018

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (53895)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Thu 09:50AM - 10:40AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (27 of 27 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
    Grading:

    Grades are based on points.



    10 points per homework (8 homeworks, lowest grade is dropped, 70 points total)

    50 points for Midterm I

    50 points for Midterm II

    50 points for poster presentation

    50 points for final paper

    30 points for class participation

    Exam Format:
    Midterms contain a mixture of multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer. All necessary formulas will be provided. Calculators are allowed.
    Class Format:
    Each class is a mixture of lecture and small-group activities.
    Workload:
    2 Exams
    8 Homework Problem Sets
    1 Final Poster Presentation
    1 8-12 Page Final Paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53895/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    11 October 2018

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (54247)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Thu 11:00AM - 11:50AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (18 of 27 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This class is ideal for anyone interested in conducting quantitative research or evaluating quantitative research (note: 'reading the news' qualifies). It does not require you to be a "math person"* (* there is no such thing as a "math person") -- all mathematical backgrounds and perceived ability levels can thrive in this class.
    Grading:

    Grades are based on points.



    10 points per homework (8 homeworks, lowest grade is dropped, 70 points total)

    50 points for Midterm I

    50 points for Midterm II

    50 points for poster presentation

    50 points for final paper

    30 points for class participation

    Exam Format:
    Midterms contain a mixture of multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer. All necessary formulas will be provided. Calculators are allowed.
    Class Format:
    Each class is a mixture of lecture and small-group activities.
    Workload:
    2 Exams
    8 Homework Problem Sets
    1 Final Poster Presentation
    1 8-12 Page Final Paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54247/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    11 October 2018

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3108H Section 001: Honors Tutorial: Thesis Preparation and Political Science Inquiry (54523)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Wed 01:00PM - 03:25PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 415
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (11 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Advance research skills and prepare to write senior thesis. Political science research. Develop thesis topic, test ideas in a structured/collegial setting. prereq: Pol sci major, honors
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3108H+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    In this course, students will improve their research skills in preparation to write their senior theses. Students will enter with a few ideas for topics about which they might like to write their theses. They will leave the class with a clear and tractable research question, a literature review that describes how this question fits in with the existing scholarly literature, and a research design that will enable them to answer the question. Along the way, they will advance their understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct political science research. Students will be graded on the basis of drafts of their annotated bibliography, literature review and research design, a class presentation of the ?front half? of their senior thesis, and class participation including short weekly assignments. Students are expected to keep up with the reading and, most importantly, to begin to conduct their own independent research.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54523/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 November 2014

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (66137)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 155
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (57 of 60 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course considers the nature of contemporary democracy and the role that members of the political community do, can, and should play. While approaches in teaching the class vary, students can expect to read historical and contemporary texts, see films and videos, to approach questions about the nature of democracy, justifications for democracy, and challenges faced by contemporary democracy. Topics will include such questions as the role of civil society in democratic life, deliberative democracy, as well as questions about how members of political communities can best participate in democratic life. Students will write a longer essay that allows them to demonstrate their capacities to understand and explain complex ideas and to make a theoretically compelling argument, using appropriate supporting evidence. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3235W+Spring2019
    Class Description:

    Democracy seems to be an intuitively simple concept to many Americans. Americans know what democracy, and the corresponding values of freedom and equality mean because they live under a democratic system of government that guarantees liberty and justice for all, and equality regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Likewise, Americans know that being a citizen means we have certain rights and duties. When we delve a little deeper into what these concepts mean, however, we discover that this apparent certainty papers over a host of disagreements, divisions, and uncertainties.


    This class helps students to engage in the contemporary problems of democracy by grounding the conversation in the historical debates of democratic theory. Rather than suggesting any simple answers, our class will instead pose questions with which we, together, must wrestle. What is the democracy? How should we understand basic concepts of democracy like freedom, equality, and solidarity? How should we respond when these concepts come into conflict? Working through these questions, we will tack back and forth between theoretical debates and contemporary and historical political problems, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the political stakes behind these questions, as well as a more critical perspective from which to understand the political challenges of this moment in history.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
    Grading:

    50% Reports/Papers
    30% Reflection Papers
    20% Class Participation

    Workload:
    approximatley 40 pages of reading per class
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66137/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 November 2018

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3252W Section 001: Revolution, Democracy, and Empire: Modern Political Thought (55178)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (60 of 60 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Thinkers, discourses, events that craft understanding of revolution, democracy, empire. Emergence of democracy/democratic institutions alongside problems of religious zealotry, political hierarchy/exclusion, market economies, cultural marginalization. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3252W+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Modernity (roughly 1500-1900) marked a break from classical forms of thought in Europe. Spurred by the Scientific Revolution and the discovery of the New World, thinkers during this period changed how they understood human nature and human difference, how they understood politics and power, and the hopes they put in reason for politics. Various attempts have been made to define the time since that period as "postmodern", but the modern era leaves behind political structures and modes of thinking that remain with us to this day. This history and these ideas make us "modern."
    Grading:
    50% Reports/Papers
    30% Reflection Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Take-home final examination.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    40% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    5 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55178/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 November 2017

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3309 Section 001: Justice in America (55179)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 370
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (111 of 116 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    American judiciary. Selection of judges. How/why these individuals/institutions behave as they do. What influences judicial decisions. What impact decisions have. Why people comply with them. prereq: 1001 or 1002 or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL3309+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to the scientific study of judicial politics. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. This course, unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, does not study legal doctrine; rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system, with an emphasis on the social scientific literature on law and legal process.
    Grading:
    70% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55179/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (54684)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (81 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    What role does education play in American democracy? What role should it play? Does American education, particularly public education, live up to its citizens' hopes and expectations? And, perhaps most importantly, what do we mean by a "good education"? This is a question with deep historical roots in this country, one that is the subject of current policy debates and one that cannot be separated from questions of discrimination and inequality. The over-arching theme of the course is to wrestle with what it means to be an educated citizen in the context of historical struggles to achieve that vision in the face of multiple and inter-related inequalities and competing visions about how to make the American dream a reality in the field of public education. No one political perspective will be offered or favored. No magic powder will be revealed on the last day of the course. The fact is that the underlying issues are really complicated, often seemingly intractable, and very, very political. This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It will focus on K-12 education, especially in the public system. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools, private school vouchers, and standardized testing. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of public education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for their schools. This course fulfills the
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL3319+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Students with an interest in American education, especially public education. Students interested in public policy.
    Learning Objectives:
    To develop a thorough and critical understanding of American education policy.
    Grading:
    Essay, short essay
    Class Format:
    55% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54684/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 October 2017

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3321 Section 001: Issues in American Public Policy (55510)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (115 of 116 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. Recent controversies over Social Security reform, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (?Obamacare?), and the No Child Left Behind Act and Common Core showcase the profound political and substantive impact of this topic. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars typically describe the United States as a ?laggard? where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than are corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. Is this an accurate portrayal of American social policy? Recent scholarship challenges the conventional wisdom, suggesting that the United States does not necessarily do less in terms of social policy but that it relies on an unusual set of policy tools to pursue objectives like poverty alleviation. What explains the distinctive shape of American social policy? This course investigates the impact of political culture, the relative power of various interest groups, the American constitutional system, and other factors. The second half of the course examines recent trends in American social policy, focusing on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. It examines both the historical origins of contemporary American policies and recent reform proposals. A major theme of the course is that it is impossible to understand the contemporary shape of social policy, and the positions of specific stakeholders, without understanding the long-term historical processes that have shaped, and that continue to shape, the present political terrain of preferences and actors. New generations of leaders do not have the opportunity to build social policy from scratch. Rather, they have to react to what already exists. Some reforms will seem like logical extensions of what is already in place, while existing programs might make other alternative
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL3321+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars often describe the United States as a laggard where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. How accurate is this conventional wisdom? In what ways is the American welfare state unusual? How have political culture, interest groups, government institutions, and other factors contributed to the distinctive shape of American social policy? The second half of the course applies the analytical frameworks discussed in the first half of the course to contemporary trends in American social policy. It focuses on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. In addition to examining the historical origins of existing programs in each of these policy areas, it also looks closely at the political and substantive impact of contemporary reforms like the Affordable Care Act and charter schools.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam I
    10% Social Security Reform Policy Analysis
    10% Health Care Reform Policy Analysis
    20% Midterm Exam II
    15% Education Policy Memo
    25% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75-100 pages of reading per week
    Three exams
    Three papers (2-4 double-spaced pages each)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55510/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3323 Section 001: Political Tolerance in the United States (67178)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-108
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (104 of 116 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political importance of civil liberties in American society. Tolerance as a political phenomenon. Issues such as free speech, privacy, religion, race, gender.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?moha0030+POL3323+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Political tolerance is the willingness to extend basic rights and civil liberties to persons and groups whose viewpoints differ from one's own. In this era of political discontent, much of the roots of our discussion are premised on a understanding of opposing viewpoints. In this class we address the following questions: What is political tolerance and how important is it for the health or viability of democracy? What is the relationship between various political ideologies and tolerance? How politically tolerant are Americans, both masses and elites, what are the roots of political intolerance, and what implications does this have for democratic government and democratic theories? How do Americans compare with other countries and what does this tell us about the roots of intolerance? How does liberal democracy compare with other ideologies and what does that tell us about the importance of tolerance to a free society? In answering these questions, we will use the lens of various movements to focus our study, including but not limited to Race, Gender and Sexual Orientation.
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discusion
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67178/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 November 2018

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3329 Section 001: The Balance of Power: Federalism & Community in the United States (66955)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (54 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The appropriate balance of power between the national government and the states has been the subject of intense debate since the United States became an independent country in the eighteenth century, and it has never been resolved. This unresolved controversy has profound democratic and policy implications. Some of the political and social rights that are part and parcel of what it means to be a member of the American community are influenced by geography and the specific state in which an individual resides. For example, state governments make numerous decisions that define voter eligibility, an especially important form of community membership and political participation. In addition, federalism strongly affects the policymaking process. In fields as diverse as environmental protection and health care, the relationship between the national government and the states affects which policies are adopted and how they work in practice. While federalism is rarely at the forefront of the minds of the American public, it plays a central and increasingly important role in the U.S. political system. This course seeks to give students a better understanding of American federalism. By examining both the historical evolution of intergovernmental relations in the United States and contemporary policy debates, it also aims to help students develop the substantive knowledge and analytical skills they need to become critical thinkers. All of the writing assignments that students will complete in the course have been designed with this objective in mind, and the course will emphasize systematic thinking about politics, the explication of logically coherent arguments, and the use of relevant and appropriate empirical evidence to evaluate those arguments. The successful development of the critical thinking and writing skills emphasized in this course will enable students to communicate effectively in a variety of future roles, including as employees and citizens.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL3329+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66955/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (66138)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (53 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular, those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in others parts have not? We will explore inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course also examines what we mean by "development" and exposes students to cutting-edge debates in contemporary development studies. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3477+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Why are there such vast disparities of wealth among countries? What do we mean by "development," and what has been the role of rich countries in producing and perpetuating poverty? What are the costs of development? What is sustainable development? Is foreign aid an effective way to help solve development inequalities? In this we will grapple with some of these important questions. We will start the class with a discussion of how scholars define development and then we will study theories that purport to explain why some countries develop and other do not. We will focus on theories regarding the role of the state, political institutions, colonialism and history. Then we will transition to cover specific topics in the political economy of development, such as the role of foreign aid, natural resources, governance and corruption as catalysis or obstacles for development. By the end of the course, students will have a critical understanding of the causes of development.
    Grading:
    Essay #1 --- 20% of final grade
    Essay #2 --- 20%
    In class quizzes --- 10%
    Final Paper --- 50%
    Class Format:
    Lecture with class discussion
    Workload:
    60-80 pages of reading per week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66138/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 November 2018

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (54421)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?lavine+POL3766+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    This course examines the influence of human nature on political decision making among members of the mass public, asking questions about how human thought processes, emotions, and personality influence political judgments. Political theorists have long disagreed over basic human nature and have advanced different solutions to political governance as a consequence, ranging from participatory democracy to authoritarian regimes. In this course, we carefully consider how well we, as humans, are equipped to deal with different forms of political governance, especially democracy. We examine different aspects of human psychology, including personality, motivation, values, information processing, emotion and intergroup behavior, as well as proximal and distal biological processes (e.g., physiology, genetics, evolution), and consider their influence on political decision making. Readings are drawn from psychology and political science. No prior in-depth knowledge of either psychology or political science is needed to succeed in the course. It would help to have a general interest in politics, however. The course begins with an introductory reading in political psychology, designed to provide an overview of the field. We will then begin a section of the course on obedience to authority, which examines the power of social context and perceptions of legitimate authority in altering social and political behavior. We then consider the impact of group life on political preferences. To what extent do political preferences spring from our membership in groups and our views of other groups in society (including nations)? We will consider the impact of in-group attachments (to one's race, gender or nation), followed by a consideration of how animosity towards outsiders can escalate into prejudice, or even genocide.
    Grading:
    15% - Attendance, Bi-Weekly "Discussion Tweets"
    25% - Midterm Exam
    25% - Election 2016 Analysis (Research Paper)
    35% - Final Exam - 35%
    Exam Format:
    Both the Midterm and Final Exams will feature multiple choice and short answer questions (defining key concepts). The final exam will also include an essay question touching on major themes in the course. The final exam is cumulative.
    Class Format:
    50% lecture, 50% discussion.
    Workload:
    In addition to regular class attendance and completion of the exams/paper, students are expected to complete a short set of readings about relevant research and concepts prior to each class.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54421/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    16 March 2017

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3767 Section 001: Political Psychology of Elite Behavior (66139)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (82 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Intersections of politics, personality, and social psychology. Focuses on political leaders and elites. Usefulness of psychological theories for conducting political analysis. Role of individual, of group processes, of political/social cognition, and of context in political decision-making.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3767+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Can political psychology help us understand the behavior of presidents, party leaders and dictators? This course draws on the approaches of social and cognitive psychology to examine and explain the behavior of political leaders and other elites. We will cover judgement and decision making, the effect of personality and other individual differences, group processes, and other topics. In addition to these substantive topics, we will learn about the methods used by political scientists to study political elites.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66139/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3810 Section 001: Topics in International Relations and Foreign Policy -- The Consequences of War (66561)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 115
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (29 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics courses delve in depth into important issues in contemporary international politics. They aim to give students the theoretical, conceptual, and historical understanding, and/or empirical tools needed to understand the complexity of international politics today. Topics courses vary substantially from year to year as specified in the class schedule, but recent topics courses have included: 'Technology and War', International Law', 'Drones, Detention and Torture: The Laws of War', and "'The Consequences of War.'
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL3810+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    This Topics course will explore The Consequences of War. Understandably consumed with preventing war, scholars of international relations have generally focused on war's causes. But war's consequences are no less important. This course asks how war--in its various stages and forms--has reshaped international and domestic orders. What have been the effects on how the international system has been organized, on international institutions, and on great power hierarchies? When have warfare and preparations for war had a negative, or perhaps even a positive, impact on economic growth and inequality? Can liberal-democratic institutions--the separation of powers, press freedoms, privacy--successfully weather the turmoil and stress of war? Can they emerge unscathed, or even strengthened, in the long term? While these questions are timely, they are also timeless, and we will range widely across space and time to answer them.
    Class Format:
    75% lecture
    25% discussion
    Workload:
    75-100 pp. reading per week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66561/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 October 2015

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3833 Section 001: The United States and the Global Economy (55684)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (77 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3833 teaches students about the politics of the global economy with a focus on the role the United States plays within it. The class covers a variety of topics in international political economy, including international trade, international investment, and international finance. Students will learn about the factors that drive politicians' decision-making, interest-group stances, and citizens' preferences over such salient issues as tariffs and other forms of trade protection, trade and investment agreements, central banking, interest rates, international migration, and more. No background in economics is required or assumed.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL3833+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Globalization has been a defining force driving markets - and, hence, shaping politics - over the past 20 years. Global financial flows and imbalances are implicated in financial crises both recent and past, and the mobility of firms and migrants across international borders has important distributional and regulatory consequences. Yet, the impact of the U.S. on the global economy is not exclusive to purely financial phenomena: conflict and peace, technological innovation, natural resources, and economic development are all affected as rising levels of trade create new "winners" and "losers." This class examines some of the broad themes that characterize globalization with a focus on - but not only on - the U.S. and the ways in which its policy responses shape and are being shaped by globalization.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55684/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 August 2015

    Spring 2019  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (52675)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 255
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (82 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? These questions are central to the study of international relations, yet different theoretical approaches have been developed in an attempt to answer them. Often these approaches disagree with one another, leading to markedly different policy prescriptions and predictions for future events. This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, and critical theory. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3835+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Why does war occur? What role do international institutions and international law play in international politics? Do ideas and culture matter in a world dominated by power politics? This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of theoretical approaches for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. Specific topics will include: the causes and consequences of war; the role of law and institutions; human rights and humanitarian intervention; transnational activism and environmental politics; the regulation of arms and conflict; globalization and political economy; and the role of ideas, norms, and culture. By the end of the course, students will gain a better understanding of why and how events happen in global politics, and will be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical cases in global politics.
    Learning Objectives:
    Students who complete this course will gain a better understanding of why and how things happen in international relations. They will be able to critically analyze scholarly and popular articles, and by the end of the term should be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical events in international relations. They should be able to apply analytical frameworks and tools to understand the political world.
    Grading:
    30% Three Response Papers
    20% Midterm Exam (in-class)
    35% Final Exam (take-home)
    15% Participation (inc. attendance)
    Exam Format:
    The midterm exam will be a combination of short answer and essay questions. The final exam is a longer, analytical essay (3,000 total words).
    Class Format:
    A mix of lecture, discussion, and in-class activities.
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    1 In-Class Exam
    3 Response Papers (1,000 words each)
    1 Take-Home Exam (3,000 words total)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52675/1193
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/march122_POL3835_Spring2019.docx
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 November 2018

    Spring 2019  |  POL 4210 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- Theorizing Just & Caring Futures (67287)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 140
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics courses provide students with the opportunity to study key concepts, thinkers, and themes in Political Theory not normally covered in the standard slate of course offerings. The specific content of these courses varies considerably from year to year. See the current class schedule for details.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jctronto+POL4210+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    How can we think about more just and caring futures? This class will start from current realities and explore future possibilities, drawing on utopian/dystopian and current texts in political theory. Students will do original work to address these issues.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Advanced Students interested in change, or why it doesn't happen
    Learning Objectives:
    Here are the outcomes and measures proposed:

    0A

    6) Understand the role of creativity, innovation, discovery, and expression across disciplines


    a. Please explain briefly how this outcome will be addressed in the course. Give brief examples of classwork related to the outcome.



    Advanced students often observe that they have learned how to criticize texts well, but they have not learned how to make positive arguments for change. Rather than simply reading political theory, this course will ask students to take on the task of writing a theoretical argument of their own. This course will begin, starting from the account of theory by Charlotte Bunch, by looking at four elements in political theory: 1) describing a problem, 2) analyzing it, 3) offering a vision for change and 4) a strategy to achieve this vision. We will begin by reading some theoretical works that are currently being made by political theorists to change practices and institutions, both on a local, national, and global level, to create more just futures. We will consider utopian writing as one possible direction for change (reading a utopia such as Thomas More's Utopia or Marge Piercy, Women on the Edge of Time), arguments from ideal and "non-ideal" justice theory, and arguments by scholars of care ethics to improve society. Then students will write a paper of their own, following one of these strategies and addressing a problem of their choice.



    b. How will you assess the students' learning related to this outcome? Give brief examples of how classwork related to the outcome will be evaluated.



    Students will write one long semester term paper that will be developed over the course of the semester and build upon the readings. They will choose a problem that they want to address and follow a directed program through many steps to write the paper. All of the papers will require creativity, innovation, discovery and expression. Students will work from political theory but they may also use work from other social sciences and from other humanistic disciplines in their work. The work will be evaluated both from the standpoint of how well each step in the process is achieved (for example, the research done to discuss a problem, such as political polarization or consider proposals for reducing polarization), as well as from the final standpoint of how well the paper hangs together to provide a compelling way to think about change.




    7) Have acquired skills for effective citizenship and life-long learning


    a. Please explain briefly how this outcome will be addressed in the course. Give brief examples of classwork related to the outcome.



    One of the most difficult tasks for citizens at present is to remain hopeful about possibilities for change. Effective citizens must overcome a sense of passivity and to use Robert Kennedy's term, futility. By looking at ways in which political theorists have suggested, and in some cases achieved, positive change, the course will offer students with a way to keep perspective. In discussing care, attention is paid to the important role of emotions, and values such as hope, in public life. This too will provide students with opportunities for thinking about how to keep proper perspectives.





    b. How will you assess the students' learning related to this outcome? Give brief examples of how classwork related to the outcome will be evaluated.



    Students will, throughout the course, be asked to keep track of their own emotional and considered responses to the material and to their own papers. By doing so, students will learn how to become more reflective about their political views and how to think about changes in their views and attitudes over time.


    Grading:
    Students will write one long paper in which they propose a theoretical analysis and solution to an existing political problem.
    Exam Format:
    N/A
    Workload:
    150 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67287/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    11 October 2018

    Spring 2019  |  POL 4275 Section 001: Domination, Exclusion, and Justice: Contemporary Political Thought (55513)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 115
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (26 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Contemporary Political Theory systematically analyzes the meaning and significance of concepts central to current politics: domination, exclusion, and justice. Starting from basic concerns about the nature of politics, humans, power and justice, this course will explore how these basic starting assumptions organize the norms, practices, and institutions of political and social order. To explore these topics, the field turns to key texts, as well as to political and social events and other media (film, historical documents, etc.). Through this course, students will also be introduced to different interpretive approaches, ranging from democratic theory, feminist, queer and critical race theories, as well as ethics and moral philosophy. Organized around the politics of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, the course will pursue a range of questions about democratic legitimation, the exclusion of historically marginalized communities, systematic inequalities of different kinds, as well as ideals of democracy and justice. It will range from theoretical inquiry to practical questions of implementing different political projects. Through this course, students will develop skills in critical thinking, careful reading and clear writing, as well as recognizing and constructing arguments. These skills are basic for the critical, lifelong role that all of us play as members of political community. prereq: 1201 recommended
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL4275+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Contemporary democracies find themselves faced with relations of domination and exclusion in a number of different sites: prisons, the workplace, politics, and at home. This course will examine different ways to understand the emergence and persistence of relations of domination and exclusion in contemporary politics. Each of these perspectives offers its own way of conceiving of politics, and a different vision of what justice might offer and require. Course readings will explore different theoretical approaches to contemporary politics, while also turning to specific examples to think them through. These examples include: mass incarceration, the persistence of economic and racial hierarchies, and domestic violence. Readings will change from one semester to another, but will include thinkers such as Michel Foucault, Charles Taylor, Isaiah Berlin, Iris Marion Young, Hannah Arendt, John Rawls, Audre Lorde, Michelle Alexander, Keaanga-YahmattaTaylor, and others. Class sessions will include some lecturing as well as a substantial amount of class discussion.
    Grading:
    55% Reports/Papers
    35% Reflection Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    40% Discussion
    Workload:
    75 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Paper(s)
    3 Homework Assignment(s)
    Other Workload: plus three short "response" papers
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55513/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 December 2018

    Spring 2019  |  POL 4335 Section 001: African American Politics (55758)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    AFRO 4335 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 255
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (24 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course examines the historical and contemporary efforts by African Americans to gain full inclusion as citizens in the U.S. political system. The course focuses on topics such as the politics of the civil rights movement; black presidential bids including the historic election of Barack Obama; and racialized voting in federal and state elections.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL4335+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55758/1193
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/mdminta_AFRO4335_Spring2023.pdf (Spring 2023)

    Spring 2019  |  POL 4461W Section 001: European Government and Politics (55514)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 317
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (53 of 55 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course will introduce you to three major topics that shape European social and political life today: 1) the struggle over what makes for a national/European identity: how contested national identities matter to European democratic politics and to the new populist movements, and the historical role of Islam in shaping European identities 2) the role of institutions in shaping popular representation and citizen agency; 3) European Union policies: dealing with immigration, the single currency and foreign and security policy especially in regard to Eastern/Central Europe and Russia. Each section will conclude with a comparative class debate, led by students, on the way contested historical interpretations and identities, institutions and policies matter also to US political and civic life. This is a writing intensive course and you will be asked to write a 12-15 page research essay on a European country of your choice. Several assignments, preceded by a writing workshop, will help you complete your final essay. The course will consist of lectures with PPTs, class discussions and group work, and at least one guest lecturer working in a local business connected with Europe. Indeed this course aims at preparing you to live and work in a deeply interconnected world, with special attention to the historical, social, political and economic ties between the US and Europe. Small changes will be made to the syllabus if current events or unexpected class needs require it, but the main themes, most readings and the assignments will remain as indicated in the syllabus. prereq: 1054 or 3051 or non-pol sci grad or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?guis0001+POL4461W+Spring2019
    Class Description:

    This course will introduce you to four major issues that shape European social and political life today: 1) the struggle over what makes for a national/European identity, and how contested national identities matter to European democratic politics; 2) the role of institutions in shaping popular representation; 3) dealing with immigration and the single currency; 4) foreign and security policy especially in regard to Eastern/Central Europe and Russia. Each section will conclude with a comparative class discussion on the way such issues matter also to US political and civic life.

    This is an writing intensive course and you will be asked to write a 12-15 page research essay on a European country of your choice. Several assignments, preceded by a writing workshop, will help you complete your final essay. The course will consist of lectures with PPTs, class discussions and group work, and at least one guest lecturer working in a local business connected with Europe. Indeed this course aims at preparing you to live and work in a deeply interconnected world, with special attention to the historical, social, political and economic ties between the US and Europe.

    Small changes will be made to the draft syllabus posted here, but the main themes, most readings and the assignments will remain as indicated in the draft syllabus.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Students interested in Europe and its 44 countries, its people, its role in the world and its relationship with the US.
    Students interested in honing their research and writing skills and developing a paper, which could demonstrate to prospective employers/graduate programs their skills. As a 4000-level course, this course offers senior paper credit for Political Science majors (though the course is very much open to non-majors).
    If you have not taken the course prerequisites, please get in touch with me. You can do well in this course even if you have not taken these courses.
    Learning Objectives:
    see draft syllabus posted below
    Grading:
    25%: Participation (attendance and engagement in class discussions, in-class quizzes)
    10%: 2 posts on Canvas (one news story with comment, one post preparing one of the three class debates based on readings
    5%: Final in-class short paper (reflections on the course, you show up, you write, you get your 5%)
    60% research paper (divided in five assignments, which will help you choose your topic, find references, develop research question and write the paper, see draft syllabus for details).
    Exam Format:
    No mid-term or final exam
    Class Format:
    30% Lecture with PPT and occasional video clips on European current affairs
    35% class and small group discussions
    10% Guest lecturers
    25% Other Style student presentations (see syllabus for details)
    Workload:
    70-90 Pages Reading Per Week
    18 Pages Writing Per Term: 1 research paper, written in several stages, two posts on Canvas, for more details see draft syllabus.
    Reading news posts of other students (about 4 a week).
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55514/1193
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/guis0001_POL4461W_Spring2020.pdf (Spring 2020)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/guis0001_POL4461W_Spring2018.docx (Spring 2018)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    7 December 2017

    Spring 2019  |  POL 4463 Section 001: The Cuban Revolution Through the Words of Cuban Revolutionaries (55515)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 210
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (26 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Cuban Revolution. Leadership/strategy. Perspectives of Cubans/leaders. prereq: 1025 or 1054 or equiv
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4463+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    The history of socialist revolutions over the course of a century or more reveals that what occurred in Cuba has proven to have more lasting power. In spite of all the challenges it continues to face, what explains why the Cuban Revolution is still in place after four decades? This is the central research question of the course. A definitive answer would require a thorough examination of the revolution from its initiation until today, which is beyond what can be done in a semester or its equivalent. The focus, rather, will be more limited. First, how was the revolution made and consolidated, from 1953 until about 1969. Second, how has it been able to survive and advance since the collapse of the Soviet Union, that is, since 1991? The emphasis here is on the role of leadership and strategy and how the Cubans and their leaders saw and see what they are doing, in their own words. This is an attempt to get into their heads, their understandings, through documents, speeches and writings. For the first question I will also draw on the data from a research/film documentary project that I'm involved in at this moment: the participation of women and men in the guerrilla army and underground movement.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55515/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Spring 2019  |  POL 4478W Section 001: Contemporary Politics in Africa and the Colonial Legacy (66141)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    AFRO 4478W Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 210
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (25 of 27 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Examines how current politics in mainly, though not exclusively, sub-Saharan Africa have been shaped by the pre-colonial and colonial processes. Reality of independence; recurrent political and economic crises, global context and prospects for effective democracy. prereq: 1054 or 3051 or non-pol sci grad or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jwoldens+POL4478W+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66141/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 4487 Section 001: The Struggle for Democratization and Citizenship (53564)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 210
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (29 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origins of democratic process. Emphasizes how disenfranchised fought to become included. History of democratic movement from its earliest moments to present. Attempts to draw a balance sheet.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4487+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    The setting for this course is the mounting effort on the part of states and a variety of social forces to roll back the historic gains of the world-wide democratic movement--from anti-immigrant campaigns (in both fascist and non-fascist clothing) that would limit citizenship rights to efforts that undermine civil liberties in the guise of combatting terrorisim. This takes place in a larger context in which increasing numbers of citizens feel disempowered and alienated from the state. As democracy and popular participation are central to citizenship the course traces the origins of the democratic process with particular emphasis on how the disenfranchised fought to become included. Both implicitly and explicitly it seeks to understand how that occured in order to see if there are lessons of the past that that might have appllicability for the defense and extension of democratic rights today. To understand it was the disenfranchised who empowered themselves is in itself empowering. An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of citizens is due to social struggles or the threat of such--an assumption to be examined in the course.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    50% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53564/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 October 2011

    Spring 2019  |  POL 4497 Section 001: Patronage & Corruption (66188)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (40 of 55 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course examines dysfunction within the state apparatus -- in the specific forms of patronage, corruption, and clientalism -- and asks why such dysfunction persists and what factors drive it to change. The first half of the course will be primarily devoted to patronage. It will examine the functioning of the patronage mechanism; ask when and why patronage is abandoned in favor of meritocracy; and will assess the relationship between merit reforms and changes in the quality of governance. The second half of the course will be devoted to corruption. Specific topics to be covered will include: an examination of different forms of corruption, both at the level of political leaders and of bureaucratic officials; the relationship between corruption, democracy, transparency and accountability; governments' manipulation of corruption to provide incentives to bureaucratic and party officials; and different means of combating corruption. The course will conclude with an examination of the relationship between patronage, corruption, clientalism and party politics, with a particular focus on the mechanisms that cause the correlation between these different forms of mis-governance.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL4497+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    This course examines dysfunction within the state apparatus -- in the specific forms of patronage, corruption, and clientelism -- and asks why such dysfunction persists and what factors drive it to change. The first half of the course will be primarily devoted to patronage. It will examine the functioning of the patronage mechanism; ask when and why patronage is abandoned in favor of meritocracy; and will assess the relationship between merit reforms and changes in the quality of governance. The second half of the course will be devoted to corruption. Specific topics to be covered will include: an examination of different forms of corruption, both at the level of political leaders and of bureaucratic officials; the relationship between corruption, democracy, transparency and accountability; governments' manipulation of corruption to provide incentives to bureaucratic and party officials; and different means of combating corruption. The course will conclude with an examination of the relationship between patronage, corruption, clientelism and party politics, with a particular focus on the mechanisms that cause the correlation between these different forms of mis-governance. Assignments consist of response papers to a given week's reading (4 papers, 2-3 pages each) and a 10-15 page final paper. Grading is based on these assignments and classroom participation.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66188/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 November 2014

    Spring 2019  |  POL 4502W Section 001: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights (52168)

    Instructor(s)
    Siyu Li (TA)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (73 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Supreme Court's interpretation of Bill of Rights, 14th amendment. Freedom of speech, press, religion; crime/punishment; segregation/desegregation, affirmative action; abortion/privacy.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4502W+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    This course deals with civil liberties in the United States and how the United States Supreme Court decides which rights and liberties get which protections, at which times. Specifically, our focus will be on the First Amendment, and the Right to Privacy. Special emphasis will be placed on how the Supreme Court defines, establishes, and protects these liberties through its interpretation of the Constitution.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Exam -- Hypothetical Questions
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    60% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    40-50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    5 Paper(s)
    25 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52168/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 October 2012

    Spring 2019  |  POL 4737W Section 001: American Political Parties (66142)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    The American two-party system; party influence in legislatures and executives; decline of parties and their future. prereq: 1001 or equiv or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?pgoren+POL4737W+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Political parties are the lifeblood of American politics. This course will examine the role parties play in the U.S. political system. Specifically, we will examine: (1) why political parties exist; (2) what the parties stand for and how that has changed over time; (3) what role they play in campaigns and elections; (4) the social bases of partisan identification; (5) how partisan ties shape citizens perceptions, judgments, and voting decisions; (6) how the parties behave in government; and (7) why there are no major third parties in the U.S. We will also examine how the parties have changed during the Obama presidency and what the 2016 primary and general elections reveal about the state of contemporary parties and American politics.
    Grading:
    This is a writing intensive course, which means that students will complete approximately 25 pages of original writing over the term. In addition, there will be several quizzes and 3-4 exams.
    Exam Format:
    Multiple choice and short answer questions.
    Class Format:
    A combination of lecture, discussion, and video presentations.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66142/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 October 2015

    Spring 2019  |  POL 4810 Section 001: Topics in International Politics and Foreign Policy -- Drones, Detention & Torture: The Laws of War (66759)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 60
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics courses delve in depth into important issues in contemporary international politics. They aim to give students the theoretical, conceptual, and historical understanding, and/or empirical tools needed to understand the complexity of international politics today. Topics courses vary substantially from year to year as specified in the class schedule, but recent topics courses have included: 'Technology and War', International Law', 'Drones, Detention and Torture: The Laws of War', and 'The Consequences of War.'
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kins0017+POL4810+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66759/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 4885W Section 001: International Conflict and Security (66143)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (51 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    An examination of alternative theories of the sources of militarized international conflict. Apply these theories to one or more past conflicts and discuss their relevance to the present.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL4885W+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    With the end of the Cold War, many foresaw the birth of a new world order. Military strategy, strategic bombing and coercive diplomacy, deterrence and compellence, signaling and the escalatory ladder--these concepts, staples of Cold War thinking, were believed to be outmoded and to have little relevance to the emerging world. The events of the past two decades have shown how wrong this conclusion was. Military force is as pertinent to international politics as ever. Unable to reap the peace dividend that was expected to accompany the end of the Cold War, the United States has since 1989 repeatedly deployed its military forces across the globe--from Kuwait to Somalia to Bosnia and Kosovo to Afghanistan and Iraq. These operations have sometimes ended in apparent success, other times in failure. This course explores central issues regarding the use of military force in international politics. Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? Under what conditions is the use of force ethical, and when does it exceed those bounds? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? What is the future of military force in global politics? Through theoretical readings, concrete historical cases, and contemporary policy debates, this course examines these questions and others.
    Exam Format:
    No exam. Occasional online quizzes. Final research paper, completed in multiple stages. Weekly reading questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 pages of reading per week; 15-20 pages of writing per term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66143/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Spring 2019  |  POL 4900H Section 001: Honors Thesis (52997)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (9 of 20 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900H+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52997/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (52778)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (17 of 20 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52778/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Spring 2019  |  POL 4991 Section 001: Political Science Capstone (66268)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 115
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (13 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The Political Science Capstone is a required course that provides students with a unique opportunity to reflect on, articulate, share, and build on their individual experiences in the major. It invites students to reflect on what they have learned as political science majors; to demonstrate their knowledge through the preparation of a portfolio of materials; and to think about how the knowledge, skills, and insights of acquired in their major experience can be used and applied outside of the University. Students double majoring in Political Science and another discipline may choose to take this course or complete the capstone in their other major. Political Science majors who are writing an Honors thesis are exempt from this capstone requirement, as the department will recognize the senior thesis as the capstone experience.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL4991+Spring2019
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66268/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (55112)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 15 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55112/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (54242)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Wed 11:15AM - 12:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (4 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    Comparative Political Studies Journal Seminar http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL8060+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Students will meet to discuss and evaluate submissions to Comparative Political Studies. Students will learn best practices for doing peer-reviews of journal submissions, and will learn presentation skills.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54242/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Spring 2019  |  POL 8104 Section 001: Professional Development I (54860)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    First Half of Term
     
    01/22/2019 - 03/11/2019
    Wed 09:00AM - 10:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The objectives of this course are as follows: (1) to provide students with professional advice that will help them move with dispatch through the graduate program; (2) to learn the formal and informal norms of the discipline; and (3) to help them prepare to do independent research and dissertation research. prereq: 1st year Pol graduate student
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54860/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 8107 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science II (54471)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue 10:00AM - 12:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Multiple linear regression model applied to political science data. How to use regression techniques to analyze data, interpret statistical results, and summarize/report the findings. Estimation of model. Underlying assumptions. Inference. Model diagnostics. Extensions of model. prereq: Political science grad major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54471/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 8124 Section 001: Game Theory (66145)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Tue 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Application of noncooperative game theory in political science. Equilibrium concepts, bargaining, repeated games, games of incomplete information, signaling games, reputation, learning in games. prereq: [8122, grad pol sci major] or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66145/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 8160 Section 003: Topics in Models and Methods -- Spacial Econometrics (66963)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Wed 01:30PM - 03:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (1 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Professor Wndy Tam Cho of the University of Illinois Course Title: Spatial Econometrics Course meets 1/23, 1/30, 2/6, 2/13, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66963/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 8251 Section 001: Ancient and Medieval Political Thought (66149)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics and ethics in Greece, Rome, Christendom: Thucydides, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Marsilius. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66149/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 8308 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology II (52169)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    PSY 8212 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (1 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52169/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 8312 Section 001: Legislative Process (66150)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to study of legislative politics; theories of legislative institutions and individual behavior; congressional elections; congressional committees, parties, and leaders. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66150/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 8405 Section 001: International Political Economy (66151)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Thu 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theoretical and policy issues in international economic relations. Different approaches for understanding outcomes in international economy. Trade, finance, labor markets, creation and maintenance of international regimes, and "globalization" of economic liberalism. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66151/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (52824)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (26 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52824/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 8460 Section 001: Topics in International Relations -- Critical International Relations (66152)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Mon 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in advanced topics or problems. Recent topics: global environmental issues, morality in world politics, and norms and institutions in world politics.
    Class Notes:
    Topics title: Critical International Relations
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66152/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 8621 Section 001: Comparative and Case Study Methods (66153)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Fri 03:25PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course will provide students with a basic introduction to methodological debates surrounding comparative and case study methods in political science. Although the course is designed primarily with an eye to the needs of students in comparative politics, this course will also be useful to students in other subfields who wish to learn more about comparative and/or case study methods.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66153/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Political Violence (66154)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    Fri 11:15AM - 01:10PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Topics title: Political Violence
    Class Description:
    The focus of this graduate seminar is on a range of issues and debates relating to intra-state violent conflicts. We will examine the fast-growing theoretical and empirical literature on various manifestations of political violence, including insurgencies, civil wars, genocide, riots and terrorism. The readings are selected with a view to cover a diverse set of methodological approaches to studying political violence. Our discussion on political violence will be structured around the following themes: a) causes; b) participation and organization; c) patterns of violence; d) consequences; e) prevention and termination; and, f) post-conflict trajectory.
    Grading:
    1. Class participation: 30%
    2. Two reviews: 25%
    3. One Op-Ed 10%
    4. Final research paper: 35%
    b. Research paper proposal: 10%
    a. Final paper: 25%
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66154/1193
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 June 2016

    Spring 2019  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (52849)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52849/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (52901)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (14 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52901/1193

    Spring 2019  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (52216)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2019 - 05/06/2019
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52216/1193

    Fall 2018  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (18559)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (80 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL1001+Fall2018
    Class Description:

    Why doesn't Congress seem to work? Why do Americans love democracy, but hate politics? Why are there only two political parties, and why do they seem to despise each other so much? This course will introduce students to politics in the United States, addressing these and many more questions about how the American political system really works. We will begin with the founding principles and historical development of the American system of government and then move on to examine the contemporary structure and function of American political institutions and the role that average citizens play in the political process. Students will exit the class with a better understanding of how the American political system succeeds or fails at living up to our ideals and what we can do about it.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This class will be of interest to anyone who wants a better understanding of how the American political system operates, what is going on in Washington, or how to effect change in our current political climate. The class is also an entry point for the department's upper division American politics classes, including classes on political psychology, social movements, Congress, the Supreme Court, and state and local government.
    Grading:
    Grades will be based on three elements. Short quizzes at the beginning of each class will evaluate students' comprehension of key concepts from readings and lecture (40%), three long quizzes over the course of the semester will evaluate students' ability to apply these concepts to new situations and problems (40%), and a final paper will evaluate students' ability to use these concepts to advance and defend an argument (20%).
    Exam Format:
    All short quizzes will be multiple choice and closed book. All long quizzes will be short answer/essay and open book.
    Class Format:
    Class is lecture based, but "lecture" will be broken up by short writing exercises, small group discussion, and other exercises that will ask you to apply the concepts you are learning in real time. While these will not be graded, engaging fully with them will make the subsequent quizzes and essays much, much easier.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18559/1189
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2018.docx
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2017.docx (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 March 2017

    Fall 2018  |  POL 1001 Section 002: American Democracy in a Changing World (18769)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (111 of 116 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL1001+Fall2018
    Class Description:

    Why doesn't Congress seem to work? Why do Americans love democracy, but hate politics? Why are there only two political parties, and why do they seem to despise each other so much? This course will introduce students to politics in the United States, addressing these and many more questions about how the American political system really works. We will begin with the founding principles and historical development of the American system of government and then move on to examine the contemporary structure and function of American political institutions and the role that average citizens play in the political process. Students will exit the class with a better understanding of how the American political system succeeds or fails at living up to our ideals and what we can do about it.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This class will be of interest to anyone who wants a better understanding of how the American political system operates, what is going on in Washington, or how to effect change in our current political climate. The class is also an entry point for the department's upper division American politics classes, including classes on political psychology, social movements, Congress, the Supreme Court, and state and local government.
    Grading:
    Grades will be based on three elements. Short quizzes at the beginning of each class will evaluate students' comprehension of key concepts from readings and lecture (40%), three long quizzes over the course of the semester will evaluate students' ability to apply these concepts to new situations and problems (40%), and a final paper will evaluate students' ability to use these concepts to advance and defend an argument (20%).
    Exam Format:
    All short quizzes will be multiple choice and closed book. All long quizzes will be short answer/essay and open book.
    Class Format:
    Class is lecture based, but "lecture" will be broken up by short writing exercises, small group discussion, and other exercises that will ask you to apply the concepts you are learning in real time. While these will not be graded, engaging fully with them will make the subsequent quizzes and essays much, much easier.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18769/1189
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2018.docx
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2017.docx (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 March 2017

    Fall 2018  |  POL 1019 Section 001: Indigenous Peoples in Global Perspective (21564)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    AMIN 1002 Section 002
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Blegen Hall 5
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (14 of 15 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Colonial experiences of selected indigenous peoples in Americas, Euroasia, Pacific Rim.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21564/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (17270)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (82 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?fazal007+POL1025+Fall2018
    Class Description:

    This course provides an introduction to the study of international relations. We will cover several approaches to and issues in the field, including the causes of war and peace, nuclear proliferation, trade, finance, globalization, international law, the environment, and terrorism. We will discuss several cases, such as the 2003 Iraq War and the 2008 financial crisis, throughout the semester. We will also discuss current events in international relations.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    There are no prerequisites for this course. This course is meant as an introduction to international relations, and is thus suitable for any student interested in gaining an entry-level understanding and overview of this topic.
    Learning Objectives:
    By the end of the semester, students should have gained an understanding of:
    - The role of the state in international politics
    - Basic theories of international relations and their application to questions of conflict and cooperation
    - The challenges of international bargaining and diplomacy
    - Ongoing issues in international relations
    Grading:

    Course grades will be based on:


    One ~1000 word paper analyzing an in-class exercise (10%)

    Statecraft* quizzes and memos (10%)

    One in-class mid-term examination (20%)

    One ~1500 word policy paper based on critical analysis of course readings, lectures, and your own research (15%)

    Final examination (35%)

    Participation in Statecraft (10%)


    *Statecraft is an online platform that implements a simulation of international politics. Statecraft memos should be at least 300 words and must be posted before each turn starts, beginning with Turn 1. These memos should detail challenges faced and strategies recommended for your country for each turn, and also should focus on your role within the simulation (e.g., the defense minister must include a defense budget for each turn). Each student must take both Statecraft quizzes and complete memos every other week, beginning with Week 1 or Week 2. In addition, students will be evaluated by both the T.A.'s and their peers regarding their participation in Statecraft. Students are responsible for turning memos in and taking quizzes on time. Statecraft will not accept late assignments, and you will lose credit for these assignments if they are submitted late.

    Exam Format:
    The midterm exam is in-class and closed book.

    The final examination will have an in-class component that will be administered on the last day of class and a take-home essay portion that will be distributed on following the final class session and due approximately five days later.

    Class Format:
    This class will meet twice weekly. Each session is 75 minutes. Class sessions will be a mix of lecture, discussion, and Statecraft.
    Workload:
    - Approximately 50 pages of reading assigned per session
    - Statecraft will begin approximately the fourth week of class. Students should plan to spend at least 30 minutes/week (outside of class) on Statecraft, and may certainly choose to spend additional time.
    - Students are expected to attend class.
    - Workload for course assignments (see "Grading," above) will vary by student.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17270/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 March 2018

    Fall 2018  |  POL 1026 Section 001: U.S. Foreign Policy (33537)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 210
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (116 of 116 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This makes the question of what the role in the U.S. is in the world and how the United States interacts with other countries, international organizations, and other actors in international politics a question of real importance. US foreign policy will play a crucial role in determining the world we live in four, ten, and fifty years time. As a result, we should all try to better understand how the United States behaves in international politics, why it behaves in that way, how it should behave, and how it has behaved in the past. These are the questions that this class tackles. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and how has US foreign policy varied in the past? What do past conflicts in which the United States has been involved tell us about current U.S. foreign policy? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily secure? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? How serious is the threat of cyber war? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from getting nuclear weapons?
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL1026+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This makes US foreign policy - how the United States interacts with other countries, international organizations, and other actors in international politics - matter hugely. This lecture class examines why the US behaves in certain ways in world politics, how it has behaved in the past, and how it might behave in the future. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and how has US foreign policy varied in the past? What do past conflicts in which the United States has been involved tell us about current U.S. foreign policy? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily secure? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? How serious is the threat of cyber war? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from getting nuclear weapons? Will the new President of the United States chart a new course in foreign policy? Will they be able to even if they wanted to?
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33537/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 October 2016

    Fall 2018  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Puzzles in World Politics (17256)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (82 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political life. Repression, democracy, rights, corruption, gender, political change. Guest lectures by political science professors.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL1054+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    This course provides an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. We seek to understand how people establish a durable and legitimate political system, and how they seek to benefit from, transform or even overthrow that system. Over the course of the semester we will explore the following questions: 1) How and why do societies establish political order? 2) What is democracy and how is it different from dictatorship? 3) What factors cause democracy to emerge? 4) What are the different kinds of dictatorships? 5) When, where and why does ethnicity impact politics? 6) What is nationalism? 7) How does religion drive conflict in the contemporary world? 8) What is the impact of women in politics around the world? 9) What causes civil wars? 10) Why are some countries rich and some poor? 11) Why do some countries tax and spend quite a lot, while others have lower tax rates and lower levels of redistribution?
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Anyone interested in global politics
    Exam Format:
    30% Reports/Papers
    50% Written Homework
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: There is one five-page paper, and up to 10 short assignments. A draft of the 5-page paper is required; students will receive feedback before turning in the final version.
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    10 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17256/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 March 2017

    Fall 2018  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (17229)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 5
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (144 of 149 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rbnichol+POL1201+Fall2018
    Class Description:

    Aristotle once called human beings "political animals,"meaning that, unlike gods or the other animals, we naturally create institutions to govern ourselves. What those institutions should look like, what values they should embody, and who should be in charge prove to be difficult questions that Aristotle leaves for us. Building on Aristotle's definition, this course offers an introduction to political theory, a sub-discipline of political science. By exploring some of the core issues and concepts of political theory, students will grapple with a number of "big questions" about politics in history and in the present: Why and how does politics matter in our everyday lives beyond the voting booth? On what basis is political authority seen as legitimate? How should we understand and embody political values like justice and equality in our own lives? What is the role of economics (capitalism, socialism, etc.) and economic inequality in the creation of political order? What should we think of the use of violence or non-violence in contemporary politics and protests? To explore these "big questions," we will relate historical readings to contemporary "hot-button" issues here in the Twin Cities, the US, and the globe.


    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    9-10 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17229/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 January 2017

    Fall 2018  |  POL 1914 Section 001: Generation Now: Young Adult Political Action in America (33708)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Freshman Seminar
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Blegen Hall 435
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (20 of 20 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    There is no shortage of difficult issues which young adult Americans are confronting in the twenty-first century. In this seminar, we will learn the tools of policy analysis to become more capable actors within the American political and policy space. The course will not focus just on problems, but also solutions and activism by young adult Americans. We will examine, as a learning community, questions and solutions about topics such as American public education, the roots of and responses to the protests following the tragic events of Ferguson, federalism and medical and recreational marijuana, DACA and American dreamers, sexual violence on college campuses, student debt, and the opioid epidemic.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL1914+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33708/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3070 Section 001: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Internship (20399)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (9 of 15 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Interns work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, interns will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers. Interns are chosen through a highly competitive online application the semester prior to registration. Students should check with Political Science advising for details about the application process. This course is only open to Political Science majors.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rahnx003+POL3070+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20399/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (17228)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (38 of 40 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
    Learning Objectives:
    To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
    Grading:
    Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
    Exam Format:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17228/1189
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 February 2017

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3085H Section 001: Honors Course: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (33538)

    Instructor(s)
    Siyu Li (TA)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 60
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (15 of 27 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles. prereq: Honors student
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mille441+POL3085H+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    Political science 3085 is a four credit upper-level undergraduate course that fulfills the LE Mathematical Thinking Core requirement. The course designed to introduce students to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. Political scientists increasingly utilize quantitative data to shed light on a variety of diverse topics, such as the relationship between democracy and economic growth, determinants of vote choice, and voter turnout in the United States. This course will focus on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to implement these techniques and manage data using computer software. Not only will students learn how to analyze quantitative data, but this course will also enable students to be more informed consumers of political science research.
    Grading:
    18% Midterm Exam
    18% Final Exam
    18% Reports/Papers
    18% Written Homework
    18% Additional Semester Exams
    10% Attendance
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    20% Laboratory
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    30 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    7 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33538/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3085H Section 002: Honors Course: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (33539)

    Instructor(s)
    Siyu Li (TA)
    Class Component:
    Laboratory
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue 01:25PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (15 of 27 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    POL 3085 teaches students how to study politics scientifically and introduces them to how to use quantitative analysis to answer political questions. The first part of the class covers how to formulate a theory (a possible answer to a question), specify testable hypotheses (what you would see if the theory is correct or incorrect), and set up a research design to test those hypotheses. In the second part of the class, we cover quantitative data analysis, beginning from preliminary statistical analysis to multivariate linear regression. There is no mathematical or statistical background required for this course. By the end of the class, students should be able to ask and answer political questions using quantitative data and fluently evaluate statistical analyses of political phenomena in the media and many academic articles. prereq: Honors student
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mille441+POL3085H+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    Political science 3085 is a four credit upper-level undergraduate course that fulfills the LE Mathematical Thinking Core requirement. The course designed to introduce students to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. Political scientists increasingly utilize quantitative data to shed light on a variety of diverse topics, such as the relationship between democracy and economic growth, determinants of vote choice, and voter turnout in the United States. This course will focus on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to implement these techniques and manage data using computer software. Not only will students learn how to analyze quantitative data, but this course will also enable students to be more informed consumers of political science research.
    Grading:
    18% Midterm Exam
    18% Final Exam
    18% Reports/Papers
    18% Written Homework
    18% Additional Semester Exams
    10% Attendance
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    20% Laboratory
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    30 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    7 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33539/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3225 Section 001: American Political Thought (19833)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon, Wed 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (80 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Puritans, American Revolution, Constitution, pro- and anti-slavery arguments, civil war/reconstruction, industrialism, westward expansion, Native Americans, immigration, populism, socialism, social Darwinism, women's suffrage, red scares, Great Depression, free speech, pluralism, multiculturalism. prereq: Suggested prerequisite POL 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3225+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    In this course we will examine classic texts in the history of American political thought in order to understand how Americans have theorized about and argued over their political system, and to consider how we can draw upon these texts to address contemporary American political problems. Some of the questions we will address: What political and moral obligations do citizens have to the state, and to each other? What is the basis of legitimate state authority? What is the social contract, and how have Americans used social contract theory to legitimate their governments? What is the right of resistance, and when is it acceptable for individuals or a people to resist or rebel against their government? Does the Declaration of Independence merely list the reasons for separating from Great Britain, or is it also a founding document establishing American principles of liberty and equality? How does the Constitution limit (or fail to limit) the power of the state, and protect (or fail to protect) individual and corporate rights? Is class conflict over the distribution of wealth in society a recent development or a long-standing feature of American political discourse? How have religious texts and ideas been used as a basis for political argument? How relevant to our century and our political problems are the ideas of 50, 100, 150, 200, or more years ago? What, if anything, can we still learn and use from these past ideas and theories? How might they help us, or lead us astray, in addressing our own problems today? Prominent theorists covered include Winthrop, Franklin, Paine, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, the Anti-Federalist "Brutus," Thoreau, Calhoun, Douglass, Lincoln, Sumner.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any student interested in political theory, philosophy, American history, American politics, textual interpretation and analysis, or the roles of ideas, race, gender, and religion in politics.
    Learning Objectives:
    To understand significant texts in history of American political thought, both in relation to their original historical context and in terms of how they still resonate with our political concerns and problems today; to understand how Americans have thought about and argued over politics from the colonial period through the present; to cultivate students' analytical reasoning.
    Exam Format:
    80% Reports/Papers
    20% Quizzes
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    150 Pages Reading Per Week
    30 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Paper(s)
    2 Quiz(zes)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19833/1189
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3225_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 February 2017

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (33540)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 155
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (56 of 59 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Democracy based on individual rights. Pluralism. Civic republicanism. Community activism. Dilemmas of democratic government/citizenship in race, class, gender-stratified society.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jctronto+POL3235W+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    We will begin by reading classic historical texts: some of the founding US documents and Tocqueville's Democracy in America. We will then bring the issues raised by these texts to bear on contemporary political questions. For example, we will consider such questions as: how important is "equality" in a democracy? What kinds of changes are needed for contemporary democracy to respond to the needs of today's citizens in the information age? For example, is there enough "public space" for democracy? Should the US Constitution or system of representation be changed? What do movements such as "The Tea Party," "Occupy" or "Black Lives Matter" teach us? Students will read historical and contemporary texts, reflect upon these issues and share their learning to reflect upon the meaning of being a citizen in a democracy.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
    Grading:
    33% Final Exam
    60% Reports/Papers
    6% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Students whose work improves over the semester will receive a higher grade than a mere average would indicate
    Exam Format:
    Final will consist of several essays; the questions will be available in advance.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Small Group Activities and class discussion
    Workload:
    80-120 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Students are expected to spend 2 hours outside of class for each hour of class instruction. Please buy the specific editions of assigned texts in book form
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33540/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 March 2017

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3251W Section 001: Power, Virtue, and Vice: Ancient and Early Modern Political Theory (33541)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 155
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (52 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Ancient and early modern political thinking confronts basic questions of political order.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3251W+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    Political theory exists as an academic discipline because people sometimes do really great and really horrible things to each other and its hard to understand why. This class surveys a 2,400 year long conversation on the topic, sampling notable contributions from Athens in the 5th century BCE to Florence in the 15th century of the Common Era.
    Grading:
    The course will have three 7-page papers worth 20% of your grade each, a take home final exam worth 20% of your grade, and weekly reading quizzes with 20% of your grade in total.
    Exam Format:
    Take home
    Class Format:
    Lecture (with lots of discussion)
    Workload:
    120 pages of close reading per week.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33541/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 July 2018

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3272 Section 001: What Makes Political Community? (21091)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 205
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (28 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    We will explore different ways to think political community. Many contemporary political challenges are not just thorny problems but transform the very institutions, engagements, and concepts through which we understand what the activity of politics is and might be. Other societies and thinkers have faced drastically new challenges to their politics. So, we propose a course that would explore how political actors make and remake community. Our first unit, Polis and Empire, turns to the ancient world to reexamine the scope of politics, as it experimented with small city-states and large empires. Second, Colonial Encounters will analyze the movements of ideas, trades, and people back and forth across the Atlantic. Third, Revolution Reimagined treats incendiary moments of cultural and political contact. This course speaks to humanist concerns of how humans forge meanings and communities even from conditions of injustice and inequality.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL3272+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21091/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3308 Section 001: Congressional Politics and Institutions (33542)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (84 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origin/development of U.S. congressional institutions, parties, committees, leaders, lobbying/elections, and relations between Congress/executive branch. Relationship of campaigning/governing, nature of representation, biases of institutional arrangements.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL3308+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33542/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3309 Section 001: Justice in America (33543)

    Instructor(s)
    Siyu Li (TA)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    American judiciary. Selection of judges. How/why these individuals/institutions behave as they do. What influences judicial decisions. What impact decisions have. Why people comply with them. prereq: 1001 or 1002 or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL3309+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to the scientific study of judicial politics. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. This course, unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, does not study legal doctrine; rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system, with an emphasis on the social scientific literature on law and legal process.
    Grading:
    70% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33543/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3317 Section 001: Food Politics: Actors, Arenas, and Agendas (33544)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 205
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    How food is grown, transported, processed, consumed. Examine how various political actors interact in complex policy arena that is food. Explore various resources, arguments, evidence used by participants in food politics. Investigate institutional, cultural, moral rules of engagement that provide structure in which political contenders attempt to advance economic interests/ideological agendas.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rahnx003+POL3317+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    Food Fights! Neighbors battle over backyard chicken ordinances, Members of Congress disagree about how to safeguard the food supply, and high school students protest new standards in the Federal School Lunch Program. From New York to California and places in between, food--how it's grown, transported, processed, and consumed--has become a political battleground. Take this course if you want to learn more about the various resources, arguments, evidence, and rules of engagement that structure contemporary food politics. This course satisfies the Social Science Core requirement and is an eligible elective for the public health minor and the Food Studies major.
    Exam Format:
    Reading quizzes, participation in food policy simulation,website development, several in-class assignments, two exams
    Class Format:
    50% discussion, 50% lecture
    Workload:
    75 pages of reading per week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33544/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 October 2016

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (20048)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (84 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics and education in the United States. Equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, role of political institutions in making educational policy. Efforts to reform/remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL3319+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Students with an interest in American education, especially public education. Students interested in public policy.
    Learning Objectives:
    To develop a thorough and critical understanding of American education policy.
    Grading:
    Essay, short essay
    Class Format:
    55% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20048/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 October 2017

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3321 Section 001: Issues in American Public Policy (21036)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (81 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics of policy process. Agenda formation, formulation, adoption, implementation, evaluation. Attention to selected policy areas.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL3321+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars often describe the United States as a laggard where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. How accurate is this conventional wisdom? In what ways is the American welfare state unusual? How have political culture, interest groups, government institutions, and other factors contributed to the distinctive shape of American social policy? The second half of the course applies the analytical frameworks discussed in the first half of the course to contemporary trends in American social policy. It focuses on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. In addition to examining the historical origins of existing programs in each of these policy areas, it also looks closely at the political and substantive impact of contemporary reforms like the Affordable Care Act and charter schools.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam I
    10% Social Security Reform Policy Analysis
    10% Health Care Reform Policy Analysis
    20% Midterm Exam II
    15% Education Policy Memo
    25% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75-100 pages of reading per week
    Three exams
    Three papers (2-4 double-spaced pages each)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21036/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3325 Section 001: U.S. Campaigns and Elections (33545)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 370
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (158 of 182 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Presidential/congressional campaigns/elections in the United States. How political scientists study electoral politics. Theoretical generalizations about candidates, voters, parties, and the media. Ways electoral context and "rules of the game" matter.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL3325+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    This course examines presidential and congressional campaigns and elections in the United States. We will explore how political scientists study and understand electoral politics. What theoretical generalizations can we make about candidates, voters, parties, and the media? In what ways do the electoral context and the "rules of the game" matter? The 2012 elections promise to be exciting for many reasons. Students will monitor the presidential campaigns and some congressional campaigns to asses how theory and practice converge in 2012. Students will write a series of short papers analyzing specific elements of major campaigns and a research paper of around ten pages that addresses one of the themes of the course.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33545/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2014

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3423 Section 001: Politics of Disruption: Violence and Its Alternatives (33546)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 135
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (46 of 47 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political struggles aimed at undermining the existing political order have been a pervasive feature of global politics. Modern states have constantly been sites of relentless challenges from their citizenry, which sometimes take the form of non-violent action while on other occasions manifest in terrorism and violence. This course introduces students to the politics of disruption and violent and non-violent struggles targeted at bringing about political change. We will study a range of manifestations of such struggles focusing on some well-known cases such as the US civil rights movement, the Arab Springs, the Ferguson riots and the Islamic State (ISIS). Can non-violent resistance succeed against a coercive state? Why do individuals and groups participate in high-risk political struggles? What explains patterns of violence in civil conflicts? What are the effects of violence? What facilitates peace? This course will enable you to answer these questions.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL3423+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    Political struggles aimed at undermining the existing political order have been a pervasive feature of global politics. Modern states have constantly been sites of relentless challenges from their citizenry, which sometimes take the form of non-violent action while on other occasions manifest in terrorism and violence. This course introduces students to the politics of disruption - violent and non-violent struggles targeted at bringing about political change. We will study a range of manifestations of such struggles focusing on some well-known cases such as the US civil rights movement, the Arab Springs, the Ferguson riots and the Islamic State (ISIS). Can non-violent resistance succeed against a coercive state? Why do individuals and groups participate in high-risk political struggles? What explains patterns of violence in civil conflicts? What are the effects of violence? What facilitates peace? This course will enable you to answer these questions.

    The course will begin with an examination of alternatives to political violence. The focus will be primarily on India's non-violent struggle for independence from the British rule under the leadership of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, but we will also spend some time on the US civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa with Dr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in the lead. Students will be familiarized with definitional, conceptual and practical distinctions between various forms and manifestations of violent and non-violent struggles. To facilitate a better understanding, we will study a carefully-selected list of cases in-depth during the course of the semester.

    Our discussion on political violence will be structured around four broad themes, which are:

    1. Causes underlying violence;
    2. Dynamics of conflict -- focusing on such questions as who participates in violent activities, how violence and violent actors are organized, and what can we learn from the pattern of violence;
    3. Consequences of violence, both short-term and long-term; and,
    4. Prevention and termination of violence.

    This course will instill in students a strong sense of their role as historical agents by: a) facilitating a deeper understanding of the problems and challenges confronting much of humanity; b) inculcating an ability to assess the performance of policies, programs, actions and interventions aimed at addressing these challenges; c) imparting knowledge about the continuous struggles of individuals and groups against the existing political order; and, d) demonstrating the working, performance and implications of the methods and techniques deployed by individuals and groups to change political order. Students will learn that the issues raised by this course confront the larger global community including both the developing and the developed world. The course materials, assignments and class discussions are all directed towards encouraging students to reflect on the implications of the issues and themes covered across diverse cultural and political contexts across the world. We will be constantly engaged in deliberating and discussing the wider applicability and relevance of arguments advanced or developed and experiences acquired in the studied cases.

    The class time will be apportioned between lectures (40 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (25 percent). The multimedia presentations will incorporate movies, documentaries, media reports, speeches, memoirs, etc.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Open to all undergraduate students
    Learning Objectives:
    This course fulfills the Council on Liberal Education (CLE) Global Perspectives Theme. The first four weeks of the course will be devoted to nonviolent resistance. The remainder of the course will cover key topical issues related to political violence mentioned above. During the course of the semester, we will:
    1. Undertake a close examination of approaches to nonviolent resistance;
    2. Learn about the dynamics of mass protest, especially conditions underlying successful mobilization and action;
    3. Examine factors contributing to political violence;
    4. Study violent action involving mass killing and the role of international community in mitigating such episodes;
    5. Study the global problem of terrorism and approaches to addressing it; and,
    6. Examine the challenge of ending violent conflict and problems of peace-making and peace-building
    Grading:
    1. Class Participation: 15%
    2. Seven Short Assignments: 40%
    a. In-class (Three):} 12% (100-150 words)
    b. Homework (Four):} 28% (1-2 pages, single-space)
    3. Individual/Group Research Assignment: 20% (7-8 pages, double-space)
    4. Final Paper: 25% (9-10 pages, double-space)
    Exam Format:
    No exams
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    35% Film/Video
    25% Discussion
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33546/1189
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/sarbahi_POL3423_Spring2018.pdf (Spring 2018)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    17 October 2017

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3451W Section 001: Politics and Society in the New Europe (20541)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-104
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (51 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Changing politics/society of Europe. Generational change/values, political parties, welfare state, future of European integration, political stability, democratization.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?moha0030+POL3451W+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    This course examines the establishment, institutions and functions of the European Union, with an overview of the political processes in European countries and the European Union. Students will examine the history behind the EU's construction, theories of European integration, the EU's institutions and policy competencies, reoccurring problems with democratic representation in the EU, and the EU's political and economic influence over candidate countries via requirements for entry. The class will also discuss the creation of the European Monetary Union and the Euro currency, and challenges it faced during the sovereign debt crisis. Finally, we will address challenges of migration, integration and the rise of nationalist parties across Europe.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    20% Research Paper
    20% Attendance
    20% Short Reflection Papers
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    5 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20541/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    31 May 2016

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3701 Section 001: American Indian Tribal Governments and Politics (35221)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    AMIN 3501 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Wed 02:30PM - 05:00PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Amundson Hall 120
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    History, development, structure, politics of American Indian Governments. North American indigenous societies from pre-colonial times to present. Evolution of aboriginal governments confronted/affected by colonizing forces of European/Euro-American states. Bearing of dual citizenship on nature/powers of tribal governments in relation to states and federal government.
    Class Description:
    This course examines the origins, status, structures, and powers of American Indian governments and the distinctive politics associated with these First Nations who constitute the third set of sovereign governments in the U.S. whose existence long predates the federal and state governments. This course fulfills CLE requirements of Social Science core and Citizenship and Public Ethics themes.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    20% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: weekly questions based on readings
    Exam Format:
    long essays
    Class Format:
    25% Lecture
    75% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-150 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-25 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35221/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3739 Section 001: Politics of Race, Class, and Ethnicity (17268)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (48 of 55 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    How race/ethnicity/class interact in political process. Political conflict through comparative analysis of United States, South Africa, Brazil.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL3739+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    What similarities are there, if any, between the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, South Africa, Northern Ireland, Rwanda, and Palestine/Israel? Why does racial and ethnic conflict persist in so many regions of the world? To what extent does racial conflict in th U.S. reflect the increasing disparities in wealth? How is racial/ethnic oppression similar and different from sexual oppression? These are some of the questions that this course will address and attempt to answer. This will be done primarily through a comparative analysis of racial/ethnic/class conflict in the U.S., South Africa, and Cuba with particular attention on the experiences of Blacks in the three countries.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    50% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17268/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3752 Section 001: Chicana/o Politics (19933)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    CHIC 3852 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Smith Hall 111
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of Chicana/o politics through analysis of Mexican American experience, social agency. Response to larger political systems/behaviors using social science methods of inquiry. Unequal power relations, social justice, political economy.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19933/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (19309)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (80 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?lavine+POL3766+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    This course examines the influence of human nature on political decision making among members of the mass public, asking questions about how human thought processes, emotions, and personality influence political judgments. Political theorists have long disagreed over basic human nature and have advanced different solutions to political governance as a consequence, ranging from participatory democracy to authoritarian regimes. In this course, we carefully consider how well we, as humans, are equipped to deal with different forms of political governance, especially democracy. We examine different aspects of human psychology, including personality, motivation, values, information processing, emotion and intergroup behavior, as well as proximal and distal biological processes (e.g., physiology, genetics, evolution), and consider their influence on political decision making. Readings are drawn from psychology and political science. No prior in-depth knowledge of either psychology or political science is needed to succeed in the course. It would help to have a general interest in politics, however. The course begins with an introductory reading in political psychology, designed to provide an overview of the field. We will then begin a section of the course on obedience to authority, which examines the power of social context and perceptions of legitimate authority in altering social and political behavior. We then consider the impact of group life on political preferences. To what extent do political preferences spring from our membership in groups and our views of other groups in society (including nations)? We will consider the impact of in-group attachments (to one's race, gender or nation), followed by a consideration of how animosity towards outsiders can escalate into prejudice, or even genocide.
    Grading:
    15% - Attendance, Bi-Weekly "Discussion Tweets"
    25% - Midterm Exam
    25% - Election 2016 Analysis (Research Paper)
    35% - Final Exam - 35%
    Exam Format:
    Both the Midterm and Final Exams will feature multiple choice and short answer questions (defining key concepts). The final exam will also include an essay question touching on major themes in the course. The final exam is cumulative.
    Class Format:
    50% lecture, 50% discussion.
    Workload:
    In addition to regular class attendance and completion of the exams/paper, students are expected to complete a short set of readings about relevant research and concepts prior to each class.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19309/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    16 March 2017

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3767 Section 001: Political Psychology of Elite Behavior (33548)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 260
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (24 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Intersections of politics, personality, and social psychology. Focuses on political leaders and elites. Usefulness of psychological theories for conducting political analysis. Role of individual, of group processes, of political/social cognition, and of context in political decision-making.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jsull+POL3767+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    In this course, we will examine the intersections of elite political decision-making, personality and social psychology. We will explore the usefulness of psychological theories for investigating the role of the individual, of group processes, and of the political context in decision-making by political leaders, particularly U.S. Presidents. We will examine how the personalities of political leaders affect the type and quality of their decision-making, how group processes can degrade or enhance good decision-making, how decision-makers employ historical analogies and broader metaphors when they decide the fate of nations. We will examine these general forces by conducting case studies of Presidential decision making, including the Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missile Crisis, the Iranian Hostage Crisis, the Iran-Contra affair, the Gulf War, the War in Afghanistan, etc.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    25% Class Participation/Group Presentations
    Exam Format:
    Short answer and medium length essay
    Class Format:
    65% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    100+ Pages Reading Per Week
    10-14 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Group Presentation
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33548/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 March 2018

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3769 Section 001: Public Opinion and Voting Behavior (33549)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (81 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Major factors influencing electoral decisions/political attitude formation/change.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?pgoren+POL3769+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    This course focuses on whether citizens and the broader public make sensible political decisions. We will assess whether ordinary citizens are capable of meeting their responsibilities as democratic citizens. The first part of the course focuses on what public opinion means, how it is measured, and how it changes over time. The second part of the course focuses on how voters decide which presidential candidate to vote for and whether to turn out on election day. Class time will feature lecturing, classroom discussion and debate, viewing political films/video, and evaluating the videos. Note finally that I will provide pdf copies of slides for each lecture a day or two before the materials are formally presented in class.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    25% Special Projects
    15% Attendance
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: If you do the readings, show up regularly, pay attention in class, and study, you will do well in this course.
    Exam Format:
    A combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. There will also be extra credit opportunities on the exams.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    20% Film/Video
    40% Discussion I will strive for the right mix of lecture and classroom discussion each day. In no case will I lecture for 3 straight hours. I lack sufficient charm to pull that off!
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exams
    2 medium-length writing assignments
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33549/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2017

    Fall 2018  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (17227)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 10/16/2018
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
     
    10/17/2018
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 270
     
    10/18/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (78 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to theoretical study of international relations. How theoretical perspective shapes one's understandings of structure/practices of global politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3835+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    Why does war occur? What role do international institutions and international law play in international politics? Do ideas and culture matter in a world dominated by power politics? This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of theoretical approaches for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. Specific topics will include: the causes and consequences of war; the role of law and institutions; human rights and humanitarian intervention; transnational activism and environmental politics; the regulation of arms and conflict; globalization and political economy; and the role of ideas, norms, and culture. By the end of the course, students will gain a better understanding of why and how events happen in global politics, and will be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical cases in global politics.
    Learning Objectives:
    Students who complete this course will gain a better understanding of why and how things happen in international relations. They will be able to critically analyze scholarly and popular articles, and by the end of the term should be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical events in international relations. They should be able to apply analytical frameworks and tools to understand the political world.
    Grading:
    30% Two Response Papers
    25% Midterm Exam
    35% Final Exam
    15% Participation (inc. Attendance)
    Exam Format:
    The midterm exam will be a combination of short answer and essay questions. The final exam is a longer, analytical essay (5-7 pages).
    Class Format:
    A mix of lecture, discussion, and in-class activities.
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    1 In-Class Exam
    2 Short Papers
    1 Essay Final
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17227/1189
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/march122_POL3835_Spring2019.docx (Spring 2019)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 March 2017

    Fall 2018  |  POL 4210 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- Real-Time POL Analysis: Marxist vs Non-Marxist (33736)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 260
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (15 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics in political theory, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4210+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33736/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 4315W Section 001: State Governments: Laboratories of Democracy (21039)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    POL 5315 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (53 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political behavior, governmental institutions, and public policies in American states; comparison among states, between state and national government, with special attention given to Minnesota. prereq: 1001 or equiv, non-pol sci grad major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL4315W+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    State governments have been incredibly active in recent years, making critical decisions about such diverse issues as climate change, same-sex marriage, health care, and immigration. This course examines the institutional and political changes that sparked this resurgence of the states and help explain why state policies in these and other areas differ so dramatically.
    Grading:
    10% Homework Assignments
    15% Midterm Exam I
    15% Midterm Exam II
    20% Final Exam
    40% Writing Assignments
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    10% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-75 pages of reading per week; the three writing assignments use "scaffolding" and culminate in a 15-page original research paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21039/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    7 April 2017

    Fall 2018  |  POL 4317 Section 001: Becoming Stupid: Anti-Science in American Politics (33550)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (53 of 55 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    (1) Political attacks on basic science, including climatology & global warming, vaccines, the Big Bang, evolution, human reproduction, sexuality, and much more. (2) Pseudoscience and anti-intellectualism in American political culture. (3) Money, political interests, and propaganda that drive attacks on science.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kelliher+POL4317+Fall2018
    Class Description:

    GLOBAL WARMING IS A LIE. VACCINES DON'T STOP CHILDHOOD DISEASES -- THEY CAUSE THEM. …

    THE BIG BANG NEVER HAPPENED. NOBODY CAN GET PREGNANT FROM BEING RAPED. …

    EVOLUTION IS A FRAUD. … ZIKA VIRUS IS A SECRET WEAPON LAUNCHED BY IMMIGRANTS.

    AND THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT HOMOSEXUALITY IS NOW CURABLE WITH CONVERSION THERAPY.

    Attacks like these on science have become routine in American politics. Some businesses spend heavily to discredit scientists engaged in certain kinds of research. Some politicians join in and advance themselves by undermining the public's trust in climatology, along with important areas of medicine, biology, and astronomy. The result is a national dumbing-down, pressed by legislatures, school boards, and commercial interests. We think of ourselves as a modern educated country. So why is this happening? Why are Americans so attracted to irrationality? Why do we enjoy seeing ourselves as anti-intellectual? And most important, how do some political interests benefit when we actively undermine scientific understandings of reality?
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33550/1189
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/kelliher_POL4317_Spring2017.pdf (Spring 2017)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 November 2016

    Fall 2018  |  POL 4403W Section 001: Constitutions, Democracy, and Rights: Comparative Perspectives (33551)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    POL 5403 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 415
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (44 of 47 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of constitutionalism in different countries. Conceptual/normative inquiry between constitutionalism, rule of law, and democracy. Origins/role of constitutions. Relevance of courts with constitutional review powers: U.S., Germany, Japan, Hungary, Russia, South Africa, Nigeria.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4403W+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    From Iraq to India, Spain to South Sudan, Canada to Colombia, fundamental political questions have been debated, and often decided, in recent years in constitutional terms. Meanwhile, here at home, the constitution is invoked at almost every turn to endorse or condemn different policies. Is this obsession with constitutions undermining democracy, or is adhering to constitutional terms the best way to safeguard rights and to achieve successful democracies? This course centers on this question as it moves from debates over how constitutional drafting processes should be structured and how detailed constitutions should be, to the risks and benefits of different institutional structures (federal v. unitary, and the distribution of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary), to which rights (if any) should be constitutionalized and when and why different rights are protected, and closes with a discussion of what rules should guide constitutional amendment, rewrite, and withdrawal (secession). For each topic, we will compare how these issues have been resolved in the U.S. with alternative approaches in other countries. In addition to occasional discussion of examples from the usual suspects in comparative constitutionalism (namely Germany, Canada, and South Africa), the course incorporates material on a wide variety of other countries around the globe. The goal is not only to expose students to the variety of ways, successful or unsuccessful, that other political communities have addressed these issues, but also, and thereby, to gain a more contextualized and clearer understanding of the pros and cons of the U.S. model. This course is writing intensive and, as a 4xxx-level course, offers senior paper credit for Poli Sci majors (though the course is very much open to non-majors). Crafting a written, evidence-based argument that speaks to broader debates about the origins, nature and/or implications of political decisions and outcomes is central to Political Science. To hone this skill, the instructor guides students through the steps of writing an independent research paper, with writing and research tutorials and class activities integrated into the course every few weeks.
    Grading:
    10% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Some quizzes will be in the form of take-home questions. All quizzes will check for reading/reading comprehension.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    10 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: The paper assignment will be cumulative, with the various steps in the research and writing process due across the term, and the final, polished version due during finals week.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33551/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 October 2017

    Fall 2018  |  POL 4410 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Introduction to Authoritarian Politics (33737)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 205
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (24 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics of current analytical or policy importance to comparative politics. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jwoldens+POL4410+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33737/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 4410 Section 002: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Populist Politics: A Comparative Media Analysis (34677)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 240
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (15 of 30 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics of current analytical or policy importance to comparative politics. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Fulbright Scholar Professor Karin Liebhart
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34677/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 4492 Section 001: Law and (In)Justice in Latin America (33552)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 225
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (32 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How law and justice function in contemporary Latin America. Similarities/differences within/between countries and issue areas. Causes behind varied outcomes. Effectiveness of different reform efforts. Transitional justice, judicial review, judicial independence, access to justice, criminal justice (police, courts, and prisons), corruption, non-state alternatives. Issues of class, race/ethnicity, and gender.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4492+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    Although democracy is the dominant form of government in Latin America today, most Latin American countries still suffer from a weak rule of law. Across the region, free and fair elections are held on a regular basis and few formal barriers to participation exist, but most countries are still a long way from offering full citizenship rights for all. Even in some of the largest and most economically developed cases, governments are often ineffective at providing basic rights protection, and state officials can abuse their power with impunity. Legal and judicial institutions are often partisan, corrupt, and/or inaccessible, leaving average citizens with no real recourse when their rights are violated. This course will examine, from various angles, how law and justice function in contemporary Latin America, highlighting similarities and differences within and between countries and issue areas. Students will reflect on and debate the causes behind the varied outcomes, as well as the effectiveness, actual and potential, of the different reform efforts that have been underway in the region since the 1980s. Specific topics to be addressed are transitional justice, judicial review, judicial independence, access to justice, criminal justice (including police, courts, and prisons), corruption, and non-state alternatives. Special attention will be paid to issues of race/ethnicity, class, and gender, as well as to what general lessons, if any, can be drawn from analyses of Latin American cases.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    35% Reports/Papers
    10% In-class Presentations
    15% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    15% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33552/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 October 2012

    Fall 2018  |  POL 4501W Section 001: The Supreme Court and Constitutional Interpretation (17023)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Historical/analytical approaches to Court's landmark decisions. Theory/techniques of judicial review. Relates Court's authority to wider political/social context of American government.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4501W+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of Articles I, II, and III.
    Grading:
    33% Midterm Exam
    33% Final Exam
    33% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Exams will be a combination of short answer/multiple choice and essays.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    25 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17023/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    5 April 2016

    Fall 2018  |  POL 4773W Section 001: Advocacy Organizations, Social Movements, and the Politics of Identity (33553)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (44 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Advocacy organizations/social movements as agents of democratic representation/political change in American politics/policy-making. Organizations/movements that represent racial/ethnic minorities, women, religious conservatives, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people, low-income people.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL4773W+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33553/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 4887 Section 001: Thinking Strategically in International Politics (33554)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (49 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Survey of applications of game theory to international politics; conflict and cooperation, global environmental commons, deterrence and reputation.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL4887+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    This course surveys current theories of international relations, and introduces students to elementary game theory. Major topics include the causes of war, the conditions for international cooperation, and the role of international institutions. By the end of the semester, students will be expected to: 1. Understand the relevant international relations literature; 2. Understand simple game-theortic techniques; 3. Critically analyze theories of international politics; and 4. Understand the general scientific method of theory building and empirical testing. Possible textbooks: Kenneth N. Waltz. 1954. Man, the State, and War; Waltz, Kenneth N. Theory of International Politics; Bruce Bueno de Mesquita, 2000. Principles of International Politics.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam
    10% Class Participation
    20% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: homework
    Exam Format:
    Multiple choice, essay, and short answer are all possible.
    Class Format:
    Lectures and discussions after each homework is graded.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    5 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 3 game theory homework assignments
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33554/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Fall 2018  |  POL 4900H Section 001: Honors Thesis (18155)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (11 of 20 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900H+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18155/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (17781)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (6 of 20 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Fall2018
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17781/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Fall 2018  |  POL 5315 Section 001: State Governments: Laboratories of Democracy (35063)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    POL 4315W Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (2 of 5 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political behavior, governmental institutions, and public policies in American states. Comparison among states, between state and national government. Emphasizes Minnesota. prereq: grad student or instr consent
    Class Description:
    This course examines the recent revitalization of political institutions in the American states and the implications of this resurgence for the making of public policy. State governments regulate and tax a wide range of business activities and perform a host of vital services. Even though state governments affect our lives every day, however, they are rarely at the forefront of the minds of the American public. The goals of this course are to introduce you to these important arenas of government and to examine the Minnesota political system in a comparative perspective.
    Grading:
    Other Grading Information: First midterm (30%) Second midterm (30%) Final exam (40%)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35063/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2011

    Fall 2018  |  POL 5403 Section 001: Constitutions, Democracy, and Rights: Comparative Perspectives (33555)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    POL 4403W Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 415
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 2 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of constitutionalism in different countries. Conceptual/normative inquiry between constitutionalism, rule of law, and democracy. Origins/role of constitutions. Relevance of courts with constitutional review powers: U.S., Germany, Japan, Hungary, Russia, South Africa, Nigeria.
    Class Description:
    From Iraq to India, Spain to South Sudan, Canada to Colombia, fundamental political questions have been debated, and often decided, in recent years in constitutional terms. Meanwhile, here at home, the constitution is invoked at almost every turn to endorse or condemn different policies. Is this obsession with constitutions undermining democracy, or is adhering to constitutional terms the best way to safeguard rights and to achieve successful democracies? This course centers on this question as it moves from debates over how constitutional drafting processes should be structured and how detailed constitutions should be, to the risks and benefits of different institutional structures (federal v. unitary, and the distribution of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary), to which rights (if any) should be constitutionalized and when and why different rights are protected, and closes with a discussion of what rules should guide constitutional amendment, rewrite, and withdrawal (secession). For each topic, we will compare how these issues have been resolved in the U.S. with alternative approaches in other countries. In addition to occasional discussion of examples from the usual suspects in comparative constitutionalism (namely Germany, Canada, and South Africa), the course incorporates material on a wide variety of other countries around the globe. The goal is not only to expose students to the variety of ways, successful or unsuccessful, that other political communities have addressed these issues, but also, and thereby, to gain a more contextualized and clearer understanding of the pros and cons of the U.S. model. This course is writing intensive and, as a 4xxx-level course, offers senior paper credit for Poli Sci majors (though the course is very much open to non-majors). Crafting a written, evidence-based argument that speaks to broader debates about the origins, nature and/or implications of political decisions and outcomes is central to Political Science. To hone this skill, the instructor guides students through the steps of writing an independent research paper, with writing and research tutorials and class activities integrated into the course every few weeks.
    Workload:
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    10 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: The paper assignment will be cumulative, with the various steps in the research and writing process due across the term, and the final, polished version due during finals week.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33555/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 October 2017

    Fall 2018  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (19784)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 15 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19784/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (20054)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Wed 11:15AM - 12:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    Comparative Political Studies Journal Seminar http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL8060+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Students will meet to discuss and evaluate submissions to Comparative Political Studies. Students will learn best practices for doing peer-reviews of journal submissions, and will learn presentation skills.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20054/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8105 Section 001: Professional Development II (21046)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    S-N or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Second Half of Term
     
    10/23/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon 11:00AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (12 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Research ethics. Skills for teaching undergraduate courses in political science. Completion of dissertation prospecti or early chapters. prereq: Pol sci student, ABD, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21046/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8108 Section 001: Maximum Likelihood Estimation (33557)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Laboratory
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (4 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course presents an overview of the likelihood theory of statistical inference, and its wide range of uses in applied quantitative political science. When dependent variables take the form of ordered or unordered categories, event counts, or otherwise violate the traditional assumptions of the linear regression model, models estimated by maximum likelihood provide an essential alternative. Topics covered include binary, multinomial, and ordered logit/probit, Poisson regression, and multilevel models. We will rely heavily on computational methods of analysis using the R statistical computing environment, and instruction on how to use R for applied research will be provided throughout the length of the course.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33557/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8120 Section 001: Core Course in Political Methodology: Modeling Political Processes (33558)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Wed 09:00AM - 10:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Methods used and potential for creating models of political processes. Designing political institutions, discerning/forecasting election outcomes, producing early warnings of international conflicts, increasing turnout in elections. Using mathematics to study political strategy and collective decision making in committees/legislatures. Using statistics to measure political variables, design experiments with human subjects, and test micro/macro political theories. prereq: Pol sci grad major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33558/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8201 Section 001: Understanding Political Theory (33561)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (9 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Key concepts/major approaches. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33561/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8260 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory (33563)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in special topics or problems.
    Class Notes:
    Topics title: Care and Justice
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33563/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8301 Section 001: American Politics (33564)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (4 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminar on main themes of theory and research in American politics, institutions, law, and policy. Major works on individual, mass, elite, and institutional behavior and their relationship to each other. Foundation for advanced seminars in American politics. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33564/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8307 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology I (17269)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    PSY 8211 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17269/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8311 Section 001: Political Psychology and Socialization (33565)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (9 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to political psychology. Personality and politics; political cognition, emotion, and political behavior; political expertise; media and politics; aggression, authoritarianism, and political behavior; altruism and politics. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33565/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8360 Section 001: Topics in American Politics (33566)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (3 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in special topics or problems. prereq: instr consent
    Class Notes:
    Topics title: Race and Ethnicity
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33566/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8402 Section 001: International Security (33567)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 11/02/2018
    Thu 03:00PM - 05:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (9 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to contending theories of international conflict/security. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33567/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8403 Section 001: International Norms and Institutions (33568)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Wed 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (9 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origins, roles, and effectiveness of international norms and institutions; theoretical explanations and debates. Institution of sovereignty; rational choice versus constructivist perspectives; role of international law, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations; and international society and transnational cultural norms. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This class is primarily meant for PhD students in Political Science, particularly those for whom International Relations is a first or second field.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33568/1189
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 March 2018

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (17941)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (23 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17941/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8621 Section 001: Comparative and Case Study Methods (33569)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Mon 03:25PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-136
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (4 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course will provide students with a basic introduction to methodological debates surrounding comparative and case study methods in political science. Although the course is designed primarily with an eye to the needs of students in comparative politics, this course will also be useful to students in other subfields who wish to learn more about comparative and/or case study methods.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33569/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics (33570)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Topics title: Democratization
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33570/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (17965)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17965/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (17852)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (13 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17852/1189

    Fall 2018  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (17320)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/04/2018 - 12/12/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (1 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17320/1189

    Summer 2018  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (83138)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/11/2018 - 08/03/2018
    Tue, Thu 05:30PM - 08:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-136
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (18 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?gortler+POL1201+Summer2018
    Class Description:

    Aristotle once called human beings "political animals,"meaning that, unlike gods or the other animals, we naturally create institutions to govern ourselves. What those institutions should look like, what values they should embody, and who should be in charge prove to be difficult questions that Aristotle leaves for us. Building on Aristotle's definition, this course offers an introduction to political theory, a sub-discipline of political science. By exploring some of the core issues and concepts of political theory, students will grapple with a number of "big questions" about politics in history and in the present: Why and how does politics matter in our everyday lives beyond the voting booth? On what basis is political authority seen as legitimate? How should we understand and embody political values like justice and equality in our own lives? What is the role of economics (capitalism, socialism, etc.) and economic inequality in the creation of political order? What should we think of the use of violence or non-violence in contemporary politics and protests? To explore these "big questions," we will relate historical readings to contemporary "hot-button" issues here in the Twin Cities, the US, and the globe.


    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    9-10 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83138/1185
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 January 2017

    Summer 2018  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (82752)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/11/2018 - 08/03/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (11 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Summer2018
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
    Learning Objectives:
    To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
    Grading:
    Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
    Exam Format:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82752/1185
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 February 2017

    Summer 2018  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (83062)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/11/2018 - 08/03/2018
    Tue, Thu 09:00AM - 12:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (15 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?theys003+POL3085+Summer2018
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    15% Homework Assignments
    20% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    30% Term Paper
    10% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    7 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83062/1185
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 February 2018

    Summer 2018  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (83063)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/11/2018 - 08/03/2018
    Mon, Wed 05:30PM - 08:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 210
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (20 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Democracy based on individual rights. Pluralism. Civic republicanism. Community activism. Dilemmas of democratic government/citizenship in race, class, gender-stratified society.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?gambi019+POL3235W+Summer2018
    Class Description:

    Political scientists often describe democracy as an "essentially contested" concept. By this, we mean that the meaning of democracy varies dramatically, both over time and from within particular political contexts. In contemporary America, this variation should seem intuitive: despite the idea that all Americans have equal rights and responsibilities, groups with highly different motivations and politics use democracy to justify their claims. From Occupy Wall Street and the Tea Party Movement to Black Lives Matter, Americans are used to wrestling with fundamentally different conceptions of democracy whether they realize it or not.

    In this course, we will thus ask: how has democracy come to mean so many different things to so many different people? What kinds of political activities has it been called upon to validate? And if it is so contested, why does the notion of democracy continue to occupy such a vaunted place in so much contemporary thinking?

    This course will focus on two families of questions related to the sources, values, and goals of democracy. The first will explore the emergence of the nearly universal assumption that democracy is a good thing. While democracy has been decried as a dangerous concept for much of human history, today nearly every kind of political activity is justified by calling upon democratic norms. What kinds of agreements among individuals and groups make "democracy" possible?
    What activities constitute "citizenship," and in what ways are they desirable for political (and other) communities? How have canonical understandings of these concepts shaped the civic culture in which we find ourselves today?

    The second family of questions, broadly made up of social theorists promoting a more robust conception of justice, argue that underneath formal equality, power and domination can still flourish. In turning to these theorists, we shall ask ourselves: Is formal equality adequate for democracy?
    How can and why does domination persist under liberal democratic regimes? What avenues for change are possible in democracies?

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
    Grading:

    Attendance: 10%

    2 Concept Paragraphs: 20% (10% each)

    In-Class Writing: 10%

    Paper 1 (draft + rewrite): 35%

    Paper 2: 20%

    Final "Poster Session:" 5%

    Workload:
    approximatley 50 pages of reading per class
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83063/1185
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 February 2018

    Summer 2018  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (83158)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/11/2018 - 08/03/2018
    Tue, Thu 05:30PM - 08:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 430
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (26 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political processes/problems associated with economic development. Political economy of underdevelopment/development. Problems of state building, development of political institutions.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?varga081+POL3477+Summer2018
    Class Description:
    Why are some countries wealthy while others remain poor and often mired in violent conflict? This class unpacks this question by paying attention to the interaction of political, social, and economic institutions in countries around the world. Along the way, we will wrestle with key conceptual issues. For instance, we will discuss approaches to defining and measuring poverty and development. In addition, we will emphasize the practical side of development work by engaging policy concepts and work, and doing in-class simulations.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    The topics covered will appeal to those interested in international development practice, the roots of poverty at home and abroad, as well as those who have an interest in the politics of other countries.
    Learning Objectives:
    At the conclusion of the course students will be able to:
    -Navigate major debates in measuring poverty and development,
    -Critically assess major theories of economic development and trace their development over time,
    -Discuss the ways in which geographical and historical legacies constrain the political and economic development of countries,
    -Comment on how domestic and international factors favor some economic development strategies over others,
    -Characterize a country's welfare regime and place it in comparative perspective,
    -Critically assess policy solutions to development issues around the world,
    -Make explicit connections between development challenges faced in the developing and developed countries.
    Grading:
    Participation 20%
    Group Presentation 20%
    Short Papers 40%
    Take-Home Final 20%
    Exam Format:
    I require a 7 to 10-page final paper instead of an in-class final. The paper will be in response to a prompt distributed the last week of class. I will offer two prompts. You will select one. The finished product is due on the day of your final exam. No additional reading beyond what is in this syllabus is required, though outstanding work must refer to some of the recommended readings.
    Class Format:
    Classes will be split roughly 50% lectures, 30% small discussion groups, and 20% in-class simulations and exercises.
    Workload:
    About 25-35 pages of reading per class.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83158/1185
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 February 2018

    Summer 2018  |  POL 3810 Section 001: Topics in International Relations and Foreign Policy -- The US and the Rise of China (88788)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/11/2018 - 08/03/2018
    Mon, Wed 05:30PM - 08:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 430
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (16 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of selected issues in contemporary international relations. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ralst047+POL3810+Summer2018
    Class Description:

    Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? This course surveys recent, and often hotly contested, perspectives on U.S.-China relations. We focus special attention on arguments about the inevitability of conflict between China and the United States, as well as what U.S. policy towards China should look like. The course is not designed to cover every aspect of China's rise and the implications thereof for the United States. We are only able to cover a very small segment of a very large, and multifaceted, literature. However, many of the readings represent dominant ways of thinking about China's rise and U.S. security. For example, Graham Allison's book, which we will read selections from, has been devoured (many would say problematically) by the Trump Administration. We dive into these debates theoretically and practically, and students should come away from the course with a better understanding of China's rise, America's supposed decline, and the implications for U.S. security.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Students broadly interested in International Relations and Comparative Politics should consider taking this course, as well as students interested in careers in government, think-tanks, diplomacy, etc.
    Exam Format:
    Take Home
    Class Format:
    Lecture & Discussion
    Workload:
    No req. books; 30-50 pages of reading;
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/88788/1185
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    13 February 2018

    Summer 2018  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (83212)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/11/2018 - 08/03/2018
    Mon, Wed 09:00AM - 11:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 260
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (8 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to theoretical study of international relations. How theoretical perspective shapes one's understandings of structure/practices of global politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?nguy2465+POL3835+Summer2018
    Class Description:
    Why does conflict emerge in global politics? What determines the behavior of individuals, organizations, and states - their material interests or the culture/ideas? What is power and how does it shape international relations? The purpose of this course is to provide students with the theoretical and conceptual means to answering these questions and other issues in global politics. Specific topics will include: how international laws and institutions shape the possibilities of politics; theories of international conflict; humanitarianism and transnational advocacy; globalization and international political economy; international migration; and the role of ideas, norms, and identities in global politics.
    Learning Objectives:
    Students who complete this course will understand the assumption, logic, and implications of major theories of international relations. They will be able to use these theories to critically assess academic work as well as understand and articulate how and why current and historical events unfold in global politics.
    Grading:
    5% Short Writing Exercise
    30% Analytical Papers
    25% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    10% Participation (inc. Attendance)
    Exam Format:
    The midterm exam will be a combination of short answer and essay questions. The final exam is a longer, analytical essay (5-7 pages).
    Class Format:
    A mix of lecture, discussion, and in-class activities.
    Workload:
    ~100 Pages Reading Per Week
    1 In-Class Exam
    2 Short Papers
    1 Short Writing Exercise
    1 Essay Final
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83212/1185
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 February 2018

    Summer 2018  |  POL 4310 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Law and Politics: The View from Hollywood (88789)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/21/2018 - 06/08/2018
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 08:00AM - 11:10AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 155
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (23 of 25 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    See Class Schedule for description. prereq: 1001 or equiv or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4310+Summer2018
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Class Format:
    75% Film/Video
    25% Discussion
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/88789/1185
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    12 February 2018

    Summer 2018  |  POL 4900H Section 001: Honors Thesis (87854)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/11/2018 - 08/03/2018
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (1 of 10 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87854/1185

    Summer 2018  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (82771)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/11/2018 - 08/03/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82771/1185
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Summer 2018  |  POL 4970 Section 101: Individual Reading and Research (82910)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/21/2018 - 06/08/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82910/1185
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Summer 2018  |  POL 5065 Section 001: Mentorship in Political Engagement (88991)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/11/2018 - 08/03/2018
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (4 of 10 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Open only for students admitted to the Master's in Political Engagement program. Individual practical public service research project to fulfill capstone requirement for the BA/MPP program. Design and implement unique and innovative public service project in a professional policymaking or political setting. Weekly direct consultation with faculty adviser and professional mentor. Must perform a minimum of 320 hours of work in a public service setting.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/88991/1185

    Summer 2018  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (83254)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/11/2018 - 08/03/2018
    UMTC, East Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 20 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL5970+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83254/1185

    Summer 2018  |  POL 8333 Section 001: FTE: Master's (82827)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/11/2018 - 08/17/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Master's student, adviser and DGS consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8333+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82827/1185

    Summer 2018  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (82852)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/11/2018 - 08/17/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8444+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82852/1185

    Summer 2018  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (82875)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/11/2018 - 08/17/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8666+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82875/1185

    Summer 2018  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (83040)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/11/2018 - 08/03/2018
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8888+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83040/1185

    Summer 2018  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (82753)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/11/2018 - 08/03/2018
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8990+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82753/1185

    Spring 2018  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (50295)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL1001+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Frequent elections have long been a part of the American political landscape, and over time American politics has evolved in the direction of greater potential for popular participation. More people have gained the full rights of citizenship, the connection between representatives and the public has become increasingly direct, and the number and frequency of elections have increased. These trends have resulted in what some observers call the "permanent campaign." This course introduces students to the institutions and processes of American government, concluding with a wide-ranging discussion of recent issues in American public policy. In doing so, it examines the main elements of the permanent campaign, the factors that contributed to its emergence, its impact on political institutions and the policymaking process, and its normative implications.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    35% Additional Semester Exams
    15% Other Evaluation
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of a combination of multiple-choice questions, identifications, and short essays.
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    4 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50295/1183
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 September 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 1019 Section 001: Indigenous Peoples in Global Perspective (52245)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    AMIN 1002 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Scott Hall 4
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (9 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Colonial experiences of selected indigenous peoples in Americas, Euroasia, Pacific Rim.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52245/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (48907)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (81 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL1025+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    International politics was once thought to be the domain of diplomats and expert policy makers. Now, its impacts are felt ever more in domestic politics and everyday life, from fears of a nuclear stand-off to the recent refugee crisis. However, it is not always easy to make sense of these crises and the responses they require. This class focuses on pressing issues of global politics, such as the Syrian conflict and the refugee crisis, the US-North Korean nuclear standoff, continued impacts of the 2008 economic crisis, global environmental policy and increasing health epidemics. It explores their causes, different understandings and possible policy responses with the help of international relations theories. At the end of the class, students will be able to formulate their informed perspective on the issues and have a good understanding of why policymakers and scholars continue to disagree on the right responses to global conflicts and crises.
    Grading:
    Midterm 35%
    Final 35%
    Short Paper 10%
    Group Project 10%
    Attendance and Participation 10%
    Exam Format:
    keyword identifications, short essay questions, reading quizzes
    Class Format:
    80% lecture
    20% discussion and group work
    Workload:
    50-75 pages per week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48907/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 November 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Puzzles in World Politics (50888)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (80 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political life. Repression, democracy, rights, corruption, gender, political change. Guest lectures by political science professors.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL1054+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Why are some countries democratic while others are authoritarian? Why do seemingly parochial identities such as race, ethnicity and religion continue to play a powerful role in modern politics? What accounts for the variation in the prevalence of civil wars and other forms of political violence across countries? Why are some countries still plagued by poverty and underdevelopment? This introductory course in comparative politics will provide you with the skills and knowledge to answer these and other intriguing questions in world politics. You will be able to recognize, understand and explain the variation in political systems, which includes political institutions, processes, behavior, culture and outcomes, across countries. Students will be introduced to terminology, concepts, issues and approaches that would provide the foundation for upper division courses in political science. They will read some of the classic and path-breaking works and will be familiarized with cutting-edge research in the discipline.
    Grading:
    Three In-class assignments: 12%
    Four homework assignments: 28%
    Two individual/group research assignments: 40%
    Class Participation: 20%
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    Workload:

    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50888/1183

    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    6 November 2016

    Spring 2018  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (48868)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (147 of 149 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jctronto+POL1201+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Are media politically biased? Must politicians have "dirty hands," and thus, be liars? How should we understand capitalism? Are we all deceived about the nature of reality? What is different about living in "the information age?" This course serves as an introduction to political thinking by focusing on this basic problem in political life: how do different ways of thinking about the nature of knowledge affect political life? We will begin with ancient political thinkers, consider some modern thinkers, some vexing contemporary thinkers, and end with a discussion of contemporary issues about knowledge and politics. Because college students are all being exposed to new ways of thinking, these questions about knowledge and politics are not really as abstract as they might seem. How do "college ways of knowing" affect us? Thinking in theoretical terms about these transformations will enable students to better understand political argument as well as their own values.
    Grading:
    Students will primarily be graded on: three (3-5 pp) papers that they will write over the course of the semester and final examination. Class participation will also count. Grading will reflect improvement over the course of the semester. Students will have an opportunity to rewrite one paper. The final will include material from the entire semester.
    Exam Format:
    The final exam will be a take-home short essay. The questions will distributed on the first day of class, so students can thikn about it all semester.
    Class Format:
    Lecture/Discussion: 90%, using a Socratic method and group discussions. Students will participate in one poster session towards the end of the semester.
    Workload:

    80-120 Pages Reading Per Week

    12-18 Pages Writing Per Term

    1 FINAL Exam

    3 3-5 page Papers


    Other Workload: Students will be expected to spend at least two hours before each class meeting reading and thinking about the assigned readings


    Students should purchase the specific editions of the assigned texts
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48868/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 January 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3065 Section 001: Political Engagement Careers: Planning and Preparing For Your Future (52750)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Wed, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 330
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (34 of 35 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Exploration of careers in public service or political engagement; theories of political engagement; case studies of challenges and opportunities in public service careers; ethics of political engagement; development of resume, cover letter, informational interview, and networking skills; development of individual public service career plan.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3065+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52750/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3070 Section 001: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Internship (51861)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (7 of 15 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Interns work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, interns will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers. Interns are chosen through a highly competitive online application the semester prior to registration. Students should check with Political Science advising for details about the application process. This course is only open to Political Science majors.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL3070+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51861/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (48867)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (51 of 75 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
    Learning Objectives:
    To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
    Grading:
    Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
    Exam Format:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48867/1183
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 February 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (50138)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (50 of 54 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mille441+POL3085+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Pol 3085 Quantitative Analysis in Political Science Class Schedule for POL3085 | Bookstore for POL3085 | Section Status for POL3085 | Course Catalog Grading basis/credits: A-F only, 4 credit(s) Description: Political science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. Political scientists increasingly utilize quantitative data to shed light on a variety of diverse topics, such as the relationship between democracy and economic growth, election outcomes in Brazil, and voter turnout in the United States. This course will focus on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to implement these techniques and manage data using computer software. Not only will you learn how to analyze quantitative data, but this course will also enable you to be a more informed consumer of political science research. By the end of the semester, you should be able to: develop testable research questions and hypotheses; understand how to set up an appropriate research design to test your hypotheses; apply the appropriate statistical techniques when using quantitative data to test your hypotheses; and more effectively consume and evaluate political science research and political news that uses quantitative data.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50138/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (50684)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Thu 01:25PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (25 of 27 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mille441+POL3085+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Pol 3085 Quantitative Analysis in Political Science Class Schedule for POL3085 | Bookstore for POL3085 | Section Status for POL3085 | Course Catalog Grading basis/credits: A-F only, 4 credit(s) Description: Political science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. Political scientists increasingly utilize quantitative data to shed light on a variety of diverse topics, such as the relationship between democracy and economic growth, election outcomes in Brazil, and voter turnout in the United States. This course will focus on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to implement these techniques and manage data using computer software. Not only will you learn how to analyze quantitative data, but this course will also enable you to be a more informed consumer of political science research. By the end of the semester, you should be able to: develop testable research questions and hypotheses; understand how to set up an appropriate research design to test your hypotheses; apply the appropriate statistical techniques when using quantitative data to test your hypotheses; and more effectively consume and evaluate political science research and political news that uses quantitative data.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50684/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (51071)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Thu 02:30PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (25 of 27 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mille441+POL3085+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Pol 3085 Quantitative Analysis in Political Science Class Schedule for POL3085 | Bookstore for POL3085 | Section Status for POL3085 | Course Catalog Grading basis/credits: A-F only, 4 credit(s) Description: Political science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. Political scientists increasingly utilize quantitative data to shed light on a variety of diverse topics, such as the relationship between democracy and economic growth, election outcomes in Brazil, and voter turnout in the United States. This course will focus on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to implement these techniques and manage data using computer software. Not only will you learn how to analyze quantitative data, but this course will also enable you to be a more informed consumer of political science research. By the end of the semester, you should be able to: develop testable research questions and hypotheses; understand how to set up an appropriate research design to test your hypotheses; apply the appropriate statistical techniques when using quantitative data to test your hypotheses; and more effectively consume and evaluate political science research and political news that uses quantitative data.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51071/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3108H Section 001: Honors Tutorial: Thesis Preparation and Political Science Inquiry (51368)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Wed 01:00PM - 03:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 15
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (18 of 25 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Advance research skills and prepare to write senior thesis. Political science research. Develop thesis topic, test ideas in a structured/collegial setting. prereq: Pol sci major, honors
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3108H+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    In this course, students will improve their research skills in preparation to write their senior theses. Students will enter with a few ideas for topics about which they might like to write their theses. They will leave the class with a clear and tractable research question, a literature review that describes how this question fits in with the existing scholarly literature, and a research design that will enable them to answer the question. Along the way, they will advance their understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct political science research. Students will be graded on the basis of drafts of their annotated bibliography, literature review and research design, a class presentation of the ?front half? of their senior thesis, and class participation including short weekly assignments. Students are expected to keep up with the reading and, most importantly, to begin to conduct their own independent research.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51368/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 November 2014

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3251W Section 001: Power, Virtue, and Vice: Ancient and Early Modern Political Theory (51739)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (54 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Ancient and early modern political thinking confronts basic questions of political order.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3251W+Spring2018 Instructor: Dr. Steven Maloney
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51739/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3252W Section 001: Revolution, Democracy, and Empire: Modern Political Thought (52191)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (53 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Thinkers, discourses, events that craft understanding of revolution, democracy, empire. Emergence of democracy/democratic institutions alongside problems of religious zealotry, political hierarchy/exclusion, market economies, cultural marginalization. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3252W+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Modernity (roughly 1500-1900) marked a break from classical forms of thought in Europe. Spurred by the Scientific Revolution and the discovery of the New World, thinkers during this period changed how they understood human nature and human difference, how they understood politics and power, and the hopes they put in reason for politics. Various attempts have been made to define the time since that period as "postmodern", but the modern era leaves behind political structures and modes of thinking that remain with us to this day. This history and these ideas make us "modern."
    Grading:
    50% Reports/Papers
    30% Reflection Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Take-home final examination.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    40% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    5 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52191/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 November 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3309 Section 001: Justice in America (52193)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (82 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    American judiciary. Selection of judges. How/why these individuals/institutions behave as they do. What influences judicial decisions. What impact decisions have. Why people comply with them. prereq: 1001 or 1002 or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL3309+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to the scientific study of judicial politics. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. This course, unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, does not study legal doctrine; rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system, with an emphasis on the social scientific literature on law and legal process.
    Grading:
    70% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52193/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3310 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Conspiracies, Rumors, and Misinformation (52217)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-108
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (82 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topic in American politics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?+POL3310+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Why do people hold false or unsupported beliefs about politics and why are those beliefs so hard to change? This course will explore the psychological and political factors that make people vulnerable to political misinformation and conspiracy theories and the reasons that corrections so often fail to change their minds.We will also analyze how those tendencies are exploited by political elites and consider possible approaches that journalists and civic reformers could employ to combat misperceptions.
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    5% Film/Video
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    2-3 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    5 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52217/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    31 March 2015

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (51551)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics and education in the United States. Equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, role of political institutions in making educational policy. Efforts to reform/remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL3319+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Students with an interest in American education, especially public education. Students interested in public policy.
    Learning Objectives:
    To develop a thorough and critical understanding of American education policy.
    Grading:
    Essay, short essay
    Class Format:
    55% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51551/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 October 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3321 Section 001: Issues in American Public Policy (67001)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (82 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics of policy process. Agenda formation, formulation, adoption, implementation, evaluation. Attention to selected policy areas.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL3321+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars often describe the United States as a laggard where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. How accurate is this conventional wisdom? In what ways is the American welfare state unusual? How have political culture, interest groups, government institutions, and other factors contributed to the distinctive shape of American social policy? The second half of the course applies the analytical frameworks discussed in the first half of the course to contemporary trends in American social policy. It focuses on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. In addition to examining the historical origins of existing programs in each of these policy areas, it also looks closely at the political and substantive impact of contemporary reforms like the Affordable Care Act and charter schools.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam I
    10% Social Security Reform Policy Analysis
    10% Health Care Reform Policy Analysis
    20% Midterm Exam II
    15% Education Policy Memo
    25% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75-100 pages of reading per week
    Three exams
    Three papers (2-4 double-spaced pages each)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67001/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3323 Section 001: Political Tolerance in the United States (52196)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (81 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political importance of civil liberties in American society. Tolerance as a political phenomenon. Issues such as free speech, privacy, religion, race, gender.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?lavine+POL3323+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52196/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3423 Section 001: Politics of Disruption: Violence and Its Alternatives (67002)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 335
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (30 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political struggles aimed at undermining the existing political order have been a pervasive feature of global politics. Modern states have constantly been sites of relentless challenges from their citizenry, which sometimes take the form of non-violent action while on other occasions manifest in terrorism and violence. This course introduces students to the politics of disruption and violent and non-violent struggles targeted at bringing about political change. We will study a range of manifestations of such struggles focusing on some well-known cases such as the US civil rights movement, the Arab Springs, the Ferguson riots and the Islamic State (ISIS). Can non-violent resistance succeed against a coercive state? Why do individuals and groups participate in high-risk political struggles? What explains patterns of violence in civil conflicts? What are the effects of violence? What facilitates peace? This course will enable you to answer these questions.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL3423+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Political struggles aimed at undermining the existing political order have been a pervasive feature of global politics. Modern states have constantly been sites of relentless challenges from their citizenry, which sometimes take the form of non-violent action while on other occasions manifest in terrorism and violence. This course introduces students to the politics of disruption - violent and non-violent struggles targeted at bringing about political change. We will study a range of manifestations of such struggles focusing on some well-known cases such as the US civil rights movement, the Arab Springs, the Ferguson riots and the Islamic State (ISIS). Can non-violent resistance succeed against a coercive state? Why do individuals and groups participate in high-risk political struggles? What explains patterns of violence in civil conflicts? What are the effects of violence? What facilitates peace? This course will enable you to answer these questions.

    The course will begin with an examination of alternatives to political violence. The focus will be primarily on India's non-violent struggle for independence from the British rule under the leadership of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, but we will also spend some time on the US civil rights movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa with Dr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in the lead. Students will be familiarized with definitional, conceptual and practical distinctions between various forms and manifestations of violent and non-violent struggles. To facilitate a better understanding, we will study a carefully-selected list of cases in-depth during the course of the semester.

    Our discussion on political violence will be structured around four broad themes, which are:

    1. Causes underlying violence;
    2. Dynamics of conflict -- focusing on such questions as who participates in violent activities, how violence and violent actors are organized, and what can we learn from the pattern of violence;
    3. Consequences of violence, both short-term and long-term; and,
    4. Prevention and termination of violence.

    This course will instill in students a strong sense of their role as historical agents by: a) facilitating a deeper understanding of the problems and challenges confronting much of humanity; b) inculcating an ability to assess the performance of policies, programs, actions and interventions aimed at addressing these challenges; c) imparting knowledge about the continuous struggles of individuals and groups against the existing political order; and, d) demonstrating the working, performance and implications of the methods and techniques deployed by individuals and groups to change political order. Students will learn that the issues raised by this course confront the larger global community including both the developing and the developed world. The course materials, assignments and class discussions are all directed towards encouraging students to reflect on the implications of the issues and themes covered across diverse cultural and political contexts across the world. We will be constantly engaged in deliberating and discussing the wider applicability and relevance of arguments advanced or developed and experiences acquired in the studied cases.

    The class time will be apportioned between lectures (40 percent), multimedia presentations (35 percent) and discussions, both individual and group based (25 percent). The multimedia presentations will incorporate movies, documentaries, media reports, speeches, memoirs, etc.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Open to all undergraduate students
    Learning Objectives:
    This course fulfills the Council on Liberal Education (CLE) Global Perspectives Theme. The first four weeks of the course will be devoted to nonviolent resistance. The remainder of the course will cover key topical issues related to political violence mentioned above. During the course of the semester, we will:
    1. Undertake a close examination of approaches to nonviolent resistance;
    2. Learn about the dynamics of mass protest, especially conditions underlying successful mobilization and action;
    3. Examine factors contributing to political violence;
    4. Study violent action involving mass killing and the role of international community in mitigating such episodes;
    5. Study the global problem of terrorism and approaches to addressing it; and,
    6. Examine the challenge of ending violent conflict and problems of peace-making and peace-building
    Grading:
    1. Class Participation: 15%
    2. Seven Short Assignments: 40%
    a. In-class (Three):} 12% (100-150 words)
    b. Homework (Four):} 28% (1-2 pages, single-space)
    3. Individual/Group Research Assignment: 20% (7-8 pages, double-space)
    4. Final Paper: 25% (9-10 pages, double-space)
    Exam Format:
    No exams
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    35% Film/Video
    25% Discussion
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67002/1183
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/sarbahi_POL3423_Spring2018.pdf
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    17 October 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3474 Section 001: Russian Politics: From Soviet Empire to Post-Soviet State (52525)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Twenty five years ago, Russia appeared to be democratizing and was even on friendly relations with the US and NATO. Now Vladimir Putin runs the state with the FSB (KGB), and US-Russian relations are at their worst point since the 1970s. This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics. It begins with the Russian Revolution of 1917, and continues with a study of the creation of the USSR and Soviet rule under Lenin, Stalin, and later decades. We look in depth at the economic and political system set up by the Communist Party, and at the causes of its collapse in 1991, which has had profound legacies for the post-Soviet development of Russia. Then in the second half of the course we turn to themes of political, economic, social and civic development under Yeltsin and Putin. We will pose the following questions: Why does democratization begin and why does it fail? How is economic reform undermined? What type of state and regime is Russia now? What caused the Chechen wars and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus during this period? Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Are US-Russian relations improving as a result of Obama's "Reset," or are we now in an era of a new Cold War? What is Russia's goal in Syria, Iran, or Central Asia? Is Putin rebuilding Russia, or driving it to disaster, and how will this impact the West?
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL3474+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Twenty five years ago, Russia appeared to be democratizing and was even on friendly relations with the US and NATO. Now Vladimir Putin runs the state with the FSB (KGB), and US-Russian relations are at their worst point since the 1970s. This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics. It begins with the Russian Revolution of 1917, and continues with a study of the creation of the USSR and Soviet rule under Lenin, Stalin, and later decades. We look in depth at the economic and political system set up by the Communist Party, and at the causes of its collapse in 1991, which has had profound legacies for the post-Soviet development of Russia. Then in the second half of the course we turn to themes of political, economic, social and civic development under Yeltsin and Putin. We will pose the following questions: Why does democratization begin and why does it fail? How is economic reform undermined? What type of state and regime is Russia now? What caused the Chechen wars and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus during this period? Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Are US-Russian relations improving as a result of Obama's "Reset," or are we now in an era of a new Cold War? What is Russia's goal in Ukraine, Syria, Iran, or Central Asia? Is Putin rebuilding Russia, or driving it to disaster, and how will this impact the West?
    Grading:
    TBD
    Exam Format:
    Final in class exam
    Class Format:
    Lecture and discussion
    Workload:
    The coursework involves significant reading (about 75-100 pages per week), a research paper, class participation, one final exam, and 4-5 short writing assignments.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52525/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 October 2016

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (51258)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (81 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3766+Spring2018
    Class Description:

    What do all citizens have in common? Although we are more divided than ever across partisan and ideological lines, we are, fundamentally, all human. This course reviews how several different aspects of human psychology influence public opinion and political behavior. How we discuss politics with others, our positions on major policy issues, the decision to vote in elections, and even how we interpret political information, are all shaped (at least in part) by psychological factors.


    This course will cover seven broad thematic units. The first (1) focuses on the essential theories and methods underlying the study of political psychology, most generally. The remaining six describe how different aspects of psychology influence many aspects of public opinion and behavior, including: (2) personality traits, (3) emotion, (4) how we process political information, (5) core values and morality, (6) heritable and biological factors, and (7) how we identify with different groups in society. Along the way, we will relate core principles learned in each unit to central questions and challenges in political science more broadly; both in the U.S., and globally.
    Grading:
    15% - Attendance, Bi-Weekly "Discussion Tweets"
    25% - Midterm Exam
    25% - Election 2016 Analysis (Research Paper)
    35% - Final Exam - 35%
    Exam Format:
    Both the Midterm and Final Exams will feature multiple choice and short answer questions (defining key concepts). The final exam will also include an essay question touching on major themes in the course. The final exam is cumulative.
    Class Format:
    50% lecture, 50% discussion.
    Workload:
    In addition to regular class attendance and completion of the exams/paper, students are expected to complete a short set of readings about relevant research and concepts prior to each class.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51258/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    16 March 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3769 Section 001: Public Opinion and Voting Behavior (67004)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (83 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Major factors influencing electoral decisions/political attitude formation/change.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?pgoren+POL3769+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    This course focuses on whether citizens and the broader public make sensible political decisions. We will assess whether ordinary citizens are capable of meeting their responsibilities as democratic citizens. The first part of the course focuses on what public opinion means, how it is measured, and how it changes over time. The second part of the course focuses on how voters decide which presidential candidate to vote for and whether to turn out on election day. Class time will feature lecturing, classroom discussion and debate, viewing political films/video, and evaluating the videos. Note finally that I will provide pdf copies of slides for each lecture a day or two before the materials are formally presented in class.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    25% Special Projects
    15% Attendance
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: If you do the readings, show up regularly, pay attention in class, and study, you will do well in this course.
    Exam Format:
    A combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. There will also be extra credit opportunities on the exams.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    20% Film/Video
    40% Discussion I will strive for the right mix of lecture and classroom discussion each day. In no case will I lecture for 3 straight hours. I lack sufficient charm to pull that off!
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exams
    2 medium-length writing assignments
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67004/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3833 Section 001: The United States and the Global Economy (67639)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Domestic and international politics of the United States, foreign economic policy (trade, aid, investment, monetary, and migration policies). Effects of policies and international economic relations on the U.S. economy and U.S. politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3833+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Globalization has been a defining force driving markets - and, hence, shaping politics - over the past 20 years. Global financial flows and imbalances are implicated in financial crises both recent and past, and the mobility of firms and migrants across international borders has important distributional and regulatory consequences. Yet, the impact of the U.S. on the global economy is not exclusive to purely financial phenomena: conflict and peace, technological innovation, natural resources, and economic development are all affected as rising levels of trade create new "winners" and "losers." This class examines some of the broad themes that characterize globalization with a focus on - but not only on - the U.S. and the ways in which its policy responses shape and are being shaped by globalization.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67639/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 August 2015

    Spring 2018  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (49423)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (81 of 83 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to theoretical study of international relations. How theoretical perspective shapes one's understandings of structure/practices of global politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ccreamer+POL3835+Spring2018
    Class Description:

    Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, bargaining theory, and international norms and transnational advocacy. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so. Specific topics covered will include: the ascendance of China as a global power; the international politics of nuclear weapons; the ways in which the global economy shapes the terms and conditions of international politics; and the implications of a range of new actors and activities (such as multinational corporations, transnational organized crime, the Internet and social media) for world politics.

    Learning Objectives:

    This course places special emphasis on helping you - as a global citizen - learn to:

    • synthesize and evaluate existing theoretical approaches within international relations

    • identify their strengths and weaknesses

    • construct an argument for why we observe particular outcomes in world politics
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Take-Home Paper
    30% Three Mini-Analytical Papers
    15% Participation and Attendance
    Exam Format:
    The mid-term exam will be a combination of concept identification and short answer questions
    Class Format:
    A mix of lecture, discussion, and in-class activities.
    Workload:
    45-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    1 In-Class Exams
    4 Take-Home Papers
    11-16 Pages Writing Per Term
    5-10 Small Group Activities
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49423/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 March 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4085 Section 001: Advanced Political Data Analysis (67989)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 430
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (11 of 25 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    In this course, students learn how to use statistical methods to answer a wide variety of questions in political science. More specifically, students will focus on how to test hypotheses where the dependent variable is dichotomous, ordered categories, unordered categories, counts, and more. The course covers advanced topics in linear regression, including time series data, multilevel modeling, and interaction terms. Assignments focus on how to convey statistical results in many different ways, ranging from technical reports, to blog posts, to personal communication. Students will learn and improve their skills in the R statistical software package. Prior knowledge of R is not required. This class is especially recommended for students completing an undergraduate thesis with a quantitative component as well as students who want to pursue graduate studies in political science.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL4085+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    POL 4085 will teach students how to use statistical methods to answer a wide variety of questions related to political science. This class picks up where POL 3085 leaves off -- while POL 3085 focuses on research design and covers linear regression, many of the phenomena we seek to explain in political science are not continuous variables and thus are not suited to linear regression. Accordingly, this class focuses on how to test hypotheses where the dependent variable is dichotomous (Does civil war break out or not?), ordered categories (How do people feel about free trade? Strongly support? Support? Strongly oppose?), unordered categories (Which party do citizens affiliate with?), counts (How many deaths result in war?), and more. As statistical literacy and communication are increasingly sought-after skills in the workplace, assignments in the class focus on how to convey statistical results in many different ways, ranging from technical reports to blog posts to personal communication. Additionally, throughout the course, students will learn and improve their skills in the R statistical software package. Prior knowledge of R is not required. This class is especially recommended for students completing an undergraduate thesis with a quantitative component as well as students who want to pursue graduate studies in political science.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    POL 4085 is highly recommended for students who have taken POL 3085 and want to learn more about quantitative analysis in political science, and especially so if they are completing a thesis with a quantitative component or are interested in applying to graduate school.
    Grading:
    Grading is based on a series of problem sets, a final paper and poster, and participation.
    Exam Format:
    No exams.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67989/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    17 October 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4085 Section 002: Advanced Political Data Analysis (69585)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Laboratory
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue 02:30PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 105
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (11 of 25 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    In this course, students learn how to use statistical methods to answer a wide variety of questions in political science. More specifically, students will focus on how to test hypotheses where the dependent variable is dichotomous, ordered categories, unordered categories, counts, and more. The course covers advanced topics in linear regression, including time series data, multilevel modeling, and interaction terms. Assignments focus on how to convey statistical results in many different ways, ranging from technical reports, to blog posts, to personal communication. Students will learn and improve their skills in the R statistical software package. Prior knowledge of R is not required. This class is especially recommended for students completing an undergraduate thesis with a quantitative component as well as students who want to pursue graduate studies in political science.
    Class Description:
    POL 4085 will teach students how to use statistical methods to answer a wide variety of questions related to political science. This class picks up where POL 3085 leaves off -- while POL 3085 focuses on research design and covers linear regression, many of the phenomena we seek to explain in political science are not continuous variables and thus are not suited to linear regression. Accordingly, this class focuses on how to test hypotheses where the dependent variable is dichotomous (Does civil war break out or not?), ordered categories (How do people feel about free trade? Strongly support? Support? Strongly oppose?), unordered categories (Which party do citizens affiliate with?), counts (How many deaths result in war?), and more. As statistical literacy and communication are increasingly sought-after skills in the workplace, assignments in the class focus on how to convey statistical results in many different ways, ranging from technical reports to blog posts to personal communication. Additionally, throughout the course, students will learn and improve their skills in the R statistical software package. Prior knowledge of R is not required. This class is especially recommended for students completing an undergraduate thesis with a quantitative component as well as students who want to pursue graduate studies in political science.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    POL 4085 is highly recommended for students who have taken POL 3085 and want to learn more about quantitative analysis in political science, and especially so if they are completing a thesis with a quantitative component or are interested in applying to graduate school.
    Grading:
    Grading is based on a series of problem sets, a final paper and poster, and participation.
    Exam Format:
    No exams.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/69585/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    17 October 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4275 Section 001: Domination, Exclusion, and Justice: Contemporary Political Thought (67005)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 125
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (29 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Urgent political debates in major works of contemporary political thought from World War II to present. Relationships between force/freedom. Ideology/truth. Authority/resistance. Ideas may include communitarianism, feminism, postcolonialism, postmodernism, socialism. prereq: 1201 recommended
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rbnichol+POL4275+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    A survey of major thinkers and themes from 20th and 21st century political theory, including works by Arendt, Fanon, Foucault, Rawls, Taylor, and others.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67005/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 October 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4317 Section 001: Becoming Stupid: Anti-Science in American Politics (52263)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-103
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    (1) Political attacks on basic science, including climatology & global warming, vaccines, the Big Bang, evolution, human reproduction, sexuality, and much more. (2) Pseudoscience and anti-intellectualism in American political culture. (3) Money, political interests, and propaganda that drive attacks on science.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kelliher+POL4317+Spring2018
    Class Description:

    GLOBAL WARMING IS A LIE. VACCINES DON'T STOP CHILDHOOD DISEASES -- THEY CAUSE THEM. …

    THE BIG BANG NEVER HAPPENED. NOBODY CAN GET PREGNANT FROM BEING RAPED. …

    EVOLUTION IS A FRAUD. … ZIKA VIRUS IS A SECRET WEAPON LAUNCHED BY IMMIGRANTS.

    AND THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT HOMOSEXUALITY IS NOW CURABLE WITH CONVERSION THERAPY.

    Attacks like these on science have become routine in American politics. Some businesses spend heavily to discredit scientists engaged in certain kinds of research. Some politicians join in and advance themselves by undermining the public's trust in climatology, along with important areas of medicine, biology, and astronomy. The result is a national dumbing-down, pressed by legislatures, school boards, and commercial interests. We think of ourselves as a modern educated country. So why is this happening? Why are Americans so attracted to irrationality? Why do we enjoy seeing ourselves as anti-intellectual? And most important, how do some political interests benefit when we actively undermine scientific understandings of reality?
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52263/1183
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/kelliher_POL4317_Spring2017.pdf (Spring 2017)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 November 2016

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4335 Section 001: African American Politics (67990)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    AFRO 4335 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (21 of 75 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course examines the historical and contemporary efforts by African Americans to gain full inclusion as citizens in the U.S. political system. The course focuses on topics such as the politics of the civil rights movement; black presidential bids including the historic election of Barack Obama; and racialized voting in federal and state elections.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL4335+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67990/1183
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/mdminta_AFRO4335_Spring2023.pdf (Spring 2023)

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4403W Section 001: Constitutions, Democracy, and Rights: Comparative Perspectives (52201)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    POL 5403 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (49 of 50 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of constitutionalism in different countries. Conceptual/normative inquiry between constitutionalism, rule of law, and democracy. Origins/role of constitutions. Relevance of courts with constitutional review powers: U.S., Germany, Japan, Hungary, Russia, South Africa, Nigeria.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4403W+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    From Iraq to India, Spain to South Sudan, Canada to Colombia, fundamental political questions have been debated, and often decided, in recent years in constitutional terms. Meanwhile, here at home, the constitution is invoked at almost every turn to endorse or condemn different policies. Is this obsession with constitutions undermining democracy, or is adhering to constitutional terms the best way to safeguard rights and to achieve successful democracies? This course centers on this question as it moves from debates over how constitutional drafting processes should be structured and how detailed constitutions should be, to the risks and benefits of different institutional structures (federal v. unitary, and the distribution of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary), to which rights (if any) should be constitutionalized and when and why different rights are protected, and closes with a discussion of what rules should guide constitutional amendment, rewrite, and withdrawal (secession). For each topic, we will compare how these issues have been resolved in the U.S. with alternative approaches in other countries. In addition to occasional discussion of examples from the usual suspects in comparative constitutionalism (namely Germany, Canada, and South Africa), the course incorporates material on a wide variety of other countries around the globe. The goal is not only to expose students to the variety of ways, successful or unsuccessful, that other political communities have addressed these issues, but also, and thereby, to gain a more contextualized and clearer understanding of the pros and cons of the U.S. model. This course is writing intensive and, as a 4xxx-level course, offers senior paper credit for Poli Sci majors (though the course is very much open to non-majors). Crafting a written, evidence-based argument that speaks to broader debates about the origins, nature and/or implications of political decisions and outcomes is central to Political Science. To hone this skill, the instructor guides students through the steps of writing an independent research paper, with writing and research tutorials and class activities integrated into the course every few weeks.
    Grading:
    10% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Some quizzes will be in the form of take-home questions. All quizzes will check for reading/reading comprehension.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    10 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: The paper assignment will be cumulative, with the various steps in the research and writing process due across the term, and the final, polished version due during finals week.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52201/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 October 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4410 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Introduction to Authoritarian Politics (68249)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (33 of 83 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics of current analytical or policy importance to comparative politics. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jwoldens+POL4410+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68249/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4461W Section 001: European Government and Politics (67007)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 317
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (54 of 55 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    European political institutions in their social settings; power and responsibility; governmental stability; political decision making, government and economic order. prereq: 1054 or 3051 or non-pol sci grad or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?guis0001+POL4461W+Spring2018
    Class Description:

    This course will introduce you to four major issues that shape European social and political life today: 1) the struggle over what makes for a national/European identity, and how contested national identities matter to European democratic politics; 2) the role of institutions in shaping popular representation; 3) dealing with immigration and the single currency; 4) foreign and security policy especially in regard to Eastern/Central Europe and Russia. Each section will conclude with a comparative class discussion on the way such issues matter also to US political and civic life.

    This is an writing intensive course and you will be asked to write a 12-15 page research essay on a European country of your choice. Several assignments, preceded by a writing workshop, will help you complete your final essay. The course will consist of lectures with PPTs, class discussions and group work, and at least one guest lecturer working in a local business connected with Europe. Indeed this course aims at preparing you to live and work in a deeply interconnected world, with special attention to the historical, social, political and economic ties between the US and Europe.

    Small changes will be made to the draft syllabus posted here, but the main themes, most readings and the assignments will remain as indicated in the draft syllabus.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Students interested in Europe and its 44 countries, its people, its role in the world and its relationship with the US.
    Students interested in honing their research and writing skills and developing a paper, which could demonstrate to prospective employers/graduate programs their skills. As a 4000-level course, this course offers senior paper credit for Political Science majors (though the course is very much open to non-majors).
    If you have not taken the course prerequisites, please get in touch with me. You can do well in this course even if you have not taken these courses.
    Learning Objectives:
    see draft syllabus posted below
    Grading:
    25%: Participation (attendance and engagement in class discussions, in-class quizzes)
    10%: 2 posts on Canvas (one news story with comment, one post preparing one of the three class debates based on readings
    5%: Final in-class short paper (reflections on the course, you show up, you write, you get your 5%)
    60% research paper (divided in five assignments, which will help you choose your topic, find references, develop research question and write the paper, see draft syllabus for details).
    Exam Format:
    No mid-term or final exam
    Class Format:
    30% Lecture with PPT and occasional video clips on European current affairs
    35% class and small group discussions
    10% Guest lecturers
    25% Other Style student presentations (see syllabus for details)
    Workload:
    70-90 Pages Reading Per Week
    18 Pages Writing Per Term: 1 research paper, written in several stages, two posts on Canvas, for more details see draft syllabus.
    Reading news posts of other students (about 4 a week).
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67007/1183
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/guis0001_POL4461W_Spring2018.docx
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/guis0001_POL4461W_Spring2020.pdf (Spring 2020)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    7 December 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4463 Section 001: The Cuban Revolution Through the Words of Cuban Revolutionaries (67008)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 105
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (23 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Cuban Revolution. Leadership/strategy. Perspectives of Cubans/leaders. prereq: 1025 or 1054 or equiv
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4463+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    The history of socialist revolutions over the course of a century or more reveals that what occurred in Cuba has proven to have more lasting power. In spite of all the challenges it continues to face, what explains why the Cuban Revolution is still in place after four decades? This is the central research question of the course. A definitive answer would require a thorough examination of the revolution from its initiation until today, which is beyond what can be done in a semester or its equivalent. The focus, rather, will be more limited. First, how was the revolution made and consolidated, from 1953 until about 1969. Second, how has it been able to survive and advance since the collapse of the Soviet Union, that is, since 1991? The emphasis here is on the role of leadership and strategy and how the Cubans and their leaders saw and see what they are doing, in their own words. This is an attempt to get into their heads, their understandings, through documents, speeches and writings. For the first question I will also draw on the data from a research/film documentary project that I'm involved in at this moment: the participation of women and men in the guerrilla army and underground movement.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67008/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4481 Section 001: Governments and Markets (52203)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (42 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Connection between democracy and markets. Experiences of countries in North America and Europe. prereq: 1054 or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL4481+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    This course addresses the question of whether democracy and markets are compatible, whether democratic institutions enhance (undermine) the workings of market institutions and vice versa. Competing theoretical perspectives in the field of political economy are critically evaluated. And the experiences of countries with different forms of democratic market system are studied. Among the topics singled out for in-depth investigation are the economics of voting, politics of money management, political business cycles,and the politics of trade.
    Exam Format:
    3 exams (two mid term exams and a final)
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52203/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4487 Section 001: The Struggle for Democratization and Citizenship (50340)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 210
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (28 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origins of democratic process. Emphasizes how disenfranchised fought to become included. History of democratic movement from its earliest moments to present. Attempts to draw a balance sheet.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4487+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    The setting for this course is the mounting effort on the part of states and a variety of social forces to roll back the historic gains of the world-wide democratic movement--from anti-immigrant campaigns (in both fascist and non-fascist clothing) that would limit citizenship rights to efforts that undermine civil liberties in the guise of combatting terrorisim. This takes place in a larger context in which increasing numbers of citizens feel disempowered and alienated from the state. As democracy and popular participation are central to citizenship the course traces the origins of the democratic process with particular emphasis on how the disenfranchised fought to become included. Both implicitly and explicitly it seeks to understand how that occured in order to see if there are lessons of the past that that might have appllicability for the defense and extension of democratic rights today. To understand it was the disenfranchised who empowered themselves is in itself empowering. An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of citizens is due to social struggles or the threat of such--an assumption to be examined in the course.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    50% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50340/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 October 2011

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4502W Section 001: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights (48905)

    Instructor(s)
    Siyu Li (TA)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon, Wed 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (75 of 75 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Supreme Court's interpretation of Bill of Rights, 14th amendment. Freedom of speech, press, religion; crime/punishment; segregation/desegregation, affirmative action; abortion/privacy.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4502W+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    This course deals with civil liberties in the United States and how the United States Supreme Court decides which rights and liberties get which protections, at which times. Specifically, our focus will be on the First Amendment, and the Right to Privacy. Special emphasis will be placed on how the Supreme Court defines, establishes, and protects these liberties through its interpretation of the Constitution.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Exam -- Hypothetical Questions
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    60% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    40-50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    5 Paper(s)
    25 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48905/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 October 2012

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4525W Section 001: Federal Indian Policy (67274)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    AMIN 4525W Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue 02:30PM - 05:00PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Akerman Hall 317
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (4 of 5 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Formulation, implementation, evolution, comparison of Indian policy from pre-colonial times to self-governance of new millennium. Theoretical approaches to federal Indian policy. Major federal Indian policies. Views/attitudes of policy-makers, reactions of indigenous nations to policies. Effect of bodies of literature on policies.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?wilkinsd+POL4525W+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67274/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4810 Section 001: Topics in International Politics and Foreign Policy -- The Politics of Nuclear Weapons (67995)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Enrollment Status:
    Closed (55 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of selected issues in contemporary international relations. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL4810+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    How do nuclear weapons affect international politics? How likely is nuclear war or nuclear terrorism? How dangerous would it be if Iran acquired nuclear weapons? What should the U.S. do about North Korea? Is nuclear disarmament possible? Is it desirable? This course examines these questions.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    There are no formal prerequisites for the class, but students who have taken a previous class on international politics (for example, POL 1025: Global Politics, POL 1026: U.S. Foreign Policy, POL 3835: International Relations, POL 3810: International Law, or POL 4885: International Conflict and Security) will likely get the most out of the class. If you don't have any background of this sort, it would be advisable to speak with the TA or instructor before committing to take the class.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67995/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 October 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4881 Section 001: The Politics of International Law and Global Governance (67401)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (49 of 55 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    A dense and expanding network of international rules and regulations now covers the globe. These laws seek to regulate almost every activity that takes place across and sometimes within borders. How and to what extent have they been helpful in resolving conflicts between countries or in facilitating the achievement of common goals? How does international law impact government, foreign policies, domestic politics or national legal systems? In addressing these questions, this course provides an introduction to public international law for students of world politics. Throughout, we emphasize the relationship between law and politics and seek to understand why international law operates as it does. We will draw from historical and recent developments to explore these issues, including: the use of drones; the issue of war crimes and the formation of an International Criminal Court; the use of force for humanitarian purposes; the domestic impact of international human rights treaties; foreign investment disputes; and the relationship between international trade, development, and the environment.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ccreamer+POL4881+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    A dense and expanding network of international rules and regulations now covers the globe. These laws seek to regulate almost every activity that takes place across and sometimes within borders. How and to what extent have they been helpful in resolving conflicts between countries or in facilitating the achievement of common goals? How does international law impact government, foreign policies, domestic politics or national legal systems? In addressing these questions, this course provides an introduction to public international law for students of world politics. Throughout, we emphasize the relationship between law and politics and seek to understand why international law operates as it does. We will draw from historical and recent developments to explore these issues, including: the use of drones; the issue of war crimes and the formation of an International Criminal Court; the use of force for humanitarian purposes; the domestic impact of international human rights treaties; foreign investment disputes; and the relationship between international trade, development, and the environment.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67401/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4887 Section 001: Thinking Strategically in International Politics (51742)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (40 of 55 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Survey of applications of game theory to international politics; conflict and cooperation, global environmental commons, deterrence and reputation.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL4887+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    This course surveys current theories of international relations, and introduces students to elementary game theory. Major topics include the causes of war, the conditions for international cooperation, and the role of international institutions. By the end of the semester, students will be expected to: 1. Understand the relevant international relations literature; 2. Understand simple game-theortic techniques; 3. Critically analyze theories of international politics; and 4. Understand the general scientific method of theory building and empirical testing. Possible textbooks: Kenneth N. Waltz. 1954. Man, the State, and War; Waltz, Kenneth N. Theory of International Politics; Bruce Bueno de Mesquita, 2000. Principles of International Politics.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam
    10% Class Participation
    20% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: homework
    Exam Format:
    Multiple choice, essay, and short answer are all possible.
    Class Format:
    Lectures and discussions after each homework is graded.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    5 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 3 game theory homework assignments
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51742/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4900H Section 001: Honors Thesis (49752)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 20 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900H+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49752/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (49528)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (6 of 20 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49528/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Spring 2018  |  POL 5403 Section 001: Constitutions, Democracy, and Rights: Comparative Perspectives (52206)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    POL 4403W Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 5 seats filled)
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of constitutionalism in different countries. Conceptual/normative inquiry between constitutionalism, rule of law, and democracy. Origins/role of constitutions. Relevance of courts with constitutional review powers: U.S., Germany, Japan, Hungary, Russia, South Africa, Nigeria.
    Class Description:
    From Iraq to India, Spain to South Sudan, Canada to Colombia, fundamental political questions have been debated, and often decided, in recent years in constitutional terms. Meanwhile, here at home, the constitution is invoked at almost every turn to endorse or condemn different policies. Is this obsession with constitutions undermining democracy, or is adhering to constitutional terms the best way to safeguard rights and to achieve successful democracies? This course centers on this question as it moves from debates over how constitutional drafting processes should be structured and how detailed constitutions should be, to the risks and benefits of different institutional structures (federal v. unitary, and the distribution of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary), to which rights (if any) should be constitutionalized and when and why different rights are protected, and closes with a discussion of what rules should guide constitutional amendment, rewrite, and withdrawal (secession). For each topic, we will compare how these issues have been resolved in the U.S. with alternative approaches in other countries. In addition to occasional discussion of examples from the usual suspects in comparative constitutionalism (namely Germany, Canada, and South Africa), the course incorporates material on a wide variety of other countries around the globe. The goal is not only to expose students to the variety of ways, successful or unsuccessful, that other political communities have addressed these issues, but also, and thereby, to gain a more contextualized and clearer understanding of the pros and cons of the U.S. model. This course is writing intensive and, as a 4xxx-level course, offers senior paper credit for Poli Sci majors (though the course is very much open to non-majors). Crafting a written, evidence-based argument that speaks to broader debates about the origins, nature and/or implications of political decisions and outcomes is central to Political Science. To hone this skill, the instructor guides students through the steps of writing an independent research paper, with writing and research tutorials and class activities integrated into the course every few weeks.
    Workload:
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    10 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: The paper assignment will be cumulative, with the various steps in the research and writing process due across the term, and the final, polished version due during finals week.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52206/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 October 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (52065)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (4 of 5 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52065/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (51064)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Wed 01:05PM - 02:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (2 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    Comparative Political Studies Journal Seminar http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL8060+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Students will meet to discuss and evaluate submissions to Comparative Political Studies. Students will learn best practices for doing peer-reviews of journal submissions, and will learn presentation skills.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51064/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8060 Section 002: Research Proseminar in Political Science (52548)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    Comparative and Case Study Methods
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52548/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8060 Section 003: Research Proseminar in Political Science (67009)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    wk Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 04/09/2018
    Thu 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    Power, Equity, and Diversity Concentration ProSeminar
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67009/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8104 Section 001: Professional Development I (51782)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    First Half of Term
     
    01/16/2018 - 03/05/2018
    Wed 09:00AM - 10:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The objectives of this course are as follows: (1) to provide students with professional advice that will help them move with dispatch through the graduate program; (2) to learn the formal and informal norms of the discipline; and (3) to help them prepare to do independent research and dissertation research. prereq: 1st year Pol graduate student
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51782/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8107 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science II (51312)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue 10:00AM - 12:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Multiple linear regression model applied to political science data. How to use regression techniques to analyze data, interpret statistical results, and summarize/report the findings. Estimation of model. Underlying assumptions. Inference. Model diagnostics. Extensions of model. prereq: Political science grad major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51312/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8160 Section 002: Topics in Models and Methods -- Experimental Methods in Political Science (52209)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    First Half of Term
     
    01/16/2018 - 03/05/2018
    Mon 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Topics title: Experimental Methods in Political Science
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52209/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8160 Section 003: Topics in Models and Methods -- Time Series (52210)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Fri 11:00AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 20
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52210/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8160 Section 004: Topics in Models and Methods -- Agent Based Modeling (68225)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    First Half of Term
     
    01/16/2018 - 03/05/2018
    Wed 01:30PM - 03:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (1 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Professor Alicia Uribe-McGuire of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads this ITV course.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68225/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8160 Section 005: Topics in Models and Methods -- Statistical Computing (68226)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Second Half of Term
     
    03/19/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Wed 01:30PM - 03:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Virtual Rooms NORMREQD
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (1 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Professor Wendy Tam Cho of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign leads this ITV course.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68226/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8260 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- Theorizing Violence (67075)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (8 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in special topics or problems.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rbnichol+POL8260+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    This course involves a study of the specific problems associated with conceptualizing and representing violence. We will focus on two issues in particular. First, we will consider how the post-WWII era inaugurated a new concern in European social and political thought with the relationship between violence and representation. Second, we will investigate how translatable (or not) these European debates are to theorizing the violence of colonization and white supremacy in the North American context. This course will explore these issues through a highly interdisciplinary set of texts, including works of aesthetics, anthropology, history, philosophy, and political theory.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67075/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 October 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8308 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology II (48906)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    PSY 8212 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48906/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8360 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Mass Communication & Persuasion (67074)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Wed 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in special topics or problems. prereq: instr consent
    Class Notes:
    Mass Communication and Persuasion
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67074/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (49575)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (28 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49575/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8460 Section 001: Topics in International Relations -- Comparative Foreign Policy (52215)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (6 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in advanced topics or problems. Recent topics: global environmental issues, morality in world politics, and norms and institutions in world politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL8460+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    Ph.D students in international relations end up writing dissertations that focus on a particular geographical region and/or a single state or a small number of states. Having taken required courses in IR theory they then go about applying some range of theoretical approaches to empirical puzzles in the area or region. Very often they run into questions of the applicability of abstract IR theories to concrete behaviors of specific states or non-state actors. Invariably this work raises questions about the portability of IR theory to specific areas or regions, and the portability of generalizations from these regions back to IR theory. This course is designed to provide an introduction to the analysis of comparative foreign policy. The overarching theme throughout is how to apply theories from international relations and comparative foreign policy analysis to the study of state behavior.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52215/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 October 2017

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Law & Courts in Emerging Democracies (52545)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (7 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52545/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8660 Section 002: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Religion and Politics (67073)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    Tue 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 10 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL8660+Spring2018
    Class Description:
    This course examines theoretical debates about the role of religion in politics and governance. The course will primarily focus on these debates as they play out in the "Muslim world," that is, primarily in the Middle East, Muslim Eurasia, South and Southeast Asia and Africa. However, the course will discuss comparative political and sociological theories of religion more broadly. The course will also include a number of readings and examples that deal with the role of Christianity in western politics, historically and today. The course is divided into theoretical components, and each one will examine a major debate about the role of religion, especially Islam, in politics, such as: the intricate relationship between religious identity and tribe, ethnicity, nation and nationalism, and citizenship; religion and democracy; religion and gender politics; religion and state-building; religion and conflict; and religion and terrorism. The course will also cover a broad array of methodologies for studying religious identity and politics, from ethnographic to survey methods. These discussions are designed to help graduate students think about developing their own tools for pursuing field research related to religious and identity politics. The course has a political science focus, but is designed to be interdisciplinary. It draws on literature in anthropology (Saba Mahmood), sociology (e.g. Ronald Inglehart, Mounira Charrad), law (e.g. Noah Feldman, Hallaq), Islamic studies (e.g. Asma Afsaruddin) and history (e.g. Benin, John Esposito), as well as political science (Mark Tessler, Amaney Jamal, Robert Pape). Course requirements will include a final research paper and class presentations.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67073/1183
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 April 2009

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (49600)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (0 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49600/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (49652)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (7 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49652/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (48954)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (5 of 30 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48954/1183

    Spring 2018  |  POL 8990 Section 002: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (67996)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/16/2018 - 05/04/2018
    UMTC, West Bank
    Enrollment Status:
    Open (3 of 5 seats filled)
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    Sawyer Seminar
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67996/1183

    Fall 2017  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (15514)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL1001+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? Through an examination of the roles of American political institutions and the behavior of American citizens, we will be able to critically reflect on issues such as political and economic inequality in the U.S., the role of American political and economic power in the world, and the possibility for an American public policy that lives up to the ideals of the founders. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them.
    Grading:
    50% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/15514/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 November 2012

    Fall 2017  |  POL 1001 Section 002: American Democracy in a Changing World (15734)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL1001+Fall2017
    Class Description:

    Why doesn't Congress seem to work? Why do Americans love democracy, but hate politics? Why are there only two political parties, and why do they seem to despise each other so much? This course will introduce students to politics in the United States, addressing these and many more questions about how the American political system really works. We will begin with the founding principles and historical development of the American system of government and then move on to examine the contemporary structure and function of American political institutions and the role that average citizens play in the political process. Students will exit the class with a better understanding of how the American political system succeeds or fails at living up to our ideals and what we can do about it.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    This class will be of interest to anyone who wants a better understanding of how the American political system operates, what is going on in Washington, or how to effect change in our current political climate. The class is also an entry point for the department's upper division American politics classes, including classes on political psychology, social movements, Congress, the Supreme Court, and state and local government.
    Grading:
    Grades will be based on three elements. Short quizzes at the beginning of each class will evaluate students' comprehension of key concepts from readings and lecture (40%), three long quizzes over the course of the semester will evaluate students' ability to apply these concepts to new situations and problems (40%), and a final paper will evaluate students' ability to use these concepts to advance and defend an argument (20%).
    Exam Format:
    All short quizzes will be multiple choice and closed book. All long quizzes will be short answer/essay and open book.
    Class Format:
    Class is lecture based, but "lecture" will be broken up by short writing exercises, small group discussion, and other exercises that will ask you to apply the concepts you are learning in real time. While these will not be graded, engaging fully with them will make the subsequent quizzes and essays much, much easier.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/15734/1179
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2017.docx
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2018.docx (Fall 2018)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 March 2017

    Fall 2017  |  POL 1019 Section 001: Indigenous Peoples in Global Perspective (37147)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    AMIN 1002 Section 002
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Nicholson Hall 125
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Colonial experiences of selected indigenous peoples in Americas, Euroasia, Pacific Rim.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/37147/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (14162)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL1025+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Global politics introduces students to the study of the world's political systems and to the debates over certain global issues. Various theroretical frameworks are examined throughout the semester, but the emphasis is on the so-called realist and liberal perspectives. Related middle range accounts of war and of international political economy also are studied. While many global political issues will be mentioned, the focus will be on the legacies of the East-West conflict, particularly nuclear proliferation, and on the North-South conflict, expecially Southern demands for distributional justice. At the end of the semester, students will be able to describe and predict the evolution of a global political system. In addition, they will be able to carve out and defend a stand on one of the global issues mentioned above.
    Exam Format:
    20% Midterm Exams (3)
    40% Final Exam Other Grading Information: Weightings are approximate
    Class Format:
    Some digitized video materials are used.
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    4 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14162/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 October 2016

    Fall 2017  |  POL 1025H Section 001: Honors: Global Politics (34692)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 230
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to international relations/issues in contemporary world affairs. War, peace, nuclear proliferation. Politics of humanitarian intervention. Global monetary/trading systems. Activities of international institutions/non-governmental organizations. prereq: Honors student
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL1025H+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34692/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Puzzles in World Politics (14148)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political life. Repression, democracy, rights, corruption, gender, political change. Guest lectures by political science professors.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL1054+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    This course provides an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. We seek to understand how people establish a durable and legitimate political system, and how they seek to benefit from, transform or even overthrow that system. Over the course of the semester we will explore the following questions: 1) How and why do societies establish political order? 2) What is democracy and how is it different from dictatorship? 3) What factors cause democracy to emerge? 4) What are the different kinds of dictatorships? 5) When, where and why does ethnicity impact politics? 6) What is nationalism? 7) How does religion drive conflict in the contemporary world? 8) What is the impact of women in politics around the world? 9) What causes civil wars? 10) Why are some countries rich and some poor? 11) Why do some countries tax and spend quite a lot, while others have lower tax rates and lower levels of redistribution?
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Anyone interested in global politics
    Exam Format:
    30% Reports/Papers
    50% Written Homework
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: There is one five-page paper, and up to 10 short assignments. A draft of the 5-page paper is required; students will receive feedback before turning in the final version.
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    10 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14148/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 March 2017

    Fall 2017  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (14121)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 270
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rbnichol+POL1201+Fall2017
    Class Description:

    Aristotle once called human beings "political animals,"meaning that, unlike gods or the other animals, we naturally create institutions to govern ourselves. What those institutions should look like, what values they should embody, and who should be in charge prove to be difficult questions that Aristotle leaves for us. Building on Aristotle's definition, this course offers an introduction to political theory, a sub-discipline of political science. By exploring some of the core issues and concepts of political theory, students will grapple with a number of "big questions" about politics in history and in the present: Why and how does politics matter in our everyday lives beyond the voting booth? On what basis is political authority seen as legitimate? How should we understand and embody political values like justice and equality in our own lives? What is the role of economics (capitalism, socialism, etc.) and economic inequality in the creation of political order? What should we think of the use of violence or non-violence in contemporary politics and protests? To explore these "big questions," we will relate historical readings to contemporary "hot-button" issues here in the Twin Cities, the US, and the globe.


    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    9-10 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14121/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 January 2017

    Fall 2017  |  POL 1201 Section 002: Political Ideas and Ideologies (14800)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Wed, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL1201+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    What does it mean to be free? What is the proper relationship between the individual and the community? What is power and how should it be limited? How we answer these questions matters for how we think about politics and how we live our lives. This course offers students an introduction to three branches of political thought that have each sought to provide coherent answers to these questions. They are Republicanism, Liberalism, and Socialism, and though they do not exhaust the wide spectrum of political thought, each has appeared and reappeared over the course of Western history as various thinkers have grappled with questions of freedom, duty, and power. In this course we will consider a few of the most important formulations of these three "isms" in the writings of figures such as Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Karl Marx. Each of these thinkers is important not just because each produced excellent works of political theory, but also because their works have come to form part of the vocabulary of modern political discourse, both inside and outside of academic settings, making an understanding of their writings necessary for any understanding of contemporary politics.
    Exam Format:
    60% Reports/Papers
    30% Reflection Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    40% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14800/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 January 2017

    Fall 2017  |  POL 1911 Section 001: Communism, Islamism, and Democracy in Central Asia (34695)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Freshman Seminar
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Wed, Fri 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 435
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course will examine the 20-21st century political trajectories of the countries of Central Asia (Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Azerbaijan). We will read works that discuss the pre-modern tribal and clan-based structures of theses societies, as well as the urban, Islamic settlements that were long centers of Islamic scholarship and of the Silk Road. We will examine the massive repression of the communist era, and the consequences for Islam, clan, and tribe. Then we will turn to the rise of post-Soviet forms of political Islam, in the context of a growth in corruption and new dictatorships. We will consider attempts at democratization and the causes of their failure. In the latter half of the course, we will contrast Soviet Central Asia with its southern neighbors, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Our focus will be on the growth of the Taliban in the wake of the Soviet- Afghan war, and again more recently. Finally, we will consider US policy in the region.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL1911+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34695/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 1913 Section 001: Human Rights, Inhumane Wrongs: Rights Violations and Armed Conflict (35965)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Freshman Seminar
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-136
    Course Catalog Description:
    The Declaration of Human Rights, UN Protocols and Conventions, and the Geneva Conventions were created to protect and respect human dignity in times of war and beyond. Has this been the case in practice? This seminar is designed to introduce students to international mechanisms for the protection of human rights and how they have been both respected and ignored in contexts of armed conflict. We will explore cases from across the globe, from the Democratic Republic of Congo to the former Yugoslavia. Of special concern is how the human rights of women and children, have been violated during periods of violent conflict. Students will also explore how mass human rights violations perpetrated during these periods can be addressed and redressed, through a variety of transitional justice mechanisms, including international criminal tribunals, reparations, and traditional healing and cleansing practices. We will draw on a variety of sources, including films, documentaries, and other media. We will also benefit from guest speakers and a local human rights oriented fieldtrip.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35965/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3070 Section 001: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Internship (17614)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Interns work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, interns will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers. Interns are chosen through a highly competitive online application the semester prior to registration. Students should check with Political Science advising for details about the application process. This course is only open to Political Science majors.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL3070+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17614/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (14120)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
    Learning Objectives:
    To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
    Grading:
    Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
    Exam Format:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14120/1179
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 February 2017

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (34978)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34978/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (34979)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Thu 01:25PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 225
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34979/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (34980)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Thu 02:30PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 260
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3085+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34980/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3225 Section 001: American Political Thought (16905)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Fri 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 210
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Puritans, American Revolution, Constitution, pro- and anti-slavery arguments, civil war/reconstruction, industrialism, westward expansion, Native Americans, immigration, populism, socialism, social Darwinism, women's suffrage, red scares, Great Depression, free speech, pluralism, multiculturalism. prereq: Suggested prerequisite POL 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3225+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    In this course we will examine classic texts in the history of American political thought in order to understand how Americans have theorized about and argued over their political system, and to consider how we can draw upon these texts to address contemporary American political problems. Some of the questions we will address: What political and moral obligations do citizens have to the state, and to each other? What is the basis of legitimate state authority? What is the social contract, and how have Americans used social contract theory to legitimate their governments? What is the right of resistance, and when is it acceptable for individuals or a people to resist or rebel against their government? Does the Declaration of Independence merely list the reasons for separating from Great Britain, or is it also a founding document establishing American principles of liberty and equality? How does the Constitution limit (or fail to limit) the power of the state, and protect (or fail to protect) individual and corporate rights? Is class conflict over the distribution of wealth in society a recent development or a long-standing feature of American political discourse? How have religious texts and ideas been used as a basis for political argument? How relevant to our century and our political problems are the ideas of 50, 100, 150, 200, or more years ago? What, if anything, can we still learn and use from these past ideas and theories? How might they help us, or lead us astray, in addressing our own problems today? Prominent theorists covered include Winthrop, Franklin, Paine, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, the Anti-Federalist "Brutus," Thoreau, Calhoun, Douglass, Lincoln, Sumner.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any student interested in political theory, philosophy, American history, American politics, textual interpretation and analysis, or the roles of ideas, race, gender, and religion in politics.
    Learning Objectives:
    To understand significant texts in history of American political thought, both in relation to their original historical context and in terms of how they still resonate with our political concerns and problems today; to understand how Americans have thought about and argued over politics from the colonial period through the present; to cultivate students' analytical reasoning.
    Exam Format:
    80% Reports/Papers
    20% Quizzes
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    150 Pages Reading Per Week
    30 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Paper(s)
    2 Quiz(zes)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16905/1179
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3225_Fall2017.doc
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 February 2017

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3252W Section 001: Revolution, Democracy, and Empire: Modern Political Thought (34696)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Thinkers, discourses, events that craft understanding of revolution, democracy, empire. Emergence of democracy/democratic institutions alongside problems of religious zealotry, political hierarchy/exclusion, market economies, cultural marginalization. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jctronto+POL3252W+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Early Modern Political Thought - Professor Yves Winter This course introduces students to early modern European political philosophy and political thought from the Renaissance to the 18th century. Early modern political philosophy develops in some of the most turbulent and contentious epochs of European history, in a period shaped by religious warfare, by the demise of the Catholic Church's monopoly on truth and interpretation, by the emergence of the modern state and the capitalist mode of production, by the rise and fall of absolutism, and by the exploration and colonization of the Americas. In this course, we will discuss the crisis of political authority and the disinteration of medieval understandings of solidarity and community. We will study how political theorists and philosophers in Europe responded to this crisis, what proposals they developed to reconstitute political order and to address the fragmentation and factionalization of political and religious communities. The trajectory of this course will take us from the renewed interest in interpretation and reading generated by the Renaissance to the revolutionary demands for popular participation in the 18th century. We will examine the relations between practices of interpretation, claims of political authority, and the problem of sovereignty. Among the authors we will read in this course are Niccolo Machiavelli, Martin Luther, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
    Grading:
    20% Final Exam
    60% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Late papers will be docked one third of a letter grade for every day late, including weekends. Please note that students who do not complete all assignments or otherwise fail to meet these requirements will not receive a passing grade.
    Exam Format:
    Take-home final examination.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-18 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    3 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: Online discussion: Students are required to post at least TWO questions and at least TWO responses to the online discussion forum throughout the semester.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34696/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2013

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3272 Section 001: What Makes Political Community? (34830)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 260
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    We will explore different ways to think political community. Many contemporary political challenges are not just thorny problems but transform the very institutions, engagements, and concepts through which we understand what the activity of politics is and might be. Other societies and thinkers have faced drastically new challenges to their politics. So, we propose a course that would explore how political actors make and remake community. Our first unit, Polis and Empire, turns to the ancient world to reexamine the scope of politics, as it experimented with small city-states and large empires. Second, Colonial Encounters will analyze the movements of ideas, trades, and people back and forth across the Atlantic. Third, Revolution Reimagined treats incendiary moments of cultural and political contact. This course speaks to humanist concerns of how humans forge meanings and communities even from conditions of injustice and inequality.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rbnichol+POL3272+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    This course will consider questions of political community within the context of settler colonization in North America. How did European settlers come to make a 'home' here? How did they conceptualize this process? What were the implications of this for Native Americans, who have their own bodies of thought concerning the relation between home, place, and community? What does this mean for us today? These are some of the issues we will take up in the course through a mixture of writings by legal and political theorists, historians, and anthropologists.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34830/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 February 2017

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (17167)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Mon 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics and education in the United States. Equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, role of political institutions in making educational policy. Efforts to reform/remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL3319+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
    Grading:
    Essay, short essay
    Class Format:
    55% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17167/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3321 Section 001: Issues in American Public Policy (34698)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics of policy process. Agenda formation, formulation, adoption, implementation, evaluation. Attention to selected policy areas.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL3321+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars often describe the United States as a laggard where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. How accurate is this conventional wisdom? In what ways is the American welfare state unusual? How have political culture, interest groups, government institutions, and other factors contributed to the distinctive shape of American social policy? The second half of the course applies the analytical frameworks discussed in the first half of the course to contemporary trends in American social policy. It focuses on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. In addition to examining the historical origins of existing programs in each of these policy areas, it also looks closely at the political and substantive impact of contemporary reforms like the Affordable Care Act and charter schools.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam I
    10% Social Security Reform Policy Analysis
    10% Health Care Reform Policy Analysis
    20% Midterm Exam II
    15% Education Policy Memo
    25% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75-100 pages of reading per week
    Three exams
    Three papers (2-4 double-spaced pages each)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34698/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3451W Section 001: Politics and Society in the New Europe (17897)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-111
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Changing politics/society of Europe. Generational change/values, political parties, welfare state, future of European integration, political stability, democratization.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?moha0030+POL3451W+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    This course examines the establishment, institutions and functions of the European Union, with an overview of the political processes in European countries and the European Union. Students will examine the history behind the EU's construction, theories of European integration, the EU's institutions and policy competencies, reoccurring problems with democratic representation in the EU, and the EU's political and economic influence over candidate countries via requirements for entry. The class will also discuss the creation of the European Monetary Union and the Euro currency, and challenges it faced during the sovereign debt crisis. Finally, we will address challenges of migration, integration and the rise of nationalist parties across Europe.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    20% Research Paper
    20% Attendance
    20% Short Reflection Papers
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    5 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17897/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    31 May 2016

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (34699)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political processes/problems associated with economic development. Political economy of underdevelopment/development. Problems of state building, development of political institutions.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3477+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in others parts of the world been stuck in a development rut? This course will explore contending answers to these difficult but important questions. We will do so through discussions of different explanations of development and underdevelopment, examining these issues concretely in several countries, and discussing contemporary "hot topics" such as micro-credit, AIDS, and the resource curse. 3 credits.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    The exams will be a combination of essay, multiple choice, and short answer questions. They will focus on topics not covered in the short papers, so collectively the exams and the essays function as four midterms. The final exam is not cumulative.
    Class Format:
    45% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 Exam(s)
    2 4-5 page essays
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34699/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 March 2017

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3479 Section 001: Latin American Politics (34700)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Latin American politics/political economy. Authoritarianism, human rights, redemocratization. Development/economic policy. Social movements. Ethnicity, race, religion. Revolution. U.S.-Latin American relations.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL3479+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    This course introduces students to the main contours of political and economic development in Latin America. It aims not only to help students understand the similarities and differences in outcomes in the region over the past several decades, but also to reflect on what Latin America's experiences can teach us about the requirements of and barriers to meaningful democracy and sustainable and equitable development around the world. The course presents key concepts and theories in the study of the region's development and discusses them as they pertain to five main country cases: Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, and Venezuela. Readings on other countries are occasionally assigned and students have opportunities to draw on other cases for class assignments.
    Grading:
    45% Reports/Papers
    25% Final Exam
    15% Quizzes
    15% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Combo of short answer, IDs, and essay
    Class Format:
    65% Lecture
    35% Discussion
    Workload:
    125 Pages Reading Per Week
    10 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Short Paper(s)
    1 Report
    1 Exam (Final)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34700/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 November 2015

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3489W Section 001: Citizens, Consumers, and Corporations (15816)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 220
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How ordinary people can act collectively to hold corporations accountable for effects their activities have on communities/nations. Mobilizing as citizens through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through court system. Mobilizing as consumers through purchasing decisions.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3489W+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Corporations are among the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a variety of goods, and have massive effects on the ecological and social environments in which they do business. How do ordinary people act in order to hold corporations accountable for the effects that their activities have on communities and individuals? This course focuses on two ways that people have mobilized to counter corporate power--as citizens and as consumers. When people mobilize as citizens, they put pressure on corporations through the political system--e.g. through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through the courts. When people mobilize as consumers, they use the power of their purchasing decisions to encourage corporations to change their behavior. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of corporate social responsibility/sweatshops, the industrial food system in the US, and the privatization of life (e.g. genes), water, and war.
    Grading:
    25% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    25% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    The final exam will be an essay exam.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    ~20 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    2 Homework Assignment(s)
    7 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: Evaluation: several short writing assignments (no longer than 5 pages each) based on course readings--cumulatively approx. 20 pages, including one rewrite and the in-class final exam.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/15816/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 February 2017

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3733 Section 001: From Suffragettes to Senators: Gender, Politics & Policy in the U.S. (36308)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 140
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Overview to field of gender/politics. Examine role women play in U.S. policy process. How public policies are "gendered." How policies compare to feminist thinking about related issue area. Theories of role(s) gender plays in various aspects of politics.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/36308/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3739 Section 001: Politics of Race, Class, and Ethnicity (14160)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Course Catalog Description:
    How race/ethnicity/class interact in political process. Political conflict through comparative analysis of United States, South Africa, Brazil.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL3739+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    What similarities are there, if any, between the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, South Africa, Northern Ireland, Rwanda, and Palestine/Israel? Why does racial and ethnic conflict persist in so many regions of the world? To what extent does racial conflict in th U.S. reflect the increasing disparities in wealth? How is racial/ethnic oppression similar and different from sexual oppression? These are some of the questions that this course will address and attempt to answer. This will be done primarily through a comparative analysis of racial/ethnic/class conflict in the U.S., South Africa, and Cuba with particular attention on the experiences of Blacks in the three countries.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    50% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14160/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3752 Section 001: Chicana/o Politics (17023)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    CHIC 3852 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Nicholson Hall 335
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of Chicana/o politics through analysis of Mexican American experience, social agency. Response to larger political systems/behaviors using social science methods of inquiry. Unequal power relations, social justice, political economy.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17023/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (16317)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Mon, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?lavine+POL3766+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    This course examines the influence of human nature on political decision making among members of the mass public, asking questions about how human thought processes, emotions, and personality influence political judgments. Political theorists have long disagreed over basic human nature and have advanced different solutions to political governance as a consequence, ranging from participatory democracy to authoritarian regimes. In this course, we carefully consider how well we, as humans, are equipped to deal with different forms of political governance, especially democracy. We examine different aspects of human psychology, including personality, motivation, values, information processing, emotion and intergroup behavior, as well as proximal and distal biological processes (e.g., physiology, genetics, evolution), and consider their influence on political decision making. Readings are drawn from psychology and political science. No prior in-depth knowledge of either psychology or political science is needed to succeed in the course. It would help to have a general interest in politics, however. The course begins with an introductory reading in political psychology, designed to provide an overview of the field. We will then begin a section of the course on obedience to authority, which examines the power of social context and perceptions of legitimate authority in altering social and political behavior. We then consider the impact of group life on political preferences. To what extent do political preferences spring from our membership in groups and our views of other groups in society (including nations)? We will consider the impact of in-group attachments (to one's race, gender or nation), followed by a consideration of how animosity towards outsiders can escalate into prejudice, or even genocide.
    Grading:
    15% - Attendance, Bi-Weekly "Discussion Tweets"
    25% - Midterm Exam
    25% - Election 2016 Analysis (Research Paper)
    35% - Final Exam - 35%
    Exam Format:
    Both the Midterm and Final Exams will feature multiple choice and short answer questions (defining key concepts). The final exam will also include an essay question touching on major themes in the course. The final exam is cumulative.
    Class Format:
    50% lecture, 50% discussion.
    Workload:
    In addition to regular class attendance and completion of the exams/paper, students are expected to complete a short set of readings about relevant research and concepts prior to each class.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16317/1179
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/jucax001_POL3766_Fall2019.pdf (Fall 2019)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    16 March 2017

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3833 Section 001: The United States and the Global Economy (17168)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Domestic and international politics of the United States, foreign economic policy (trade, aid, investment, monetary, and migration policies). Effects of policies and international economic relations on the U.S. economy and U.S. politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL3833+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Globalization has been a defining force driving markets - and, hence, shaping politics - over the past 20 years. Global financial flows and imbalances are implicated in financial crises both recent and past, and the mobility of firms and migrants across international borders has important distributional and regulatory consequences. Yet, the impact of the U.S. on the global economy is not exclusive to purely financial phenomena: conflict and peace, technological innovation, natural resources, and economic development are all affected as rising levels of trade create new "winners" and "losers." This class examines some of the broad themes that characterize globalization with a focus on - but not only on - the U.S. and the ways in which its policy responses shape and are being shaped by globalization.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17168/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 August 2015

    Fall 2017  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (14119)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to theoretical study of international relations. How theoretical perspective shapes one's understandings of structure/practices of global politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ccreamer+POL3835+Fall2017
    Class Description:

    Why do countries go to war? Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? What role does power play in international relations and is there any role for justice in global politics? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. These include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, bargaining theory, and international norms and transnational advocacy. A special effort is made to relate the course material to world events, developments, or conflicts in the past decade or so. Specific topics covered will include: the ascendance of China as a global power; the international politics of nuclear weapons; the ways in which the global economy shapes the terms and conditions of international politics; and the implications of a range of new actors and activities (such as multinational corporations, transnational organized crime, the Internet and social media) for world politics.

    Learning Objectives:

    This course places special emphasis on helping you - as a global citizen - learn to:

    • synthesize and evaluate existing theoretical approaches within international relations

    • identify their strengths and weaknesses

    • construct an argument for why we observe particular outcomes in world politics
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Take-Home Paper
    30% Three Mini-Analytical Papers
    15% Participation and Attendance
    Exam Format:
    The mid-term exam will be a combination of concept identification and short answer questions
    Class Format:
    A mix of lecture, discussion, and in-class activities.
    Workload:
    45-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    1 In-Class Exams
    4 Take-Home Papers
    11-16 Pages Writing Per Term
    5-10 Small Group Activities
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14119/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 March 2017

    Fall 2017  |  POL 4210 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- Real-Time POL Analysis: Marxist vs Non-Marxist (34966)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 240
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics in political theory, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4210+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34966/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 4315W Section 001: State Governments: Laboratories of Democracy (34703)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political behavior, governmental institutions, and public policies in American states; comparison among states, between state and national government, with special attention given to Minnesota. prereq: 1001 or equiv, non-pol sci grad major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL4315W+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    State governments have been incredibly active in recent years, making critical decisions about such diverse issues as climate change, same-sex marriage, health care, and immigration. This course examines the institutional and political changes that sparked this resurgence of the states and help explain why state policies in these and other areas differ so dramatically.
    Grading:
    10% Homework Assignments
    15% Midterm Exam I
    15% Midterm Exam II
    20% Final Exam
    40% Writing Assignments
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    10% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-75 pages of reading per week; the three writing assignments use "scaffolding" and culminate in a 15-page original research paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34703/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    7 April 2017

    Fall 2017  |  POL 4478W Section 001: Contemporary Politics in Africa and the Colonial Legacy (34704)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    AFRO 4478W Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Examines how current politics in mainly, though not exclusively, sub-Saharan Africa have been shaped by the pre-colonial and colonial processes. Reality of independence; recurrent political and economic crises, global context and prospects for effective democracy. prereq: 1054 or 3051 or non-pol sci grad or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jwoldens+POL4478W+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34704/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 4485 Section 001: Human Rights Policy: Issues and Actors (17445)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    PA 5885 Section 001
    POL 5485 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics of human rights issue emergence; relevant international, regional, and domestic norms; correlates of state repression; measurement of human rights abuse and remedies; human rights promotion by states, political parties, international organizations, NGOs, social movements, faith-based organizations, and providers of international development assistance.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jamesr+POL4485+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    This class is aimed at graduate students interested in both applied and theoretical human rights analysis and policymaking. No background in human rights is necessary, although total novices to the field may want to do some advanced reading; please contact the instructor, James Ron, at jamesr@umn.edu, for suggestions.

    In this class we familiarize ourselves with basic human rights documents, principles, laws, and policies, and then discuss the domestic and international actors that seek to promote compliance. We use as many real-world and hands-on examples as possible, and our substantive topics span the full range of human rights issues, including personal integrity rights (torture, murder, imprisonment); civil and political rights (assembly, political participation, discrimination); and economic and social rights (health, education, water, sanitation, and food). Students learn how to define human rights problems; analyze their severity and scope; and offer concrete solutions based on the actions of international organizations, governments, and civil society.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Advanced undergraduates (seniors only, please). It would be best if you have already taken at least one course in human rights, such as human rights advocacy with Barb Frey in global studies.
    Exam Format:
    One 10-15 page paper, one 30-minute class presentation, one final exam.
    Class Format:
    This class meets once a week for two hours and 45 minutes. The short instructor lecture is then followed by intense, focused class discussion, often using the Socratic method, as well as short student presentations. This class is participation-focused.
    Workload:
    Moderate-to-heavy; please make sure you have sufficient time in your schedule.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17445/1179
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/jamesr_PA5885_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 August 2017

    Fall 2017  |  POL 4495 Section 001: Politics of Family, Sex, and Children (17169)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political fights over volatile issues of family, sex, and children. Diversity of family life in the United States as a source of disharmony and inequality. Same-sex couples, interracial families, polygamous communities, reproductive equality for people with disabilities, targeting of immigrant children, teen sex & pregnancy, working mothers, a??childfreea?? advocates. Citizen efforts aimed at reconciling communities with harshly clashing beliefs.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kelliher+POL4495+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    If you take this course you will confront contemporary fights over family, sex, and children. Here are the big questions: (1) Who controls sex? We will look at power in sexual relationships, sexual freedom & the state, and sexual elements in political ideologies. (2) Who should be allowed to make a family? We will do same-sex marriage, polygamy, and teenage childbearing. (3) What happens to children? We will look at countries with strong pro-child policies, but also at the dark side: child soldiers, child prostitutes, and sexual abuse of children by clergy. (4) What are the odds that your family will survive? Time to face up to financial crisis, bankruptcy, and divorce, and see the effects of taxation, social support for families, childcare, and family medical leave. (5) Do politicians care? We will see what policies actually help families, plus how political campaigns manipulate images of the family for their own ends. Got more questions about the class? Just ask me: kelliher@umn.edu
    Grading:
    10% Midterm Exam
    10% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    10% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    5 Problem Set(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17169/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 May 2015

    Fall 2017  |  POL 4501W Section 001: The Supreme Court and Constitutional Interpretation (13911)

    Instructor(s)
    Siyu Li (TA)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Historical/analytical approaches to Court's landmark decisions. Theory/techniques of judicial review. Relates Court's authority to wider political/social context of American government.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4501W+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of Articles I, II, and III.
    Grading:
    33% Midterm Exam
    33% Final Exam
    33% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Exams will be a combination of short answer/multiple choice and essays.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    25 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/13911/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    5 April 2016

    Fall 2017  |  POL 4771 Section 001: Race and Politics in America: Making Sense of Racial Attitudes in the United States (34706)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    In this course, we look at what Americans believe about race and politics, how racial attitudes differ across racial groups, and how racial attitudes have changed over time. We also explore the deeper social and psychological sources of people's racial attitudes, with an eye to how political science can confront the problem of racism.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?federico+POL4771+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Race continues to be one of the defining fault lines in American politics. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to how political scientists have studied racial attitudes and the larger problem of inter-ethnic conflict in American society. We will begin with a look at the historical circumstances which have given rise to the major research questions in the area. From there, we'll look at the major research perspectives in the area, and see how well they actually explain public opinion on matters of race. In doing so, we’ll also get a look at some of the major controversies in this area of study, particularly whether the
    “old-fashioned racism” of the pre-civil-rights era has been replaced by new forms of racism and the degree to which debates over policy matters with no apparent link to race—such as crime and social welfare—may actually have a lot to do with racial attitudes. Finally, we will conclude by taking a look at the question of whether the election of America’s first African-American president has ushered in a “post-racial” era.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    35% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    There will be one midterm and a final exam; the midterm is worth 30%, whereas the final is worth 40%. Both exams consist of short answers and one essay question. In addition, students will complete a 5-10 page paper, worth 30% of their course grade.
    Class Format:
    75% lecture, 25% class discussion and small-group activities.
    Workload:
    100-150 pages of reading per week, plus one 5-10 page term paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34706/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2017  |  POL 4885W Section 001: International Conflict and Security (34708)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    An examination of alternative theories of the sources of militarized international conflict. Apply these theories to one or more past conflicts and discuss their relevance to the present.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL4885W+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    With the end of the Cold War, many foresaw the birth of a new world order. Military strategy, strategic bombing and coercive diplomacy, deterrence and compellence, signaling and the escalatory ladder--these concepts, staples of Cold War thinking, were believed to be outmoded and to have little relevance to the emerging world. The events of the past two decades have shown how wrong this conclusion was. Military force is as pertinent to international politics as ever. Unable to reap the peace dividend that was expected to accompany the end of the Cold War, the United States has since 1989 repeatedly deployed its military forces across the globe--from Kuwait to Somalia to Bosnia and Kosovo to Afghanistan and Iraq. These operations have sometimes ended in apparent success, other times in failure. This course explores central issues regarding the use of military force in international politics. Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? Under what conditions is the use of force ethical, and when does it exceed those bounds? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? What is the future of military force in global politics? Through theoretical readings, concrete historical cases, and contemporary policy debates, this course examines these questions and others.
    Exam Format:
    No exam. Occasional online quizzes. Final research paper, completed in multiple stages. Weekly reading questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 pages of reading per week; 15-20 pages of writing per term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34708/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2017  |  POL 4900H Section 001: Honors Thesis (15094)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900H+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/15094/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (14702)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14702/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Fall 2017  |  POL 5005 Section 001: Political Engagement: Theories and Practice (17899)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theories of political and civic engagement; case studies of challenges and opportunities in public service careers; ethics of political engagement.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17899/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 5210 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- Reading Marx (35331)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Meets With:
    GER 5610 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Thu 04:40PM - 07:10PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 435
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics specified in the Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mrothe+POL5210+Fall2017
    Class Description:

    This seminar will make you familiar with Marx' key texts such as the "Economic-Philosophical Manuscripts", "German Ideology" or "Capital". Moreover, we will explore Marx Hegelian legacy, the formation of Marxism through the debates with the left Hegelians and inquire into key moments of the history of (theoretical) Marxism (Georg Lukács and Karl Korsch, the Frankfurt School, Michel Foucault and the New Marx Reading of the 1960s in Germany). Throughout, this course will put the pertinence of Marx' analytical tools to the test, discussing various attempts to update concepts such as class, labor, societal totality, crisis or revolution.

    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35331/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 February 2017

    Fall 2017  |  POL 5485 Section 001: Human Rights Policy: Issues and Actors (17599)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    PA 5885 Section 001
    POL 4485 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics of human rights issue emergence; relevant international, regional, and domestic norms; correlates of state repression; measurement of human rights abuse and remedies; human rights promotion by states, political parties, international organizations, NGOs, social movements, faith-based organizations, and providers of international development assistance.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jamesr+POL5485+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    This class is aimed at graduate students interested in both applied and theoretical human rights analysis and policymaking. No background in human rights is necessary, although total novices to the field may want to do some advanced reading; please contact the instructor, James Ron, at jamesr@umn.edu, for suggestions.

    In this class we familiarize ourselves with basic human rights documents, principles, laws, and policies, and then discuss the domestic and international actors that seek to promote compliance. We use as many real-world and hands-on examples as possible, and our substantive topics span the full range of human rights issues, including personal integrity rights (torture, murder, imprisonment); civil and political rights (assembly, political participation, discrimination); and economic and social rights (health, education, water, sanitation, and food). Students learn how to define human rights problems; analyze their severity and scope; and offer concrete solutions based on the actions of international organizations, governments, and civil society.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Advanced undergraduates (seniors only, please). It would be best if you have already taken at least one course in human rights, such as human rights advocacy with Barb Frey in global studies.
    Class Format:
    This class meets once a week for two hours and 45 minutes. The short instructor lecture is then followed by intense, focused class discussion, often using the Socratic method, as well as short student presentations. This class is participation-focused.
    Workload:
    Moderate-to-heavy; please make sure you have sufficient time in your schedule.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17599/1179
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/jamesr_PA5885_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 August 2017

    Fall 2017  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (16847)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16847/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (17173)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Wed 11:45AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    Comparative Political Studies Journal Seminar http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL8060+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Students will meet to discuss and evaluate submissions to Comparative Political Studies. Students will learn best practices for doing peer-reviews of journal submissions, and will learn presentation skills.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17173/1179
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8060 Section 002: Research Proseminar in Political Science (18395)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Wed 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    Comparative and Case Study Methods
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18395/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8060 Section 003: Research Proseminar in Political Science (34709)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option No Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    wk Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 11/20/2017
    Fri 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    Power, Equity, and Diversity (PED) Concentration Core
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34709/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8105 Section 001: Professional Development II (34710)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    S-N or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    First Half of Term
     
    09/05/2017 - 10/23/2017
    Mon 11:00AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Research ethics. Skills for teaching undergraduate courses in political science. Completion of dissertation prospecti or early chapters. prereq: Pol sci student, ABD, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34710/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8106 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science I (16655)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course provides a thorough grounding in the quantitative analysis of political science data. The emphasis is on how to analyze such data, interpret statistical results, and summarize and report the findings. By the end of the term you will (1) know how to describe variables; (2) test hypotheses; (3) use measures of association to quantify the relationship between two variables while holding a third variable constant; (4) understand bivariate regression and the basics of multiple regression; (5) understand reliability and validity and how to assess these properties empirically; and (6) know how to use the STATA statistical software program. prereq: political science grad major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16655/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8106 Section 002: Quantitative Political Science I (34723)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Laboratory
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Fri 01:30PM - 03:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Virtual Rooms ROOM-TBA
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course provides a thorough grounding in the quantitative analysis of political science data. The emphasis is on how to analyze such data, interpret statistical results, and summarize and report the findings. By the end of the term you will (1) know how to describe variables; (2) test hypotheses; (3) use measures of association to quantify the relationship between two variables while holding a third variable constant; (4) understand bivariate regression and the basics of multiple regression; (5) understand reliability and validity and how to assess these properties empirically; and (6) know how to use the STATA statistical software program. prereq: political science grad major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    POL 8106 002 (Lab) will meet in 1260 Social Science.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34723/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8160 Section 002: Topics in Models and Methods -- Maximum Likelihood Estimation (34715)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    First Half of Term
     
    09/05/2017 - 10/23/2017
    Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 20
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) Lab Section meets in room 1383 on Thursdays from 1:25-3:20pm.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34715/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8252 Section 001: Early Modern Political Thought (34716)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theorists and texts from Renaissance to French Revolution. Selectively includes Machiavelli, More, Calvin, Luther, Grotius, Bodin, Hobbes, Winstanley, Harrington, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Hume, Smith, Burke, and Wollstonecraft; key debates over liberty, law, power, and knowledge. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34716/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8307 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology I (14161)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    PSY 8211 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Fri 09:00AM - 10:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14161/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8360 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Supreme Court (34718)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Mon 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in special topics or problems. prereq: instr consent
    Class Notes:
    Topics Title: Supreme Court
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34718/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8360 Section 002: Topics in American Politics -- Populism/Trump & the Transformation of US Politics (36388)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-122
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in special topics or problems. prereq: instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/36388/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8401 Section 001: International Relations (34719)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Basic theories/approaches to study of international politics. Surveys representative work/central issues of scholarship. prereq: Grad pol sci major or dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34719/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (14864)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14864/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8601 Section 001: Introduction to Comparative Politics (34721)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Tue 05:35PM - 07:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Main theoretical approaches and issues: comparative method, the state and class; political culture; development, democratization, rational choice, social movements. prereq: Grad pol sci major
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34721/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Authoritarian Politics (34722)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    Thu 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL8660+Fall2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34722/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (14888)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14888/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (14774)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14774/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (14213)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14213/1179

    Fall 2017  |  POL 8990 Section 002: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (14985)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/05/2017 - 12/13/2017
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    Sawyer Seminar course. Register the grading option as S/N.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14985/1179

    Summer 2017  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (83024)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/04/2017
    Tue, Thu 05:30PM - 08:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 30
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?gambi019+POL1201+Summer2017
    Class Description:

    Legendary political theorist Sheldon Wolin once wrote that "the field of politics is and has been, in a significant and radical sense, a created one." Indeed, when we think of political life, we often think of it as distinct from other types of relationships - as distinct, that is, from the ties that bind us to families, the economy, religion, and even to other individuals. What is it, then, that we ‘create' when we enter into political relationships with one another? In this course, we will consider how and why political communities are formed, paying special attention to how ideas about the function of political communities has changed from the ancient Greeks to the present. How are political relationships distinct from - and related to - familial or economic relationships? How and why are authority and obedience justified in political communities? What kinds of social and economic disorders do political communities hope to cure, and how do they propose to cure them? We will work to understand these ‘big questions' in relation to the classics of political theory as well as through contemporary political issues in the world today.

    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    9-10 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83024/1175
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2017

    Summer 2017  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (82620)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/04/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Summer2017
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any UofM undergraduate student in any College or School who wants to learn more about politics, policy making, policy implementation, the legal system, or community service
    Learning Objectives:
    To gain hands-on practical experience in politics, government, law, or community service work, and to reflect on that experience via political science research.
    Grading:
    Political Science majors and minors MUST take 3080 A-F; non-majors/minors may take 3080 S/N, but A-F is recommended for all students.
    Exam Format:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82620/1175
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 February 2017

    Summer 2017  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (82938)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/04/2017
    Tue, Thu 09:15AM - 12:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 628
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?potzn001+POL3085+Summer2017
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82938/1175
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Summer 2017  |  POL 3110H Section 001: Honors Thesis Credits (82621)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/04/2017
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis. prereq: 3109, pol sci, honors, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3110H+Summer2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82621/1175

    Summer 2017  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (82939)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/04/2017
    Mon, Wed 05:45PM - 08:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 2-219
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Democracy based on individual rights. Pluralism. Civic republicanism. Community activism. Dilemmas of democratic government/citizenship in race, class, gender-stratified society.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?stone571+POL3235W+Summer2017
    Class Description:

    Democracy seems to be an intuitively simple concept to many Americans. Americans know what democracy, and the corresponding values of freedom and equality mean because they live under a democratic system of government that guarantees liberty and justice for all, and equality regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, or sex. Likewise, Americans know that being a citizen means we have certain rights. (and duties?) When we delve a little deeper into what these concepts mean, however, we discover that this apparent certainty papers over a host of disagreements, divisions, and uncertainties. These complexities have bubbled up to the surface today, as they have historically, through a number of contemporary concerns espoused by the Occupy Movement, the Tea Party Movement, Black Lives Matter, anti-establishment politics, etc.


    This class helps students to engage in the contemporary problems of democracy by grounding the conversation in the historical debates of democratic theory. Rather than suggesting any simple answers, our class will instead pose questions with which we, together, must wrestle. What is the democracy? How should we understand basic concepts of democracy like freedom, equality, and solidarity? How should we respond when these concepts come into conflict? Is capitalism inherently in conflict with democracy? Working through these questions, we will tack back and forth between theoretical debates and contemporary and historical political problems, gaining a more nuanced understanding of the political stakes behind these questions, as well as a more critical perspective from which to understand the political challenges of this moment in history.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    Any student is welcome to take this course, whether a political science major or not. The questions we deal with are issues affecting all students, and we will work to connect contemporary issues with theoretical and historical texts in a way that is both rigorous enough to engage majors while being accessible to those without a background in political science.
    Grading:

    Attendance: 10%

    Paper 1: 35%

    Paper 2: 35%

    Final Presentation: 20%

    Workload:
    approximatley 40 pages of reading per class
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82939/1175
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/stone571_POL3235W_Summer2017.pdf
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 March 2017

    Summer 2017  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (83049)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/04/2017
    Tue, Thu 01:30PM - 04:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 2-219
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political processes/problems associated with economic development. Political economy of underdevelopment/development. Problems of state building, development of political institutions.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?habch001+POL3477+Summer2017
    Class Description:
    Why are there such vast disparities of wealth among countries? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world experienced stunning economic growth while others have not? We will explore the issue of inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course focuses primarily on countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, with explicit comparisons between Brazil, South Korea, and Nigeria, but we will begin the course with an exploration of the "Rise of the West" in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. What do we mean by "development," and what has been the role of rich countries in producing and perpetuating poverty? What are the costs of development? What role can the US play in alleviating global inequality? Is foreign aid an effective way to help solve development inequalities? By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83049/1175
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 March 2017

    Summer 2017  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (83050)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/04/2017
    Mon, Wed 10:00AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 2-228
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?motta018+POL3766+Summer2017
    Class Description:

    What do all citizens have in common? Although we are more divided than ever across partisan and ideological lines, we are, fundamentally, all human. This course reviews how several different aspects of human psychology influence public opinion and political behavior. How we discuss politics with others, our positions on major policy issues, the decision to vote in elections, and even how we interpret political information, are all shaped (at least in part) by psychological factors.


    This course will cover seven broad thematic units. The first (1) focuses on the essential theories and methods underlying the study of political psychology, most generally. The remaining six describe how different aspects of psychology influence many aspects of public opinion and behavior, including: (2) personality traits, (3) emotion, (4) how we process political information, (5) core values and morality, (6) heritable and biological factors, and (7) how we identify with different groups in society. Along the way, we will relate core principles learned in each unit to central questions and challenges in political science more broadly; both in the U.S., and globally.
    Grading:
    15% - Attendance, Bi-Weekly "Discussion Tweets"
    25% - Midterm Exam
    25% - Election 2016 Analysis (Research Paper)
    35% - Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    Both the Midterm and Final Exams will feature multiple choice and short answer questions (defining key concepts). The final exam will also include an essay question touching on major themes in the course. The final exam is cumulative.
    Class Format:
    50% lecture, 50% discussion.
    Workload:
    In addition to regular class attendance and completion of the exams/paper, students are expected to complete a short set of readings about relevant research and concepts prior to each class.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83050/1175
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 April 2017

    Summer 2017  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (83118)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/04/2017
    Mon, Wed 01:30PM - 04:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-127
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to theoretical study of international relations. How theoretical perspective shapes one's understandings of structure/practices of global politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?spind026+POL3835+Summer2017
    Class Description:
    Why does war occur? What role do international institutions and international law play in international politics? Do ideas and culture matter in a world dominated by power politics? This course is designed to introduce students to a variety of theoretical approaches for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. Specific topics will include: the causes and consequences of war; the role of law and institutions; human rights and humanitarian intervention; transnational activism and environmental politics; the regulation of arms and conflict; globalization and political economy; and the role of ideas, norms, and culture. By the end of the course, students will gain a better understanding of why and how events happen in global politics, and will be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical cases in global politics.
    Learning Objectives:
    Students who complete this course will gain a better understanding of why and how things happen in international relations. They will be able to critically analyze scholarly and popular articles, and by the end of the term should be able to develop and articulate their own views on current and historical events in international relations. They should be able to apply analytical frameworks and tools to understand the political world.
    Grading:
    30% Memos (2)
    25% Midterm Exam
    35% Final Exam
    15% Participation (inc. Attendance)
    Exam Format:
    The midterm exam will be a combination of short answer and essay questions. The final exam is a longer, analytical essay (5-7 pages).
    Class Format:
    A mix of lecture, discussion, and in-class activities.
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    1 In-Class Exam
    2 short writing assignments
    1 Essay Final
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83118/1175
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2017

    Summer 2017  |  POL 4900V Section 001: Honors: Senior Paper (83012)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/04/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Honors, pol sr, instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900V+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Honors Thesis course for political science majors completing the cum laude or magna cum laude honors this track.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83012/1175
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Summer 2017  |  POL 4900W Section 001: Senior Paper (82641)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/04/2017
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Pol sr, instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900W+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Generally used for off-campus students needing to complete a political science senior project. All other on-campus students should take a 4xxx level political science course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82641/1175
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Summer 2017  |  POL 4900W Section 101: Senior Paper (82781)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/22/2017 - 06/09/2017
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Pol sr, instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900W+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Generally used for off-campus students needing to complete a political science senior project. All other on-campus students should take a 4xxx level political science course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82781/1175
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Summer 2017  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (82642)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/04/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82642/1175
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Summer 2017  |  POL 4970 Section 101: Individual Reading and Research (82782)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/22/2017 - 06/09/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82782/1175
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Summer 2017  |  POL 5065 Section 001: Mentorship in Political Engagement (88929)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/04/2017
    UMTC, East Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Open only for students admitted to the Master's in Political Engagement program. Individual practical public service research project to fulfill capstone requirement for the BA/MPP program. Design and implement unique and innovative public service project in a professional policymaking or political setting. Weekly direct consultation with faculty adviser and professional mentor. Must perform a minimum of 320 hours of work in a public service setting.
    Class Notes:
    Mentorship in Political Engagement for BA/MPP students.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/88929/1175

    Summer 2017  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (83187)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/04/2017
    UMTC, East Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL5970+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83187/1175

    Summer 2017  |  POL 8333 Section 001: FTE: Master's (82698)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/18/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Master's student, adviser and DGS consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8333+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82698/1175

    Summer 2017  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (82723)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/18/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8444+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82723/1175

    Summer 2017  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (82746)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/18/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8666+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82746/1175

    Summer 2017  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (82915)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/04/2017
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8888+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82915/1175

    Summer 2017  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (82622)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/12/2017 - 08/04/2017
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8990+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82622/1175

    Spring 2017  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (50872)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Meets With:
    POL 1001H Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL1001+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? Through an examination of the roles of American political institutions and the behavior of American citizens, we will be able to critically reflect on issues such as political and economic inequality in the U.S., the role of American political and economic power in the world, and the possibility for an American public policy that lives up to the ideals of the founders. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them.
    Grading:
    50% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50872/1173
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 November 2012

    Spring 2017  |  POL 1001H Section 001: Honors Course: American Democracy in a Changing World (52338)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Honors
    Meets With:
    POL 1001 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL1001H+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them. Part of our explorations will involve critical readings of primary source materials.
    Grading:
    20% Reports/Papers
    60% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    short answer, short essay
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    125 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52338/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Spring 2017  |  POL 1019 Section 001: Indigenous Peoples: A Global Perspective (67192)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    AMIN 1002 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Scott Hall 4
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Colonial experiences of selected indigenous peoples in Americas, Euroasia, Pacific Rim.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?vmdiaz+POL1019+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67192/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (49301)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL1025+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Global politics introduces students to the study of the world's political systems and to the debates over certain global issues. Various theroretical frameworks are examined throughout the semester, but the emphasis is on the so-called realist and liberal perspectives. Related middle range accounts of war and of international political economy also are studied. While many global political issues will be mentioned, the focus will be on the legacies of the East-West conflict, particularly nuclear proliferation, and on the North-South conflict, expecially Southern demands for distributional justice. At the end of the semester, students will be able to describe and predict the evolution of a global political system. In addition, they will be able to carve out and defend a stand on one of the global issues mentioned above.
    Exam Format:
    20% Midterm Exams (3)
    40% Final Exam Other Grading Information: Weightings are approximate
    Class Format:
    Some digitized video materials are used.
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    4 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49301/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 October 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 1026 Section 001: U.S. Foreign Policy (69254)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 370
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Contemporary foreign policy issues; how the United States makes foreign policy in a global era; historical background. How two regions (such as the Middle East and China) affect and are affected by U.S. policy.
    Class Notes:
    Do not enroll if previously took Fall 2016 POL 1905, sec. 003 with Professor Mark Bell. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL1026+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    The United States is the most powerful country in the world. This makes US foreign policy - how the United States interacts with other countries, international organizations, and other actors in international politics - matter hugely. This lecture class examines why the US behaves in certain ways in world politics, how it has behaved in the past, and how it might behave in the future. For example, we'll ask: why does the United States play such an active role in world politics? Might this change in the future and how has US foreign policy varied in the past? What do past conflicts in which the United States has been involved tell us about current U.S. foreign policy? Why is the United States so often at war despite being so militarily secure? Does the rise of China pose a threat to the United States and if so, what should the United States do about it? How serious is the threat of cyber war? Why does the United States care so much about stopping other countries from getting nuclear weapons? Will the new President of the United States chart a new course in foreign policy? Will they be able to even if they wanted to?
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/69254/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 October 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Puzzles in World Politics (51529)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 135
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political life. Repression, democracy, rights, corruption, gender, political change. Guest lectures by political science professors.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL1054+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Why are some countries democratic while others are authoritarian? Why do seemingly parochial identities such as race, ethnicity and religion continue to play a powerful role in modern politics? What accounts for the variation in the prevalence of civil wars and other forms of political violence across countries? Why are some countries still plagued by poverty and underdevelopment? This introductory course in comparative politics will provide you with the skills and knowledge to answer these and other intriguing questions in world politics. You will be able to recognize, understand and explain the variation in political systems, which includes political institutions, processes, behavior, culture and outcomes, across countries. Students will be introduced to terminology, concepts, issues and approaches that would provide the foundation for upper division courses in political science. They will read some of the classic and path-breaking works and will be familiarized with cutting-edge research in the discipline.
    Grading:
    Three In-class assignments: 12%
    Four homework assignments: 28%
    Two individual/group research assignments: 40%
    Class Participation: 20%
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    Workload:

    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51529/1173

    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    6 November 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (49262)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jctronto+POL1201+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Are media politically biased? Must politicians have "dirty hands," and thus, be liars? How should we understand capitalism? Are we all deceived about the nature of reality? What is different about living in "the information age?" This course serves as an introduction to political thinking by focusing on this basic problem in political life: how do different ways of thinking about the nature of knowledge affect political life? We will begin with ancient political thinkers, consider some modern thinkers, some vexing contemporary thinkers, and end with a discussion of contemporary issues about knowledge and politics. Because college students are all being exposed to new ways of thinking, these questions about knowledge and politics are not really as abstract as they might seem. How do "college ways of knowing" affect us? Thinking in theoretical terms about these transformations will enable students to better understand political argument as well as their own values.
    Grading:
    Students will primarily be graded on: three (3-5 pp) papers that they will write over the course of the semester and final examination. Class participation will also count. Grading will reflect improvement over the course of the semester. Students will have an opportunity to rewrite one paper. The final will include material from the entire semester.
    Exam Format:
    The final exam will be a take-home short essay. The questions will distributed on the first day of class, so students can thikn about it all semester.
    Class Format:
    Lecture/Discussion: 90%, using a Socratic method and group discussions. Students will participate in one poster session towards the end of the semester.
    Workload:

    80-120 Pages Reading Per Week

    12-18 Pages Writing Per Term

    1 FINAL Exam

    3 3-5 page Papers


    Other Workload: Students will be expected to spend at least two hours before each class meeting reading and thinking about the assigned readings


    Students should purchase the specific editions of the assigned texts
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49262/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 January 2017

    Spring 2017  |  POL 1201 Section 002: Political Ideas and Ideologies (50920)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL1201+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    This semester, we will study what is democracy and power, and to reflect on how the relation between democracy and power stands today. We will study first, through a series of weekly modules, key political concepts such as power, authority, freedom, violence, rights, and ideology. In the second part of the course, we will study how these general concepts are crystallized in the current context of liberal democracy and democratization. This course is designed as an introduction to undergraduate students from across disciplines to the subfield of political theory/philosophy within political science. The instructor, the teaching assistant(s), and course participants will use active learning strategies (cooperative learning, interactive lecturing, discussion, critical thinking) and will facilitate discussion addressing key texts in political theory. Course participants will develop oral, reading, and writing skills that promote critical understanding, interpretation, and engagement with the political issues of our times. Political theory represents a way of thinking and a practice of discovering and questioning the meaning and exercise of politics, power, and authority. With this in mind, POL1201 is designed and conducted with the intent of creating a political learning environment. Expect to be challenged about your political views, to explore assumptions about your ways of thinking politics. Expect to gain a renewed understanding of the importance of politics in your life. Expect to develop an appreciation for political education in which being an individual and being a citizen are interdependent activities shaped by all of us. The required texts for the course will be provided in PDF format and they include texts and excerpts from Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Immanuel Kant, Karl Marx and Frederick Engels, Lenin, Max Weber, Carl Schmitt, Walter Benjamin, Hannah Arendt, Antonio Gramsci, Max Weber, Aime Cesaire, Frantz Fanon, Enrique Dussel, Sheldon Wolin, and Jacques Ranciere.
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    25 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    8 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    Other Workload: There will be eight 3-page individual short papers (reaction pieces) based on the readings plus a final group 25-page paper based on the student group presentation. Topics for the presentation will be given in advance.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50920/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 January 2017

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3065 Section 001: Political Engagement Careers: Planning and Preparing For Your Future (69816)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Wed, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 145
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Exploration of careers in public service or political engagement; theories of political engagement; case studies of challenges and opportunities in public service careers; ethics of political engagement; development of resume, cover letter, informational interview, and networking skills; development of individual public service career plan.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3065+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/69816/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3070 Section 001: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Internship (52937)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Interns work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, interns will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rahnx003+POL3070+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52937/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (49261)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Exam Format:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49261/1173
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 March 2015

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (50695)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 155
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mille441+POL3085+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Pol 3085 Quantitative Analysis in Political Science Class Schedule for POL3085 | Bookstore for POL3085 | Section Status for POL3085 | Course Catalog Grading basis/credits: A-F only, 4 credit(s) Description: Political science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. Political scientists increasingly utilize quantitative data to shed light on a variety of diverse topics, such as the relationship between democracy and economic growth, election outcomes in Brazil, and voter turnout in the United States. This course will focus on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to implement these techniques and manage data using computer software. Not only will you learn how to analyze quantitative data, but this course will also enable you to be a more informed consumer of political science research. By the end of the semester, you should be able to: develop testable research questions and hypotheses; understand how to set up an appropriate research design to test your hypotheses; apply the appropriate statistical techniques when using quantitative data to test your hypotheses; and more effectively consume and evaluate political science research and political news that uses quantitative data.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50695/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (51299)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Thu 02:30PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mille441+POL3085+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Pol 3085 Quantitative Analysis in Political Science Class Schedule for POL3085 | Bookstore for POL3085 | Section Status for POL3085 | Course Catalog Grading basis/credits: A-F only, 4 credit(s) Description: Political science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. Political scientists increasingly utilize quantitative data to shed light on a variety of diverse topics, such as the relationship between democracy and economic growth, election outcomes in Brazil, and voter turnout in the United States. This course will focus on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to implement these techniques and manage data using computer software. Not only will you learn how to analyze quantitative data, but this course will also enable you to be a more informed consumer of political science research. By the end of the semester, you should be able to: develop testable research questions and hypotheses; understand how to set up an appropriate research design to test your hypotheses; apply the appropriate statistical techniques when using quantitative data to test your hypotheses; and more effectively consume and evaluate political science research and political news that uses quantitative data.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51299/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (51740)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Thu 01:25PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mille441+POL3085+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Pol 3085 Quantitative Analysis in Political Science Class Schedule for POL3085 | Bookstore for POL3085 | Section Status for POL3085 | Course Catalog Grading basis/credits: A-F only, 4 credit(s) Description: Political science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. Political scientists increasingly utilize quantitative data to shed light on a variety of diverse topics, such as the relationship between democracy and economic growth, election outcomes in Brazil, and voter turnout in the United States. This course will focus on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to implement these techniques and manage data using computer software. Not only will you learn how to analyze quantitative data, but this course will also enable you to be a more informed consumer of political science research. By the end of the semester, you should be able to: develop testable research questions and hypotheses; understand how to set up an appropriate research design to test your hypotheses; apply the appropriate statistical techniques when using quantitative data to test your hypotheses; and more effectively consume and evaluate political science research and political news that uses quantitative data.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51740/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3108H Section 001: Honors Tutorial: Thesis Preparation and Political Science Inquiry (52090)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Wed 01:00PM - 03:25PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 335
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Advance research skills and prepare to write senior thesis. Political science research. Develop thesis topic, test ideas in a structured/collegial setting. prereq: Pol sci major, honors
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3108H+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    In this course, students will improve their research skills in preparation to write their senior theses. Students will enter with a few ideas for topics about which they might like to write their theses. They will leave the class with a clear and tractable research question, a literature review that describes how this question fits in with the existing scholarly literature, and a research design that will enable them to answer the question. Along the way, they will advance their understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct political science research. Students will be graded on the basis of drafts of their annotated bibliography, literature review and research design, a class presentation of the ?front half? of their senior thesis, and class participation including short weekly assignments. Students are expected to keep up with the reading and, most importantly, to begin to conduct their own independent research.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52090/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 November 2014

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3110H Section 001: Honors Thesis Credits (49360)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis. prereq: 3109, pol sci, honors, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3110H+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49360/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3210 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- What Makes Political Community? (68221)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 215
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics in Political Theory, as specified in the Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rbnichol+POL3210+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    This course will consider questions of political community within the context of settler colonization in North America. How did European settlers come to make a 'home' here? How did they conceptualize this process? What were the implications of this for Native Americans, who have their own bodies of thought concerning the relation between home, place, and community? What does this mean for us today? These are some of the issues we will take up in the course through a mixture of writings by legal and political theorists, historians, and anthropologists.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68221/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 October 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (52165)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Democracy based on individual rights. Pluralism. Civic republicanism. Community activism. Dilemmas of democratic government/citizenship in race, class, gender-stratified society.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jctronto+POL3235W+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    We will begin by reading classic historical texts: some of the founding US documents and Tocqueville's Democracy in America. We will then bring the issues raised by these texts to bear on contemporary political questions. For example, we will consider such questions as: how important is "equality" in a democracy? What kinds of changes are needed for contemporary democracy to respond to the needs of today's citizens in the information age? For example, is there enough "public space" for democracy? Should the US Constitution or system of representation be changed? What do movements such as "The Tea Party," "Occupy" or "Black Lives Matter" teach us? Students will read historical and contemporary texts, reflect upon these issues and share their learning to reflect upon the meaning of being a citizen in a democracy.
    Grading:
    33% Final Exam
    60% Reports/Papers
    6% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Students whose work improves over the semester will receive a higher grade than a mere average would indicate
    Exam Format:
    Final will consist of several essays; the questions will be available in advance.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Small Group Activities and class discussion
    Workload:
    80-120 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Students are expected to spend 2 hours outside of class for each hour of class instruction. Please buy the specific editions of assigned texts in book form
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52165/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    31 October 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3251W Section 001: Power, Virtue, and Vice: Ancient and Early Modern Political Theory (52659)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Ancient and early modern political thinking confronts basic questions of political order.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3251W+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52659/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3252W Section 001: Revolution, Democracy, and Empire: Modern Political Thought (67110)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 155
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Thinkers, discourses, events that craft understanding of revolution, democracy, empire. Emergence of democracy/democratic institutions alongside problems of religious zealotry, political hierarchy/exclusion, market economies, cultural marginalization. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3252W+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Early Modern Political Thought - Professor Yves Winter This course introduces students to early modern European political philosophy and political thought from the Renaissance to the 18th century. Early modern political philosophy develops in some of the most turbulent and contentious epochs of European history, in a period shaped by religious warfare, by the demise of the Catholic Church's monopoly on truth and interpretation, by the emergence of the modern state and the capitalist mode of production, by the rise and fall of absolutism, and by the exploration and colonization of the Americas. In this course, we will discuss the crisis of political authority and the disinteration of medieval understandings of solidarity and community. We will study how political theorists and philosophers in Europe responded to this crisis, what proposals they developed to reconstitute political order and to address the fragmentation and factionalization of political and religious communities. The trajectory of this course will take us from the renewed interest in interpretation and reading generated by the Renaissance to the revolutionary demands for popular participation in the 18th century. We will examine the relations between practices of interpretation, claims of political authority, and the problem of sovereignty. Among the authors we will read in this course are Niccolo Machiavelli, Martin Luther, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
    Grading:
    20% Final Exam
    60% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Late papers will be docked one third of a letter grade for every day late, including weekends. Please note that students who do not complete all assignments or otherwise fail to meet these requirements will not receive a passing grade.
    Exam Format:
    Take-home final examination.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-18 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    3 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: Online discussion: Students are required to post at least TWO questions and at least TWO responses to the online discussion forum throughout the semester.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67110/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2013

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3308 Section 001: Congressional Politics and Institutions (67111)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origin/development of U.S. congressional institutions, parties, committees, leaders, lobbying/elections, and relations between Congress/executive branch. Relationship of campaigning/governing, nature of representation, biases of institutional arrangements.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL3308+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67111/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3309 Section 001: Justice in America (67112)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    American judiciary. Selection of judges. How/why these individuals/institutions behave as they do. What influences judicial decisions. What impact decisions have. Why people comply with them. prereq: 1001 or 1002 or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL3309+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to the scientific study of judicial politics. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. This course, unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, does not study legal doctrine; rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system, with an emphasis on the social scientific literature on law and legal process.
    Grading:
    70% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67112/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3310H Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Honors: Religion in American Politics (67113)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 184
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics in American politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rahnx003+POL3310H+Spring2017
    Class Description:

    Despite a constitutional "wall" separating them, religion and politics have always been intertwined in the American political system.
    This course takes a broad, interdisciplinary look at the nature of that intersection and the ways it has shaped both historical and contemporary political issues, from the Revolutionary War to the 2016 presidential election. We will study the major religious traditions in the U.S. and also several minor (in terms of overall numbers of people) religions, focusing on how doctrinal differences and church organization shape patterns of political belief and participation. We ask and answer several kinds of questions, such as: what are the relationships between religious identities and other important identities - race, region, class, and ethnicity - and how does this influence religious practices and political behavior? What influence does church leadership have on the views of congregants? We will also evaluate the thesis of American
    "exceptionalism" with respect to religion.
    Why are Americans more religious than publics in other developed democracies? What consequences has this had for American political development?
    Finally, we will ponder the future of religion in American politics in light of the growing secularism of young adults.



    This course is designed for honors students majoring in political science and honors students from other majors with an interest in religion and politics. There are no prerequisites for the course, but a basic foundation in American government, familiarity with MS-Excel, and comfort with data and data graphics are strongly recommended.

    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67113/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 October 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3317 Section 001: Food Politics: Actors, Arenas, and Agendas (67114)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Course Catalog Description:
    How food is grown, transported, processed, consumed. Examine how various political actors interact in complex policy arena that is food. Explore various resources, arguments, evidence used by participants in food politics. Investigate institutional, cultural, moral rules of engagement that provide structure in which political contenders attempt to advance economic interests/ideological agendas.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rahnx003+POL3317+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Food Fights! Neighbors battle over backyard chicken ordinances, Members of Congress disagree about how to safeguard the food supply, and high school students protest new standards in the Federal School Lunch Program. From New York to California and places in between, food--how it's grown, transported, processed, and consumed--has become a political battleground. Take this course if you want to learn more about the various resources, arguments, evidence, and rules of engagement that structure contemporary food politics. This course satisfies the Social Science Core requirement and is an eligible elective for the public health minor and the Food Studies major.
    Exam Format:
    Reading quizzes, participation in food policy simulation,website development, several in-class assignments, two exams
    Class Format:
    50% discussion, 50% lecture
    Workload:
    75 pages of reading per week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67114/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 October 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (52340)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics and education in the United States. Equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, role of political institutions in making educational policy. Efforts to reform/remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL3319+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
    Grading:
    Essay, short essay
    Class Format:
    55% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52340/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3323 Section 001: Political Tolerance in the United States (67115)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political importance of civil liberties in American society. Tolerance as a political phenomenon. Issues such as free speech, privacy, religion, race, gender.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?lavine+POL3323+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67115/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3327 Section 001: Suburbs, Stadiums, and Scandals: The Politics of American Cities (52349)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 145
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of politics and policy in the contemporary American city; role of local government in a federal system; evolution of cities in the United States; forms and structures of local government; local politics and patterns of power and influence; special topics in Minnesota local politics. prereq: 1001, non-pol sci grad major or equiv or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rphinney+POL3327+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Public policies created at the local level have an enormous impact on your day to day life. In cities and suburbs across the United States, local governments enact policies that keep your neighborhoods safe and your water running. They work to attract the businesses and residents that keep your local economy thriving. How do local governments make such decisions? Are they doing a good job? This course will explore the politics and policies of American cities and suburbs, with a special emphasis on issues specific to Minnesota. We will begin by examining what cities and suburbs actually do. What types of public policies are developed at the local level? What actors are involved in their development? We will then investigate how political decisions are made at the local level. Finally, we will examine how citizens can become involved in local politics, emphasizing opportunities for political engagement across Minnesota.
    Grading:
    50% Midterm exams (2 total)
    30% Final research project
    20% Reading, attendance, and participation
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52349/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 January 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3431 Section 001: Politics of India (68212)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The course introduces students to the politics of India; a non-Western, parliamentary political system that stands out as a bastion of democracy in the developing world, despite underdevelopment & significant ethno-religious divisions. By focusing on India, we offer an understanding of the problems of democratization, underdevelopment, governance & political violence. We examine India's political institutions & challenges confronting the institutions such as socio-economic inequalities, social exclusion, social divisions, ethno-religious & ideological insurgencies, criminalization of politics & rampant corruption. The course enables students to answer important questions: Why did democracy endure in post-colonial India when much of the developing world endured authoritarian regimes? What accounts for the persistence of ethno-religious conflict & violence? What determines a country's approach to socio-economic development? What accounts for India's economic development over the last few decades? How do we explain the existence of political democracy and rampant corruption?
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL3431+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    This course will introduce you to the politics of India - the world's largest democracy (over 800 million voters - 2.5 times the US population), the world's third largest economy (in purchasing power parity), and one of the most ethnically-diverse nations (over 4,500 ethno-cultural groups from all major world religions and speaking more than 750 languages). You will not only learn more about India, a fifth of world's population, but through a focus on India, this course will offer you an understanding of the problems of democratization, underdevelopment, governance and political violence.

    We will learn about India's political institutions as well as challenges confronting these institutions such as widespread socio-economic inequalities, social exclusion, deep-seated societal divisions, ethno-religious and ideological insurgencies, continued criminalization of politics and rampant corruption. The course will enable students to answer such important questions as: Why did democracy endure in post-colonial India when much of the developing world endured authoritarian regimes? How do political institutions and processes interact with socio-cultural factors? What accounts for the persistence of ethno-religious conflict and violence? What factors determine a country's approach to socio-economic development? What accounts for India's rapid economic development over the last couple of decades? How do we explain the co-existence of political democracy with rampant institutional corruption?

    Grading:
    Three In-class assignments: 12%
    Four homework assignments: 28%
    One individual/group research assignment: 15%
    Final paper: 25%
    Class Participation: 20%
    Exam Format:
    No exam
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    25% Film/Video
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    Around 100 pages of readings per week; four homework assignments;
    three in-class assignments, a research assignment and a final paper.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68212/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 December 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3474 Section 001: Russian Politics: From Soviet Empire to Post-Soviet State (68159)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Course Catalog Description:
    Twenty five years ago, Russia appeared to be democratizing and was even on friendly relations with the US and NATO. Now Vladimir Putin runs the state with the FSB (KGB), and US-Russian relations are at their worst point since the 1970s. This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics. It begins with the Russian Revolution of 1917, and continues with a study of the creation of the USSR and Soviet rule under Lenin, Stalin, and later decades. We look in depth at the economic and political system set up by the Communist Party, and at the causes of its collapse in 1991, which has had profound legacies for the post-Soviet development of Russia. Then in the second half of the course we turn to themes of political, economic, social and civic development under Yeltsin and Putin. We will pose the following questions: Why does democratization begin and why does it fail? How is economic reform undermined? What type of state and regime is Russia now? What caused the Chechen wars and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus during this period? Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Are US-Russian relations improving as a result of Obama's "Reset," or are we now in an era of a new Cold War? What is Russia's goal in Syria, Iran, or Central Asia? Is Putin rebuilding Russia, or driving it to disaster, and how will this impact the West?
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL3474+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Twenty five years ago, Russia appeared to be democratizing and was even on friendly relations with the US and NATO. Now Vladimir Putin runs the state with the FSB (KGB), and US-Russian relations are at their worst point since the 1970s. This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics. It begins with the Russian Revolution of 1917, and continues with a study of the creation of the USSR and Soviet rule under Lenin, Stalin, and later decades. We look in depth at the economic and political system set up by the Communist Party, and at the causes of its collapse in 1991, which has had profound legacies for the post-Soviet development of Russia. Then in the second half of the course we turn to themes of political, economic, social and civic development under Yeltsin and Putin. We will pose the following questions: Why does democratization begin and why does it fail? How is economic reform undermined? What type of state and regime is Russia now? What caused the Chechen wars and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus during this period? Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Are US-Russian relations improving as a result of Obama's "Reset," or are we now in an era of a new Cold War? What is Russia's goal in Ukraine, Syria, Iran, or Central Asia? Is Putin rebuilding Russia, or driving it to disaster, and how will this impact the West?
    Grading:
    TBD
    Exam Format:
    Final in class exam
    Class Format:
    Lecture and discussion
    Workload:
    The coursework involves significant reading (about 75-100 pages per week), a research paper, class participation, one final exam, and 4-5 short writing assignments.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68159/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 October 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3475 Section 001: Islamist Politics (67116)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Wed, Fri 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 110
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Islamic faith and its historical relationship to politics. Rise of Islamist politics in the Middle East and North Africa and south central Asia from the 1950s-80s. Failure of many Islamist revolutions. Spread/rebirth of Islam in less traditional areas of the Muslim world. Rise of global jihadists. New jihad being waged in Iraq, implications for Middle East. Possibility of synthesizing Islam and democracy.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL3475+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Course Description: From the bloody battles of ISIS in Iraq and Syria, to the Taliban's campaign in Afghanistan and Pakistan, to mass military arrests of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, Islamist politics is increasingly at the center of political debates and US foreign policy. The relationship between Islam and politics -- both in the "Muslim world" and in "the West" -- is one of the most important political issues of our day. Particularly since 9/11, scholars and policy makers around the world have been debating the compatibility or conflict between "Islam" and "the West", the motives and consequences of U.S. policy in the Middle East, the roots of rising Islamist movements in the 20th century, the causes of terrorism and suicide bombings, and the clash or compatibility of Islam and democracy. This class will address these issues by taking a historical and comparative political approach to the development of Islam (the religion) and Islamism (Islamic political movements) in many areas of the Muslim world. We will begin by discussing the pre-modern relationship between Islam and state. Then we will turn to the twentieth century, and examine the rise of Islamist politics in the Middle East and North Africa (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran) and south central Asia (e.g. Pakistan, Afghanistan). We will study the successes and failures of Islamist revolutions. We will focus on the successful Islamist revolution in Iran, failed Islamist politics in Sudan, and especially the rise of ISIS in Iraq/Syria). Then we will focus on the evolution of the Arab Spring and its implications for both Islamism, Islamic parties, and democracy in that region. In doing so, we will discuss debates about the compatibility of Islam and democracy, and examine cases of democratic success in the Muslim world. We will examine the rebirth of Islam and rise of violence in Muslim Eurasia (Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, and the Caucasus) during the last two to three decades. We will examine the effects of state repression of Islam and religious freedom in those countries. We will also discuss varying ideas about jihad, and the rise of global jihadists and terrorist groups, such as Al Qaeda and ISIS. We will study the implications of militancy and terrorism for establishing stability and democracy in the Muslim world. We will read both diverse Muslim and non-Muslim perspectives on these issues. Understanding these issues is critical to gaining perspective on the troubling state of today's complex global politics, and US foreign policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere. We hope that this course will generate knowledge and understanding, and through that, tolerance and wisdom in dealing with these critical issues.
    Grading:
    Grading will likely be based on class participation, several short papers, and a final research paper (10 pages). Final requirements will be printed on the syllabus in January.
    Class Format:
    lecture and discussion
    Workload:
    75-100 pages of reading per week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67116/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 October 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (67117)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 155
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political processes/problems associated with economic development. Political economy of underdevelopment/development. Problems of state building, development of political institutions.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3477+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in others parts of the world been stuck in a development rut? This course will explore contending answers to these difficult but important questions. We will do so through discussions of different explanations of development and underdevelopment, examining these issues concretely in several countries, and discussing contemporary "hot topics" such as micro-credit, AIDS, and the resource curse. 3 credits.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    The exams will be a combination of essay, multiple choice, and short answer questions. They will focus on topics not covered in the short papers, so collectively the exams and the essays function as four midterms. The final exam is not cumulative.
    Class Format:
    45% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 Exam(s)
    2 4-5 page essays
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67117/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 November 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (51950)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon, Wed, Fri 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3766+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Why do people hold such different political views? How do people change their attitudes in response to current events? In general, how do people understand, discuss, and shape politics? This class introduces you to the interdisciplinary field of political psychology. Drawing on research from social and cognitive psychology, mass communications, and political science, we will begin answering these and other questions about how people interact with politics.

    This class focuses specifically on the mass public. While we will cover topics that are generally applicable to many aspects of political life, we will also use the 2016 Presidential election as an example to apply the theories we learn during lecture. Students do not need to have taken classes in psychology or political science to do well in this class.

    Grading:
    Two short papers, several quizzes, and participation.
    Class Format:
    50% lecture, 50% discussion.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51950/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3785 Section 001: Persuasion and Political Propaganda (52341)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 30
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. Persuasion theories relevant to designing effective political propaganda. Applying theories to analyze WWI/WWII propaganda posters, films, and political campaign commercials. Use of fiction as propaganda tool.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mille441+POL3785+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    This course will provide an introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. We will first define propaganda and discuss the primary theories in persuasion and propaganda that could be applied to designing and analyzing propaganda campaigns. We will then apply these theories to analyze WWI and WWII propaganda posters, propaganda films, and political campaign commercials. This course is intended to be 1/3 or less lecture and 2/3 or more discussion. I intentionally limited the number of students in this class to facilitate class discussion and group exercises.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    20% Reports/Papers
    20% Special Projects
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    short answer/essay
    Class Format:
    30% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    40% Other Style movies
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52341/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3833 Section 001: The United States and the Global Economy (67119)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Domestic and international politics of the United States, foreign economic policy (trade, aid, investment, monetary, and migration policies). Effects of policies and international economic relations on the U.S. economy and U.S. politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL3833+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Globalization has been a defining force driving markets - and, hence, shaping politics - over the past 20 years. Global financial flows and imbalances are implicated in financial crises both recent and past, and the mobility of firms and migrants across international borders has important distributional and regulatory consequences. Yet, the impact of the U.S. on the global economy is not exclusive to purely financial phenomena: conflict and peace, technological innovation, natural resources, and economic development are all affected as rising levels of trade create new "winners" and "losers." This class examines some of the broad themes that characterize globalization with a focus on - but not only on - the U.S. and the ways in which its policy responses shape and are being shaped by globalization.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67119/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 August 2015

    Spring 2017  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (49863)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to theoretical study of international relations. How theoretical perspective shapes one's understandings of structure/practices of global politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ccreamer+POL3835+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    What are the roles of power and justice in international relations? Why do countries go to war?
    Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. Specific topics covered will include: the importance of the modern territorial (or, nation-) state system and the anarchic structure of that system; the pursuit of national interest as power and security; the causes, forms and consequences of wars; the role of international organizations, non-state actors and international law; and the structuring of interests and relations of power and domination around contemporary issues of economic globalization, poverty, environmental change, human migration, and cultural difference.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    30% Two Response Papers
    10% Participation and Attendance
    Exam Format:
    Both exams will be a combination of short answer and essay questions.
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    10% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    45-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 In-Class Exams
    2 Take-Home Papers
    8-14 Pages Writing Per Term
    1-2 Presentation(s) or Small Group Activities
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49863/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 October 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4010 Section 001: Topics in Methods -- Advance Political Data Analysis (68228)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:15AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 35
    Course Catalog Description:
    Advanced undergraduate course is statistical methods for political research. Topics vary as specified in class search. It is recommended students take POL 3085 or equivalent before enrolling in POL 4010.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jlsumner+POL4010+Spring2017 To register for POL 4010, register through the "discussion" section (Section 002) and you will be automatically enrolled into the lecture section.
    Class Description:
    This class teaches students how to use statistical methods to answer a wide variety of questions related to political science. This class picks up where POL 3085 leaves off -- while POL 3085 focuses on research design and covers linear regression (OLS), many of the phenomena we seek to explain in political science are not continuous variables and cannot be tested well using linear regression. Accordingly, this class focuses on how to test theories where the dependent variable is dichotomous (Does civil war break out or not?), ordered categories (How do people feel about free trade? Strongly support? Support? Strongly oppose?), unordered categories (Which party do citizens affiliate with?), counts (How many deaths result in war?), and more. Assignments in the class focus on how to convey statistical results to a wide variety of audiences: ranging from technical reports, to blog posts, to personal communication. Additionally, throughout the course, students will learn and improve their skills in the R statistical software universe. Prior knowledge of R is not required.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68228/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    17 November 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4010 Section 002: Topics in Methods -- Advance Political Data Analysis (68306)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon 12:20PM - 01:10PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 430
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Advanced undergraduate course is statistical methods for political research. Topics vary as specified in class search. It is recommended students take POL 3085 or equivalent before enrolling in POL 4010.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4010+Spring2017 To register for POL 4010, register through the "discussion" section (Section 002) and you will be automatically enrolled into the lecture section.
    Class Description:
    This class teaches students how to use statistical methods to answer a wide variety of questions related to political science. This class picks up where POL 3085 leaves off -- while POL 3085 focuses on research design and covers linear regression (OLS), many of the phenomena we seek to explain in political science are not continuous variables and cannot be tested well using linear regression. Accordingly, this class focuses on how to test theories where the dependent variable is dichotomous (Does civil war break out or not?), ordered categories (How do people feel about free trade? Strongly support? Support? Strongly oppose?), unordered categories (Which party do citizens affiliate with?), counts (How many deaths result in war?), and more. Assignments in the class focus on how to convey statistical results to a wide variety of audiences: ranging from technical reports, to blog posts, to personal communication. Additionally, throughout the course, students will learn and improve their skills in the R statistical software universe. Prior knowledge of R is not required.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68306/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    17 November 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4317 Section 001: Becoming Stupid: Anti-Science in American Politics (67402)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-107
    Course Catalog Description:
    (1) Political attacks on basic science, including climatology & global warming, vaccines, the Big Bang, evolution, human reproduction, sexuality, and much more. (2) Pseudoscience and anti-intellectualism in American political culture. (3) Money, political interests, and propaganda that drive attacks on science.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kelliher+POL4317+Spring2017
    Class Description:

    GLOBAL WARMING IS A LIE. VACCINES DON'T STOP CHILDHOOD DISEASES -- THEY CAUSE THEM. …

    THE BIG BANG NEVER HAPPENED. NOBODY CAN GET PREGNANT FROM BEING RAPED. …

    EVOLUTION IS A FRAUD. … ZIKA VIRUS IS A SECRET WEAPON LAUNCHED BY IMMIGRANTS.

    AND THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT HOMOSEXUALITY IS NOW CURABLE WITH CONVERSION THERAPY.

    Attacks like these on science have become routine in American politics. Some businesses spend heavily to discredit scientists engaged in certain kinds of research. Some politicians join in and advance themselves by undermining the public's trust in climatology, along with important areas of medicine, biology, and astronomy. The result is a national dumbing-down, pressed by legislatures, school boards, and commercial interests. We think of ourselves as a modern educated country. So why is this happening? Why are Americans so attracted to irrationality? Why do we enjoy seeing ourselves as anti-intellectual? And most important, how do some political interests benefit when we actively undermine scientific understandings of reality?
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67402/1173
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/kelliher_POL4317_Spring2017.pdf
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 November 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4403W Section 001: Constitutions, Democracy, and Rights: Comparative Perspectives (67120)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    POL 5403 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of constitutionalism in different countries. Conceptual/normative inquiry between constitutionalism, rule of law, and democracy. Origins/role of constitutions. Relevance of courts with constitutional review powers: U.S., Germany, Japan, Hungary, Russia, South Africa, Nigeria.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4403W+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    From Iraq to India, Spain to South Sudan, Canada to Colombia, fundamental political questions have been debated, and often decided, in recent years in constitutional terms. Meanwhile, here at home, the constitution is invoked at almost every turn to endorse or condemn different policies. Is this obsession with constitutions undermining democracy, or is adhering to constitutional terms the best way to safeguard rights and to achieve successful democracies? This course centers on this question as it moves from debates over how constitutional drafting processes should be structured and how detailed constitutions should be, to the risks and benefits of different institutional structures (federal v. unitary, and the distribution of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary), to which rights (if any) should be constitutionalized and when and why different rights are protected, and closes with a discussion of what rules should guide constitutional amendment, rewrite, and withdrawal (secession). For each topic, we will compare how these issues have been resolved in the U.S. with alternative approaches in other countries. In addition to occasional discussion of examples from the usual suspects in comparative constitutionalism (namely Germany, Canada, and South Africa), the course incorporates material on a wide variety of other countries around the globe. The goal is not only to expose students to the variety of ways, successful or unsuccessful, that other political communities have addressed these issues, but also, and thereby, to gain a more contextualized and clearer understanding of the pros and cons of the U.S. model. This course is writing intensive and, as a 4xxx-level course, offers senior paper credit for Poli Sci majors (though the course is very much open to non-majors). Crafting a written, evidence-based argument that speaks to broader debates about the origins, nature and/or implications of political decisions and outcomes is central to Political Science. To hone this skill, students complete a cumulative writing assignment, starting with a short essay early in the term and revising and enhancing the argument based on what they learn, or how their perspective changes, as the course progresses. The final assignment will be a "research-enhanced" version of the paper. To support this, writing and research tutorials and class activities are integrated into the course every few weeks.
    Grading:
    10% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Some quizzes will be in the form of take-home questions. All quizzes will check for reading/reading comprehension.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    10 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: The paper assignment will be cumulative, such that a first and short version will be due early in the term, and revisions and extensions of the work due at later points, capped with a final, research-enhanced version at the end.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67120/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4410 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Nationalisms and Narrative (67121)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    West Bank Skyway AUDITORIUM
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics of current analytical or policy importance to comparative politics. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sshenhav+POL4410+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67121/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4478W Section 001: Contemporary Politics in Africa and the Colonial Legacy (52665)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 125
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Examines how current politics in mainly, though not exclusively, sub-Saharan Africa have been shaped by the pre-colonial and colonial processes. Reality of independence; recurrent political and economic crises, global context and prospects for effective democracy. prereq: 1054 or 3051 or non-pol sci grad or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4478W+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    What explains the crisis that Africa finds itself in today? What explains "ethnic" tragedies such as Darfur, Somalia or Rwanda? Why has Africa had such difficulty in feeding itself? Why has there been a decline in economic development for the last decade or so? If the "socialist" path to development has proven to be bankrupt then why has the capitalist course also been difficult to realize? Has a genuine revolution unfolded in South Africa and if so what kind? At the end of this course you should be in a position to give informed answers to these and other such questions. This course intends to introduce you to the political systems of sub-Saharan Africa with some attention to North Africa. Among the topics that you will examine are traditional or pre-colonial political systems, the impact of colonial rule, the reaction to colonialism and the rise of nationalism, the politics of economic development in independent Africa, and the liberation of southern Africa. An underlying assumption of the course is that the current crisis in Africa cannot be explained without an understanding of Africa's history--before independence in the 1960s and before colonial rule at the end of the 19th century. Therefore, about half of the course will focus on events leading up to independence. Another basic assumption is that Africa's reality can only be understood within global perspective. How that came to be will also be a focus of the course. Finally, as there are some 50 different countries on the African continent, it would be unrealistic to expect a fourteen-week course to adequately address each political system. Thus, the emphasis will be on themes and issues that affect the majority of countries. There will of course be exceptions to this, particularly in the case of South Africa which will occupy a significant portion of the course.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52665/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 November 2011

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4481 Section 001: Governments and Markets (67122)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Connection between democracy and markets. Experiences of countries in North America and Europe.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL4481+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    This course addresses the question of whether democracy and markets are compatible, whether democratic institutions enhance (undermine) the workings of market institutions and vice versa. Competing theoretical perspectives in the field of political economy are critically evaluated. And the experiences of countries with different forms of democratic market system are studied. Among the topics singled out for in-depth investigation are the economics of voting, politics of money management, political business cycles,and the politics of trade.
    Exam Format:
    3 exams (two mid term exams and a final);
    1 paper, 6-8 pages (4 credit option only)
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67122/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4487 Section 001: The Struggle for Democratization and Citizenship (50918)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 278
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origins of democratic process. Emphasizes how disenfranchised fought to become included. History of democratic movement from its earliest moments to present. Attempts to draw a balance sheet.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4487+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    The setting for this course is the mounting effort on the part of states and a variety of social forces to roll back the historic gains of the world-wide democratic movement--from anti-immigrant campaigns (in both fascist and non-fascist clothing) that would limit citizenship rights to efforts that undermine civil liberties in the guise of combatting terrorisim. This takes place in a larger context in which increasing numbers of citizens feel disempowered and alienated from the state. As democracy and popular participation are central to citizenship the course traces the origins of the democratic process with particular emphasis on how the disenfranchised fought to become included. Both implicitly and explicitly it seeks to understand how that occured in order to see if there are lessons of the past that that might have appllicability for the defense and extension of democratic rights today. To understand it was the disenfranchised who empowered themselves is in itself empowering. An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of citizens is due to social struggles or the threat of such--an assumption to be examined in the course.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    50% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50918/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 October 2011

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4492 Section 001: Law and (In)Justice in Latin America (52666)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    POL 5492 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How law and justice function in contemporary Latin America. Similarities/differences within/between countries and issue areas. Causes behind varied outcomes. Effectiveness of different reform efforts. Transitional justice, judicial review, judicial independence, access to justice, criminal justice (police, courts, and prisons), corruption, non-state alternatives. Issues of class, race/ethnicity, and gender.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4492+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Although democracy is the dominant form of government in Latin America today, most Latin American countries still suffer from a weak rule of law. Across the region, free and fair elections are held on a regular basis and few formal barriers to participation exist, but most countries are still a long way from offering full citizenship rights for all. Even in some of the largest and most economically developed cases, governments are often ineffective at providing basic rights protection, and state officials can abuse their power with impunity. Legal and judicial institutions are often partisan, corrupt, and/or inaccessible, leaving average citizens with no real recourse when their rights are violated. This course will examine, from various angles, how law and justice function in contemporary Latin America, highlighting similarities and differences within and between countries and issue areas. Students will reflect on and debate the causes behind the varied outcomes, as well as the effectiveness, actual and potential, of the different reform efforts that have been underway in the region since the 1980s. Specific topics to be addressed are transitional justice, judicial review, judicial independence, access to justice, criminal justice (including police, courts, and prisons), corruption, and non-state alternatives. Special attention will be paid to issues of race/ethnicity, class, and gender, as well as to what general lessons, if any, can be drawn from analyses of Latin American cases.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    35% Reports/Papers
    10% In-class Presentations
    15% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    15% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52666/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 October 2012

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4502W Section 001: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights (49299)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 255
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Supreme Court's interpretation of Bill of Rights, 14th amendment. Freedom of speech, press, religion; crime/punishment; segregation/desegregation, affirmative action; abortion/privacy.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4502W+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    This course deals with civil liberties in the United States and how the United States Supreme Court decides which rights and liberties get which protections, at which times. Specifically, our focus will be on the First Amendment, and the Right to Privacy. Special emphasis will be placed on how the Supreme Court defines, establishes, and protects these liberties through its interpretation of the Constitution.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Exam -- Hypothetical Questions
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    60% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    40-50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    5 Paper(s)
    25 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49299/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 October 2012

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4773W Section 001: Advocacy Organizations, Social Movements, and the Politics of Identity (68213)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Advocacy organizations/social movements as agents of democratic representation/political change in American politics/policy-making. Organizations/movements that represent racial/ethnic minorities, women, religious conservatives, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people, low-income people.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mdminta+POL4773W+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68213/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4810 Section 001: Topics in International Politics and Foreign Policy -- Technology and War (67123)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of selected issues in contemporary international relations. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?msbell+POL4810+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    How does technology affect the way in which states fight wars and the way in which international politics work? From the invention of the chariot to gunpowder, from the machine gun to nuclear weapons, and from the aircraft carrier to drones, technological developments have been used by mankind to fight wars and engage in international conflict. This class will examine theories that explain why different technologies have different effects on international politics and war; look through history to understand the ways in which different technologies have affected international politics, and examine the potential impact that a range of current and future technological developments including drones, cyberwar, autonomous weapons (i.e., "killer robots"), and 3D printing might have.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67123/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 October 2016

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4885W Section 001: International Conflict and Security (67124)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    An examination of alternative theories of the sources of militarized international conflict. Apply these theories to one or more past conflicts and discuss their relevance to the present.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL4885W+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    With the end of the Cold War, many foresaw the birth of a new world order. Military strategy, strategic bombing and coercive diplomacy, deterrence and compellence, signaling and the escalatory ladder--these concepts, staples of Cold War thinking, were believed to be outmoded and to have little relevance to the emerging world. The events of the past two decades have shown how wrong this conclusion was. Military force is as pertinent to international politics as ever. Unable to reap the peace dividend that was expected to accompany the end of the Cold War, the United States has since 1989 repeatedly deployed its military forces across the globe--from Kuwait to Somalia to Bosnia and Kosovo to Afghanistan and Iraq. These operations have sometimes ended in apparent success, other times in failure. This course explores central issues regarding the use of military force in international politics. Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? Under what conditions is the use of force ethical, and when does it exceed those bounds? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? What is the future of military force in global politics? Through theoretical readings, concrete historical cases, and contemporary policy debates, this course examines these questions and others.
    Exam Format:
    No exam. Occasional online quizzes. Final research paper, completed in multiple stages. Weekly reading questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 pages of reading per week; 15-20 pages of writing per term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67124/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4887 Section 001: Thinking Strategically in International Politics (52670)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Survey of applications of game theory to international politics; conflict and cooperation, global environmental commons, deterrence and reputation.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL4887+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    This course surveys current theories of international relations, and introduces students to elementary game theory. Major topics include the causes of war, the conditions for international cooperation, and the role of international institutions. By the end of the semester, students will be expected to: 1. Understand the relevant international relations literature; 2. Understand simple game-theortic techniques; 3. Critically analyze theories of international politics; and 4. Understand the general scientific method of theory building and empirical testing. Possible textbooks: Kenneth N. Waltz. 1954. Man, the State, and War; Waltz, Kenneth N. Theory of International Politics; Bruce Bueno de Mesquita, 2000. Principles of International Politics.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam
    10% Class Participation
    20% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: homework
    Exam Format:
    Multiple choice, essay, and short answer are all possible.
    Class Format:
    Lectures and discussions after each homework is graded.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    5 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 3 game theory homework assignments
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52670/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4900V Section 001: Honors: Senior Paper (50203)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Honors, pol sr, instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900V+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Honors Thesis course for political science majors completing the cum laude or magna cum laude honors this track.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50203/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4900W Section 001: Senior Paper (49955)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Pol sr, instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900W+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Generally used for off-campus students needing to complete a political science senior project. All other on-campus students should take a 4xxx level political science course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49955/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Spring 2017  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (49969)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Spring2017
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49969/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Spring 2017  |  POL 5403 Section 001: Constitutions, Democracy, and Rights: Comparative Perspectives (67125)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    POL 4403W Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of constitutionalism in different countries. Conceptual/normative inquiry between constitutionalism, rule of law, and democracy. Origins/role of constitutions. Relevance of courts with constitutional review powers: U.S., Germany, Japan, Hungary, Russia, South Africa, Nigeria.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67125/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 5492 Section 001: Law and (In)Justice in Latin America (68223)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    POL 4492 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How law and justice function in contemporary Latin America. Similarities/differences within/between countries and issue areas. Causes behind varied outcomes. Effectiveness of different reform efforts. Transitional justice, judicial review, judicial independence, access to justice, criminal justice (police, courts, and prisons), corruption, non-state alternatives. Issues of class, race/ethnicity, and gender.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68223/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (53170)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53170/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (51732)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Wed 11:45AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    Topics title: Comparative Political Studies Journal Seminar
    Class Description:
    Students will meet to discuss and evaluate submissions to Comparative Political Studies. Students will learn best practices for doing peer-reviews of journal submissions, and will learn presentation skills.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51732/1173
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8060 Section 002: Research Proseminar in Political Science (68222)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Mon 05:20PM - 07:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    Topics title: Comparative and Case Study Methods
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68222/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8104 Section 001: Professional Development I (52789)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    First Half of Term
     
    01/17/2017 - 03/06/2017
    Mon 12:30PM - 02:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The objectives of this course are as follows: (1) to provide students with professional advice that will help them move with dispatch through the graduate program; (2) to learn the formal and informal norms of the discipline; and (3) to help them prepare to do independent research and dissertation research. prereq: 1st year Pol graduate student
    Class Notes:
    7-week course (1st-half of semester)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52789/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8107 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science II (52018)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue 10:00AM - 12:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Multiple linear regression model applied to political science data. How to use regression techniques to analyze data, interpret statistical results, and summarize/report the findings. Estimation of model. Underlying assumptions. Inference. Model diagnostics. Extensions of model. prereq: Political science grad major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52018/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8160 Section 001: Topics in Models and Methods (67127)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Thu 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Topics title: Game Theory II
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67127/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8160 Section 002: Topics in Models and Methods (67128)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Fri 11:00AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 20
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Topics title: Event History Analysis ITV course Instructor: Professor Janet Box-Steffensmeier Class meets: 1/20; 1/27; 2/3; 2/17; 2/24; 3/17; 3/24
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67128/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8160 Section 003: Topics in Models and Methods (67129)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Wed 01:30PM - 03:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 20
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Topics title: Bayesian Analysis ITV course Instructor: Professor Alexander Tahk Class meets: 1/18; 1/25; 2/8; 2/15; 3/1; 3/8; 3/29; 4/5; 4/19; 4/26
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67129/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8251 Section 001: Ancient and Medieval Political Thought (67130)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics and ethics in Greece, Rome, Christendom: Thucydides, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Marsilius. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67130/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8308 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology II (49300)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    PSY 8212 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Fri 11:30AM - 01:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49300/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8311 Section 001: Political Psychology and Socialization (67131)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Wed 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to political psychology. Personality and politics; political cognition, emotion, and political behavior; political expertise; media and politics; aggression, authoritarianism, and political behavior; altruism and politics. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67131/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8312 Section 001: Legislative Process (67132)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to study of legislative politics; theories of legislative institutions and individual behavior; congressional elections; congressional committees, parties, and leaders. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67132/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8402 Section 001: International Security (67133)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Thu 11:15AM - 01:10PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to contending theories of international conflict/security. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67133/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (50016)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and director of graduate studies consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50016/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8460 Section 001: Topics in International Relations (67134)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Wed 05:35PM - 07:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in advanced topics or problems. Recent topics: global environmental issues, morality in world politics, and norms and institutions in world politics.
    Class Notes:
    Topics title: International Law and Regulation
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67134/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Comparative Political Economy of Development (68214)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    Tue 05:35PM - 07:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68214/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (50041)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50041/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (50094)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50094/1173

    Spring 2017  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (49349)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/17/2017 - 05/05/2017
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49349/1173

    Fall 2016  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (15840)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL1001+Fall2016
    Class Description:

    Why doesn't Congress seem to work? Why do Americans love democracy, but hate politics? Why are there only two political parties, and why do they seem to despise each other so much? This course will introduce students to politics in the United States, addressing these and many more questions about how the American political system really works. We will begin with the founding principles and historical development of the American system of government and then move on to examine the contemporary structure and function of American political institutions and the role that average citizens play in the political process. Students will exit the class with a better understanding of how the American political system succeeds or fails at living up to our ideals and what we can do about it.

    Who Should Take This Class?:
    See http://z.umn.edu/pol1001myers for past syllabus.
    Grading:
    Grades will be based on three elements. Short quizzes at the beginning of each class will evaluate students' comprehension of key concepts from readings and lecture (40%), three long quizzes over the course of the semester will evaluate students' ability to apply these concepts to new situations and problems (40%), and a final paper will evaluate students' ability to use these concepts to advance and defend an argument (20%).
    Exam Format:
    All short quizzes will be multiple choice and closed book. All long quizzes will be short answer/essay and open book.
    Class Format:
    Class is lecture based, but "lecture" will be broken up by short writing exercises, small group discussion, and other exercises that will ask you to apply the concepts you are learning in real time. While these will not be graded, engaging fully with them will make the subsequent quizzes and essays much, much easier.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/15840/1169
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2016.docx
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2018.docx (Fall 2018)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2017.docx (Fall 2017)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 February 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 1001 Section 002: American Democracy in a Changing World (16077)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL1001+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? Through an examination of the roles of American political institutions and the behavior of American citizens, we will be able to critically reflect on issues such as political and economic inequality in the U.S., the role of American political and economic power in the world, and the possibility for an American public policy that lives up to the ideals of the founders. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them.
    Grading:
    50% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16077/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 November 2012

    Fall 2016  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (14321)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
    Class Notes:
    Instructor: Professor Asli Calkivik http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL1025+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14321/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Puzzles in World Politics (14306)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political life. Repression, democracy, rights, corruption, gender, political change. Guest lectures by political science professors.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL1054+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    This course provides an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. We seek to understand how people establish a durable and legitimate political system, and how they seek to benefit from, transform or even overthrow that system. Over the course of the semester we will explore the following questions: 1) How and why do societies establish political order? 2) What is democracy and how is it different from dictatorship? 3) What factors cause democracy to emerge? 4) What are the different kinds of dictatorships? 5) When, where and why does ethnicity impact politics? 6) What is nationalism? 7) How does religion drive conflict in the contemporary world? 8) What is the impact of women in politics around the world? 9) What causes civil wars? 10) Why are some countries rich and some poor? 11) Why do some countries tax and spend quite a lot, while others have lower tax rates and lower levels of redistribution?
    Exam Format:
    30% Reports/Papers
    50% Written Homework
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: There is one five-page paper, and up to 10 short assignments. A draft of the 5-page paper is required; students will receive feedback before turning in the final version.
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    10 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14306/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 April 2015

    Fall 2016  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (14279)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL1201+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    This course examines different models of political rule. What models of politics, throughout history, have structure those relations of rulers and ruled? How does each model for rule try to grapple with questions of inequality, power and domination, justice and equality? To answer these questions, we will range across the globe (looking at examples that bear on contemporary politics both in the US and elsewhere), and also across history.
    Grading:
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Journal
    30% Reflection Papers
    Exam Format:
    Multiple Choice, Fill-in-the blank, short-answer
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    5 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 3 of the papers will be 1-2 page micro-papers; the others will be 4-5 pages each
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14279/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    18 March 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 1201 Section 002: Political Ideas and Ideologies (14994)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rbnichol+POL1201+Fall2016
    Class Description:

    Aristotle once called human beings "political animals,"meaning that, unlike gods or the other animals, we naturally create institutions to govern ourselves. What those institutions should look like, what values they should embody, and who should be in charge prove to be difficult questions that Aristotle leaves for us. Building on Aristotle's definition, this course offers an introduction to political theory, a sub-discipline of political science. By exploring some of the core issues and concepts of political theory, students will grapple with a number of "big questions" about politics in history and in the present: Why and how does politics matter in our everyday lives beyond the voting booth? On what basis is political authority seen as legitimate? How should we understand and embody political values like justice and equality in our own lives? What is the role of economics (capitalism, socialism, etc.) and economic inequality in the creation of political order? What should we think of the use of violence or non-violence in contemporary politics and protests? To explore these "big questions," we will relate historical readings to contemporary "hot-button" issues here in the Twin Cities, the US, and the globe.


    Grading:
    Quizzes and Participation, 20%, 9-10 pages total writing, 55%, Exams, 25%
    Exam Format:
    Multiple Choice, Fill-in-the blank, short-answer
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    9-10 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14994/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    18 March 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 1903 Section 001: Freshman Seminar -- Discussion and Deliberation in the 2016 Election (36038)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Freshman Seminar
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 115
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics specified in Class Schedule. prereq: Fr or no more than 30 cr
    Class Notes:
    Topics title: Discussion and Deliberation in the 2016 Election
    Class Description:
    What if the most important part of democracy isn't voting, but talking before the vote is taken? That's the claim of deliberative theories of democracy, which argue that political decisions are only legitimate if they are preceded by a fair deliberation among those affected. But what kind of talk is good for democracy? And are average citizens capable of productive conversation, especially in this age of political polarization? We'll explore these questions through a range of academic research from political science, psychology and communications. But we won't just seek answers from academic sources--we'll take a hands-on approach by hosting the 2016 Minnesota Election Forum, a deliberative public forum where average citizens will discuss the presidential election. Planning and hosting the forum will be the centerpiece of the course, alongside reading and discussing academic papers, we will plan how to host a productive conversation between and among ordinary citizens. We'll put everything we've learned into action the weekend before the election, when we'll help a diverse group of voters have a different kind of conversation about the Presidential Election.
    Grading:
    Class/forum participation 20%
    Brief memos 60%
    Final essay 20%
    Exam Format:
    No exams
    Class Format:
    100% discussion
    Workload:
    Students will read approximately 50 pages per week and write brief response memos. Students will also assist with planning and conducting the 2016 Minnesota Election Forum. Students MUST take part in the forum on Saturday, October 28th. Students will complete a 10-page final paper advancing an original argument about deliberation drawing on the experience and data generated by the election forum.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/36038/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 August 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 1905 Section 001: Freshman Seminar -- College, Sex, and Society (33845)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Freshman Seminar
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue 02:30PM - 05:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 260
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kelliher+POL1905+Fall2016
    Class Description:

    At the U this fall, you'll suddenly find yourself at the center of national debates about sex.
    There are no limits: love, consent, promiscuity, transgender, commitment, roofies, LGBTQ, abstinence, fraternities, disability sex, and polyamory - everything sexual gets discussed. But you and your freshman classmates are different from your predecessors. You are better informed and worse informed than students before you. After all, yours is the first generation with anything resembling comprehensive sex education, but you are also the first with access to internet porn beginning in childhood. The mix of distortions and truths you've absorbed by now is breathtaking.
    This course is the antidote: it introduces you to sexual reality in the United States. What do we actually know about sexual behavior in American society today? What falsehoods are reinforced by our popular culture and our politicians? How does it all affect college students? To untangle the puzzles of contemporary sexual life, you will learn real skills in social science research methods. And you will be amazed at what you find in the data.

    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33845/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    17 May 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 1905 Section 003: Freshman Seminar -- The U.S. Role in the World (33847)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Freshman Seminar
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 335
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL1905+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33847/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3070 Section 001: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Internship (18609)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Interns work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, interns will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rahnx003+POL3070+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18609/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (14278)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Exam Format:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14278/1169
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 March 2015

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3085H Section 001: Honors Course: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (33834)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 20
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques/how one tests a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up a research question in political science, proper research design, and basic techniques of data analysis. prereq: Honors student
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3085H+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Political science 3085H is a four credit upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. The objective in this class is to provide an introduction to the tools to interpret political phenomena from a systematic and analytical perspective. In this course, we will consider issues of research design and hypothesis formulation, study basic statistical techniques, and learn how to implement these methods and manage data with computer software. Students will learn the fundamentals of statistics as well as their application in political science. In the abstract, students will learn the reasoning behind the various methods of statistical inquiry considered in the course. In the assignments and the paper, students will apply these methods to develop and answer questions in political science.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33834/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3085H Section 002: Honors Course: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (33835)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Laboratory
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Thu 02:30PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques/how one tests a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up a research question in political science, proper research design, and basic techniques of data analysis. prereq: Honors student
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3085H+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Political science 3085H is a four credit upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. The objective in this class is to provide an introduction to the tools to interpret political phenomena from a systematic and analytical perspective. In this course, we will consider issues of research design and hypothesis formulation, study basic statistical techniques, and learn how to implement these methods and manage data with computer software. Students will learn the fundamentals of statistics as well as their application in political science. In the abstract, students will learn the reasoning behind the various methods of statistical inquiry considered in the course. In the assignments and the paper, students will apply these methods to develop and answer questions in political science.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33835/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3110H Section 001: Honors Thesis Credits (14385)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis. prereq: 3109, pol sci, honors, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3110H+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14385/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3225 Section 001: American Political Thought (17383)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Mon, Wed, Fri 09:05AM - 09:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Puritans, American Revolution, Constitution, pro- and anti-slavery arguments, civil war/reconstruction, industrialism, westward expansion, Native Americans, immigration, populism, socialism, social Darwinism, women's suffrage, red scares, Great Depression, free speech, pluralism, multiculturalism. prereq: Suggested prerequisite POL 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?stone571+POL3225+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17383/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (33848)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Democracy based on individual rights. Pluralism. Civic republicanism. Community activism. Dilemmas of democratic government/citizenship in race, class, gender-stratified society.
    Class Notes:
    Instructor: http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3235W+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Democracy seems simple. It is rule by the people. It is good, and we want more of it, at home and abroad. But is it really that simple?
    Contemporary movements from the Occupy Movement, to the Tea Party, to Black Lives Matter all raise questions about what democracy means. What does rule by the people mean in today's transforming world, a world that is more interconnected but segregated, a world that is continually transformed by technology, and a world wrestling with developments in multiculturalism. This class will tackle these and more questions by drawing on modern and contemporary political theory to wrestle with real contemporary problems. Together, both in our individual work, our discussion, and our writing, we will grapple with this seemingly simple concept of democracy to see how we can understand it in the messy modern world.
    Workload:
    20-40 pages of reading per class
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33848/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    31 March 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (17747)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics and education in the United States. Equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, role of political institutions in making educational policy. Efforts to reform/remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL3319+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
    Grading:
    Essay, short essay
    Class Format:
    55% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17747/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3325 Section 001: U.S. Campaigns and Elections (33850)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 270
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Presidential/congressional campaigns/elections in the United States. How political scientists study electoral politics. Theoretical generalizations about candidates, voters, parties, and the media. Ways electoral context and "rules of the game" matter.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL3325+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    This course examines presidential and congressional campaigns and elections in the United States. We will explore how political scientists study and understand electoral politics. What theoretical generalizations can we make about candidates, voters, parties, and the media? In what ways do the electoral context and the "rules of the game" matter? The 2012 elections promise to be exciting for many reasons. Students will monitor the presidential campaigns and some congressional campaigns to asses how theory and practice converge in 2012. Students will write a series of short papers analyzing specific elements of major campaigns and a research paper of around ten pages that addresses one of the themes of the course.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33850/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2014

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3325 Section 002: U.S. Campaigns and Elections (33851)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 255
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Presidential/congressional campaigns/elections in the United States. How political scientists study electoral politics. Theoretical generalizations about candidates, voters, parties, and the media. Ways electoral context and "rules of the game" matter.
    Class Notes:
    Instructor: http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3325+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of American democracy. Yet, these days elections seem to polarize rather than unite people, pitting Democrats against Republicans, liberals against conservatives. Important campaign issues such as health care, jobs, and the role of government but also moral issues such as gay marriage and abortion divide candidates and the public. In addition, campaign rhetoric has become increasingly negative and every day we read about candidates attacking each other. Given all this, are elections good for democracy? Who dares to run for office in this political climate? How do candidates try to convince people to vote for them? And do citizens still participate in elections or are they turned away by the negativity and divisiveness? We will discuss these and many more questions during the semester. Since we will be in the midst of a congressional election season, we will have plenty of real-life examples that we can use to confirm or challenge theories developed by political scientists. Moreover, you will become an election expert yourself by closely following a congressional election of your choice.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33851/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2014

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3410 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Politics of Disruption: Violence & Alternatives (33852)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Wed, Fri 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 35
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics of current analytical or policy importance to comparative politics. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL3410+Fall2016
    Class Description:

    Political struggles aimed at undermining the existing political order have been a pervasive feature of global politics. Modern states have constantly been sites of relentless challenges from their citizenry, which sometimes take the form of non-violent action while on other occasions manifest in terrorism and violence. This course introduces students to the politics of disruption - violent and non-violent struggles targeted at bringing about political change. Can non-violent resistance succeed against a coercive state? Why do individuals and groups participate in high-risk political struggles?

    What explains patterns of violence in civil conflicts? What are the effects of violence? What facilitates peace? This course will enable you to answer these questions. The course will begin with an examination of alternatives to political violence. The focus will be on India's non-violent struggle for independence from the British rule under the leadership of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the civil rights movement in the United States led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa with Dr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela in the lead. We will compare and contrast the approaches of Gandhi, King and Mandela -- three iconic figures of the last century. We will also spend time discussing the so-called `infrapolitics'; -- a term coined by James Scott to denote all expressions of resistance that are not easily noticeable, but nonetheless constitute expressions of defiance in the struggle of the subordinate against the dominant. Students will be familiarized with definitional, conceptual and practical distinctions between various forms and manifestations of violent and non-violent struggles. To facilitate a better understanding, we will study a carefully-selected list of cases in-depth during the course of the semester. Our discussion on political violence will be structured around four broad themes, which are:

    a. Causes underlying violence;

    b. Dynamics of conflict -- focusing on such questions as who participates in violent activities, how violence and violent actors are organized, and what can we learn from the pattern of violence;

    c. Consequences of violence, both short-term and long-term; and

    d. Prevention and termination of violence.


    Grading:

    1. Class Participation: 20%
    2. Six Short Responses (100-400 words or 0.5-1 page): 30%
    a. In-class (Three)
    b. Homework (Three)
    3. Two Research Assignments: 30%
    a. Group Research Assignment: 15%
    b. Individual/Group Research Assignment: 15%
    4. Final Paper: 20%


    Exam Format:
    No midterm or final exam!
    Class Format:
    The class time will be apportioned between lectures (50percent), multimedia presentations (30 percent) and discussions (20 percent), both individual and group-based. The multimedia presentations will incorporate movies, documentaries, media reports, speeches, memoirs, etc.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33852/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 May 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3410 Section 002: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Conflict, Compromise & Israeli Politics (33853)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics of current analytical or policy importance to comparative politics. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Instructor: Professor Shaul Shenhav http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3410+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33853/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3451W Section 001: Politics and Society in the New Europe (33859)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-104
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Changing politics/society of Europe. Generational change/values, political parties, welfare state, future of European integration, political stability, democratization.
    Class Notes:
    Instructor: http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3451W+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    This course examines the establishment, institutions and functions of the European Union, with an overview of the political processes in European countries and the European Union. Students will examine the history behind the EU's construction, theories of European integration, the EU's institutions and policy competencies, reoccurring problems with democratic representation in the EU, and the EU's political and economic influence over candidate countries via requirements for entry. The class will also discuss the creation of the European Monetary Union and the Euro currency, and challenges it faced during the sovereign debt crisis. Finally, we will address challenges of migration, integration and the rise of nationalist parties across Europe.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    20% Research Paper
    20% Attendance
    20% Short Reflection Papers
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    5 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33859/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    31 May 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3474 Section 001: Russian Politics: From Soviet to Post-Soviet Regimes (33855)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 155
    Course Catalog Description:
    A study of the domestic politics of the Soviet Union. Overview of communism's roots and foundations. Study of the post-Soviet transition in Russia while comparing and contrasting the different republics. Finally, a focus on religious and ethnic conflict within Russia today.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL3474+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Twenty five years ago, Russia appeared to be democratizing and was even on friendly relations with the US and NATO. Now Vladimir Putin runs the state with the FSB (KGB), and US-Russian relations are at their worst point since the 1970s. This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics. It begins with the Russian Revolution of 1917, and continues with a study of the creation of the USSR and Soviet rule under Lenin, Stalin, and later decades. We look in depth at the economic and political system set up by the Communist Party, and at the causes of its collapse in 1991, which has had profound legacies for the post-Soviet development of Russia. Then in the second half of the course we turn to themes of political, economic, social and civic development under Yeltsin and Putin. We will pose the following questions: Why does democratization begin and why does it fail? How is economic reform undermined? What type of state and regime is Russia now? What caused the Chechen wars and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus during this period? Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Are US-Russian relations improving as a result of Obama's "Reset," or are we now in an era of a new Cold War? What is Russia's goal in Syria, Iran, or Central Asia? Is Putin rebuilding Russia, or driving it to disaster, and how will this impact the West?
    Grading:
    TBD
    Exam Format:
    Final in class exam
    Class Format:
    Lecture, discussion; depends on class size
    Workload:
    The coursework involves significant reading (about 75-100 pages per week), a research paper, class participation, one final exam, and several short writing assignments.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33855/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 August 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3489W Section 001: Citizens, Consumers, and Corporations (16168)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 145
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How ordinary people can act collectively to hold corporations accountable for effects their activities have on communities/nations. Mobilizing as citizens through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through court system. Mobilizing as consumers through purchasing decisions.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3489W+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Corporations are among the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a variety of goods, and have massive effects on the ecological and social environments in which they do business. How do ordinary people act in order to hold corporations accountable for the effects that their activities have on communities and individuals? This course focuses on two ways that people have mobilized to counter corporate power--as citizens and as consumers. When people mobilize as citizens, they put pressure on corporations through the political system--e.g. through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through the courts. When people mobilize as consumers, they use the power of their purchasing decisions to encourage corporations to change their behavior. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of corporate social responsibility/sweatshops, the industrial food system in the US, and the privatization of life (e.g. genes), water, and war.
    Grading:
    25% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    25% Class Participation Other Grading Information: The writing assignments comprise 75% of the final grade, and participation/online quizzes (completed before class) are 25% of the final grade.
    Exam Format:
    The final exam will be an essay exam.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    ~20 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    2 Homework Assignment(s)
    7 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: Evaluation: several short writing assignments (no longer than 5 pages each) based on course readings--cumulatively approx. 20 pages, including one rewrite and the in-class final exam.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16168/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 April 2014

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3701 Section 001: American Indian Tribal Governments and Politics (34074)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    AMIN 3501 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Wed 02:30PM - 05:00PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Folwell Hall 6
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    History, development, structure, politics of American Indian Governments. North American indigenous societies from pre-colonial times to present. Evolution of aboriginal governments confronted/affected by colonizing forces of European/Euro-American states. Bearing of dual citizenship on nature/powers of tribal governments in relation to states and federal government.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3701+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    This course examines the origins, status, structures, and powers of American Indian governments and the distinctive politics associated with these First Nations who constitute the third set of sovereign governments in the U.S. whose existence long predates the federal and state governments. This course fulfills CLE requirements of Social Science core and Citizenship and Public Ethics themes.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    20% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: weekly questions based on readings
    Exam Format:
    long essays
    Class Format:
    25% Lecture
    75% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-150 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-25 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34074/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3739 Section 001: Politics of Race, Class, and Ethnicity (14319)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Course Catalog Description:
    How race/ethnicity/class interact in political process. Political conflict through comparative analysis of United States, South Africa, Brazil.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL3739+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    What similarities are there, if any, between the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, South Africa, Northern Ireland, Rwanda, and Palestine/Israel? Why does racial and ethnic conflict persist in so many regions of the world? To what extent does racial conflict in th U.S. reflect the increasing disparities in wealth? How is racial/ethnic oppression similar and different from sexual oppression? These are some of the questions that this course will address and attempt to answer. This will be done primarily through a comparative analysis of racial/ethnic/class conflict in the U.S., South Africa, and Cuba with particular attention on the experiences of Blacks in the three countries.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    50% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14319/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3752 Section 001: Chicana/o Politics (17567)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    CHIC 3852 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 335
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of Chicana/o politics through analysis of Mexican American experience, social agency. Response to larger political systems/behaviors using social science methods of inquiry. Unequal power relations, social justice, political economy.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3752+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17567/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (16728)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 5
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?lavine+POL3766+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    This course examines the influence of human nature on political decision making among members of the mass public, asking questions about how human thought processes, emotions, and personality influence political judgments. Political theorists have long disagreed over basic human nature and have advanced different solutions to political governance as a consequence, ranging from participatory democracy to authoritarian regimes. In this course, we carefully consider how well we, as humans, are equipped to deal with different forms of political governance, especially democracy. We examine different aspects of human psychology, including personality, motivation, values, information processing, emotion and intergroup behavior, as well as proximal and distal biological processes (e.g., physiology, genetics, evolution), and consider their influence on political decision making. Readings are drawn from psychology and political science. No prior in-depth knowledge of either psychology or political science is needed to succeed in the course. It would help to have a general interest in politics, however. The course begins with an introductory reading in political psychology, designed to provide an overview of the field. We will then begin a section of the course on obedience to authority, which examines the power of social context and perceptions of legitimate authority in altering social and political behavior. We then consider the impact of group life on political preferences. To what extent do political preferences spring from our membership in groups and our views of other groups in society (including nations)? We will consider the impact of in-group attachments (to one's race, gender or nation), followed by a consideration of how animosity towards outsiders can escalate into prejudice, or even genocide.
    Grading:
    Two short papers, several quizzes, and participation.
    Class Format:
    50% lecture, 50% discussion.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16728/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3769 Section 001: Public Opinion and Voting Behavior (33856)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Major factors influencing electoral decisions/political attitude formation/change.
    Class Notes:
    Instructor: http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3769+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Public opinion is one of the most important things in a democracy - or at least that's what we're told. In this course, we will learn more about what public opinion is, how it varies between individuals and groups, and how public opinion is followed (or manipulated) by elites. Using examples from the 2012 and 2016 Presidential elections, students will learn major theories of public opinion and voting behavior in political science, and how to apply them to real world events.
    Grading:
    Three exams, two papers, and participation.
    Class Format:
    50% lecture, 50% discussion.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33856/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    16 August 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3810 Section 001: Topics in International Relations and Foreign Policy -- International Law (33857)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of selected issues in contemporary international relations. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3810+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33857/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3833 Section 001: The United States and the Global Economy (17748)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Domestic and international politics of the United States, foreign economic policy (trade, aid, investment, monetary, and migration policies). Effects of policies and international economic relations on the U.S. economy and U.S. politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL3833+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Globalization has been a defining force driving markets - and, hence, shaping politics - over the past 20 years. Global financial flows and imbalances are implicated in financial crises both recent and past, and the mobility of firms and migrants across international borders has important distributional and regulatory consequences. Yet, the impact of the U.S. on the global economy is not exclusive to purely financial phenomena: conflict and peace, technological innovation, natural resources, and economic development are all affected as rising levels of trade create new "winners" and "losers." This class examines some of the broad themes that characterize globalization with a focus on - but not only on - the U.S. and the ways in which its policy responses shape and are being shaped by globalization.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17748/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 August 2015

    Fall 2016  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (14277)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to theoretical study of international relations. How theoretical perspective shapes one's understandings of structure/practices of global politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3835+Fall2016 Instructor: Professor Cosette Creamer
    Class Description:
    What are the roles of power and justice in international relations? Why do countries go to war?
    Are individuals, organizations, and states driven by their interests or their ideas? Do international laws and transnational advocacy groups matter in a world dominated by powerful states? Whose interests are served by a globalizing world economy? This course provides the conceptual and theoretical means for analyzing these issues, processes, and events in international politics. By the end of this class, you will be able to understand the assumptions, the logics, and the implications of major theories and concepts of international relations. Specific topics covered will include: the importance of the modern territorial (or, nation-) state system and the anarchic structure of that system; the pursuit of national interest as power and security; the causes, forms and consequences of wars; the role of international organizations, non-state actors and international law; and the structuring of interests and relations of power and domination around contemporary issues of economic globalization, poverty, environmental change, human migration, and cultural difference.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    30% Two Response Papers
    10% Starting Lineup Discussion
    Exam Format:
    Both exams will be a combination of short answer and essay questions.
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    10% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    45-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 In-Class Exams
    2 Take-Home Papers
    8-14 Pages Writing Per Term
    1-2 Presentation(s) or Small Group Activities
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14277/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 February 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 4210 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- Imperialism & Modern Political Thought (33858)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 20
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics in political theory, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rbnichol+POL4210+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    How has political theory been shaped by imperialism? We will investigate this question through a study of such key thinkers as Kant, Mill, Marx, Lenin, Césaire, Fanon, and Gandhi, reading them through the lens of empire. Our goal is to analyze how such thinkers reflected upon, problematized and, at times, justified European and/or American imperialism. We will look at their explicit reflections on empire, as well as more tangential or ostensibly separate themes that may have only been shaped by the imperial context in indirect ways. Finally, we will reflect upon our contemporary location as readers and agents situated in the wake of these political and intellectual developments, analyzed through the question of what it means to engage in anti-colonial, decolonial, and/or postcolonial critique. This course will combine lectures by the professor with student-led seminar discussion.
    Grading:
    A set of short to medium length essays, plus class participation.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33858/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    12 February 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 4463 Section 001: The Cuban Revolution Through the Words of Cuban Revolutionaries (18236)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 30
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Cuban Revolution. Leadership/strategy. Perspectives of Cubans/leaders. prereq: 1025 or 1054 or equiv
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4463+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    The history of socialist revolutions over the course of a century or more reveals that what occurred in Cuba has proven to have more lasting power. In spite of all the challenges it continues to face, what explains why the Cuban Revolution is still in place after four decades? This is the central research question of the course. A definitive answer would require a thorough examination of the revolution from its initiation until today, which is beyond what can be done in a semester or its equivalent. The focus, rather, will be more limited. First, how was the revolution made and consolidated, from 1953 until about 1969. Second, how has it been able to survive and advance since the collapse of the Soviet Union, that is, since 1991? The emphasis here is on the role of leadership and strategy and how the Cubans and their leaders saw and see what they are doing, in their own words. This is an attempt to get into their heads, their understandings, through documents, speeches and writings. For the first question I will also draw on the data from a research/film documentary project that I'm involved in at this moment: the participation of women and men in the guerrilla army and underground movement.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18236/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Fall 2016  |  POL 4465 Section 001: Democracy and Dictatorship in Southeast Asia (33860)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    POL 5465 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 20
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Southeast Asia's increasingly important role in global political/economic affairs. U.S. involvement in region. Progress toward and resistance to democratic political systems. Economic development.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL4465+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Why do some dictators stay in power for many years while others do not? What forces sustain and undermine democratic governance? Under what conditions do average citizens mobilize successfully to demand political change? We will examine these questions by studying the politics of Southeast Asia, one of the most culturally and politically diverse regions of the globe. Composed of eleven countries, Southeast Asia covers a wide geographical region stretching from India to China. With a rich endowment of natural resources, a dynamic manufacturing base, and a strategic location on China's southern flank, the region has come to play an increasingly important role in the political and economic affairs of the globe. Culturally and ethnically diverse, hundreds of languages are spoken in the region, and the religions practiced include Buddhism, Catholocism, Hinduism, and Islam. Indonesia is not only the fourth largest nation in the world but the largest Muslim majority country in the world. The political systems range from the formally democratic through civilian authoritarianism to military authoritarianism. Because the region is so diverse, the introduction must necessarily be incomplete. Readings and lectures will focus on seven countries: Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
    Grading:
    55% Exams
    22% Reports/Papers
    11% Quizzes
    12% Class Participation
    Other Grading Information: Exams include midterms and a non-cumulative final exam. Research paper meets senior project requirement for poli sci.
    Exam Format:
    Short essay. Take home except for final, which is in class.
    Class Format:
    35% Lecture
    20% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    8-10 Pages Writing Per Term
    5 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: Exams are short essays spaced evenly across the semester. Exams are non-cumulative.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33860/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    16 February 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 4485 Section 001: Human Rights Policy: Issues and Actors (18238)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    POL 5485 Section 001
    PA 5885 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 125
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics of human rights issue emergence; relevant international, regional, and domestic norms; correlates of state repression; measurement of human rights abuse and remedies; human rights promotion by states, political parties, international organizations, NGOs, social movements, faith-based organizations, and providers of international development assistance.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jamesr+POL4485+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    This class is aimed at graduate students interested in both applied and theoretical human rights analysis and policymaking. No background in human rights is necessary, although total novices to the field may want to do some advanced reading; please contact the instructor (Prof. James Ron, jammers@umn.edu) for suggestions.

    In this class we familiarize ourselves with basic human rights documents, principles, laws, and policies, and then discuss the domestic and international actors that seek to promote compliance. We use as many real-world and hands-on examples as possible, and our substantive topics span the full range of human rights issues, including personal integrity rights (torture, murder, imprisonment); civil and political rights (assembly, political participation, discrimination); and economic and social rights (health, education, water, sanitation, and food). Students learn how to define human rights problems; analyze their severity and scope; and offer concrete solutions based on the actions of international organizations, governments, and civil society.

    Please note that the attached syllabus is from last year (fall 2015); the syllabus for fall 2016 will be similar, but different in some respects.
    Exam Format:
    One 10-15 page paper, one 30-minute class presentation, one final exam.
    Class Format:
    This class meets once a week for two hours and 45 minutes. The short instructor lecture is then followed by intense, focused class discussion, often using the Socratic method, as well as short student presentations. This class is participation-focused.
    Workload:
    Moderate-to-heavy; please make sure you have sufficient time in your schedule.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18238/1169
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/jamesr_PA5885_Fall2016.docx
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 April 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 4495 Section 001: Politics of Family, Sex, and Children (17749)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political fights over volatile issues of family, sex, and children. Diversity of family life in the United States as a source of disharmony and inequality. Same-sex couples, interracial families, polygamous communities, reproductive equality for people with disabilities, targeting of immigrant children, teen sex & pregnancy, working mothers, a??childfreea?? advocates. Citizen efforts aimed at reconciling communities with harshly clashing beliefs.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kelliher+POL4495+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    If you take this course you will confront contemporary fights over family, sex, and children. Here are the big questions: (1) Who controls sex? We will look at power in sexual relationships, sexual freedom & the state, and sexual elements in political ideologies. (2) Who should be allowed to make a family? We will do same-sex marriage, polygamy, and teenage childbearing. (3) What happens to children? We will look at countries with strong pro-child policies, but also at the dark side: child soldiers, child prostitutes, and sexual abuse of children by clergy. (4) What are the odds that your family will survive? Time to face up to financial crisis, bankruptcy, and divorce, and see the effects of taxation, social support for families, childcare, and family medical leave. (5) Do politicians care? We will see what policies actually help families, plus how political campaigns manipulate images of the family for their own ends. Got more questions about the class? Just ask me: kelliher@umn.edu
    Grading:
    10% Midterm Exam
    10% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    10% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    5 Problem Set(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17749/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 May 2015

    Fall 2016  |  POL 4501W Section 001: The Supreme Court and Constitutional Interpretation (14060)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 317
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Historical/analytical approaches to Court's landmark decisions. Theory/techniques of judicial review. Relates Court's authority to wider political/social context of American government.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?pryo0005+POL4501W+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    This Course explores landmark Supreme Court cases relating to the powers and limitations of the government. We will study how power is shared and divvied up between Congress, the Executive branch, and the Courts and between the levels of federal, state, and local government. We'll cover controversies such as whether Congress can regulate local commerce, how far the President's powers stretch during times of war, and when you can sue the government. The primary course readings will be Supreme Court cases but the focus of the discussion will be on the Court as a political institution with an eye towards understanding how the justices make their decisions and how the Court operates within our constitutional democracy.
    Grading:
    Grading will be based on class participation, writing assignments, and exams.
    Exam Format:
    Exams will be a combination of short answer/multiple choice and essays.
    Class Format:
    30% Lecture
    50% Class Discussion
    20% Group Activities

    Class will usually start with a short introductory lecture. We will then have a class discussion or engage in group activities. Class will typically end with a short lecture on your readings for the next class session in order to prepare you to more effectively complete your homework assignments. I will try to limit lectures to a minimum.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14060/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    5 April 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 4525W Section 001: Federal Indian Policy (34075)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    AMIN 4525W Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue 02:30PM - 05:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Civil Engineering Building 213
    Course Catalog Description:
    Formulation, implementation, evolution, comparison of Indian policy from pre-colonial times to self-governance of new millennium. Theoretical approaches to federal Indian policy. Major federal Indian policies. Views/attitudes of policy-makers, reactions of indigenous nations to policies. Effect of bodies of literature on policies.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4525W+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34075/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 4900V Section 001: Honors: Senior Paper (15304)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Honors, pol sr, instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900V+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Honors Thesis course for political science majors completing the cum laude or magna cum laude honors this track.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/15304/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Fall 2016  |  POL 4900W Section 001: Senior Paper (14935)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Pol sr, instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900W+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Generally used for off-campus students needing to complete a political science senior project. All other on-campus students should take a 4xxx level political science course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14935/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Fall 2016  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (14893)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14893/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Fall 2016  |  POL 5005 Section 001: Political Engagement: Theories and Practice (33862)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-122
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theories of political and civic engagement; case studies of challenges and opportunities in public service careers; ethics of political engagement.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL5005+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33862/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 5310 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Political Actors in the Policy Process (35213)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-122
    Course Catalog Description:
    See Class Schedule for description.
    Class Notes:
    Topics title: Political Actors: Bureaucrats, Legislators, and Advocates http://classinfo.umn.edu/rphinney+POL5310+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35213/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 5465 Section 001: Democracy and Dictatorship in Southeast Asia (35266)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    POL 4465 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 20
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Southeast Asia's increasingly important role in global political/economic affairs. U.S. involvement in region. Progress toward and resistance to democratic political systems. Economic development.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL5465+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35266/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 5485 Section 001: Human Rights Policy: Issues and Actors (18586)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    POL 4485 Section 001
    PA 5885 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 125
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics of human rights issue emergence; relevant international, regional, and domestic norms; correlates of state repression; measurement of human rights abuse and remedies; human rights promotion by states, political parties, international organizations, NGOs, social movements, faith-based organizations, and providers of international development assistance.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jamesr+POL5485+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    This class is aimed at graduate students interested in both applied and theoretical human rights analysis and policymaking. No background in human rights is necessary, although total novices to the field may want to do some advanced reading; please contact the instructor (Prof. James Ron, jammers@umn.edu) for suggestions.

    In this class we familiarize ourselves with basic human rights documents, principles, laws, and policies, and then discuss the domestic and international actors that seek to promote compliance. We use as many real-world and hands-on examples as possible, and our substantive topics span the full range of human rights issues, including personal integrity rights (torture, murder, imprisonment); civil and political rights (assembly, political participation, discrimination); and economic and social rights (health, education, water, sanitation, and food). Students learn how to define human rights problems; analyze their severity and scope; and offer concrete solutions based on the actions of international organizations, governments, and civil society.

    Please note that the attached syllabus is from last year (fall 2015); the syllabus for fall 2016 will be similar, but different in some respects.
    Class Format:
    This class meets once a week for two hours and 45 minutes. The short instructor lecture is then followed by intense, focused class discussion, often using the Socratic method, as well as short student presentations. This class is participation-focused.
    Workload:
    Moderate-to-heavy; please make sure you have sufficient time in your schedule.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18586/1169
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/jamesr_PA5885_Fall2016.docx
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 April 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (17316)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL5970+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17316/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (17754)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Wed 02:00PM - 03:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL8060+Fall2016 http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL8060+Fall2016 Topics title: Comparative Political Studies Journal Seminar
    Class Description:
    Students will meet to discuss and evaluate submissions to Comparative Political Studies. Students will learn best practices for doing peer-reviews of journal submissions, and will learn presentation skills.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17754/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8060 Section 002: Research Proseminar in Political Science (36039)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Mon 05:35PM - 07:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    Title: Comparative and Case Study Methods
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/36039/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8106 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science I (17102)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course provides a thorough grounding in the quantitative analysis of political science data. The emphasis is on how to analyze such data, interpret statistical results, and summarize and report the findings. By the end of the term you will (1) know how to describe variables; (2) test hypotheses; (3) use measures of association to quantify the relationship between two variables while holding a third variable constant; (4) understand bivariate regression and the basics of multiple regression; (5) understand reliability and validity and how to assess these properties empirically; and (6) know how to use the STATA statistical software program. prereq: political science grad major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    Lab Section of this course will meet on Fridays from 1:25PM - 3:20PM in the Political Science Computer Lab. http://classinfo.umn.edu/?pgoren+POL8106+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17102/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8120 Section 001: Core Course in Political Methodology: Modeling Political Processes (33864)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Methods used and potential for creating models of political processes. Designing political institutions, discerning/forecasting election outcomes, producing early warnings of international conflicts, increasing turnout in elections. Using mathematics to study political strategy and collective decision making in committees/legislatures. Using statistics to measure political variables, design experiments with human subjects, and test micro/macro political theories. prereq: Pol sci grad major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL8120+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33864/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8124 Section 001: Game Theory (33865)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Fri 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Application of noncooperative game theory in political science. Equilibrium concepts, bargaining, repeated games, games of incomplete information, signaling games, reputation, learning in games. prereq: [8122, grad pol sci major] or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jhollyer+POL8124+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33865/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8160 Section 001: Topics in Models and Methods -- Survey Questionnaire Design (33866)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    10/21/2016 - 12/09/2016
    Fri 11:00AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 20
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    ITV course Course dates: 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9 http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mille441+POL8160+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33866/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8160 Section 002: Topics in Models and Methods -- Maximum Likelihood Estimation (33867)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Lab section meets in Political Science Computer Lab on Mondays from 3:35PM - 5:20PM http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8160+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33867/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8253 Section 001: Late Modern Political Thought (33869)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theoretical responses to and rival interpretations of Western economy, society, politics, and democratic culture in the modern age; theories of history; class struggle; the end of metaphysics and the death of God; technology and bureaucracy; psychology of culture, in Hegel, Marx, Tocqueville, Mill, Nietzsche, Weber, Freud. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL8253+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Modernity and its Discontents surveys European political theory of the 19th century, and concentrates on the emergence of capitalism and the liberal state as well as the challenges, alienation and discontent that develop alongside each. With these two historical developments in mind, this course will trace three themes. Central to capitalism and the liberal state both, is the ideal of individuality. To develop our analysis of individuality as an ideal, we will ask, what are the characteristics that define (or ought to define) individuals? What are the terms on which individuals develop themselves and in pursuit of which political, economic, or ethical goals? Second, we will analyze theories of emancipation and freedom. Even as the 19th century witnesses an extension of voting rights to increasing numbers of people, and even as political liberties appear more democratically accessible, thinkers struggle to define the scope and nature of these liberties. What kinds of political institutions and recognition best permit individuals to express themselves as citizens ? and what are the psychological, economic, or political obstacles that might impede this expression? Third, political expression implies knowledge: an ability to analyze one's context and to determine what is to be done. Alongside the thinkers of the period, we will consider the kind of information about the world that is necessary in order to act in ? and perhaps transform ? one's immediate context and longed-for future. Readings for the course include Hegel, Marx, Tocqueville, Mill, Nietzsche, Freud, and Weber.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    100% Discussion
    Workload:
    150-200 Pages Reading Per Week
    30 Pages Writing Per Term
    5 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33869/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    13 June 2008

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8301 Section 001: American Politics (18242)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Wed 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminar on main themes of theory and research in American politics, institutions, law, and policy. Major works on individual, mass, elite, and institutional behavior and their relationship to each other. Foundation for advanced seminars in American politics. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?lavine+POL8301+Fall2016 http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL8301+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18242/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8307 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology I (14320)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    PSY 8211 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Fri 08:30AM - 10:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8307+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14320/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8360 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Race and Ethnic Politics (36040)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Mon 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in special topics or problems. prereq: instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/36040/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (15060)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and DGS consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8444+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/15060/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8460 Section 001: Topics in International Relations -- Quantitative Methods in IR Research (33870)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Mon 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in advanced topics or problems. Recent topics: global environmental issues, morality in world politics, and norms and institutions in world politics.
    Class Notes:
    Topics title: Quantitative Methods in International Relations Research http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8460+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33870/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Democracy and Democratization (33871)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL8660+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33871/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8660 Section 002: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Political Violence (33872)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    Thu 11:15AM - 01:10PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL8660+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    The focus of this graduate seminar is on a range of issues and debates relating to intra-state violent conflicts. We will examine the fast-growing theoretical and empirical literature on various manifestations of political violence, including insurgencies, civil wars, genocide, riots and terrorism. The readings are selected with a view to cover a diverse set of methodological approaches to studying political violence. Our discussion on political violence will be structured around the following themes: a) causes; b) participation and organization; c) patterns of violence; d) consequences; e) prevention and termination; and, f) post-conflict trajectory.
    Grading:
    1. Class participation: 30%
    2. Two reviews: 25%
    3. One Op-Ed 10%
    4. Final research paper: 35%
    b. Research paper proposal: 10%
    a. Final paper: 25%
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33872/1169
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 June 2016

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (15084)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8666+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/15084/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (14967)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8888+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14967/1169

    Fall 2016  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (14374)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/06/2016 - 12/14/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8990+Fall2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14374/1169

    Summer 2016  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (83141)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/05/2016
    Tue, Thu 05:30PM - 08:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 2-228
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?temin002+POL1201+Summer2016
    Class Description:

    Aristotle once called human beings "political animals,"meaning that, unlike gods or the other animals, we naturally create institutions to govern ourselves. What those institutions should look like, what values they should embody, and who should be in charge prove to be difficult questions that Aristotle leaves for us. Building on Aristotle's definition, this course offers an introduction to political theory, a sub-discipline of political science. By exploring some of the core issues and concepts of political theory, students will grapple with a number of "big questions" about politics in history and in the present: Why and how does politics matter in our everyday lives beyond the voting booth? On what basis is political authority seen as legitimate? How should we understand and embody political values like justice and equality in our own lives? What is the role of economics (capitalism, socialism, etc.) and economic inequality in the creation of political order? What should we think of the use of violence or non-violence in contemporary politics and protests? To explore these "big questions," we will relate historical readings to contemporary "hot-button" issues here in the Twin Cities, the US, and the globe.


    Grading:
    Quizzes and Participation, 20%, 9-10 pages total writing, 55%, Exams, 25%
    Exam Format:
    Multiple Choice, Fill-in-the blank, short-answer
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    9-10 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83141/1165
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    18 March 2016

    Summer 2016  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (82617)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/05/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    Off Campus
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Exam Format:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82617/1165
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 March 2015

    Summer 2016  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (83037)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/05/2016
    Tue, Thu 09:15AM - 12:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 628
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?farh0013+POL3085+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83037/1165
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Summer 2016  |  POL 3110H Section 001: Honors Thesis Credits (82618)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/05/2016
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis. prereq: 3109, pol sci, honors, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3110H+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82618/1165

    Summer 2016  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (83038)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/05/2016
    Mon, Wed 05:45PM - 08:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 2-228
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Democracy based on individual rights. Pluralism. Civic republicanism. Community activism. Dilemmas of democratic government/citizenship in race, class, gender-stratified society.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?stone571+POL3235W+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Democracy seems simple. It is rule by the people. It is good, and we want more of it, at home and abroad. But is it really that simple?
    Contemporary movements from the Occupy Movement, to the Tea Party, to Black Lives Matter all raise questions about what democracy means. What does rule by the people mean in today's transforming world, a world that is more interconnected but segregated, a world that is continually transformed by technology, and a world wrestling with developments in multiculturalism. This class will tackle these and more questions by drawing on modern and contemporary political theory to wrestle with real contemporary problems. Together, both in our individual work, our discussion, and our writing, we will grapple with this seemingly simple concept of democracy to see how we can understand it in the messy modern world.
    Workload:
    20-40 pages of reading per class
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83038/1165
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/stone571_POL3235W_Summer2017.pdf (Summer 2017)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    31 March 2016

    Summer 2016  |  POL 3464 Section 001: Politics of Inequality (88374)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/05/2016
    Mon, Wed 10:00AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-127
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Causes/consequences of economic inequality in the USA and Europe. America and European countries in contrast to one another. What differences there are and whether they matter.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?lockh068+POL3464+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Massive inequalities in income and wealth are an almost inescapable feature of contemporary life. This class is intended to give students the necessary conceptual tools and empirical knowledge to better understand the causes and consequences of economic inequality in the United States and Europe. This is a comparative class, but the United States will be a consistent point of reference. The course will begin with a philosophical and conceptual overview of inequality. What is inequality? Equality of what and for whom? How is inequality measured? Are current levels of inequality historically unique or part of a more consistent pattern? Students should gain a solid understanding of different conceptions of "equality" and how those different conceptions are contested across the ideological spectrum. This course will also familiarize students with the history of economic equality from ancient times until today as well as the political and economic drivers of inequality in the United States, Europe and developing world. By the conclusion of this course, students should be able to recognize how different social policies correspond to different conceptions of equality; contrast patterns of inequality between and within countries; and explain how political institutions, public opinion, and interest group mobilization help to create different patterns economic inequality.


    Grading:
    Attendance and Participation 15%
    Midterm 30%
    Final 35%
    Response Papers 20%
    Exam Format:
    Short Answer and Essay
    Class Format:
    Lecture and Discussion
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/88374/1165
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 May 2016

    Summer 2016  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (83181)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/05/2016
    Tue, Thu 01:30PM - 04:00PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Carlson School of Management 2-228
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political processes/problems associated with economic development. Political economy of underdevelopment/development. Problems of state building, development of political institutions.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?redax004+POL3477+Summer2016
    Class Description:

    This course provides an overview of cutting edge research on the political economy of development. One of the vexing challenges of the contemporary era is the coexistence of extreme affluence midst large pockets of poverty. The question of why so many of the world's people live in poverty is important for both academic and humanitarian reasons. Most of the world's population lives in abject poverty. Moreover, for almost all the world's poor, their parents also suffered poverty, and the outlook for their children is not optimistic. Although the percentage of the world living in poverty has decreased over the last quarter century, the total number of people in poverty has increased. However, there is significant variation in the success of countries in economic and political development. Some countries in Asia have achieved extraordinary economic and political development, while several countries in Africa remain trapped in a vicious cycle of underdevelopment.


    What factors contribute to global inequality? Why have some countries achieved impressive economic growth while others remain trapped in extreme poverty? Since the end of World War II, scholars and practitioners have grappled with these questions. Nevertheless, definitive answers to these fundamental development puzzles continue to be elusive. Why is development difficult? The course will explore the politics of development through an engagement with several competing theoretical perspectives. We will explore the role of free markets, the historical legacy of colonialism, culture, geography, institutions and state power. The course focuses primarily on countries in Asia, Latin America and Africa. Moreover, through explicit comparison of cases from these regions, we will test abstract theories of development.

    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83181/1165
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    12 April 2016

    Summer 2016  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (83182)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/05/2016
    Mon, Wed 10:00AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-136
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?smit7193+POL3766+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Why do people hold such different political views? How do people change their attitudes in response to current events? In general, how do people understand, discuss, and shape politics? This class introduces you to the interdisciplinary field of political psychology. Drawing on research from social and cognitive psychology, mass communications, and political science, we will begin answering these and other questions about how people interact with politics.

    This class focuses specifically on the mass public. While we will cover topics that are generally applicable to many aspects of political life, we will also use the 2016 Presidential election and other current events as examples to apply the theories we learn during lecture. Students do not need to have taken classes in psychology or political science to do well in this class.

    Grading:
    Two short papers, several quizzes, and participation.
    Class Format:
    50% lecture, 50% discussion.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83182/1165
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    11 April 2016

    Summer 2016  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (83297)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/05/2016
    Mon, Wed 01:30PM - 04:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 210
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to theoretical study of international relations. How theoretical perspective shapes one's understandings of structure/practices of global politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hobbs066+POL3835+Summer2016
    Class Description:

    There are two major puzzles at the heart of international relations: Why do nations fight, and why do they cooperate? One theoretical perspective treats war as a normal state of international politics, leaving its proponents with the challenges of explaining why so much cooperation exists. Another perspective treats cooperation as the norm, leaving its supporters to account for widespread violence in international politics. This course gives you the theoretical tools you will need to address a variety of puzzles in international affairs. In this course, we will examine contending theoretical frameworks in International Relations (IR), such as Realism, Liberalism, constructivism and rationalism. In addition to exploring key theoretical concepts, we will use empirical evidence and key historical events to examine substantive issues in international politics. Among other things, the course will explore the causes of war and peace, the uses of force, nuclear deterrence and proliferation, state failure, civil war and nation-building, terrorism, the politics of international trade and finance, foreign aid, global inequality, the diffusion of international law and human rights, and morality and ethics in international relations.


    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83297/1165
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 July 2015

    Summer 2016  |  POL 4310 Section 001: Topics in American Politics (88373)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/23/2016 - 06/10/2016
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 08:00AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-136
    Course Catalog Description:
    See Class Schedule for description.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4310+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/88373/1165

    Summer 2016  |  POL 4900V Section 001: Honors: Senior Paper (83128)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/05/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Honors, pol sr, instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900V+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Honors Thesis course for political science majors completing the cum laude or magna cum laude honors this track.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83128/1165
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Summer 2016  |  POL 4900W Section 001: Senior Paper (82645)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/05/2016
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Pol sr, instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900W+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Generally used for off-campus students needing to complete a political science senior project. All other on-campus students should take a 4xxx level political science course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82645/1165
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Summer 2016  |  POL 4900W Section 101: Senior Paper (82789)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/23/2016 - 06/10/2016
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Pol sr, instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900W+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Generally used for off-campus students needing to complete a political science senior project. All other on-campus students should take a 4xxx level political science course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82789/1165
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Summer 2016  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (82646)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/05/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82646/1165
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Summer 2016  |  POL 4970 Section 101: Individual Reading and Research (82790)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/23/2016 - 06/10/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82790/1165
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Summer 2016  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (88337)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/05/2016
    UMTC, East Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL5970+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/88337/1165

    Summer 2016  |  POL 8333 Section 001: FTE: Master's (82705)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/19/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Master's student, adviser and DGS consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8333+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82705/1165

    Summer 2016  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (82730)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/19/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and DGS consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8444+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82730/1165

    Summer 2016  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (82753)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/19/2016
    12:00AM - 12:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8666+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82753/1165

    Summer 2016  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (83010)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/05/2016
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8888+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83010/1165

    Summer 2016  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (82620)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/13/2016 - 08/05/2016
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL8990+Summer2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82620/1165

    Spring 2016  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (53053)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL1001+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Frequent elections have long been a part of the American political landscape, and over time American politics has evolved in the direction of greater potential for popular participation. More people have gained the full rights of citizenship, the connection between representatives and the public has become increasingly direct, and the number and frequency of elections have increased. These trends have resulted in what some observers call the "permanent campaign." This course introduces students to the institutions and processes of American government, concluding with a wide-ranging discussion of recent issues in American public policy. In doing so, it examines the main elements of the permanent campaign, the factors that contributed to its emergence, its impact on political institutions and the policymaking process, and its normative implications.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    35% Additional Semester Exams
    15% Other Evaluation
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of a combination of multiple-choice questions, identifications, and short essays.
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    4 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53053/1163
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 April 2014

    Spring 2016  |  POL 1001H Section 001: Honors Course: American Democracy in a Changing World (59890)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 155
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL1001H+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them. Part of our explorations will involve critical readings of primary source materials.
    Grading:
    20% Reports/Papers
    60% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    short answer, short essay
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    125 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59890/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Spring 2016  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (47102)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL1025+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Americans hardly need to be told that international politics matters. US forces are still deployed around the globe, and economic uncertainty has barely abated. Knowing that international politics matters is one thing, making sense of it is another. This course will give students the tools they need to begin to understand patterns and trends in global politics. Students will be introduced to international relations' theoretical traditions, but the course will focus primarily on explaining and understanding historical and especially current problems in world politics. It will explore, among other issues, the causes of war and peace, the limited use of force, humanitarian intervention, nuclear proliferation, nationalist conflict, international ethics, the politics of international trade and finance, foreign aid, globalization, the prospects for environmental cooperation and human rights norms, migration, terrorism, and the future of world politics. By the end of the course, students should be familiar with all these issues and others, should have developed their own views on these much-debated questions, and should be able to apply basic analytical frameworks to answer them.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam
    20% Essay, Quizzes
    15% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Identifications; short paragraphs; essays; reading quizzes
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/47102/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 October 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Puzzles in World Politics (55483)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political life. Repression, democracy, rights, corruption, gender, political change. Guest lectures by political science professors.
    Class Notes:
    Professor Anoop Sarbahi http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sarbahi+POL1054+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Why are some countries democratic while others are authoritarian? Why do seemingly parochial identities such as race, ethnicity and religion continue to play a powerful role in modern politics? What accounts for the variation in the prevalence of civil wars and other forms of political violence across countries? Why are some countries still plagued by poverty and underdevelopment? This introductory course in comparative politics will provide you with the skills and knowledge to answer these and other intriguing questions in world politics. You will be able to recognize, understand and explain the variation in political systems, which includes political institutions, processes, behavior, culture and outcomes, across countries. Students will be introduced to terminology, concepts, issues and approaches that would provide the foundation for upper division courses in political science. They will read some of the classic and path-breaking works and will be familiarized with cutting-edge research in the discipline.
    Grading:
    In-class Short Responses: 15%
    Short Assignments/Reflection Papers: 40%
    Individual Research Assignment: 20%
    Group Research Project: 15%
    Class Participation: 10%
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    Around 100 Pages Reading Per Week
    6-8 Short Homework Assignment(s)
    3-4 In-class Short Responses
    2 Short Research Assignments (1 group + 1 individual)
    NO Exams
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55483/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 December 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (47047)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Notes:
    Insturctor: Professor Robert Nichols http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL1201+Spring2016
    Class Description:

    Ideologies legitimize politics, outline basic values, socialize individuals, facilitate communication, and mobilize people - in short; their study makes for a great entrée into the study of political theory and the discipline of political science. A source both of stability and instability, concord and conflict, the ideologies explored in this course show the dynamics of politics through the study of ideas. This class emphasizes political theory and ideologies showing how public discourse - for better or for worse - reflects the complexity and chaos of an increasingly global world. We will use a wide variety of core readings in political theory to challenge ourselves to question our own political convictions and thus discover and explore our own political beliefs.


    Grading:
    Three non cumulative exams, 66%, 10 pages total writing, 22%, Attendance 11%
    Exam Format:
    Fill in the blank, short answer
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    10 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/47047/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    5 November 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 1201 Section 002: Political Ideas and Ideologies (53177)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL1201+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    This course examines different models of political rule. What models of politics, throughout history, have structure those relations of rulers and ruled? How does each model for rule try to grapple with questions of inequality, power and domination, justice and equality? To answer these questions, we will range across the globe (looking at examples that bear on contemporary politics both in the US and elsewhere), and also across history.
    Grading:
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Journal
    30% Reflection Papers
    Exam Format:
    Fill in the blank, short answer
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    5 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 3 of the papers will be 1-2 page micro-papers; the others will be 4-5 pages each
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53177/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    5 November 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3070 Section 001: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Internship (68752)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Interns work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, interns will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rahnx003+POL3070+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68752/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (47046)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Off Campus
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Exam Format:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/47046/1163
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 March 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (52337)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mille441+POL3085+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Pol 3085 Quantitative Analysis in Political Science Class Schedule for POL3085 | Bookstore for POL3085 | Section Status for POL3085 | Course Catalog Grading basis/credits: A-F only, 4 credit(s) Description: Political science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. Political scientists increasingly utilize quantitative data to shed light on a variety of diverse topics, such as the relationship between democracy and economic growth, election outcomes in Brazil, and voter turnout in the United States. This course will focus on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to implement these techniques and manage data using computer software. Not only will you learn how to analyze quantitative data, but this course will also enable you to be a more informed consumer of political science research. By the end of the semester, you should be able to: develop testable research questions and hypotheses; understand how to set up an appropriate research design to test your hypotheses; apply the appropriate statistical techniques when using quantitative data to test your hypotheses; and more effectively consume and evaluate political science research and political news that uses quantitative data.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52337/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (54658)

    Instructor(s)
    Brianna Smith (Secondary Instructor)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Thu 02:30PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3085+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54658/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (57092)

    Instructor(s)
    Brianna Smith (Secondary Instructor)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Thu 01:25PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3085+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/57092/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3108H Section 001: Honors Tutorial: Thesis Preparation and Political Science Inquiry (58289)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Wed 01:00PM - 03:25PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management L-126
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Advance research skills and prepare to write senior thesis. Political science research. Develop thesis topic, test ideas in a structured/collegial setting. prereq: Pol sci major, honors
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL3108H+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    In this course, students will advance their research skills and prepare to write their senior theses. Students will gain a deeper understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct research in political science. Most important, students will develop their own thesis topics and research designs, testing out their ideas in a structured and collegial setting. The first half of the course will enhance students? understanding of political science research, and the second half of the course will focus on the students? own research. Students will be graded on the basis of several short assignments and two revised papers, a class presentation, and class participation. Students are expected to keep up with course reading and conduct their own independent research. Students will turn in two drafts of a literature review and their research design.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/58289/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    11 November 2011

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3110H Section 001: Honors Thesis Credits (47241)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis. prereq: 3109, pol sci, honors, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3110H+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/47241/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (58617)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Mon, Wed, Fri 09:05AM - 09:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Democracy based on individual rights. Pluralism. Civic republicanism. Community activism. Dilemmas of democratic government/citizenship in race, class, gender-stratified society.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hobbs066+POL3235W+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    In this course we take an in-depth look at multiple meanings of democracy and citizenship. To do so, we will ask and answer the following kinds of questions. From where have we received these categories, and how have they changed across time and space? Is the practice of democracy limited to voting in occasional elections, or might it also offer a way of participating in political life outside of the context of the voting booth? Likewise, is citizenship the ultimate guarantor of freedom? If so, what kind of freedom, and to whom is it guaranteed through the institution of citizenship? Are there limits, or even dark sides, to democracy and to citizenship? What can the study of democracy and citizenship tell us about contemporary political issues from the Black Lives Matter movement to the Tea Party, to environmental crisis, and beyond? Readings will include Plato, Aristotle, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Alexis de Tocqueville, JG Ballard, Wendy Brown, and Cristina Beltrán.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/58617/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 November 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3251W Section 001: Power, Virtue, and Vice: Ancient and Early Modern Political Theory (67454)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Ancient and early modern political thinking confronts basic questions of political order.
    Class Notes:
    Instructor: Professor Robert Nichols http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3251W+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67454/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3310 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Becoming Stupid: Anti-Science in U.S. Politics (57628)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topic in American politics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Becoming Stupid: Anti-Science and Irrationality in American Politics http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kelliher+POL3310+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    GLOBAL WARMING IS A LIE. VACCINES DON'T STOP CHILDHOOD DISEASES -- THEY CAUSE THEM. THE BIG BANG NEVER HAPPENED. NOBODY CAN GET PREGNANT FROM BEING RAPED. EVOLUTION IS A FRAUD. EBOLA IS A SECRET WEAPON LAUNCHED BY IMMIGRANTS. AND THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT HOMOSEXUALITY IS NOW CURABLE WITH CONVERSION THERAPY. ---- Attacks like these on science have become routine in American politics. Some businesses spend heavily to discredit scientists engaged in certain kinds of research. Some politicians join in and advance themselves by undermining the public's trust in climatology, along with important areas of medicine, biology, and astronomy. The result is a national dumbing-down, pressed by legislatures, school boards, and commercial interests. We think of ourselves as a modern educated country. So why is this happening? Why are Americans so attracted to irrationality? Why do we enjoy seeing ourselves as anti-intellectual? And most important, how do some political interests benefit when we actively undermine scientific understandings of reality?
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/57628/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 November 2014

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3310 Section 002: Topics in American Politics -- Political Engagement: Planning For Your Future (67456)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Wed, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 184
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topic in American politics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Careers in Public Service http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3310+Spring2016
    Class Description:

    Are you interested in pursuing a career in public service? Do you plan to run for office in the future, or work in a government agency (such as the State Department or the FBI or the MN DNR), or become a professional campaign manager or lobbyist, or work as an issue activist on a cause important to you? Would you like to learn more about the variety of public service careers open to a college graduate? Do you wonder what motivates people to pursue careers in politics, public administration, and community service, and how these motivations vary across career fields? Would you like to explore some options for future internship or service learning while at the University? Then this course is for you!


    This course is the Political Science Department's introduction to careers in political and civic engagement. Through readings focused on theories about and case studies of political engagement, and on the ethics of politics and public service, plus numerous guest speakers with extensive experience as public service professionals, and a discussion-oriented class format, we will explore the meaning of public service and the main types of public service careers that you could pursue. We will think about the virtues and challenges associated with doing public service work, and how these differ across different types of jobs and venues for serving the public. Finally, in addition to gaining a better understanding of the concept and varieties of public service work, you will acquire practical knowledge and skills related to the search for public service work opportunities. Intended primarily for first-
    and second-year undergraduates, but open to students of any major at any point in their undergraduate program.

    Exam Format:
    Class Participation 30%; Career Exploration Report 10%; Public Service Essay 10%; Info Interview 10%; Ethics Essay 10%; Internship Research Report 30%
    Class Format:
    80% discussion; 20% lecture
    Workload:
    30-100 Pages Reading per week; 30 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67456/1163
    Syllabus:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3310_Spring2016.docx
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 October 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (59894)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-108
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics and education in the United States. Equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, role of political institutions in making educational policy. Efforts to reform/remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL3319+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
    Grading:
    Essay, short essay
    Class Format:
    55% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59894/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3321 Section 001: Issues in American Public Policy (56526)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics of policy process. Agenda formation, formulation, adoption, implementation, evaluation. Attention to selected policy areas.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL3321+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars often describe the United States as a laggard where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. How accurate is this conventional wisdom? In what ways is the American welfare state unusual? How have political culture, interest groups, government institutions, and other factors contributed to the distinctive shape of American social policy? The second half of the course applies the analytical frameworks discussed in the first half of the course to contemporary trends in American social policy. It focuses on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. In addition to examining the historical origins of existing programs in each of these policy areas, it also looks closely at the political and substantive impact of contemporary reforms like the Affordable Care Act and charter schools.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam I
    10% Social Security Reform Policy Analysis
    10% Health Care Reform Policy Analysis
    20% Midterm Exam II
    15% Education Policy Memo
    25% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75-100 pages of reading per week
    Three exams
    Three papers (2-4 double-spaced pages each)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/56526/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3327 Section 001: Suburbs, Stadiums, and Scandals: The Politics of American Cities (59940)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 155
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of politics and policy in the contemporary American city; role of local government in a federal system; evolution of cities in the United States; forms and structures of local government; local politics and patterns of power and influence; special topics in Minnesota local politics. prereq: 1001, non-pol sci grad major or equiv or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rphinney+POL3327+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Public policies created at the local level have an enormous impact on your day to day life. In cities and suburbs across the United States, local governments enact policies that keep your neighborhoods safe and your water running. They work to attract the businesses and residents that keep your local economy thriving. How do local governments make such decisions? Are they doing a good job? This course will explore the politics and policies of American cities and suburbs, with a special emphasis on issues specific to Minnesota. We will begin by examining what cities and suburbs actually do. What types of public policies are developed at the local level? What actors are involved in their development? We will then investigate how political decisions are made at the local level. Finally, we will examine how citizens can become involved in local politics, emphasizing opportunities for political engagement across Minnesota.
    Grading:
    50% Midterm exams (2 total)
    30% Final research project
    20% Reading, attendance, and participation
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59940/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 January 2016

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3410 Section 003: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Russian Politics: Soviet to Post-Soviet Regimes (57629)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Mon 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-104
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Fri 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-108
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics of current analytical or policy importance to comparative politics. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Russian Politics http://classinfo.umn.edu/?colli433+POL3410+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/57629/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3479 Section 001: Latin American Politics (67457)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Latin American politics/political economy. Authoritarianism, human rights, redemocratization. Development/economic policy. Social movements. Ethnicity, race, religion. Revolution. U.S.-Latin American relations.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL3479+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    This course introduces students to the main contours of political and economic development in Latin America. It aims not only to help students understand the similarities and differences in outcomes in the region over the past several decades, but also to reflect on what Latin America's experiences can teach us about the requirements of and barriers to meaningful democracy and sustainable and equitable development around the world. The course presents key concepts and theories in the study of the region's development and discusses them as they pertain to five main country cases: Argentina, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, and Venezuela. Readings on other countries are occasionally assigned and students have opportunities to draw on other cases for class assignments.
    Grading:
    45% Reports/Papers
    25% Final Exam
    15% Quizzes
    15% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Combo of short answer, IDs, and essay
    Class Format:
    65% Lecture
    35% Discussion
    Workload:
    125 Pages Reading Per Week
    10 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Short Paper(s)
    1 Report
    1 Exam (Final)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67457/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 November 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3481H Section 001: Governments and Markets (68256)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 04/10/2016
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 105
     
    04/11/2016 - 04/16/2016
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 135
     
    04/17/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 105
    Course Catalog Description:
    Connection between democracy and markets. Experiences of countries in North America and Europe. prereq: 1054 or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL3481H+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68256/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (57630)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Mon, Wed, Fri 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3766+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    What makes people have the political attitudes and behaviors they do?
    What drives Americans to be conservatives or liberals? And what does it mean for politics in the United States? This course works toward answers to those questions, with informative and interesting readings, and exciting discussions.
    Grading:
    Two exams, at least one paper, several quizzes, and participation.
    Class Format:
    50% lecture, 50% discussion.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/57630/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    30 November 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3769 Section 001: Public Opinion and Voting Behavior (67458)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Mon, Wed, Fri 09:05AM - 09:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Major factors influencing electoral decisions/political attitude formation/change. Data analysis lab required.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3769+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Public opinion in the United States is complex and regularly misunderstood and misused. This course works to understand it, explain it, analyze it, and predict it, with readings and discussions. Are Americans informed, or are they ignorant? What do Americans know, anyway? And what does all of that mean for the political landscape of the United States, in terms of democracy, participation, and voting?
    Grading:
    Two exams, one paper, several quizzes, and participation.
    Class Format:
    50% lecture, 50% discussion.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67458/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 November 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3785 Section 001: Persuasion and Political Propaganda (59895)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 230
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. Persuasion theories relevant to designing effective political propaganda. Applying theories to analyze WWI/WWII propaganda posters, films, and political campaign commercials. Use of fiction as propaganda tool.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mille441+POL3785+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    This course will provide an introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. We will first define propaganda and discuss the primary theories in persuasion and propaganda that could be applied to designing and analyzing propaganda campaigns. We will then apply these theories to analyze WWI and WWII propaganda posters, propaganda films, and political campaign commercials. This course is intended to be 1/3 or less lecture and 2/3 or more discussion. I intentionally limited the number of students in this class to facilitate class discussion and group exercises.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    20% Reports/Papers
    20% Special Projects
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    short answer/essay
    Class Format:
    30% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    40% Other Style movies
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59895/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3810 Section 002: Topics in International Relations and Foreign Policy (59896)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of selected issues in contemporary international relations. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Consequences of War http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL3810+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    What explains the outbreak of civil war? What motivates the members of armed groups? Why do some civil wars last so much longer than others? What are the social, economic, political and institutional consequences of civil war? Civil war is the dominant form of political violence in the contemporary world. The course is focused on civil wars over the past few decades, the vast majority of which have taken in place in Sub-Saharan Africa. The course is designed to familiarize students with relevant literatures on the origins, dynamics, termination and aftermath of civil war. To that end, we will review a series of debates drawn from research on civil war onset, the organization of insurgencies, patterns of wartime violence, policy interventions and their consequences as well as post-conflict rehabilitation (autonomous and externally driven).
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59896/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 December 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (48752)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to theoretical study of international relations. How theoretical perspective shapes one's understandings of structure/practices of global politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rduvall+POL3835+Spring2016
    Class Description:

    There are two major puzzles at the heart of international relations: Why do nations fight, and why do they cooperate? One theoretical perspective treats war as a normal state of international politics, leaving its proponents with the challenges of explaining why so much cooperation exists. Another perspective treats cooperation as the norm, leaving its supporters to account for widespread violence in international politics. This course gives you the theoretical tools you will need to address a variety of puzzles in international affairs. In this course, we will examine contending theoretical frameworks in International Relations (IR), such as Realism, Liberalism, constructivism and rationalism. In addition to exploring key theoretical concepts, we will use empirical evidence and key historical events to examine substantive issues in international politics. Among other things, the course will explore the causes of war and peace, the uses of force, nuclear deterrence and proliferation, state failure, civil war and nation-building, terrorism, the politics of international trade and finance, foreign aid, global inequality, the diffusion of international law and human rights, and morality and ethics in international relations.


    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48752/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 July 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 4275 Section 001: Domination, Exclusion, and Justice: Contemporary Political Thought (58290)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 60
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Urgent political debates in major works of contemporary political thought from World War II to present. Relationships between force/freedom. Ideology/truth. Authority/resistance. Ideas may include communitarianism, feminism, postcolonialism, postmodernism, socialism. prereq: 1201 recommended
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL4275+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Violence, Sex, Money, and Race: Political theory from the early 20th century onwards faces challenges in framing the conflicts and contestations that define contemporary politics. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks offered by Judith Shklar, Isaiah Berlin, Michel Foucault, Jurgen Habermas, and Charles Taylor, this course will explore contemporary problems of political violence, sex, money, and race. The first weeks of the course will explore three models for politics: the politics of liberties (that defines politics as protection from government intrusion), the politics of discipline (that defines politics as relations of power and asymmetry), and the politics of recognition (that defines politics as a site of dignity and respect). Readings and class discussion will then consider how these theories differently help us to understand: the political violence of torture; gender, sexuality, and domestic violence; crime, punishment, and modern prisons; and finally, race relations in America. Class discussions will move consistently between political theories and current political events. Further readings will include works by Hannah Arendt, WEB Du Bois, Judith Butler, Antonio Negri and others.
    Grading:
    55% Reports/Papers
    35% Reflection Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    40% Discussion
    Workload:
    75 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Paper(s)
    3 Homework Assignment(s)
    Other Workload: plus three short "response" papers
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/58290/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 March 2012

    Spring 2016  |  POL 4315W Section 001: State Governments: Laboratories of Democracy (67459)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 125
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political behavior, governmental institutions, and public policies in American states; comparison among states, between state and national government, with special attention given to Minnesota. prereq: 1001 or equiv, non-pol sci grad major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL4315W+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    State governments have been incredibly active in recent years, making critical decisions about such diverse issues as climate change, same-sex marriage, health care, and immigration. This course examines the institutional and political changes that sparked this ?resurgence of the states? and help explain why state policies in these and other areas differ so dramatically.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    10% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67459/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 April 2014

    Spring 2016  |  POL 4477 Section 001: Struggles and Issues in the Middle East (67460)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    PA 5851 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-106
    Course Catalog Description:
    Turkey, Iran, Israel, and selected Arab states. Domestic politics of religious/secular, ethnic, economic, environmental, and other policy/identity issues. Regional politics of water access, Israeli/Palestinian/Arab world relationships, oil and the Persian/Arabian Gulf, and human rights. prereq: 1054 or 3051 or non-pol sci grad or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?sparkins+PA5851+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Struggles and Issues in the Middle East grad/undergrad lecture that examines the domestic, regional, and transnational politics of the Middle East and North Africa. The class is organized into three units. The first examines major armed conflicts including anti-colonial, intra-state, and inter-state wars from 1948 through the 1990s. It uses these historical moments as windows onto key issues in MENA politics such as external intervention/occupation, human rights, sectarianism, social movements, and political economy. Unit Two focuses on transnational issues such as minority populations, Islam and politics, oil production, and migrant labor. In Unit Three, students will explore the politics of the Arab Uprisings through critical reading and discussion of new (post-2009) scholarship on MENA states, organizations, and populations. Humphrey students taking this class will be given extra readings each week on policy-relevant topics and will have distinct assignments from the undergraduates.
    Grading:
    Grading is based on a point system. Student grades at the end of the quarter are out of 100.
    Exam Format:
    The only exam is a map quiz
    Class Format:
    Lecture with student participation. Occasional group work and debates. Daily discussions of the news.
    Workload:
    Map quiz, 10-minute presentation with a partner, three papers
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67460/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 October 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 4478W Section 001: Contemporary Politics in Africa and the Colonial Legacy (67461)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 03/06/2016
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 260
     
    03/07/2016 - 03/12/2016
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 205
     
    03/13/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 260
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Examines how current politics in mainly, though not exclusively, sub-Saharan Africa have been shaped by the pre-colonial and colonial processes. Reality of independence; recurrent political and economic crises, global context and prospects for effective democracy. prereq: 1054 or 3051 or non-pol sci grad or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4478W+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    What explains the crisis that Africa finds itself in today? What explains "ethnic" tragedies such as Darfur, Somalia or Rwanda? Why has Africa had such difficulty in feeding itself? Why has there been a decline in economic development for the last decade or so? If the "socialist" path to development has proven to be bankrupt then why has the capitalist course also been difficult to realize? Has a genuine revolution unfolded in South Africa and if so what kind? At the end of this course you should be in a position to give informed answers to these and other such questions. This course intends to introduce you to the political systems of sub-Saharan Africa with some attention to North Africa. Among the topics that you will examine are traditional or pre-colonial political systems, the impact of colonial rule, the reaction to colonialism and the rise of nationalism, the politics of economic development in independent Africa, and the liberation of southern Africa. An underlying assumption of the course is that the current crisis in Africa cannot be explained without an understanding of Africa's history--before independence in the 1960s and before colonial rule at the end of the 19th century. Therefore, about half of the course will focus on events leading up to independence. Another basic assumption is that Africa's reality can only be understood within global perspective. How that came to be will also be a focus of the course. Finally, as there are some 50 different countries on the African continent, it would be unrealistic to expect a fourteen-week course to adequately address each political system. Thus, the emphasis will be on themes and issues that affect the majority of countries. There will of course be exceptions to this, particularly in the case of South Africa which will occupy a significant portion of the course.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67461/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 November 2011

    Spring 2016  |  POL 4487 Section 001: The Struggle for Democratization and Citizenship (53170)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 02/21/2016
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 210
     
    02/22/2016 - 02/27/2016
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 205
     
    02/28/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 210
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origins of democratic process. Emphasizes how disenfranchised fought to become included. History of democratic movement from its earliest moments to present. Attempts to draw a balance sheet.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4487+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    The setting for this course is the mounting effort on the part of states and a variety of social forces to roll back the historic gains of the world-wide democratic movement--from anti-immigrant campaigns (in both fascist and non-fascist clothing) that would limit citizenship rights to efforts that undermine civil liberties in the guise of combatting terrorisim. This takes place in a larger context in which increasing numbers of citizens feel disempowered and alienated from the state. As democracy and popular participation are central to citizenship the course traces the origins of the democratic process with particular emphasis on how the disenfranchised fought to become included. Both implicitly and explicitly it seeks to understand how that occured in order to see if there are lessons of the past that that might have appllicability for the defense and extension of democratic rights today. To understand it was the disenfranchised who empowered themselves is in itself empowering. An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of citizens is due to social struggles or the threat of such--an assumption to be examined in the course.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    50% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53170/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 October 2011

    Spring 2016  |  POL 4495 Section 001: Politics of Family, Sex, and Children (57950)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 255
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political fights over volatile issues of family, sex, and children. Diversity of family life in the United States as a source of disharmony and inequality. Same-sex couples, interracial families, polygamous communities, reproductive equality for people with disabilities, targeting of immigrant children, teen sex & pregnancy, working mothers, a??childfreea?? advocates. Citizen efforts aimed at reconciling communities with harshly clashing beliefs.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kelliher+POL4495+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    If you take this course you will confront contemporary fights over family, sex, and children. Here are the big questions: (1) Who controls sex? We will look at power in sexual relationships, sexual freedom & the state, and sexual elements in political ideologies. (2) Who should be allowed to make a family? We will do same-sex marriage, polygamy, and teenage childbearing. (3) What happens to children? We will look at countries with strong pro-child policies, but also at the dark side: child soldiers, child prostitutes, and sexual abuse of children by clergy. (4) What are the odds that your family will survive? Time to face up to financial crisis, bankruptcy, and divorce, and see the effects of taxation, social support for families, childcare, and family medical leave. (5) Do politicians care? We will see what policies actually help families, plus how political campaigns manipulate images of the family for their own ends. Got more questions about the class? Just ask me: kelliher@umn.edu
    Grading:
    10% Midterm Exam
    10% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    10% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    5 Problem Set(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/57950/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 May 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 4502W Section 001: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights (47100)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Supreme Court's interpretation of Bill of Rights, 14th amendment. Freedom of speech, press, religion; crime/punishment; segregation/desegregation, affirmative action; abortion/privacy.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4502W+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    This course deals with civil liberties in the United States and how the United States Supreme Court decides which rights and liberties get which protections, at which times. Specifically, our focus will be on the First Amendment, and the Right to Privacy. Special emphasis will be placed on how the Supreme Court defines, establishes, and protects these liberties through its interpretation of the Constitution.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Exam -- Hypothetical Questions
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    60% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    40-50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    5 Paper(s)
    25 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/47100/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 October 2012

    Spring 2016  |  POL 4507 Section 001: Law, Sovereignty, and Treaty Rights (60934)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    AMIN 4501 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue 02:30PM - 05:00PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Ford Hall 170
    Course Catalog Description:
    History of American Indian law and the post-contact effects of colonial and U.S. law on American Indians through the 20th century.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/60934/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 4525W Section 001: Federal Indian Policy (60935)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    AMIN 4525W Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, East Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Formulation, implementation, evolution, comparison of Indian policy from pre-colonial times to self-governance of new millennium. Theoretical approaches to federal Indian policy. Major federal Indian policies. Views/attitudes of policy-makers, reactions of indigenous nations to policies. Effect of bodies of literature on policies.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/60935/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 4737W Section 001: American Political Parties (67463)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Course Catalog Description:
    The American two-party system; party influence in legislatures and executives; decline of parties and their future. prereq: 1001 or equiv or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?pgoren+POL4737W+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Political parties are the lifeblood of American politics. This course will examine the role parties play in the U.S. political system. Specifically, we will examine: (1) why political parties exist; (2) what the parties stand for and how that has changed over time; (3) what role they play in campaigns and elections; (4) the social bases of partisan identification; (5) how partisan ties shape citizens perceptions, judgments, and voting decisions; (6) how the parties behave in government; and (7) why there are no major third parties in the U.S. We will also examine how the parties have changed during the Obama presidency and what the 2016 primary and general elections reveal about the state of contemporary parties and American politics.
    Grading:
    This is a writing intensive course, which means that students will complete approximately 25 pages of original writing over the term. In addition, there will be several quizzes and 3-4 exams.
    Exam Format:
    Multiple choice and short answer questions.
    Class Format:
    A combination of lecture, discussion, and video presentations.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67463/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 October 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 4766 Section 001: America, the Unusual?: American Political Culture in Comparative Context (67464)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 03/20/2016
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 330
     
    03/21/2016 - 03/26/2016
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 135
     
    03/27/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 330
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical analysis of basic political values. Individualism, freedom, equality. Democratic principles, materialism, capitalism, citizenship, patriotism, heroism. prereq: suggested 1001 or equiv
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rahnx003+POL4766+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Many foreign observers of American politics have emphasized the unique qualities of American democracy. The exceptionalism of American politics has been traced to different institutions, historical experiences, values, and habits of the heart that distinguish the U.S. from other contemporary democratic countries. In an increasingly interconnected world and with rapidly changing demographics, does it still make sense to talk about a distinct American political culture? In what ways in the U.S. similar to or different from other advanced democracies? In this course, we will address these questions by weaving together both historical observations of American democracy with contemporary information on public opinion and public policy. Throughout, we will explore themes of unity and diversity in American political culture, using recent events, such as the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the presidential election of 2012, and the negotiations over the looming fiscal cliff, as settings in which elements of American political culture play out.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    10% Attendance
    10% In-class Presentations
    10% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    10% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    10% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67464/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    11 December 2012

    Spring 2016  |  POL 4773W Section 001: Advocacy Organizations, Social Movements, and the Politics of Identity (67465)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Advocacy organizations/social movements as agents of democratic representation/political change in American politics/policy-making. Organizations/movements that represent racial/ethnic minorities, women, religious conservatives, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people, low-income people.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rphinney+POL4773W+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    What role do movements like the Tea Party, Occupy Wall Street, and Black Lives Matter play in American politics? How do groups like the NRA, National Organization for Women, and AFL-CIO gain influence over policymaking? In this course, we will examine the role of interest groups and social movements in American politics. Over the course of the semester, we will review both theoretical and empirical research on interest groups and social movements, focusing on the following questions: Who do interest groups and social movements represent? How do they engage participants? What types of strategies do they use to influence politics and policymaking? And how successful are they? We will pay particular attention to organizations and movements that represent women, racial and ethnic minorities, low-income populations, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. This course is writing-intensive, and coursework will include in-class writing activities, and the writing and revision of a 15-page research paper.
    Grading:
    35% Midterm exams
    35% Research paper
    20% Reading, attendance, and participation
    10% In-class presentation
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67465/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 January 2016

    Spring 2016  |  POL 4900V Section 001: Honors: Senior Paper (49971)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Honors, pol sr, instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900V+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Honors Thesis course for political science majors completing the cum laude or magna cum laude honors this track.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49971/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 4900W Section 001: Senior Paper (48952)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Pol sr, instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4900W+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Generally used for off-campus students needing to complete a political science senior project. All other on-campus students should take a 4xxx level political science course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48952/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (49014)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL4970+Spring2016
    Class Description:
    Independent research project subject to individual arrangements between the student and professor. 1-4 credits.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49014/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 October 2015

    Spring 2016  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (69227)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/69227/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (57081)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Wed 11:45AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Pol sci grad student
    Class Notes:
    Comparative Political Studies Journal Seminar
    Class Description:
    Students will meet to discuss and evaluate submissions to Comparative Political Studies. Students will learn best practices for doing peer-reviews of journal submissions, and will learn presentation skills.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/57081/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Spring 2016  |  POL 8060 Section 002: Research Proseminar in Political Science (59114)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    SOC 8090 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Mon 09:30AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1183
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Pol sci grad student
    Class Notes:
    Law and Society Review: Journal Editing Seminar
    Class Description:
    This course is co-taught be Timothy R. Johnson (Political Science) and Joachim Savelsberg (Sociology), incoming editors of the Law & Society Review, the official journal of the Law & Society Association and the world's leading journal in the field of law and society studies. This is the first offering in a series of six semesters. Johnson will take the lead in 2013/14, Savelsberg in 2014/15. Students will read submitted papers that receive 'revise and resubmit' decisions and the reviewers' comments and discuss them with the editors. Different students may take the lead on specific papers in line with their substantive and methodological interests and expertize. Suggestions developed during these discussions will be incorporated into the R&R letters the editors will send out to authors. Students will thus get immersed in a range of cutting edge work done in the field. They will further gain crucial insights into the decision making processes associated with journal publishing. In this respect the course is intended to be a major professionalization tool that should be most helpful to graduate students who prepare to enter academic careers in which publishing papers in journals will be a crucial component. The process should make for an engaging collaborative, intellectual and professional, experience.
    Grading:
    20% In-class Presentations
    80% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    85% Discussion
    15% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    70 Pages Reading Per Week
    10 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59114/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 April 2013

    Spring 2016  |  POL 8104 Section 001: Professional Development I (68073)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    First Half of Term
     
    01/19/2016 - 03/07/2016
    Fri 01:30PM - 03:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    The objectives of this course are as follows: (1) to provide students with professional advice that will help them move with dispatch through the graduate program; (2) to learn the formal and informal norms of the discipline; and (3) to help them prepare to do independent research and dissertation research. prereq: 1st year Pol graduate student
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68073/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 8107 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science II (57932)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue 10:00AM - 12:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Multiple linear regression model applied to political science data. How to use regression techniques to analyze data, interpret statistical results, and summarize/report the findings. Estimation of model. Underlying assumptions. Inference. Model diagnostics. Extensions of model. prereq: Political science grad major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/57932/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 8125 Section 001: Dynamic Analysis (67467)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Fri 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 20
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Time series method, its application in political science. prereq: Pol sci grad student or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    ITV
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67467/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 8201 Section 001: Understanding Political Theory (67468)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue 04:15PM - 06:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Key concepts/major approaches. prereq: Grad student or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67468/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 8308 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology II (47101)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    PSY 8212 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Fri 10:00AM - 12:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/47101/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 8360 Section 001: Topics in American Politics (67469)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings/research in special topics or problems. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    Mass Communications
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67469/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 8360 Section 002: Topics in American Politics (67470)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings/research in special topics or problems. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    Women in Politics
    Class Description:
    This course examines the ways in which women, sex, and gender shape and are shaped by American politics and public policy. We explore the history, approaches, findings, and controversies in research about women, sex, and gender in American politics and political science from a range of theoretical and methodological approaches. We will examine work within several subfields of American politics (e.g., public opinion, voting behavior, electoral politics, legislative studies, public policy, political development, public law, interest groups and social movements). We will also explore feminist, queer, and intersectional theories and methodologies, important work from other disciplines, and research that does not fit neatly into traditional categories within political science, considering the implications of this "messiness" for the study of gender and politics. Throughout the course, we will analyze the ways in which sex, sexuality, and gender-based issues and discrimination intersect with other politically-relevant categories, identities, and forms of marginalization, such as race, ethnicity, class, and ideological and partisan identification.
    Grading:
    Other Grading Information: Students will write a series of short reaction papers, make short presentations, and write a research paper.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67470/1163
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 November 2011

    Spring 2016  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (49247)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and DGS consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49247/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 8460 Section 001: Topics in International Relations -- Advanced International Relations Theory (70423)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Thu 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in advanced topics or problems. Recent topics: global environmental issues, morality in world politics, and norms and institutions in world politics.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/70423/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics (59954)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Law and Courts
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59954/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (49351)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49351/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (49556)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49556/1163

    Spring 2016  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (47219)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/19/2016 - 05/06/2016
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/47219/1163

    Fall 2015  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (17480)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL1001+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17480/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 1001 Section 002: American Democracy in a Changing World (18405)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL1001+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? Through an examination of the roles of American political institutions and the behavior of American citizens, we will be able to critically reflect on issues such as political and economic inequality in the U.S., the role of American political and economic power in the world, and the possibility for an American public policy that lives up to the ideals of the founders. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them.
    Grading:
    50% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18405/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 November 2012

    Fall 2015  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (11586)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL1025+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    Global politics introduces students to the study of the world's political systems and to the debates over certain global issues. Various theroretical frameworks are examined throughout the semester, but the emphasis is on the so-called realist and liberal perspectives. Related middle range accounts of war and of international political economy also are studied. While many global political issues will be mentioned, the focus will be on the legacies of the East-West conflict, particularly nuclear proliferation, and on the North-South conflict, expecially Southern demands for distributional justice. At the end of the semester, students will be able to describe and predict the evolution of a global political system. In addition, they will be able to carve out and defend a stand on one of the global issues mentioned above.
    Exam Format:
    30% Midterm Exams (2)
    40% Final Exam Other Grading Information: Weightings are approximate
    Class Format:
    Some digitized video materials are used.
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11586/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 April 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Puzzles in World Politics (11569)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political life. Repression, democracy, rights, corruption, gender, political change. Guest lectures by political science professors.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?dsamuels+POL1054+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    This course provides an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. We seek to understand how people establish a durable and legitimate political system, and how they seek to benefit from, transform or even overthrow that system. Over the course of the semester we will explore the following questions: 1) How and why do societies establish political order? 2) What is democracy and how is it different from dictatorship? 3) What factors cause democracy to emerge? 4) What are the different kinds of dictatorships? 5) When, where and why does ethnicity impact politics? 6) What is nationalism? 7) How does religion drive conflict in the contemporary world? 8) What is the impact of women in politics around the world? 9) What causes civil wars? 10) Why are some countries rich and some poor? 11) Why do some countries tax and spend quite a lot, while others have lower tax rates and lower levels of redistribution?
    Exam Format:
    30% Reports/Papers
    50% Written Homework
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: There is one five-page paper, and up to 10 short assignments. A draft of the 5-page paper is required; students will receive feedback before turning in the final version.
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    10 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11569/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 April 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (11527)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jctronto+POL1201+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    This course serves as an introduction to political thinking by focusing on one of the key ideas of modern political thought: what is "the social contract?" For centuries, political theorists have presumed that the one way to understand politics is to see it as a contract among citizens. We will explore both the positive and negative views of this perspective, beginning with classic writers about the social contract (Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau) and classic and contemporary critics of the social contract (for example, Hume, Marx, Pateman, Mills). Students will also have a chance to read some creative contemporary deployments of the contract metaphor and to create their own version of a social contract.
    Grading:
    Students will primarily be graded on: three (3-5 pp) papers that they will write over the course of the semester and a final examination. Class participation will also count. Grading will reflect improvement over the course of the semester. Students will have an opportunity to rewrite one paper. The final will include material from the entire semester.
    Exam Format:
    no exams
    Class Format:
    Lecture/Discussion: 100%, using a Socratic method and group discussions.
    Workload:

    80-120 Pages Reading Per Week

    12-18 Pages Writing Per Term

    1 FINAL Exam

    3 3-5 page Papers

    Other Workload: Students will be expected to spend at least two hours before each class meeting reading the material

    Students should purchase the assigned texts
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11527/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    12 May 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 1201 Section 002: Political Ideas and Ideologies (13901)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ande7715+POL1201+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    What does it mean to be free? What is the proper relationship between the individual and the community? What is power and how should it be limited? How we answer these questions matters for how we think about politics and how we live our lives. This course offers students an introduction to three branches of political thought that have each sought to provide coherent answers to these questions. They are Republicanism, Liberalism, and Socialism, and though they do not exhaust the wide spectrum of political thought, each has appeared and reappeared over the course of Western history as various thinkers have grappled with questions of freedom, duty, and power. In this course we will consider a few of the most important formulations of these three "isms" in the writings of figures such as Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Karl Marx. Each of these thinkers is important not just because each produced excellent works of political theory, but also because their works have come to form part of the vocabulary of modern political discourse, both inside and outside of academic settings, making an understanding of their writings necessary for any understanding of contemporary politics.
    Grading:
    70% Reports/Papers
    30% Quizzes
    Exam Format:
    60% Reports/Papers
    30% Reflection Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    40% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/13901/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    16 March 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 1903 Section 001: Freshman Seminar -- The Perils and Promises of Community (35771)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Freshman Seminar
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue 09:45AM - 12:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 35
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics specified in Class Schedule. prereq: Fr or no more than 30 cr
    Class Notes:
    The Perils and Promises of Community http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jctronto+POL1903+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    The University of Minnesota has recently announced that one of the "Grand Challenges" that it seeks to address is the challenge of "vibrant communities." How can we address this challenge, though, unless we know what a "community" is? This course will provide students with the opportunity for intellectual and moral reflection to answer this question, AND to do something concrete about making communities more vibrant. Among our central concerns: how have scholars in the social sciences thought about the meaning of community? Is the very language of "community" connected with problems of injustice and social inequality? For example why do only some people live in "communities," as when President Obama claimed that the incidents in Ferguson Mo required us to look at "community and police relations?" Are there ways to make communities more "vibrant" that do not assume or deepen existing divisions among communities? Does the internet create community or communities? Can someone be both committed to their local lives and to global, cosmopolitan perspectives, or are these mutually exclusive?

    This course will combine theoretical readings about the nature of community, inequality and social justice with attempts to learn more empirically about communities, especially those in the Twin Cities. Students will have the opportunity to write about communities near and far from their own experience and to develop more sophisticated judgments about questions of justice in American society.

    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35771/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    12 May 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 1905 Section 002: Freshman Seminar -- The Contested Meaning of American Federalism (25752)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Freshman Seminar
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 278
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics specified in Class Schedule. prereq: Fr
    Class Notes:
    E Pluribus Unum? The States, the Feds, and the Contested Meaning of American Federalism
    Class Description:
    Climate change. Health care reform. Immigration. In the early twenty-first century, many of the central issues in American politics are characterized by heightened tensions between the fifty states and the national government. Has the United States entered a new era of “uncooperative” or “fend for yourself” federalism, or have these tensions always existed? In this seminar, we will investigate the constitutional foundations and the contemporary policy implications of American federalism as well as the relationship between states’ rights and individual rights. By reading and discussing a variety of primary and secondary sources we will also gain an appreciation for the profound, if often under-appreciated, ways that federalism determines what it means to be a member of the American community. The discussion-based format of the seminar will give students an opportunity to develop their critical thinking, oral communication, and writing skills.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/25752/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 April 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 1905 Section 003: Freshman Seminar -- Whose Community? Pol of Violence Against Women (25905)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Freshman Seminar
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue 02:30PM - 05:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 184
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics specified in Class Schedule. prereq: Fr
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/25905/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3070 Section 001: Distinguished Undergraduate Research Internship (36064)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    UMTC, East Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Interns work closely with a faculty mentor on supervised projects related to faculty research. Through these activities, interns will deepen research, organizational, and communication skills that will prove useful for further training in political science or for other careers.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/36064/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (11526)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Off Campus
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3080+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Exam Format:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11526/1159
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 March 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3110H Section 001: Honors Thesis Credits (11726)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis. prereq: 3109, pol sci, honors, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11726/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3225 Section 001: American Political Thought (23665)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Puritans, American Revolution, Constitution, pro- and anti-slavery arguments, civil war/reconstruction, industrialism, westward expansion, Native Americans, immigration, populism, socialism, social Darwinism, women's suffrage, red scares, Great Depression, free speech, pluralism, multiculturalism. prereq: Suggested prerequisite POL 1201
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?psoper+POL3225+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    In this course we will examine classic texts in the history of American political thought in order to understand how Americans have theorized about and argued over their political system, and to consider how we can draw upon these texts to address contemporary American political problems. Some of the questions we will address: What political and moral obligations do citizens have to the state, and to each other? What is the basis of legitimate state authority? What is the social contract, and how have Americans used social contract theory to legitimate their governments? What is the right of resistance, and when is it acceptable for individuals or a people to resist or rebel against their government? Does the Declaration of Independence merely list the reasons for separating from Great Britain, or is it also a founding document establishing American principles of liberty and equality? How does the Constitution limit (or fail to limit) the power of the state, and protect (or fail to protect) individual and corporate rights? Is class conflict over the distribution of wealth in society a recent development or a long-standing feature of American political discourse? How have religious texts and ideas been used as a basis for political argument? How relevant to our century and our political problems are the ideas of 50, 100, 150, 200, or more years ago? What, if anything, can we still learn and use from these past ideas and theories? How might they help us, or lead us astray, in addressing our own problems today? Prominent theorists covered include Winthrop, Franklin, Paine, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, the Anti-Federalist "Brutus," Thoreau, Calhoun, Douglass, Lincoln, Sumner.
    Exam Format:
    80% Reports/Papers
    20% Quizzes
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    150 Pages Reading Per Week
    30 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Paper(s)
    2 Quiz(zes)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/23665/1159
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3225_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 March 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3265 Section 001: Ideas and Protest in French Postwar Thought (34058)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 155
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Examine events, political/ethical challenges, intellectuals who shaped France in its century of politics/protest. Historical documents, cultural media, philosophical texts. Thinkers range from film-maker Gillo Pontecorvo to philosopher-playwright Jean-Paul Sartre to philosopher Michel Foucault.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?luxon+POL3265+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    France witnessed a number of extraordinary events in the 20th century: the carnage and trauma of World Wars I and II; the Vichy regime's shameful collaboration with German Nazis; the general strike and student protests of the 1960s; the tensions prompted by decolonization in North Africa; and the challenges of contemporary multiculturalism and identity politics from the 1990s to the 2015 Charlie Hebdo tragedy. This course will examine these events, the political and ethical challenges they raised, and the intellectuals who shaped the ensuing public debates. It will draw on historical documents, cultural media (e.g. posters, art, film), and philosophical texts to explore contemporary France in its century of politics and protest. Thinkers range from novelist Albert Camus, to philosopher-playwright Jean-Paul Sartre, to philosopher Michel Foucault.
    Exam Format:
    20% Midterm Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Special Projects
    10% In-class Presentations
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    3 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34058/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 March 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3308 Section 001: Congressional Politics and Institutions (34059)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origin/development of U.S. congressional institutions, parties, committees, leaders, lobbying/elections, and relations between Congress/executive branch. Relationship of campaigning/governing, nature of representation, biases of institutional arrangements.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kpearson+POL3308+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    This course is a comprehensive survey of the contemporary U.S. Congress. We will begin by analyzing congressional elections, how members of Congress represent their states and districts, and the links between elections and governance. Then we will focus on the organization of Congress, including the interplay between parties and the committee system. We will then analyze the legislative process, rules and procedure, the budget process, interest groups, and the interaction between the Congress and the White House. The current Congress is deeply polarized along partisan lines. We will investigate the implications of this partisan polarization, along with the consequences of divided and unified party control of government and important institutional features of Congress, such as the Senate filibuster and the House Committee on Rules. Class sessions will include lecture and discussion. It is important that students keep up with the assigned reading to understand the lectures and participate in class. Although attention to current congressional politics will enhance the value of this course, it is no substitute for careful reading and classroom discussion. Students will write two short papers, an 8-10 page paper, and take a midterm and a final exam.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34059/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 November 2014

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3309 Section 001: Justice in America (25597)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    American judiciary. Selection of judges. How/why these individuals/institutions behave as they do. What influences judicial decisions. What impact decisions have. Why people comply with them. prereq: 1001 or 1002 or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?moha0030+POL3309+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    This course will be a survey of judicial politics in America. We will analyze the role of law and courts as political institutions and judges as political actors within our democracy. Focusing primarily on the Supreme Court, we will discuss different theories and methods of measuring how and why justices vote the way they do. What influences judicial decisions? Can we predict judicial outcomes based on past behavior and articulated political preferences? What impact do decisions have? Why do people comply with them? We will examine power relations within courts and within the judicial hierarchy. We will use Supreme Court decisions as our case studies. This course will be 70% lecture, 30% discussion. There will be 2 exams and 10 - 15 pages of writing.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/25597/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    16 March 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3310 Section 002: Topics in American Politics -- Conspiracies, Rumors, and Misinformation (34062)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Walter F. Mondale Hall 30
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topic in American politics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?mille441+POL3310+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    Why do people hold false or unsupported beliefs about politics and why are those beliefs so hard to change? This course will explore the psychological and political factors that make people vulnerable to political misinformation and conspiracy theories and the reasons that corrections so often fail to change their minds.We will also analyze how those tendencies are exploited by political elites and consider possible approaches that journalists and civic reformers could employ to combat misperceptions.
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    5% Film/Video
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    2-3 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    5 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34062/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    31 March 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3317 Section 001: Food Politics: Actors, Arenas, and Agendas (26116)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue, Thu 01:30PM - 02:45PM
    UMTC, St Paul
    McNeal Hall 144
    Course Catalog Description:
    How food is grown, transported, processed, consumed. Examine how various political actors interact in complex policy arena that is food. Explore various resources, arguments, evidence used by participants in food politics. Investigate institutional, cultural, moral rules of engagement that provide structure in which political contenders attempt to advance economic interests/ideological agendas.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rahnx003+POL3317+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    Food Fights! Neighbors battle over backyard chicken ordinances, Members of Congress disagree about how to safeguard the food supply, and high school students protest new standards in the Federal School Lunch Program. From New York to California and places in between, food--how it's grown, transported, processed, and consumed--has become a political battleground. Take this course if you want to learn more about the various resources, arguments, evidence, and rules of engagement that structure contemporary food politics. This course satisfies the Social Science Core requirement and is an eligible elective for the public health minor and the Food Studies major.
    Exam Format:
    6 quizzes, participation in food policy simulation,website development, several in-class assignments
    Class Format:
    50% discussion, 50% lecture
    Workload:
    75 pages of reading per week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/26116/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (25599)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics and education in the United States. Equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, role of political institutions in making educational policy. Efforts to reform/remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?abernath+POL3319+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
    Grading:
    Essay, short essay
    Class Format:
    55% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/25599/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3321 Section 001: Issues in American Public Policy (34066)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics of policy process. Agenda formation, formulation, adoption, implementation, evaluation. Attention to selected policy areas.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?ajkarch+POL3321+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars often describe the United States as a laggard where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. How accurate is this conventional wisdom? In what ways is the American welfare state unusual? How have political culture, interest groups, government institutions, and other factors contributed to the distinctive shape of American social policy? The second half of the course applies the analytical frameworks discussed in the first half of the course to contemporary trends in American social policy. It focuses on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. In addition to examining the historical origins of existing programs in each of these policy areas, it also looks closely at the political and substantive impact of contemporary reforms like the Affordable Care Act and charter schools.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam I
    10% Social Security Reform Policy Analysis
    10% Health Care Reform Policy Analysis
    20% Midterm Exam II
    15% Education Policy Memo
    25% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75-100 pages of reading per week
    Three exams
    Three papers (2-4 double-spaced pages each)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34066/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3489W Section 001: Citizens, Consumers, and Corporations (18958)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How ordinary people can act collectively to hold corporations accountable for effects their activities have on communities/nations. Mobilizing as citizens through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through court system. Mobilizing as consumers through purchasing decisions.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?caraway+POL3489W+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    Corporations are among the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a variety of goods, and have massive effects on the ecological and social environments in which they do business. How do ordinary people act in order to hold corporations accountable for the effects that their activities have on communities and individuals? This course focuses on two ways that people have mobilized to counter corporate power--as citizens and as consumers. When people mobilize as citizens, they put pressure on corporations through the political system--e.g. through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through the courts. When people mobilize as consumers, they use the power of their purchasing decisions to encourage corporations to change their behavior. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of corporate social responsibility/sweatshops, the industrial food system in the US, and the privatization of life (e.g. genes), water, and war.
    Grading:
    25% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    25% Class Participation Other Grading Information: The writing assignments comprise 75% of the final grade, and participation/online quizzes (completed before class) are 25% of the final grade.
    Exam Format:
    The final exam will be an essay exam.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    ~20 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    2 Homework Assignment(s)
    7 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: Evaluation: several short writing assignments (no longer than 5 pages each) based on course readings--cumulatively approx. 20 pages, including one rewrite and the in-class final exam.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18958/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 April 2014

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3733 Section 001: From Suffragettes to Senators: Gender, Politics & Policy in the U.S. (34073)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Overview to field of gender/politics. Examine role women play in U.S. policy process. How public policies are "gendered." How policies compare to feminist thinking about related issue area. Theories of role(s) gender plays in various aspects of politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?murib003+POL3733+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34073/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3739 Section 001: Politics of Race, Class, and Ethnicity (11584)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Course Catalog Description:
    How race/ethnicity/class interact in political process. Political conflict through comparative analysis of United States, South Africa, Brazil.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL3739+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    What similarities are there, if any, between the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, South Africa, Northern Ireland, Rwanda, and Palestine/Israel? Why does racial and ethnic conflict persist in so many regions of the world? To what extent does racial conflict in th U.S. reflect the increasing disparities in wealth? How is racial/ethnic oppression similar and different from sexual oppression? These are some of the questions that this course will address and attempt to answer. This will be done primarily through a comparative analysis of racial/ethnic/class conflict in the U.S., South Africa, and Cuba with particular attention on the experiences of Blacks in the three countries.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    50% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11584/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3752 Section 001: Chicana/o Politics (24430)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    CHIC 3852 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Mon, Wed 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 205
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of Chicana/o politics through analysis of Mexican American experience, social agency. Response to larger political systems/behaviors using social science methods of inquiry. Unequal power relations, social justice, political economy.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/24430/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (21290)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?lavine+POL3766+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    This course examines the influence of human nature on political decision making among members of the mass public, asking questions about how human thought processes, emotions, and personality influence political judgments. Political theorists have long disagreed over basic human nature and have advanced different solutions to political governance as a consequence, ranging from participatory democracy to authoritarian regimes. In this course, we carefully consider how well we, as humans, are equipped to deal with different forms of political governance, especially democracy. We examine different aspects of human psychology, including personality, motivation, values, information processing, emotion and intergroup behavior, as well as proximal and distal biological processes (e.g., physiology, genetics, evolution), and consider their influence on political decision making. Readings are drawn from psychology and political science. No prior in-depth knowledge of either psychology or political science is needed to succeed in the course. It would help to have a general interest in politics, however. The course begins with an introductory reading in political psychology, designed to provide an overview of the field. We will then begin a section of the course on obedience to authority, which examines the power of social context and perceptions of legitimate authority in altering social and political behavior. We then consider the impact of group life on political preferences. To what extent do political preferences spring from our membership in groups and our views of other groups in society (including nations)? We will consider the impact of in-group attachments (to one's race, gender or nation), followed by a consideration of how animosity towards outsiders can escalate into prejudice, or even genocide.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21290/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3767 Section 001: Political Psychology of Elite Behavior (34077)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 255
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Intersections of politics, personality, and social psychology. Focuses on political leaders and elites. Usefulness of psychological theories for conducting political analysis. Role of individual, of group processes, of political/social cognition, and of context in political decision-making.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?cdmyers+POL3767+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    Can political psychology help us understand the behavior of presidents, party leaders and dictators? This course draws on the approaches of social and cognitive psychology to examine and explain the behavior of political leaders and other elites. We will cover judgement and decision making, the effect of personality and other individual differences, group processes, and other topics. In addition to these substantive topics, we will learn about the methods used by political scientists to study political elites.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34077/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3833 Section 001: The United States and the Global Economy (25602)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 317
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Domestic and international politics of the United States, foreign economic policy (trade, aid, investment, monetary, and migration policies). Effects of policies and international economic relations on the U.S. economy and U.S. politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?POL3833+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    Globalization has been a defining force driving markets - and, hence, shaping politics - over the past 20 years. Global financial flows and imbalances are implicated in financial crises both recent and past, and the mobility of firms and migrants across international borders has important distributional and regulatory consequences. Yet, the impact of the U.S. on the global economy is not exclusive to purely financial phenomena: conflict and peace, technological innovation, natural resources, and economic development are all affected as rising levels of trade create new "winners" and "losers." This class examines some of the broad themes that characterize globalization with a focus on - but not only on - the U.S. and the ways in which its policy responses shape and are being shaped by globalization.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/25602/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 August 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (11521)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to theoretical study of international relations. How theoretical perspective shapes one's understandings of structure/practices of global politics.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?redax004+POL3835+Fall2015
    Class Description:

    There are two major puzzles at the heart of international relations: Why do nations fight, and why do they cooperate? One theoretical perspective treats war as a normal state of international politics, leaving its proponents with the challenges of explaining why so much cooperation exists. Another perspective treats cooperation as the norm, leaving its supporters to account for widespread violence in international politics. This course gives you the theoretical tools you will need to address a variety of puzzles in international affairs. In this course, we will examine contending theoretical frameworks in International Relations (IR), such as Realism, Liberalism, constructivism and rationalism. In addition to exploring key theoretical concepts, we will use empirical evidence and key historical events to examine substantive issues in international politics. Among other things, the course will explore the causes of war and peace, the uses of force, nuclear deterrence and proliferation, state failure, civil war and nation-building, terrorism, the politics of international trade and finance, foreign aid, global inequality, the diffusion of international law and human rights, and morality and ethics in international relations.


    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11521/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 July 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 4210 Section 003: Topics in Political Theory -- Imperialism and Modern Political Thought (34914)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 260
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics in political theory, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rbnichol+POL4210+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    "During the nineteenth century unprecedented power… was concentrated in Britain and France, and later in other Western counties (the United States especially). This century climaxed ‘the rise of the West', and Western power allowed the imperial metropolitan centres to acquire and accumulate territory and subjects on a truly astonishing scale. Consider that in 1800 Western powers claimed
    55 per cent but actually held approximately 35 per cent of the earth's surface, and that by 1878 the proportion was 67 per cent, a rate of increase of 83,000 square miles per year. By 1914, the annual rate had risen to an astonishing 240,000 square miles, and Europe held a grand total of roughly 85
    per cent of the earth as colonies, protectorates, dependencies, dominions, and commonwealths. No other associated set of colonies in history was as large, none so totally dominated, none so unequal in power to the Western metropolis. As a result… the world was united into a single interacting whole as never before." - Edward Saïd, Culture and Imperialism The development of Western political thought did not occur in an historical vacuum and, as this passage from Saïd attests, the dominant political transformation to form the backdrop of nineteenth and twentieth century theory was the unprecedented expansion of European and American power over the planet. In light of this, the central animating questions of this course are: What was the relationship between the historical practices of empire building in the 19th and early 20th century (on the one hand) and the formation of key concepts of late-modern and contemporary political theory (on the other)? How has political theory been shaped by imperialism? What theoretical tools are available today for a critical interrogation of this relationship, given that our reflections come in the wake of these developments and are in some senses indebted to it?
    We will investigate these questions through a study of several key thinkers - Immanuel Kant, John Stuart Mill, Karl Marx, V.I. Lenin, Aimé Césaire, Frantz Fanon, and M.K. Gandhi - read through the lens of empire. Our goal is to analyze how such thinkers reflected upon, problematized and, at times, justified European and/or American imperialism. We will look at their explicit reflections on empire, as well as more tangential or ostensibly separate themes that may have only been shaped by the imperial context in indirect ways. Finally, we will reflect upon our contemporary location as readers and agents situated in the wake of these political and intellectual developments, analyzed through the question of what it means to engage in anti-colonial, decolonial, and/or postcolonial critique. This course will combine lectures by the professor with student-led seminar discussion.
    Grading:
    Essay #1: 3 Pages, 20% of course grade. DUE OCT. 8th Essay #2: 4 Pages, 25% of course grade. DUE OCT. 19th Essay #3: 8-9 Pages, 40% of course grade. DUE DEC. 15th Class Participation: 15% of course grade. The pattern of your attendance and the quality of your participation in and contribution to class discussions will determine your participation grade. You will periodically be given questions to help guide your reading of the texts, which will be taken up later in class discussion. Prepared responses to these will be central to evaluation of class participation.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34914/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 August 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 4403W Section 001: Constitutions, Democracy, and Rights: Comparative Perspectives (34079)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of constitutionalism in different countries. Conceptual/normative inquiry between constitutionalism, rule of law, and democracy. Origins/role of constitutions. Relevance of courts with constitutional review powers: U.S., Germany, Japan, Hungary, Russia, South Africa, Nigeria.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?hilbink+POL4403W+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    From Iraq to India, Spain to South Sudan, Canada to Colombia, fundamental political questions have been debated, and often decided, in recent years in constitutional terms. Meanwhile, here at home, the constitution is invoked at almost every turn to endorse or condemn different policies. Is this obsession with constitutions undermining democracy, or is adhering to constitutional terms the best way to safeguard rights and to achieve successful democracies? This course centers on this question as it moves from debates over how constitutional drafting processes should be structured and how detailed constitutions should be, to the risks and benefits of different institutional structures (federal v. unitary, and the distribution of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary), to which rights (if any) should be constitutionalized and when and why different rights are protected, and closes with a discussion of what rules should guide constitutional amendment, rewrite, and withdrawal (secession). For each topic, we will compare how these issues have been resolved in the U.S. with alternative approaches in other countries. In addition to occasional discussion of examples from the usual suspects in comparative constitutionalism (namely Germany, Canada, and South Africa), the course incorporates material on a wide variety of other countries around the globe. The goal is not only to expose students to the variety of ways, successful or unsuccessful, that other political communities have addressed these issues, but also, and thereby, to gain a more contextualized and clearer understanding of the pros and cons of the U.S. model. This course is writing intensive and, as a 4xxx-level course, offers senior paper credit for Poli Sci majors (though the course is very much open to non-majors). Crafting a written, evidence-based argument that speaks to broader debates about the origins, nature and/or implications of political decisions and outcomes is central to Political Science. To hone this skill, students complete a cumulative writing assignment, starting with a short essay early in the term and revising and enhancing the argument based on what they learn, or how their perspective changes, as the course progresses. The final assignment will be a "research-enhanced" version of the paper. To support this, writing and research tutorials and class activities are integrated into the course every few weeks.
    Grading:
    10% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Some quizzes will be in the form of take-home questions. All quizzes will check for reading/reading comprehension.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    10 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: The paper assignment will be cumulative, such that a first and short version will be due early in the term, and revisions and extensions of the work due at later points, capped with a final, research-enhanced version at the end.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34079/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 4463 Section 001: The Cuban Revolution Through the Words of Cuban Revolutionaries (34080)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 210
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Cuban Revolution. Leadership/strategy. Perspectives of Cubans/leaders. prereq: 1025 or 1054 or equiv
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?animtz+POL4463+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    The history of socialist revolutions over the course of a century or more reveals that what occurred in Cuba has proven to have more lasting power. In spite of all the challenges it continues to face, what explains why the Cuban Revolution is still in place after four decades? This is the central research question of the course. A definitive answer would require a thorough examination of the revolution from its initiation until today, which is beyond what can be done in a semester or its equivalent. The focus, rather, will be more limited. First, how was the revolution made and consolidated, from 1953 until about 1969. Second, how has it been able to survive and advance since the collapse of the Soviet Union, that is, since 1991? The emphasis here is on the role of leadership and strategy and how the Cubans and their leaders saw and see what they are doing, in their own words. This is an attempt to get into their heads, their understandings, through documents, speeches and writings. For the first question I will also draw on the data from a research/film documentary project that I'm involved in at this moment: the participation of women and men in the guerrilla army and underground movement.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34080/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 May 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 4473W Section 001: Chinese Politics (20320)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Course Catalog Description:
    Focuses on fundamental conflicts in Chinese society; the democracy movement, human rights, class divisions, gender struggles, environmental issues, and capitalist vs. socialist development strategies. Secondary topics include Chinese foreign relations and domestic and foreign political issues in Taiwan.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kelliher+POL4473W+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    Don't know anything about China? Like, say, zero? No problem: no background required here. This course starts from scratch, going high-speed through Imperial China and the Chinese Revolution to arrive at the contemporary scene (the focus for most of the course). We'll cover Chinese social structure plus the basics of China's long history of sophisticated political theory, and then see how they both play out in the biggest controversies today: environmental catastrophe, internet censorship, changing sexual morals, international copyright piracy, sex-selective abortion & the missing girls problem, freedom & human rights, changing roles for women and men, corruption & high-profile scandals, tainted food and medicine, religion, grass-roots protest movements, art & cinema, business & Chinese capitalism, the military, espionage, and U.S.-China relations ( with an emphasis on what American behavior looks like to the Chinese). Feedback I've gotten from students about this class: it's hard and it's really fun.
    Grading:
    15% Midterm Exam
    15% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-13 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20320/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 May 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 4481 Section 001: Governments and Markets (34081)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Connection between democracy and markets. Experiences of countries in North America and Europe. prereq: 1054 or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?freeman+POL4481+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    This course addresses the question of whether democracy and markets are compatible, whether democratic institutions enhance (undermine) the workings of market institutions and vice versa. Competing theoretical perspectives in the field of political economy are critically evaluated. And the experiences of countries with different forms of democratic market system are studied. Among the topics singled out for in-depth investigation are the economics of voting, politics of money management, political business cycles,and the politics of trade.
    Exam Format:
    3 exams (two mid term exams and a final);
    1 paper, 6-8 pages (4 credit option only)
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34081/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 4485 Section 001: Human Rights and Democracy in the World (34083)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    POL 5485 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Course Catalog Description:
    Human/democracy rights in global/comparative perspectives. History of ideas about human rights/democracy. Contrast economic, political, psychological, ideological explanations for repression. prereq: One 1xxx or 3xxx course in pol sci
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?jamesr+POL4485+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    This class will help students better understand central debates over human rights policy, data, and perspective, including the links between human rights and cultural relativism, religion, colonialism, international law, and war. We also discuss different types of rights, including social and economic rights, and the rights of specific vulnerable groups, such as children. Students will learn basic concepts and methods in human rights theory, data collection, and policy analysis.
    Exam Format:
    One 10-15 page paper, one 30-minute class presentation, one final exam.
    Class Format:
    100% discussion-based
    Workload:
    60-80 pages per week reading; 250-word weekly reaction paper; one
    (individual or group) presentation over the course of the semester; one
    10-15 page final paper; one final exam.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34083/1159
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/jamesr_PA5885_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 4495 Section 001: Politics of Family, Sex, and Children (25608)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political fights over volatile issues of family, sex, and children. Diversity of family life in the United States as a source of disharmony and inequality. Same-sex couples, interracial families, polygamous communities, reproductive equality for people with disabilities, targeting of immigrant children, teen sex & pregnancy, working mothers, a??childfreea?? advocates. Citizen efforts aimed at reconciling communities with harshly clashing beliefs.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?kelliher+POL4495+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    If you take this course you will confront contemporary fights over family, sex, and children. Here are the big questions: (1) Who controls sex? We will look at power in sexual relationships, sexual freedom & the state, and sexual elements in political ideologies. (2) Who should be allowed to make a family? We will do same-sex marriage, polygamy, and teenage childbearing. (3) What happens to children? We will look at countries with strong pro-child policies, but also at the dark side: child soldiers, child prostitutes, and sexual abuse of children by clergy. (4) What are the odds that your family will survive? Time to face up to financial crisis, bankruptcy, and divorce, and see the effects of taxation, social support for families, childcare, and family medical leave. (5) Do politicians care? We will see what policies actually help families, plus how political campaigns manipulate images of the family for their own ends. Got more questions about the class? Just ask me: kelliher@umn.edu
    Grading:
    10% Midterm Exam
    10% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    10% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    5 Problem Set(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/25608/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 May 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 4501W Section 001: The Supreme Court and Constitutional Interpretation (10535)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Historical/analytical approaches to Court's landmark decisions. Theory/techniques of judicial review. Relates Court's authority to wider political/social context of American government.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?trj+POL4501W+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of Articles I, II, and III.
    Grading:
    33% Midterm Exam
    33% Final Exam
    33% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    25 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/10535/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 February 2008

    Fall 2015  |  POL 4771 Section 001: Racial Attitudes and Intergroup Conflict (34084)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Basic approaches, findings, and controversies in research on racial attitudes and intergroup relations, from perspective of political psychology. Approaches developed by researchers in political science, social psychology, and sociology. Contemporary issues/debates, historical development of research/theory.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?federico+POL4771+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    Race continues to be one of the defining fault lines in American politics. The purpose of this course is to provide students with an introduction to how political scientists have studied racial attitudes and the larger problem of inter-ethnic conflict in American society. We will begin with a look at the historical circumstances which have given rise to the major research questions in the area. From there, we'll look at the major research perspectives in the area, and see how well they actually explain public opinion on matters of race. In doing so, we’ll also get a look at some of the major controversies in this area of study, particularly whether the
    “old-fashioned racism” of the pre-civil-rights era has been replaced by new forms of racism and the degree to which debates over policy matters with no apparent link to race—such as crime and social welfare—may actually have a lot to do with racial attitudes. Finally, we will conclude by taking a look at the question of whether the election of America’s first African-American president has ushered in a “post-racial” era.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    35% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    There will be one midterm and a final exam; the midterm is worth 30%, whereas the final is worth 40%. Both exams consist of short answers and one essay question. In addition, students will complete a 5-10 page paper, worth 30% of their course grade.
    Class Format:
    75% lecture, 25% class discussion and small-group activities.
    Workload:
    100-150 pages of reading per week, plus one 5-10 page term paper
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34084/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 4885W Section 001: International Conflict and Security (23668)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    An examination of alternative theories of the sources of militarized international conflict. Apply these theories to one or more past conflicts and discuss their relevance to the present.
    Class Notes:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/?rkrebs+POL4885W+Fall2015
    Class Description:
    With the end of the Cold War, many foresaw the birth of a new world order. Military strategy, strategic bombing and coercive diplomacy, deterrence and compellence, signaling and the escalatory ladder--these concepts, staples of Cold War thinking, were believed to be outmoded and to have little relevance to the emerging world. The events of the past two decades have shown how wrong this conclusion was. Military force is as pertinent to international politics as ever. Unable to reap the peace dividend that was expected to accompany the end of the Cold War, the United States has since 1989 repeatedly deployed its military forces across the globe--from Kuwait to Somalia to Bosnia and Kosovo to Afghanistan and Iraq. These operations have sometimes ended in apparent success, other times in failure. This course explores central issues regarding the use of military force in international politics. Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? Under what conditions is the use of force ethical, and when does it exceed those bounds? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? What is the future of military force in global politics? Through theoretical readings, concrete historical cases, and contemporary policy debates, this course examines these questions and others.
    Exam Format:
    No exam. Occasional online quizzes. Final research paper, completed in multiple stages. Weekly reading questions.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 pages of reading per week; 15-20 pages of writing per term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/23668/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2015

    Fall 2015  |  POL 4900V Section 001: Honors: Senior Paper (15198)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Honors, pol sr, instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/15198/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 4900W Section 001: Senior Paper (13602)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Pol sr, instr consent
    Class Description:
    Can be attached to any 3XXX or 4XXX course (with the instructor's agreement). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instuctor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/13602/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Fall 2015  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (13467)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/13467/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 5485 Section 001: Human Rights and Democracy in the World (35857)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    POL 4485 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Course Catalog Description:
    History of ideas about human rights and democracy. Economic, political, psychological, and ideological explanations for repression. prereq: grad student or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35857/1159
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/jamesr_PA5885_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)

    Fall 2015  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (23300)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    UMTC, East Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/23300/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (25656)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Wed 11:45AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Pol sci grad student
    Class Notes:
    Comparative Political Studies Journal Seminar
    Class Description:
    Students will meet to discuss and evaluate submissions to Comparative Political Studies. Students will learn best practices for doing peer-reviews of journal submissions, and will learn presentation skills.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/25656/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8060 Section 002: Research Proseminar in Political Science (24132)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    SOC 8090 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Mon 11:15AM - 12:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1183
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Pol sci grad student
    Class Notes:
    Law and Society Review: Journal Editing Seminar
    Class Description:
    This course is co-taught be Timothy R. Johnson (Political Science) and Joachim Savelsberg (Sociology), incoming editors of the Law & Society Review, the official journal of the Law & Society Association and the world's leading journal in the field of law and society studies. This is the first offering in a series of six semesters. Johnson will take the lead in 2013/14, Savelsberg in 2014/15. Students will read submitted papers that receive 'revise and resubmit' decisions and the reviewers' comments and discuss them with the editors. Different students may take the lead on specific papers in line with their substantive and methodological interests and expertize. Suggestions developed during these discussions will be incorporated into the R&R letters the editors will send out to authors. Students will thus get immersed in a range of cutting edge work done in the field. They will further gain crucial insights into the decision making processes associated with journal publishing. In this respect the course is intended to be a major professionalization tool that should be most helpful to graduate students who prepare to enter academic careers in which publishing papers in journals will be a crucial component. The process should make for an engaging collaborative, intellectual and professional, experience.
    Grading:
    20% In-class Presentations
    80% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    85% Discussion
    15% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    70 Pages Reading Per Week
    10 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/24132/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 April 2013

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8106 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science I (22448)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course provides a thorough grounding in the quantitative analysis of political science data. The emphasis is on how to analyze such data, interpret statistical results, and summarize and report the findings. By the end of the term you will (1) know how to describe variables; (2) test hypotheses; (3) use measures of association to quantify the relationship between two variables while holding a third variable constant; (4) understand bivariate regression and the basics of multiple regression; (5) understand reliability and validity and how to assess these properties empirically; and (6) know how to use the STATA statistical software program. prereq: political science grad major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    Every other Friday POL 8106 will meet in the Political Science Computer Lab for a lab portion from 3:30-5:15pm.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22448/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8160 Section 002: Topics in Models and Methods -- Qualitative Methodologies (25659)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Wed 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/25659/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8160 Section 004: Topics in Models and Methods -- Math Models of International Relations (34127)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Fri 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 20
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    ITV with Professor Andrew Kydd of Wisconsin.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34127/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8260 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- Reading Foucault in Contexts (22201)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 11/02/2015
    Mon 03:15PM - 05:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
     
    11/09/2015 - 11/16/2015
    Mon 03:15PM - 05:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
     
    11/23/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Mon 03:15PM - 05:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in special topics or problems. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22201/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8260 Section 002: Topics in Political Theory -- Colonialism (34128)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Thu 04:05PM - 05:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in special topics or problems. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    Professor Robert Nichols
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34128/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8301 Section 001: American Politics (34130)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Wed 11:15AM - 01:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminar on main themes of theory and research in American politics, institutions, law, and policy. Major works on individual, mass, elite, and institutional behavior and their relationship to each other. Foundation for advanced seminars in American politics. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34130/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8307 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology I (11585)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    PSY 8211 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Fri 10:00AM - 12:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11585/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8401 Section 001: International Relations (34132)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Basic theories/approaches to study of international politics. Surveys representative work/central issues of scholarship. prereq: Grad pol sci major or dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34132/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8403 Section 001: International Norms and Institutions (35890)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origins, roles, and effectiveness of international norms and institutions; theoretical explanations and debates. Institution of sovereignty; rational choice versus constructivist perspectives; role of international law, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations; and international society and transnational cultural norms. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35890/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (14142)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and DGS consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14142/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8601 Section 001: Introduction to Comparative Politics (34133)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Wed 05:35PM - 07:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Main theoretical approaches and issues: comparative method, the state and class; political culture; development, democratization, rational choice, social movements. prereq: Grad pol sci major
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34133/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Comparative Authoritarian Regimes (22199)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22199/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8660 Section 003: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Religion and Politics (35101)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    Fri 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    Religion and Politics
    Class Description:
    This course examines theoretical debates about the role of religion in politics and governance. The course will primarily focus on these debates as they play out in the "Muslim world," that is, primarily in the Middle East, Muslim Eurasia, South and Southeast Asia and Africa. However, the course will discuss comparative political and sociological theories of religion more broadly. The course will also include a number of readings and examples that deal with the role of Christianity in western politics, historically and today. The course is divided into theoretical components, and each one will examine a major debate about the role of religion, especially Islam, in politics, such as: the intricate relationship between religious identity and tribe, ethnicity, nation and nationalism, and citizenship; religion and democracy; religion and gender politics; religion and state-building; religion and conflict; and religion and terrorism. The course will also cover a broad array of methodologies for studying religious identity and politics, from ethnographic to survey methods. These discussions are designed to help graduate students think about developing their own tools for pursuing field research related to religious and identity politics. The course has a political science focus, but is designed to be interdisciplinary. It draws on literature in anthropology (Saba Mahmood), sociology (e.g. Ronald Inglehart, Mounira Charrad), law (e.g. Noah Feldman, Hallaq), Islamic studies (e.g. Asma Afsaruddin) and history (e.g. Benin, John Esposito), as well as political science (Mark Tessler, Amaney Jamal, Robert Pape). Course requirements will include a final research paper and class presentations.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35101/1159
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 April 2009

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (14257)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14257/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (13773)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/13773/1159

    Fall 2015  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (11706)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/08/2015 - 12/16/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11706/1159

    Summer 2015  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (85008)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/15/2015 - 08/07/2015
    Tue, Thu 05:30PM - 08:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 225
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Description:
    What is the goal of politics? To what end are we organized into political societies? Questions such as these animate this course, the aim of which is to offer an introduction to political theory and to some ideas and ideologies that might help us to make sense of and think differently about contemporary political life. Each week we will read, write, and converse about historically important political ideologies, or approaches to being in the world, and the political projects and ideas that they most highly value. To give a few examples, we will study liberalism and human rights; socialism and revolutionary politics; conservatism and tradition; realism and state violence; democracy and participation; critical theory and emancipation; and postcolonialism and liberation. Along the way we will also survey the history of political thought, as understanding these political ideologies and ideas will mean that we will read selections from Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Edmund Burke, Karl Marx, Hannah Arendt, Sheldon Wolin, Judith Shklar, Edward Said, and others.
    Grading:
    70% Reports/Papers
    30% Quizzes
    Exam Format:
    no exams
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    3 microthemes (500 word); 2 "bookend" essays
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/85008/1155
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 March 2015

    Summer 2015  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (80867)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/15/2015 - 08/07/2015
    Off Campus
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Grading:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/80867/1155
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 March 2014

    Summer 2015  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (83080)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/15/2015 - 08/07/2015
    Tue, Thu 09:15AM - 12:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    Political scientists rely on quantitative data to research a range of topics critical to understanding the political world such as election outcomes, the behavior of politicians, and the causes and consequences of political violence. This class is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to the techniques that political scientists use to answer these important research questions through quantitative analysis. Through this course you will learn basic statistical techniques, appropriate research design, how to form hypotheses and about correlation and causation. In addition, this course will teach you to apply these methods and manage relevant data using statistics focused computer software. This class fulfills the mathematical thinking core of the liberal education requirements.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83080/1155
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 February 2015

    Summer 2015  |  POL 3110H Section 001: Honors Thesis Credits (80868)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis. prereq: 3109, pol sci, honors, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/80868/1155

    Summer 2015  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (83081)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/15/2015 - 08/07/2015
    Mon, Wed 05:45PM - 08:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 225
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Democracy based on individual rights. Pluralism. Civic republicanism. Community activism. Dilemmas of democratic government/citizenship in race, class, gender-stratified society.
    Class Description:
    Political scientists often suggest that democracy is an ?essentially contested concept.? Indeed, if there is an essence of democracy, it involves contestation, preventing any stable, abstract meaning of the term from ever emerging. In this course, we will explore the following questions: What are the origins of the idea and practice of democracy? How has the meaning of democracy changed throughout history? Does democracy look different in different parts of the world? Is democracy best understood as a form of government, a way of life, or as a mode of resistance against hierarchy and domination? Who is included in ?we the people? and who gets to decide? Further, this course will invite students to critically reflect on their own role as citizens. What is citizenship? What should it be? How do different ideals of citizenship come into conflict with each other? How does citizenship relate with other political concepts and practices, such as rights, duties, democratic participation, membership in a community, inclusion and exclusion, national borders, race, gender, sexuality, class, culture, and identity? This course will delve into these key questions around the making of citizens and the practice and theory of democracy. The course begins with a broad overview of theories of citizenship and democracy from classical liberal democratic theory to the present. It then examines the obstacles to the implementation and realization of democratic and citizenship ideals, including recent controversies such as over the Charlie Hebdo massacre, the selective policing and killing of Black citizens and people of color, net neutrality, torture and detention centers, the labor movement, and so forth. Finally, the course concludes with readings on potential ways of overcoming these obstacles in social movements such as the Ferguson uprising, the Occupy movement, and other movements around the world. The course aims not only to be a broad overview of theories of democracy and citizenship, but to invite students to actively engage in interrogating their own roles as students and citizens of democracy.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83081/1155
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 March 2015

    Summer 2015  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (85706)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/15/2015 - 08/07/2015
    Tue, Thu 01:30PM - 04:00PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Amundson Hall 104
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political processes/problems associated with economic development. Political economy of underdevelopment/development. Problems of state building, development of political institutions.
    Class Description:
    Why are there such vast disparities of wealth among countries? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world experienced stunning economic growth while others have not? We will explore the issue of inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course focuses primarily on countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, with explicit comparisons between Brazil, South Korea, and Nigeria, but we will begin the course with an exploration of the "Rise of the West" in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. What do we mean by "development," and what has been the role of rich countries in producing and perpetuating poverty? What are the costs of development? What role can the US play in alleviating global inequality? By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/85706/1155
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 February 2015

    Summer 2015  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (85707)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/15/2015 - 08/07/2015
    Mon, Wed 10:00AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-136
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Description:
    This course will introduce you to the interdisciplinary field of political psychology. This field uses research and theory from social psychology and mass communication to understand various aspects of politics. This class focuses specifically on the mass public (voters) and upon completing this course you will better understand the ways ordinary people make political decisions and interact with the political world. Students do not need to have taken classes in psychology or political science to do well in this class. This course is organized around four broad themes. First, we will discuss the evolutionary, genetic, physiological, and psychological origins of political attitudes. Second, we will discuss the social psychology of identity politics to address questions surrounding the role of race, nationalism, and multiculturalism in shaping contemporary American politics. Third, we will discuss the role of emotions (anger, fear, enthusiasm) in political thought and their use in political campaigns. Finally, we will discuss the role of unconscious political thinking and the subterranean forces that determine how citizens evaluate political leaders, groups, and issues.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/85707/1155
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 March 2015

    Summer 2015  |  POL 3785 Section 001: Persuasion and Political Propaganda (85094)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/26/2015 - 06/12/2015
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 09:00AM - 12:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-143
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. Persuasion theories relevant to designing effective political propaganda. Applying theories to analyze WWI/WWII propaganda posters, films, and political campaign commercials. Use of fiction as propaganda tool.
    Class Description:
    This course will provide an introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. We will first define propaganda and discuss the primary theories in persuasion and propaganda that could be applied to designing and analyzing propaganda campaigns. We will then apply these theories to analyze WWI and WWII propaganda posters, propaganda films, and political campaign commercials. This course is intended to be 1/3 or less lecture and 2/3 or more discussion. I intentionally limited the number of students in this class to facilitate class discussion and group exercises.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    20% Reports/Papers
    20% Special Projects
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    short answer/essay
    Class Format:
    30% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    40% Other Style movies
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/85094/1155
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Summer 2015  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (88129)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/15/2015 - 08/07/2015
    Mon, Wed 01:30PM - 04:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-127
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to theoretical study of international relations. How theoretical perspective shapes one's understandings of structure/practices of global politics.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Workload:
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/88129/1155
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 February 2015

    Summer 2015  |  POL 4310 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Law and Politics in Film (84199)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/26/2015 - 06/12/2015
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 08:00AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 2-228
    Course Catalog Description:
    See Class Schedule for description. prereq: 1001 or equiv or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/84199/1155

    Summer 2015  |  POL 4502W Section 001: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights (88130)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/15/2015 - 08/07/2015
    Tue, Thu 05:30PM - 08:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 240
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Supreme Court's interpretation of Bill of Rights, 14th amendment. Freedom of speech, press, religion; crime/punishment; segregation/desegregation, affirmative action; abortion/privacy.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/88130/1155

    Summer 2015  |  POL 4900V Section 001: Honors: Senior Paper (84949)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/15/2015 - 08/07/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Honors, pol sr, instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/84949/1155

    Summer 2015  |  POL 4900W Section 001: Senior Paper (81092)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Pol sr, instr consent
    Class Description:
    Can be attached to any 3XXX or 4XXX course (with the instructor's agreement). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instuctor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81092/1155
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Summer 2015  |  POL 4900W Section 101: Senior Paper (81763)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Pol sr, instr consent
    Class Description:
    Can be attached to any 3XXX or 4XXX course (with the instructor's agreement). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instuctor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81763/1155
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Summer 2015  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (81093)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/15/2015 - 08/07/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81093/1155

    Summer 2015  |  POL 4970 Section 101: Individual Reading and Research (81764)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/26/2015 - 06/12/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81764/1155

    Summer 2015  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (81548)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/15/2015 - 08/21/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and DGS consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81548/1155

    Summer 2015  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (81624)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/15/2015 - 08/21/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81624/1155

    Summer 2015  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (82681)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82681/1155

    Summer 2015  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (80870)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/80870/1155

    Spring 2015  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (53434)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? Through an examination of the roles of American political institutions and the behavior of American citizens, we will be able to critically reflect on issues such as political and economic inequality in the U.S., the role of American political and economic power in the world, and the possibility for an American public policy that lives up to the ideals of the founders. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them.
    Grading:
    50% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53434/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 November 2012

    Spring 2015  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (46931)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 5
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
    Class Description:
    Global politics introduces students to the study of the world's political systems and to the debates over certain global issues. Various theroretical frameworks are examined throughout the semester, but the emphasis is on the so-called realist and liberal perspectives. Related middle range accounts of war and of international political economy also are studied. While many global political issues will be mentioned, the focus will be on the legacies of the East-West conflict, particularly nuclear proliferation, and on the North-South conflict, expecially Southern demands for distributional justice. At the end of the semester, students will be able to describe and predict the evolution of a global political system. In addition, they will be able to carve out and defend a stand on one of the global issues mentioned above.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam Other Grading Information: Weightings are approximate
    Exam Format:
    A mix of short answers/essays and long essays
    Class Format:
    Some digitized video materials are used.
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/46931/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 November 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 1025H Section 001: Honors: Global Politics (68229)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 210
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to international relations/issues in contemporary world affairs. War, peace, nuclear proliferation. Politics of humanitarian intervention. Global monetary/trading systems. Activities of international institutions/non-governmental organizations. prereq: Honors student
    Class Description:
    Americans today hardly need to be told that global politics matters. US forces are deployed around the globe, and economic uncertainty has barely abated. Knowing that international politics matters is one thing, making sense of it is another. This course will give students the tools they need to begin to understand patterns and trends in global politics. Students will be introduced to international relations' theoretical traditions, but the course will focus primarily on explaining and understanding historical and especially current problems in world politics. It will explore, among other issues, the causes of war and peace, the limited use of force, humanitarian intervention, nuclear proliferation, nationalist conflict, international ethics, the politics of international trade and finance, foreign aid, globalization, the prospects for environmental cooperation and human rights norms, migration, terrorism, and the future of world politics. By the end of the course, students should be familiar with all these issues and others, should have developed their own views on these much-debated questions, and should be able to apply basic analytical frameworks to answer them.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68229/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 November 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Puzzles in World Politics (56198)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    West Bank Skyway AUDITORIUM
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political life. Repression, democracy, rights, corruption, gender, political change. Guest lectures by political science professors.
    Class Notes:
    Professor Anoop Sarbahi
    Class Description:
    Why are some countries democratic while others are authoritarian? Why do seemingly parochial identities such as race, ethnicity and religion continue to play a powerful role in modern politics? What accounts for the variation in the prevalence of civil wars and other forms of political violence across countries? Why are some countries still plagued by poverty and underdevelopment? This introductory course in comparative politics will provide you with the skills and knowledge to answer these and other intriguing questions in world politics. You will be able to recognize, understand and explain the variation in political systems, which includes political institutions, processes, behavior, culture and outcomes, across countries. Students will be introduced to terminology, concepts, issues and approaches that would provide the foundation for upper division courses in political science. They will read some of the classic and path-breaking works and will be familiarized with cutting-edge research in the discipline.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    20% Reports/Papers
    20% Reflection Papers
    15% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    100-125 Pages Reading Per Week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/56198/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    18 December 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 1054H Section 001: Honors: Puzzles in World Politics (67494)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 205
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political life. Repression, democracy, rights, corruption, gender, political change. Guest lectures by political science professors who are experts on different parts of world. prereq: Honors student
    Class Notes:
    Professor Anoop Sarbahi
    Class Description:
    Why are some countries democratic while others are authoritarian? Why do seemingly parochial identities such as race, ethnicity and religion continue to play a powerful role in modern politics? What accounts for the variation in the prevalence of civil wars and other forms of political violence across countries? Why are some countries still plagued by poverty and underdevelopment? This introductory course in comparative politics will provide you with the skills and knowledge to answer these and other intriguing questions in world politics. You will be able to recognize, understand and explain the variation in political systems, which includes political institutions, processes, behavior, culture and outcomes, across countries. Students will be introduced to terminology, concepts, issues and approaches that would provide the foundation for upper division courses in political science. They will read some of the classic and path-breaking works and will be familiarized with cutting-edge research in the discipline.
    Grading:
    15% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    20% Reflection Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    20% Lecture
    20% Film/Video
    60% Discussion
    Workload:
    100-125 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67494/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 January 2015

    Spring 2015  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (46872)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Description:
    This course examines different models of political rule. What models of politics, throughout history, have structure those relations of rulers and ruled? How does each model for rule try to grapple with questions of inequality, power and domination, justice and equality? To answer these questions, we will range across the globe (looking at examples that bear on contemporary politics both in the US and elsewhere), and also across history.
    Grading:
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Journal
    30% Reflection Papers
    Exam Format:
    no exams
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    5 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 3 of the papers will be 1-2 page micro-papers; the others will be 4-5 pages each
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/46872/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 January 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 1201 Section 002: Political Ideas and Ideologies (53570)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon, Wed, Fri 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Description:
    This course examines the emergence and development of modern political ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, republicanism, socialism, nationalism, Islamism, and totalitarianism. Along the way, we will explore how different ideological traditions grapple with questions of power, domination, justice, revolution, inequality, liberty, violence, and terror. We will examine these ideas in a range of historical and geographic contexts, ranging from seventeenth-century England to the colonial conquest of India and Africa to the contemporary United States.
    Grading:
    70% Reports/Papers
    30% Quizzes
    Exam Format:
    no exams
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    8-10 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Paper(s)
    2 Quiz(zes)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53570/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 October 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 1234 Section 001: Citizen U: Building Tomorrow's Citizens Today (67495)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Wed, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 60
    Course Catalog Description:
    Questions of public engagement and higher education. Focuses on U as public space for citizen action/discussion. Hisotry of U, its ongoing initiatives in public engagement. Core concepts of public achievement. Model of public engagement practiced at U.
    Class Description:
    Are you interested in pursuing a career in public service? Do you plan to run for office in the future, or work in a government agency such as the State Department or the FBI or the MN DNR), or become a professional campaign manager or lobbyist, or work as an issue activist on a cause important to you? Would you like to learn more about the variety of public service careers open to a college graduate? Do you wonder what motivates people to pursue careers in politics, public administration, and community service, and how these motivations vary across career fields? Would you like to explore some options for future internship or service learning while at the University? Then this course is for you! This course is the Political Science Department's introduction to political and civic engagement. Through a moderate amount of reading, numerous guest speakers, and a discussion-oriented class format, we will explore the meaning of public service and the main types of public service careers that you could pursue. We will think about the virtues and challenges associated with doing public service work, and how these differ across different types of jobs and venues for serving the public. Finally, in addition to gaining a better understanding of the concept and varieties of public service work, you will acquire practical knowledge and skills related to the search for public service work opportunities. Intended for first- and second-year undergraduates.
    Grading:
    30% Reports/Papers
    20% Written Homework
    50% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    10% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    30% Guest Speakers
    Workload:
    <100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Paper(s)
    10 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67495/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 April 2013

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (46871)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Off Campus
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester. prereq: instr consent, dept consent
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Grading:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/46871/1153
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 March 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (52549)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon, Wed 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    The purpose of this course is to teach you how to accurately construct and test theories of political science. To do so, we will seek to incorporate data and statistics in a manner that convincingly, and truthfully, tests and communicates questions of political science to the average individual. Throughout this course, we will accordingly spend a lot of time immersed in actual data sets, and applications. Upon doing so, you will not only become well versed in math and statistics, but will also learn to reason through problems with data, and use your newfound statistical knowledge to frame convincing arguments. Learning these skills is important not only to modern political science, but also to business, law, public policy, and other related fields in the social sciences.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52549/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 December 2013

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (55286)

    Instructor(s)
    Christina Farhart (Secondary Instructor)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55286/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (58060)

    Instructor(s)
    Christina Farhart (Secondary Instructor)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/58060/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3108H Section 001: Honors Tutorial: Thesis Preparation and Political Science Inquiry (59635)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Wed 02:30PM - 04:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 240
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Advance research skills and prepare to write senior thesis. Political science research. Develop thesis topic, test ideas in a structured/collegial setting. prereq: Pol sci major, honors
    Class Description:
    In this course, students will improve their research skills in preparation to write their senior theses. Students will enter with a few ideas for topics about which they might like to write their theses. They will leave the class with a clear and tractable research question, a literature review that describes how this question fits in with the existing scholarly literature, and a research design that will enable them to answer the question. Along the way, they will advance their understanding of what constitutes political science research and how to conduct political science research. Students will be graded on the basis of drafts of their annotated bibliography, literature review and research design, a class presentation of the ?front half? of their senior thesis, and class participation including short weekly assignments. Students are expected to keep up with the reading and, most importantly, to begin to conduct their own independent research.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59635/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 November 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3110H Section 001: Honors Thesis Credits (47070)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis. prereq: 3109, pol sci, honors, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/47070/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3225 Section 001: American Political Thought (58042)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Puritans, American Revolution, Constitution, pro- and anti-slavery arguments, civil war/reconstruction, industrialism, westward expansion, Native Americans, immigration, populism, socialism, social Darwinism, women's suffrage, red scares, Great Depression, free speech, pluralism, multiculturalism. prereq: Suggested prerequisite POL 1201
    Class Description:
    This course examines key themes in the study of American political thought and culture. Although the story of American democracy is typically told as one of expanding liberty and equality, we will focus on enduring forms of exclusion and domination that have shaped American political ideas. A wide range of topics and themes will be covered: religion and Puritan society, the American Revolution, the Constitution, slavery and the slave trade, westward expansion, native conquest, immigration, socialism, anarchism, social Darwinism, women's suffrage, industrialism, individualism, multiculturalism, and empire.
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    14-18 Pages Writing Per Term
    4 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/58042/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 October 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (60180)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 155
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Democracy based on individual rights. Pluralism. Civic republicanism. Community activism. Dilemmas of democratic government/citizenship in race, class, gender-stratified society. prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201 prereq: Suggested prerequisite 1201
    Class Description:
    This course explores the meanings of democracy and citizenship from historical and contemporary perspectives. Democracy is almost universally championed in contemporary politics. But what does democracy mean, what does it require of us, and why should we value it? Who is included in the concept of "we the people," demos and who gets to decide? How should democracies deal with differences and conflicts? What are the rights and responsibilities of the citizens of a democratic community? Why is there on-going fear that democracies devolve into tyranny? How have understandings of democracy and citizenship evolved over time? What kinds of practical mechanisms and processes should be used to institutionalize democracy? We will explore these questions from historical perspectives and in relation to current political events and challenges. You should emerge from this course not only with a deepened understanding of the historical and intellectual tradition of democratic theory, but also with the ability to articulate your own democratic ideals, your understanding of democratic citizenship, and how you conceive of your relationship to these ideals.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    35% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    5% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/60180/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 June 2012

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3308 Section 001: Congressional Politics and Institutions (67497)

    Instructor(s)
    Kyle Edwards (Proxy)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origin/development of U.S. congressional institutions, parties, committees, leaders, lobbying/elections, and relations between Congress/executive branch. Relationship of campaigning/governing, nature of representation, biases of institutional arrangements.
    Class Description:
    This course is a comprehensive survey of the contemporary U.S. Congress. We will begin by analyzing congressional elections, how members of Congress represent their states and districts, and the links between elections and governance. Then we will focus on the organization of Congress, including the interplay between parties and the committee system. We will then analyze the legislative process, rules and procedure, the budget process, interest groups, and the interaction between the Congress and the White House. The current Congress is deeply polarized along partisan lines. We will investigate the implications of this partisan polarization, along with the consequences of divided and unified party control of government and important institutional features of Congress, such as the Senate filibuster and the House Committee on Rules. Class sessions will include lecture and discussion. It is important that students keep up with the assigned reading to understand the lectures and participate in class. Although attention to current congressional politics will enhance the value of this course, it is no substitute for careful reading and classroom discussion. Students will write two short papers, an 8-10 page paper, and take a midterm and a final exam.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67497/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 November 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3310 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Becoming Stupid: Anti-Science in U.S. Politics (58719)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-103
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topic in American politics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Description:
    GLOBAL WARMING IS A LIE. VACCINES DON'T STOP CHILDHOOD DISEASES -- THEY CAUSE THEM. THE BIG BANG NEVER HAPPENED. NOBODY CAN GET PREGNANT FROM BEING RAPED. EVOLUTION IS A FRAUD. EBOLA IS A SECRET WEAPON LAUNCHED BY IMMIGRANTS. AND THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT HOMOSEXUALITY IS NOW CURABLE WITH CONVERSION THERAPY. ---- Attacks like these on science have become routine in American politics. Some businesses spend heavily to discredit scientists engaged in certain kinds of research. Some politicians join in and advance themselves by undermining the public's trust in climatology, along with important areas of medicine, biology, and astronomy. The result is a national dumbing-down, pressed by legislatures, school boards, and commercial interests. We think of ourselves as a modern educated country. So why is this happening? Why are Americans so attracted to irrationality? Why do we enjoy seeing ourselves as anti-intellectual? And most important, how do some political interests benefit when we actively undermine scientific understandings of reality?
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/58719/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 November 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (67498)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics and education in the United States. Equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, role of political institutions in making educational policy. Efforts to reform/remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers.
    Class Description:
    This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    essay, short essay
    Class Format:
    55% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67498/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 November 2008

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3321 Section 001: Issues in American Public Policy (57415)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics of policy process. Agenda formation, formulation, adoption, implementation, evaluation. Attention to selected policy areas.
    Class Description:
    This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars often describe the United States as a laggard where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. How accurate is this conventional wisdom? In what ways is the American welfare state unusual? How have political culture, interest groups, government institutions, and other factors contributed to the distinctive shape of American social policy? The second half of the course applies the analytical frameworks discussed in the first half of the course to contemporary trends in American social policy. It focuses on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. In addition to examining the historical origins of existing programs in each of these policy areas, it also looks closely at the political and substantive impact of such contemporary reforms as charter schools and the Affordable Care Act.
    Grading:
    45% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers Other Grading Information: Grades for the course will be based on two midterm exams (worth 20% and 25%), a final exam (30%), a two-page health care policy analysis (10%), and a four-page education policy memo (15%).
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
    Class Format:
    85% Lecture
    10% Discussion
    5% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/57415/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 April 2013

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3323 Section 001: Political Tolerance in the United States (61598)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Wed, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political importance of civil liberties in American society. Tolerance as a political phenomenon. Issues such as free speech, privacy, religion, race, gender.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/61598/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (53555)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political processes/problems associated with economic development. Political economy of underdevelopment/development. Problems of state building, development of political institutions.
    Class Description:
    How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in others parts of the world been stuck in a development rut? This course will explore contending answers to these difficult but important questions. We will do so through discussions of different explanations of development and underdevelopment, examining these issues concretely in several countries, and discussing contemporary "hot topics" such as micro-credit, AIDS, and the resource curse.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: For students taking 4 credits, the research paper=25%, participation 15%, midterm exam=15%, final exam=15%, and each essay 15%.
    Exam Format:
    The exams will be a combination of essay, multiple choice, and short answer questions. They will focus on topics not covered in the short papers, so collectively the exams and the essays function as four midterms. The final exam is not cumulative.
    Class Format:
    45% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: For 3 credits, 2 short 4-5 page essays. For 4 credits, must also write a 20-page research paper.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53555/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 October 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3479 Section 001: Latin American Politics (69448)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Latin American politics/political economy. Authoritarianism, human rights, redemocratization. Development/economic policy. Social movements. Ethnicity, race, religion. Revolution. U.S.-Latin American relations.
    Class Description:
    This course examines historical and contemporary patterns of political and economic stasis and change in Latin America. It aims not only to help students understand the similarities and differences in outcomes in the region over time, but also to reflect on what Latin America's experiences can teach us about the requirements of and barriers to meaningful democracy and sustainable and equitable development around the world. The course presents competing theoretical approaches and discusses them in the context of the political trajectories of four major Latin American cases: Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Venezuela. Readings on other countries are occasionally assigned and students have opportunities to draw on other cases for writing assignments.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    35% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Combo of short answer, IDs, and essay
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    125 Pages Reading Per Week
    8 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/69448/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    30 May 2012

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3733 Section 001: From Suffragettes to Senators: Gender, Politics & Policy in the U.S. (68434)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Overview to field of gender/politics. Examine role women play in U.S. policy process. How public policies are "gendered." How policies compare to feminist thinking about related issue area. Theories of role(s) gender plays in various aspects of politics.
    Class Description:
    *Formerly POL 3310: Gender and Politics Overview to field of gender/politics. Examines role women play in U.S. policy process. How public policies are "gendered." How policies compare to feminist thinking about related issue area. Theories of role(s) gender plays in various aspects of politics
    Grading:
    21% Midterm Exam
    21% Final Exam
    42% Reports/Papers
    15% Written Homework Other Grading Information: *Class participation and forum posts combined count for 15% of grade
    Exam Format:
    Multiple choice, True false, Short essay
    Workload:
    12 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    7 Homework Assignment(s)
    Other Workload: *Homework Assignments are forum postings on course Moodle page
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68434/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    18 November 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3733 Section 002: From Suffragettes to Senators: Gender, Politics & Policy in the U.S. (70255)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 105
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Overview to field of gender/politics. Examine role women play in U.S. policy process. How public policies are "gendered." How policies compare to feminist thinking about related issue area. Theories of role(s) gender plays in various aspects of politics.
    Class Description:
    *Formerly POL 3310: Gender and Politics Overview to field of gender/politics. Examines role women play in U.S. policy process. How public policies are "gendered." How policies compare to feminist thinking about related issue area. Theories of role(s) gender plays in various aspects of politics
    Grading:
    21% Midterm Exam
    21% Final Exam
    42% Reports/Papers
    15% Written Homework Other Grading Information: *Class participation and forum posts combined count for 15% of grade
    Exam Format:
    Multiple choice, True false, Short essay
    Workload:
    12 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    7 Homework Assignment(s)
    Other Workload: *Homework Assignments are forum postings on course Moodle page
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/70255/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    18 November 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (58721)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon, Wed, Fri 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Description:
    This course examines the influence of human nature on political decision making among members of the mass public, asking questions about how human thought processes, emotions, and personality influence political judgments. Political theorists have long disagreed over basic human nature and have advanced different solutions to political governance as a consequence, ranging from participatory democracy to authoritarian regimes. In this course, we carefully consider how well we, as humans, are equipped to deal with different forms of political governance, especially democracy. We examine different aspects of human psychology, including personality, motivation, values, information processing, emotion and intergroup behavior, as well as proximal and distal biological processes (e.g., physiology, genetics, evolution), and consider their influence on political decision making. Readings are drawn from psychology and political science. No prior in-depth knowledge of either psychology or political science is needed to succeed in the course. It would help to have a general interest in politics, however. The course begins with an introductory reading in political psychology, designed to provide an overview of the field. We will then begin a section of the course on obedience to authority, which examines the power of social context and perceptions of legitimate authority in altering social and political behavior. We then consider the impact of group life on political preferences. To what extent do political preferences spring from our membership in groups and our views of other groups in society (including nations)? We will consider the impact of in-group attachments (to one's race, gender or nation), followed by a consideration of how animosity towards outsiders can escalate into prejudice, or even genocide.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/58721/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 April 2013

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3785 Section 001: Persuasion and Political Propaganda (67499)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 240
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. Persuasion theories relevant to designing effective political propaganda. Applying theories to analyze WWI/WWII propaganda posters, films, and political campaign commercials. Use of fiction as propaganda tool.
    Class Description:
    This course will provide an introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. We will first define propaganda and discuss the primary theories in persuasion and propaganda that could be applied to designing and analyzing propaganda campaigns. We will then apply these theories to analyze WWI and WWII propaganda posters, propaganda films, and political campaign commercials. This course is intended to be 1/3 or less lecture and 2/3 or more discussion. I intentionally limited the number of students in this class to facilitate class discussion and group exercises.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    20% Reports/Papers
    20% Special Projects
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    short answer/essay
    Class Format:
    30% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    40% Other Style movies
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67499/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (48715)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to theoretical study of international relations. How theoretical perspective shapes one's understandings of structure/practices of global politics.
    Class Description:
    Pol 3835 aims to provide the students with the conceptual and theoretical tools for analyzing problems, processes and events in international politics. Scholars of International Relations work within different theoretical paradigms, such as Realism, Liberalism or Constructivism, in order to reach a comprehensive understanding of events in global politics. Each of these theoretical paradigms has different explanations as to the causes and consequences of events happening in global politics. They are also crucial in understanding the role of the state, the nature of actors, and the forms of power relations in international politics. The course aims to familiarize students with the main theoretical perspectives and their differences so that you can differentiate how each perspective affect actions and decisions in international politics. The class focuses on developing a detailed understanding of the main theoretical approaches to the study of international politics such as Realism, Liberalism, Constructivism, Critical Theory and Feminism. While studying each theoretical perspective, we will also look at specific global issues and problems such as war, human rights, economic development and inequality in order to have a better grasp of how those theoretical perspectives help and/or limit our understanding of such issues and problems.
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48715/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    18 November 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 3872W Section 001: Science, Industry, and Social Change: The Political Economy of Global Environmental Cooperation (58722)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Course Catalog Description:
    Emergence of environment as key aspect of global political agenda. Non-governmental/governmental international organizations. Politics of protection of atmosphere, rain forest, seas, other selected issues. International security, environment.
    Class Description:
    Increasingly, global environmental issues?such as climate change, ozone layer depletion, biodiversity conservation, hazardous wastes transportation, and air pollution?have come to threaten the interests of nation-states and their citizens. Yet, the transnational nature of these environmental problems generally precludes individual governments, NGOs, or citizen-groups from solving these problems on their own. This course will therefore examine the extent to which these latter actors have been able to successfully cooperate internationally to address global environmental threats. To do so, the course will focus upon four broad themes. We will begin by appraising a number of prominent ecophilosophical, political, economic , and legalistic perspectives on environmental problems in order to gain an understanding of how each unique perspective shapes our understandings of environmental problems (and their solutions). Second, we will then evaluate and compare the major global environmental problem areas of our time, as well as the determinants of their identification. Having identified these problem areas, we will next discuss how countries have come to manage these problems, paying particular attention to the creation and negotiation of international agreements. Finally, the fourth theme of this course will examine how effective these agreements have been in both ensuring states? compliance and solving global environmental problems. Ultimately, students should leave this course with an appreciation of the complexity of international environmental problems, and their solutions, as well as an understanding of what makes for a successful international environmental agreement.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/58722/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 April 2013

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4275 Section 001: Domination, Exclusion, and Justice: Contemporary Political Thought (59639)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Urgent political debates in major works of contemporary political thought from World War II to present. Relationships between force/freedom. Ideology/truth. Authority/resistance. Ideas may include communitarianism, feminism, postcolonialism, postmodernism, socialism. prereq: 1201 recommended
    Class Description:
    Violence, Sex, Money, and Race: Political theory from the early 20th century onwards faces challenges in framing the conflicts and contestations that define contemporary politics. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks offered by Judith Shklar, Isaiah Berlin, Michel Foucault, Jurgen Habermas, and Charles Taylor, this course will explore contemporary problems of political violence, sex, money, and race. The first weeks of the course will explore three models for politics: the politics of liberties (that defines politics as protection from government intrusion), the politics of discipline (that defines politics as relations of power and asymmetry), and the politics of recognition (that defines politics as a site of dignity and respect). Readings and class discussion will then consider how these theories differently help us to understand: the political violence of torture; gender, sexuality, and domestic violence; crime, punishment, and modern prisons; and finally, race relations in America. Class discussions will move consistently between political theories and current political events. Further readings will include works by Hannah Arendt, WEB Du Bois, Judith Butler, Antonio Negri and others.
    Grading:
    55% Reports/Papers
    35% Reflection Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    40% Discussion
    Workload:
    75 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Paper(s)
    3 Homework Assignment(s)
    Other Workload: plus three short "response" papers
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59639/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 March 2012

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4327 Section 001: The Politics of American Cities and Suburbs (67551)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Course Catalog Description:
    Development and role of American local government; forms and structures; relationships with states and the federal government; local politics and patterns of power and influence. prereq: 1001 or 1002, non-pol sci grad major or equiv or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Public policies created at the local level have an enormous impact on your day to day life. In cities and suburbs across the United States, local governments enact policies that keep your neighborhoods safe and your water running. They work to attract the businesses and residents that keep your local economy thriving. How do local governments make such decisions? Are they doing a good job? This course will explore the politics and policies of American cities and suburbs, with a special emphasis on issues specific to Minnesota. We will begin by examining what cities and suburbs actually do. What types of public policies are developed at the local level? What actors are involved in their development? We will then investigate how political decisions are made at the local level. Finally, we will examine how citizens can become involved in local politics, emphasizing opportunities for political engagement across Minnesota.
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67551/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    11 December 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4403W Section 001: Constitutions, Democracy, and Rights: Comparative Perspectives (67553)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of constitutionalism in different countries. Conceptual/normative inquiry between constitutionalism, rule of law, and democracy. Origins/role of constitutions. Relevance of courts with constitutional review powers: U.S., Germany, Japan, Hungary, Russia, South Africa, Nigeria.
    Class Description:
    From Iraq to India, Spain to South Sudan, Canada to Colombia, fundamental political questions have been debated, and often decided, in recent years in constitutional terms. Meanwhile, here at home, the constitution is invoked at almost every turn to endorse or condemn different policies. Is this obsession with constitutions undermining democracy, or is adhering to constitutional terms the best way to safeguard rights and to achieve successful democracies? This course centers on this question as it moves from debates over how constitutional drafting processes should be structured and how detailed constitutions should be, to the risks and benefits of different institutional structures (federal v. unitary, and the distribution of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary), to which rights (if any) should be constitutionalized and when and why different rights are protected, and closes with a discussion of what rules should guide constitutional amendment, rewrite, and withdrawal (secession). For each topic, we will compare how these issues have been resolved in the U.S. with alternative approaches in other countries. In addition to occasional discussion of examples from the usual suspects in comparative constitutionalism (namely Germany, Canada, and South Africa), the course incorporates material on a wide variety of other countries around the globe. The goal is not only to expose students to the variety of ways, successful or unsuccessful, that other political communities have addressed these issues, but also, and thereby, to gain a more contextualized and clearer understanding of the pros and cons of the U.S. model. This course is writing intensive and, as a 4xxx-level course, offers senior paper credit for Poli Sci majors (though the course is very much open to non-majors). Crafting a written, evidence-based argument that speaks to broader debates about the origins, nature and/or implications of political decisions and outcomes is central to Political Science. To hone this skill, students complete a cumulative writing assignment, starting with a short essay early in the term and revising and enhancing the argument based on what they learn, or how their perspective changes, as the course progresses. The final assignment will be a "research-enhanced" version of the paper. To support this, writing and research tutorials and class activities are integrated into the course every few weeks.
    Grading:
    10% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Some quizzes will be in the form of take-home questions. All quizzes will check for reading/reading comprehension.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    10 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: The paper assignment will be cumulative, such that a first and short version will be due early in the term, and revisions and extensions of the work due at later points, capped with a final, research-enhanced version at the end.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67553/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 October 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4410 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Palestinian(s) Identity & Politics (67554)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    JWST 3900 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Wed, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Burton Hall 125
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics of current analytical or policy importance to comparative politics. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Professor Ido Zelkovitz; Palestinian(s) Identity and Politics
    Class Description:
    The course discusses the history of the Palestinian Arab society since WWI, the emergence of its national movement and its struggle for nation building and for statehood. It examines Palestinians' society and politics, after 1948, under three regimes (Jordan, Egypt and Israel) as well as in their diasporas; their reemergence as a political factor in the 1960s and the 1970s and the political and military role they have played ever since. The course also focuses on the role of the Israel and that of the neighboring Arab states in shaping the Palestinians history and politics.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67554/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 November 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4461W Section 001: European Government and Politics (67555)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Course Catalog Description:
    European political institutions in their social settings; power and responsibility; governmental stability; political decision making, government and economic order. prereq: 1054 or 3051 or non-pol sci grad or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Europe isn't what it used to be. Two world wars killed millions in the first half of the 20th century, but in the latter half Europe was transformed into one of the most peaceful and prosperous areas in world history. Instead of power politics and territorial conquests, Europeans are now occupied with questions such as: How to make democracy work in a supranational setting that operates in 24 official languages? What does the EU's inconsistent response to the crisis in Ukraine tell us about its agency in global politics? Why is the Euro-zone crisis still continuing? This course will introduce you to the political innovations that have fundamentally changed the meaning of Europe. We will first go through the EU's decision-making procedures focusing on the division of power between member states, EU institutions and ?the people.? Then we will discuss European politics in various policy areas. In addition to learning about European politics and government, you will also learn how to write research papers, present your work and engage in academic discussion.
    Grading:
    10% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    10% In-class Presentations
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    essay (i.e. the students will have to answer four to five questions)
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    10% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67555/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 November 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4463 Section 001: The Cuban Revolution Through the Words of Cuban Revolutionaries (67556)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 210
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Cuban Revolution. Leadership/strategy. Perspectives of Cubans/leaders. prereq: 1025 or 1054 or equiv
    Class Description:
    The history of socialist revolutions over the course of a century or more reveals that what occurred in Cuba has proven to have more lasting power. In spite of all the challenges it continues to face, what explains why the Cuban Revolution is still in place after four decades? This is the central research question of the course. A definitive answer would require a thorough examination of the revolution from its initiation until today, which is beyond what can be done in a semester or its equivalent. The focus, rather, will be more limited. First, how was the revolution made and consolidated, from 1953 until about 1969. Second, how has it been able to survive and advance since the collapse of the Soviet Union, that is, since 1991? The emphasis here is on the role of leadership and strategy and how the Cubans and their leaders saw and see what they are doing, in their own words. This is an attempt to get into their heads, their understandings, through documents, speeches and writings. For the first question I will also draw on the data from a research/film documentary project that I'm involved in at this moment: the participation of women and men in the guerrilla army and underground movement.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67556/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 June 2008

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4481 Section 001: Governments and Markets (59093)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Connection between democracy and markets. Experiences of countries in North America and Europe. prereq: 1054 or instr consent
    Class Description:
    This course addresses the question of whether democracy and markets are compatible, whether democratic institutions enhance (undermine) the workings of market institutions and vice versa. Competing theoretical perspectives in the field of political economy are critically evaluated. And the experiences of countries with different forms of democratic market system are studied. Among the topics singled out for in-depth investigation are the economics of voting, politics of money management, political business cycles,and the politics of trade.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    2-3 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: Number of exams includes final exam. Paper will be short: 5-8 pages
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59093/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 October 2008

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4487 Section 001: The Struggle for Democratization and Citizenship (53563)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 220
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origins of democratic process. Emphasizes how disenfranchised fought to become included. History of democratic movement from its earliest moments to present. Attempts to draw a balance sheet.
    Class Description:
    The setting for this course is the mounting effort on the part of states and a variety of social forces to roll back the historic gains of the world-wide democratic movement--from anti-immigrant campaigns (in both fascist and non-fascist clothing) that would limit citizenship rights to efforts that undermine civil liberties in the guise of combatting terrorisim. This takes place in a larger context in which increasing numbers of citizens feel disempowered and alienated from the state. As democracy and popular participation are central to citizenship the course traces the origins of the democratic process with particular emphasis on how the disenfranchised fought to become included. Both implicitly and explicitly it seeks to understand how that occured in order to see if there are lessons of the past that that might have appllicability for the defense and extension of democratic rights today. To understand it was the disenfranchised who empowered themselves is in itself empowering. An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of citizens is due to social struggles or the threat of such--an assumption to be examined in the course.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    50% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53563/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 October 2011

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4495 Section 001: Politics of Family, Sex, and Children (59121)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political fights over volatile issues of family, sex, and children. Diversity of family life in the United States as a source of disharmony and inequality. Same-sex couples, interracial families, polygamous communities, reproductive equality for people with disabilities, targeting of immigrant children, teen sex & pregnancy, working mothers, a??childfreea?? advocates. Citizen efforts aimed at reconciling communities with harshly clashing beliefs.
    Class Description:
    If you take this course you will confront contemporary fights over family, sex, and children. Here are the big questions: (1) Who controls sex? We will look at power in sexual relationships, sexual freedom & the state, and sexual elements in political ideologies. (2) Who should be allowed to make a family? We will do same-sex marriage, polygamy, and teenage childbearing. (3) What happens to children? We will look at countries with strong pro-child policies, but also at the dark side: child soldiers, child prostitutes, and sexual abuse of children by clergy. (4) What are the odds that your family will survive? Time to face up to financial crisis, bankruptcy, and divorce, and see the effects of taxation, social support for families, childcare, and family medical leave. (5) Do politicians care? We will see what policies actually help families, plus how political campaigns manipulate images of the family for their own ends. Got more questions about the class? Just ask me: kelliher@umn.edu
    Grading:
    10% Midterm Exam
    10% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    10% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    5 Problem Set(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59121/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 November 2012

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4497 Section 001: Patronage & Corruption (68124)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Course Catalog Description:
    Examines dysfunction within state apparatus in specific forms of patronage, corruption, clientalism. Why such dysfunction persists/what factors drive it to change.
    Class Description:
    This course examines dysfunction within the state apparatus -- in the specific forms of patronage, corruption, and clientelism -- and asks why such dysfunction persists and what factors drive it to change. The first half of the course will be primarily devoted to patronage. It will examine the functioning of the patronage mechanism; ask when and why patronage is abandoned in favor of meritocracy; and will assess the relationship between merit reforms and changes in the quality of governance. The second half of the course will be devoted to corruption. Specific topics to be covered will include: an examination of different forms of corruption, both at the level of political leaders and of bureaucratic officials; the relationship between corruption, democracy, transparency and accountability; governments' manipulation of corruption to provide incentives to bureaucratic and party officials; and different means of combating corruption. The course will conclude with an examination of the relationship between patronage, corruption, clientelism and party politics, with a particular focus on the mechanisms that cause the correlation between these different forms of mis-governance. Assignments consist of response papers to a given week's reading (4 papers, 2-3 pages each) and a 10-15 page final paper. Grading is based on these assignments and classroom participation.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68124/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 November 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4502W Section 001: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights (46929)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Supreme Court's interpretation of Bill of Rights, 14th amendment. Freedom of speech, press, religion; crime/punishment; segregation/desegregation, affirmative action; abortion/privacy.
    Class Description:
    This course deals with civil liberties in the United States, and how the United States Supreme Court decides which rights and liberties get which protections, at which times. Specifically, our focus will be on the First Amendment (especially the freedoms of speech, assembly, association, press, and religious expression), as well as the Right to Privacy. Special emphasis will be placed on how the Supreme Court defines, establishes, and protects these liberties through its interpretation of the Constitution. Students will be expected to read and brief cases throughout the semester.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/46929/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 November 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4507 Section 001: Law, Sovereignty, and Treaty Rights (68826)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    AMIN 4501 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Nicholson Hall 355
    Course Catalog Description:
    History of American Indian law and the post-contact effects of colonial and U.S. law on American Indians through the 20th century.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68826/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4525W Section 001: Federal Indian Policy (68827)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    AMIN 4525W Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon 02:30PM - 05:00PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Akerman Hall 317
    Course Catalog Description:
    Formulation, implementation, evolution, comparison of Indian policy from pre-colonial times to self-governance of new millennium. Theoretical approaches to federal Indian policy. Major federal Indian policies. Views/attitudes of policy-makers, reactions of indigenous nations to policies. Effect of bodies of literature on policies.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68827/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4878W Section 001: Israeli-Palestinian Situation (58727)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Meets With:
    JWST 4878W Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Course Catalog Description:
    Situation as clash of two communities. History, politics, respective narratives of each community. Divisions within each community that are consequential for reconciliation. Examples of reconciliation literature from both communities.
    Class Notes:
    Professor Ido Zelkovitz
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/58727/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4900V Section 001: Honors: Senior Paper (50000)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Honors, pol sr, instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/50000/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4900W Section 001: Senior Paper (48924)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission. prereq: Pol sr, instr consent
    Class Description:
    Can be attached to any 3XXX or 4XXX course (with the instructor's agreement). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instuctor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48924/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Spring 2015  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (48988)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study. Prereq instr consent, dept consent, college consent.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48988/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (58048)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Wed 11:45AM - 01:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Pol sci grad student
    Class Notes:
    Comparative Political Studies Journal Seminar
    Class Description:
    Students will meet to discuss and evaluate submissions to Comparative Political Studies. Students will learn best practices for doing peer-reviews of journal submissions, and will learn presentation skills.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/58048/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Spring 2015  |  POL 8060 Section 002: Research Proseminar in Political Science (60912)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Meets With:
    SOC 8090 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue 11:15AM - 12:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1183
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Pol sci grad student
    Class Notes:
    Law and Society Review: Journal Editing Seminar
    Class Description:
    This course is co-taught be Timothy R. Johnson (Political Science) and Joachim Savelsberg (Sociology), incoming editors of the Law & Society Review, the official journal of the Law & Society Association and the world's leading journal in the field of law and society studies. This is the first offering in a series of six semesters. Johnson will take the lead in 2013/14, Savelsberg in 2014/15. Students will read submitted papers that receive 'revise and resubmit' decisions and the reviewers' comments and discuss them with the editors. Different students may take the lead on specific papers in line with their substantive and methodological interests and expertize. Suggestions developed during these discussions will be incorporated into the R&R letters the editors will send out to authors. Students will thus get immersed in a range of cutting edge work done in the field. They will further gain crucial insights into the decision making processes associated with journal publishing. In this respect the course is intended to be a major professionalization tool that should be most helpful to graduate students who prepare to enter academic careers in which publishing papers in journals will be a crucial component. The process should make for an engaging collaborative, intellectual and professional, experience.
    Grading:
    20% In-class Presentations
    80% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    85% Discussion
    15% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    70 Pages Reading Per Week
    10 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/60912/1153
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 April 2013

    Spring 2015  |  POL 8107 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science II (59098)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue 01:00PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Multiple linear regression model applied to political science data. How to use regression techniques to analyze data, interpret statistical results, and summarize/report the findings. Estimation of model. Underlying assumptions. Inference. Model diagnostics. Extensions of model. prereq: Political science grad major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59098/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 8124 Section 001: Game Theory (67561)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Thu 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Application of noncooperative game theory in political science. Equilibrium concepts, bargaining, repeated games, games of incomplete information, signaling games, reputation, learning in games. prereq: [8122, grad pol sci major] or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67561/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 8160 Section 004: Topics in Models and Methods -- Survey Sampling Methods (59338)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    First Half of Term
     
    01/20/2015 - 03/09/2015
    Fri 11:00AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 20
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    ITV- "Survey Sampling Methods"-- Professor Joanne Miller
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59338/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 8251 Section 001: Ancient and Medieval Political Thought (68023)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon 04:30PM - 06:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics and ethics in Greece, Rome, Christendom: Thucydides, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Marsilius. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68023/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 8252 Section 001: Early Modern Political Thought (67563)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Wed 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theorists and texts from Renaissance to French Revolution. Selectively includes Machiavelli, More, Calvin, Luther, Grotius, Bodin, Hobbes, Winstanley, Harrington, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Hume, Smith, Burke, and Wollstonecraft; key debates over liberty, law, power, and knowledge. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67563/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 8308 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology II (46930)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Fri 01:00PM - 03:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/46930/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 8311 Section 001: Political Psychology and Socialization (67564)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to political psychology. Personality and politics; political cognition, emotion, and political behavior; political expertise; media and politics; aggression, authoritarianism, and political behavior; altruism and politics. prereq: Grad pol sci major or pol psych minor or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67564/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 8312 Section 001: Legislative Process (67565)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Mon 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to study of legislative politics; theories of legislative institutions and individual behavior; congressional elections; congressional committees, parties, and leaders. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67565/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 8402 Section 001: International Security (68038)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Wed 05:35PM - 07:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to contending theories of international conflict/security. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68038/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (49231)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Doctoral student, adviser and DGS consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49231/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Comparative Political Economy of Development (67568)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Topics Course
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    Tue 05:35PM - 07:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems. Supervised research/training. Topics specified in Class Schedule. prereq: Grad pol sci major or instr consent
    Class Notes:
    Comparative Political Economy of Development
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67568/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (49337)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: Doctoral student who has not passed prelim oral, up to 24 combined cr, permission number required for registration, doctoral student admitted before summer 2007 may register up to four times, up to 60 combined cr
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49337/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (49551)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description) prereq: Max 18 cr per semester or summer; 24 cr required
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49551/1153

    Spring 2015  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (47048)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/20/2015 - 05/08/2015
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD prereq: 16 cr 8xxx pol sci courses, instr consent, dept consent
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/47048/1153

    Fall 2014  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (18153)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture Workaround
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Description:
    Frequent elections have long been a part of the American political landscape, and over time American politics has evolved in the direction of greater potential for popular participation. More people have gained the full rights of citizenship, the connection between representatives and the public has become increasingly direct, and the number and frequency of elections have increased. These trends have resulted in what some observers call the "permanent campaign." This course introduces students to the institutions and processes of American government, concluding with a wide-ranging discussion of recent issues in American public policy. In doing so, it examines the main elements of the permanent campaign, the factors that contributed to its emergence, its impact on political institutions and the policymaking process, and its normative implications.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    35% Additional Semester Exams
    15% Other Evaluation
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of a combination of multiple-choice questions, identifications, and short essays.
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    4 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/18153/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 1001 Section 002: American Democracy in a Changing World (19241)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture Workaround
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 370
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? Through an examination of the roles of American political institutions and the behavior of American citizens, we will be able to critically reflect on issues such as political and economic inequality in the U.S., the role of American political and economic power in the world, and the possibility for an American public policy that lives up to the ideals of the founders. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them.
    Grading:
    50% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19241/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 November 2012

    Fall 2014  |  POL 1019 Section 001: Indigenous Peoples: A Global Perspective (27239)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    AMIN 1002 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Nicholson Hall 110
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Colonial experiences of selected indigenous peoples in Americas, Euroasia, Pacific Rim.
    Class Description:
    This course focuses on the social, cultural and political relationship between selected indigenous peoples and the nation-states that settled in their territories and explores the various ways these states attempted to exterminate, incorporate, and segregate the native peoples they encountered. This class can be taken as an American Indian Studies course or a Political Science Studies course. It has been cross-listed. This course fulfills CLE requirements of Global Perspective Theme.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/27239/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    12 August 2010

    Fall 2014  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (11697)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
    Class Description:
    Americans hardly need to be told that international politics matters. US forces are still deployed around the globe, and economic uncertainty has barely abated. Knowing that international politics matters is one thing, making sense of it is another. This course will give students the tools they need to begin to understand patterns and trends in global politics. Students will be introduced to international relations' theoretical traditions, but the course will focus primarily on explaining and understanding historical and especially current problems in world politics. It will explore, among other issues, the causes of war and peace, the limited use of force, humanitarian intervention, nuclear proliferation, nationalist conflict, international ethics, the politics of international trade and finance, foreign aid, globalization, the prospects for environmental cooperation and human rights norms, migration, terrorism, and the future of world politics. By the end of the course, students should be familiar with all these issues and others, should have developed their own views on these much-debated questions, and should be able to apply basic analytical frameworks to answer them.
    Grading:
    50% Midterm Exam
    45% Final Exam
    5% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Identifications; short paragraphs; essays
    Class Format:
    90% Lecture
    10% Discussion
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11697/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Puzzles in World Politics (11680)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture Workaround
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    West Bank Skyway AUDITORIUM
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political life. Repression, democracy, rights, corruption, gender, political change. Guest lectures by political science professors.
    Class Description:
    This course provides an introduction to the study of politics in different countries around the world. We seek to understand how people establish a durable and legitimate political system, and how they seek to benefit from, transform or even overthrow that system. Over the course of the semester we will explore the following questions: 1) How and why do societies establish political order? 2) What is democracy and how is it different from dictatorship? 3) What factors cause democracy to emerge? 4) What are the different kinds of dictatorships? 5) When, where and why does ethnicity impact politics? 6) What is nationalism? 7) How does religion drive conflict in the contemporary world? 8) What is the impact of women in politics around the world? 9) What causes civil wars? 10) Why are some countries rich and some poor? 11) Why do some countries tax and spend quite a lot, while others have lower tax rates and lower levels of redistribution?
    Grading:
    30% Reports/Papers
    50% Written Homework
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: There is one five-page paper, and up to 10 short assignments. In order to best learn the expectations for political science writing, a draft of the 5-page paper is required; students will receive feedback before turning in the final version.
    Exam Format:
    THERE ARE NO EXAMS.
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    10 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11680/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (11638)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Description:
    Here are the questions we will attempt in this course to answer through intensive reading and writing: What is the purpose of politics? What is the meaning of freedom? Of justice? How can I make sense of my political views? What are the limits of my political views? What is political theory and why should I try to approach political ideas theoretically? This semester this course will focus especially on the question of democracy. Is democracy the best form for organizing political life? What are its strengths? What are its weaknesses? How might we improve contemporary democratic life? Students will read, speak, and write a great deal over the course of the semester. We will work, as a class and with TAs and the instructor, on the processes of reading and writing about these difficult texts and subjects. Here are the five books ordered for the course through the bookstore; they are listed in the order that we will read them. The Republic Plato, tr Grube (Hackett) On Liberty and Other Essays John Stuart Mill, ed. J. Gray (Oxford University Press) Later Political Writings Marx, ed. T. Carvell (Cambridge University Press) The Wretched of the Earth Fanon (Grove. 2004 ed) Selected Political Writings Gandhi (Hackett)
    Grading:
    Other Grading Information: I prefer not to use formal percentages to calculate grades. Three papers plus a take-home final. Paper rewrites possible. Students may receive a better grade if their work improves over the course of the semester
    Exam Format:
    Final exam will be summative
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion ALL STUDENTS SHOULD PURCHASE THE BOOKS!
    Workload:
    100-150 Pages Reading Per Week
    20+ Pages Writing Per Term
    1 FINAL Exam(s)
    3 3-5PP Paper(s)
    Other Workload: Students will be expected to spend at least two hours before each class meeting reading the material
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11638/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 1201 Section 002: Political Ideas and Ideologies (14138)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Description:
    Ever wondered what it means when someone calls themselves "liberal" or "conservative "? Ever wondered where you should place yourself on the liberal-conservative continuum? In this introductory-level political theory class we explore the changing meanings of these terms over time through accessible readings beginning with the colonial period and extending through recent selections from popular media sources today. The class is designed for political science majors and non-majors; no prior knowledge of political theory assumed). I expect and welcome active class participation--alert listening, informed speaking, and critical questioning. This class is open to students of all ideological dispositions. My goal is for all of us to become more critical readers of political messages.
    Grading:
    70% Reports/Papers
    30% Quizzes
    Exam Format:
    no exams
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    3 microthemes (500 word); 2 "bookend" essays
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14138/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Fall 2014  |  POL 1905 Section 001: Freshman Seminar -- Wars, Memory, Political Identity: Israel & MidEast (25577)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Seminar
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 210
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/25577/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 1905 Section 002: Freshman Seminar -- Pol. of Disruption: Violence and Its Alternatives (34611)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Freshman Seminar
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 278
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Professor Anoop Sarbahi; The Politics of Disruption: Violence and its Alternatives
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34611/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 1905 Section 003: Freshman Seminar -- Constitutional Meanings (34901)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Freshman Seminar
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 210
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Constitutional Meanings
    Class Description:
    This course explores American constitutional meanings and development by focusing on some of the most controversial issues from American history to own era: slavery, equal citizenship, free speech, and religious exercise. We will consider multiple perspectives on constitutional theory, history, and practice, including key Supreme Court cases, such as Brown v. Board of Education, and the constitutional arguments and actions of some of the important citizens and groups that have participated in shaping constitutional meanings during different periods, including influential figures from the Founding era, anti-slavery societies, women's suffrage groups, and some of the determined men, women, and young people who have pursued their constitutional visions all the way to the Supreme Court. After considering several key moments in constitutional history, we will trace the path of important constitutional rights and liberties into our contemporary world, with special attention to rights in educational contexts and the ways in which schools operate as microcosms of broader constitutional goals and conflicts. The course includes a Moot Court focused on contemporary issues of students? First Amendment rights.
    Class Format:
    20% Lecture
    45% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    15% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    30-70 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    1 Special Project(s)
    12 Homework Assignment(s)
    Other Workload: Students will participate in an in-class Moot Court
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34901/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 March 2008

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3070 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Field Work (11636)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    1-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Faculty-supervised research related to work in political or governmental organizations.
    Class Description:
    Students conducting field research on politics or government may receive credit for academic work completed in association with their research. Typically students will write a substantial research paper (20 pages or more) that incorporates their field research into the political science literature on their topic. Students must arrange for credit no later than the end of the first week of the semester. To enroll for this course, contact the instructor.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    100% Other Style Fieldwork/Participant-Observation
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-30 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11636/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (11637)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Off Campus
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester.
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Grading:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11637/1149
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 March 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (10592)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    Pol 3085 Quantitative Analysis in Political Science Class Schedule for POL3085 | Bookstore for POL3085 | Section Status for POL3085 | Course Catalog Grading basis/credits: A-F only, 4 credit(s) Description: Political science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. Political scientists increasingly utilize quantitative data to shed light on a variety of diverse topics, such as the relationship between democracy and economic growth, election outcomes in Brazil, and voter turnout in the United States. This course will focus on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to implement these techniques and manage data using computer software. Not only will you learn how to analyze quantitative data, but this course will also enable you to be a more informed consumer of political science research. By the end of the semester, you should be able to: develop testable research questions and hypotheses; understand how to set up an appropriate research design to test your hypotheses; apply the appropriate statistical techniques when using quantitative data to test your hypotheses; and more effectively consume and evaluate political science research and political news that uses quantitative data.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/10592/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (20024)

    Instructor(s)
    Christina Farhart (Secondary Instructor)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Thu 02:30PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20024/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (20025)

    Instructor(s)
    Christina Farhart (Secondary Instructor)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Thu 03:35PM - 04:25PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20025/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3110H Section 001: Honors Thesis Credits (11839)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11839/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3225 Section 001: American Political Thought (25579)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Wed, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Puritans, American Revolution, Constitution, pro- and anti-slavery arguments, civil war/reconstruction, industrialism, westward expansion, Native Americans, immigration, populism, socialism, social Darwinism, women's suffrage, red scares, Great Depression, free speech, pluralism, multiculturalism.
    Class Description:
    In this course we will examine classic texts in the history of American political thought in order to understand how Americans have theorized about and argued over their political system, and to consider how we can draw upon these texts to address contemporary American political problems. Some of the questions we will address: What political and moral obligations do citizens have to the state, and to each other? What is the basis of legitimate state authority? What is the social contract, and how have Americans used social contract theory to legitimate their governments? What is the right of resistance, and when is it acceptable for individuals or a people to resist or rebel against their government? Does the Declaration of Independence merely list the reasons for separating from Great Britain, or is it also a founding document establishing American principles of liberty and equality? How does the Constitution limit (or fail to limit) the power of the state, and protect (or fail to protect) individual and corporate rights? Is class conflict over the distribution of wealth in society a recent development or a long-standing feature of American political discourse? How have religious texts and ideas been used as a basis for political argument? How relevant to our century and our political problems are the ideas of 50k, 100, 150, 200, or more years ago? What, if anything, can we still learn and use from these past ideas and theories? How might they help us, or lead us astray, in addressing our own problems today? Prominent theorists covered include Winthrop, Franklin, Paine, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, the Anti-Federalist "Brutus," Thoreau, Calhoun, Douglass, Lincoln, Sumner.
    Grading:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    25% Lecture
    75% Discussion
    Workload:
    150 Pages Reading Per Week
    30 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/25579/1149
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3225_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (23583)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Democracy based on individual rights. Pluralism. Civic republicanism. Community activism. Dilemmas of democratic government/citizenship in race, class, gender-stratified society.
    Class Description:
    This course explores the meanings of democracy and citizenship from historical and contemporary perspectives. Democracy is almost universally championed in contemporary politics. But what does democracy mean, what does it require of us, and why should we value it? Who is included in the concept of ?we the people? and who gets to decide? How should democracies deal with differences and conflicts? What are the rights and responsibilities of the citizens of a democratic community? Why is there on-going fear that democracies devolve into tyranny? How have understandings of democracy and citizenship evolved over time? What kinds of practical mechanisms and processes should be used to institutionalize democracy? We will explore these questions from historical perspectives and in relation to current political events and challenges. You should emerge from this course not only with a deepened understanding of the historical and intellectual tradition of democratic theory, but also with the ability to articulate your own democratic ideals, your understanding of democratic citizenship, and how you conceive of your relationship to these ideals.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/23583/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3252W Section 001: Revolution, Democracy, and Empire: Modern Political Thought (25580)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Thinkers, discourses, events that craft understanding of revolution, democracy, empire. Emergence of democracy/democratic institutions alongside problems of religious zealotry, political hierarchy/exclusion, market economies, cultural marginalization.
    Class Description:
    (Formerly POL 3252 Early Modern Political Thought. Students who previously enrolled in POL 3252 may not re-enroll in this course.) From the 16th through the 19th centuries, Europe and its colonies were wracked by large scale, sweeping changes: from the violent emergence of the sovereign state, to intense religious conflict, to transformative expansions into new economic markets. These changes posed extraordinary challenges to usual methods of conceiving of political order and governance. Our course this semester will read these changes through three key concepts: revolution, democracy, and empire. We will read primary historical sources, political pamphlets and treatises, and travel journals so as to study the effects on both the European context and beyond.
    Grading:
    45% Reports/Papers
    40% Reflection Papers
    15% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Across the semester, students will also participate in "pop" in-class writing exercises.
    Exam Format:
    Take-home final examination.
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    5 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 2 papers are 5-7 page "analytic" papers; 4 papers are 2 page "micro" papers
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/25580/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2013

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3309 Section 001: Justice in America (34407)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 210
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    American judiciary. Selection of judges. How/why these individuals/institutions behave as they do. What influences judicial decisions. What impact decisions have. Why people comply with them.
    Class Description:
    The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to the scientific study of judicial politics. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. This course, unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, does not study legal doctrine; rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system, with an emphasis on the social scientific literature on law and legal process.
    Grading:
    70% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34407/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3310 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Personality and Politics (25581)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Mon, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topic in American politics.
    Class Notes:
    Personality and Politics
    Class Description:
    For more than half a century, psychologists and political scientists have sought to understand why some people gravitate toward political conservatism and others toward moderate or liberal ideologies. This course will examine classic and contemporary literature on the relationship between psychological dispositions (including traits, needs, physiological processes, and genes) and political preference and orientation. We will begin the course by examining the nature and influence of authoritarianism, a psychological disposition that launched the study of personality and politics in the 1950s and that continues to fuel debate about the underpinnings of political orientation. We will then examine how a wide variety of individual differences in personality, genes, and physiological functioning are responsible for producing differences in political ideology. One of the most fascinating developments in the social sciences over the past 20 years is how biological processes -- including those related to genes and physiology and even basic evolutionary developments -- influence the way we think, feel, and behavior about the social and political world. This class will spend considerable time attempting to understand how our biological, social, and psychological selves influence our outlook on politics. I will shed new light on how these factors -- along with changes in the structure of mass communication -- have created a contemporary American politics of "us" versus "them," one that is often disconnected from rational debate centered on policy differences. My hope is that this course will give you new insights on the "deep" origins of American politics, a better appreciation of the bases of conflict in political life, and new and creative ways to reach political consensus. The course will rely on both books and articles, and will require a 7-page term paper.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/25581/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3317 Section 001: Food Politics: Actors, Arenas, and Agendas (35155)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Course Catalog Description:
    How food is grown, transported, processed, consumed. Examine how various political actors interact in complex policy arena that is food. Explore various resources, arguments, evidence used by participants in food politics. Investigate institutional, cultural, moral rules of engagement that provide structure in which political contenders attempt to advance economic interests/ideological agendas.
    Class Description:
    Food Fights! Neighbors battle over backyard chicken ordinances, Members of Congress disagree about how to safeguard the food supply, and high school students protest new standards in the Federal School Lunch Program. From New York to California and places in between, food--how it's grown, transported, processed, and consumed--has become a political battleground. Take this course if you want to learn more about the various resources, arguments, evidence, and rules of engagement that structure contemporary food politics. This course is eligible for the public health minor and for the BSE major.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35155/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3317 Section 002: Food Politics: Actors, Arenas, and Agendas (35156)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Mon, Wed 03:00PM - 04:15PM
    UMTC, St Paul
    McNeal Hall 144
    Course Catalog Description:
    How food is grown, transported, processed, consumed. Examine how various political actors interact in complex policy arena that is food. Explore various resources, arguments, evidence used by participants in food politics. Investigate institutional, cultural, moral rules of engagement that provide structure in which political contenders attempt to advance economic interests/ideological agendas.
    Class Description:
    Food Fights! Neighbors battle over backyard chicken ordinances, Members of Congress disagree about how to safeguard the food supply, and high school students protest new standards in the Federal School Lunch Program. From New York to California and places in between, food--how it's grown, transported, processed, and consumed--has become a political battleground. Take this course if you want to learn more about the various resources, arguments, evidence, and rules of engagement that structure contemporary food politics. This course is eligible for the public health minor and for the BSE major.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35156/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (34409)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics and education in the United States. Equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, role of political institutions in making educational policy. Efforts to reform/remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers.
    Class Description:
    This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    essay, short essay
    Class Format:
    55% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34409/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 November 2008

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3325 Section 001: U.S. Campaigns and Elections (34410)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Presidential/congressional campaigns/elections in the United States. How political scientists study electoral politics. Theoretical generalizations about candidates, voters, parties, and the media. Ways electoral context and "rules of the game" matter.
    Class Notes:
    Professor Henriet Hendriks
    Class Description:
    Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of American democracy. Yet, these days elections seem to polarize rather than unite people, pitting Democrats against Republicans, liberals against conservatives. Important campaign issues such as health care, jobs, and the role of government but also moral issues such as gay marriage and abortion divide candidates and the public. In addition, campaign rhetoric has become increasingly negative and every day we read about candidates attacking each other. Given all this, are elections good for democracy? Who dares to run for office in this political climate? How do candidates try to convince people to vote for them? And do citizens still participate in elections or are they turned away by the negativity and divisiveness? We will discuss these and many more questions during the semester. Since we will be in the midst of a congressional election season, we will have plenty of real-life examples that we can use to confirm or challenge theories developed by political scientists. Moreover, you will become an election expert yourself by closely following a congressional election of your choice.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34410/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3410 Section 002: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Politics of India (34411)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics of current analytical or policy importance to comparative politics. Topics vary, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Professor Anoop Sarbahi: Politics of India
    Class Description:
    This course will introduce you to the politics of India, the world's largest democracy with over 800 million eligible voters ? 2.5 times the US population. Home to around a fifth of the world's population, India is one of the most ethnically-diverse nations with over 4,500 distinct ethno-cultural groups belonging to all major world religions and speaking over 750 languages. We will begin with a study of the pre-colonial and colonial roots of Indian democracy and proceed to explain the survival of democracy in India, a unique and intriguing achievement in the developing world. The remainder of the course will cover key topical issues related to contemporary Indian politics and is broadly organized around the following themes: (1) State Institutions, Processes, and Civil Society; (2) Politics of Identity; and, (3) Political Economy of Governance and Development. We will learn about India's political institutions as well as challenges confronting these institutions such as widespread socio-economic inequalities, social exclusion and deprivation, deep-seated societal divisions, ethno-religious and ideological insurgencies, continued criminalization of politics and rampant corruption.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34411/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 July 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3451W Section 001: Politics and Society in the New Europe (20900)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Changing politics/society of Europe. Generational change/values, political parties, welfare state, future of European integration, political stability, democratization.
    Class Description:
    This course examines the establishment, institutions and functions of the European Union, with an overview of the political processes in European countries and the European Union. Students will examine the history behind the EU's construction, theories of European integration, the EU's institutions and policy competencies, reoccurring problems with democratic representation in the EU, and the EU's political and economic influence over candidate countries via requirements for entry. The class will also discuss the creation of the European Monetary Union and the Euro currency, and challenges it faced during the sovereign debt crisis. Finally, we will address challenges of expansion and foreign policy coordination in Ukraine.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    20% Reports/Papers
    20% Attendance
    20% Reflection Papers
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    5 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20900/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Economy of Development (23595)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political processes/problems associated with economic development. Political economy of underdevelopment/development. Problems of state building, development of political institutions.
    Class Description:
    How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in others parts of the world been stuck in a development rut? This course will explore contending answers to these difficult but important questions. We will do so through discussions of different explanations of development and underdevelopment, examining these issues concretely in several countries, and discussing contemporary "hot topics" such as micro-credit, AIDS, and the resource curse.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: For students taking 4 credits, the research paper=25%, participation 15%, midterm exam=15%, final exam=15%, and each essay 15%.
    Exam Format:
    The exams will be multiple choice and short answer questions. The exams will focus on topics not covered in the short papers, so collectively the exams and the essays function as four midterms. The final exam is not cumulative.
    Class Format:
    45% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: For 3 credits, 2 short 4-5 page essays. For 4 credits, must also write a 20-page research paper.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/23595/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 December 2009

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3489W Section 001: Citizens, Consumers, and Corporations (19847)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How ordinary people can act collectively to hold corporations accountable for effects their activities have on communities/nations. Mobilizing as citizens through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through court system. Mobilizing as consumers through purchasing decisions.
    Class Description:
    Corporations are among the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a variety of goods, and have massive effects on the ecological and social environments in which they do business. How do ordinary people act in order to hold corporations accountable for the effects that their activities have on communities and individuals? This course focuses on two ways that people have mobilized to counter corporate power--as citizens and as consumers. When people mobilize as citizens, they put pressure on corporations through the political system--e.g. through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through the courts. When people mobilize as consumers, they use the power of their purchasing decisions to encourage corporations to change their behavior. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of corporate social responsibility/sweatshops, the industrial food system in the US, and the privatization of life (e.g. genes), water, and war.
    Grading:
    25% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    25% Class Participation Other Grading Information: The writing assignments comprise 75% of the final grade, and participation/online quizzes (completed before class) are 25% of the final grade.
    Exam Format:
    The final exam will be an essay exam.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    ~20 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    2 Homework Assignment(s)
    7 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: Evaluation: several short writing assignments (no longer than 5 pages each) based on course readings--cumulatively approx. 20 pages, including one rewrite and the in-class final exam.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19847/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3739 Section 001: Politics of Race, Class, and Ethnicity (11695)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Course Catalog Description:
    How race/ethnicity/class interact in political process. Political conflict through comparative analysis of United States, South Africa, Brazil.
    Class Description:
    What similarities are there, if any, between the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, South Africa, Northern Ireland, Rwanda, and Palestine/Israel? Why does racial and ethnic conflict persist in so many regions of the world? To what extent does racial conflict in th U.S. reflect the increasing disparities in wealth? How is racial/ethnic oppression similar and different from sexual oppression? These are some of the questions that this course will address and attempt to answer. This will be done primarily through a comparative analysis of racial/ethnic/class conflict in the U.S., South Africa, and Cuba with particular attention on the experiences of Blacks in the three countries.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    50% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11695/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3752 Section 001: Chicana/o Politics (26892)

    Instructor(s)
    Michael Duenes
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    CHIC 3852 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 245
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of Chicana/o politics through analysis of Mexican American experience, social agency. Response to larger political systems/behaviors using social science methods of inquiry. Unequal power relations, social justice, political economy.
    Class Description:
    Explores the theory and practice of Chicana/o politics through an analysis of Mexican American experience, social agency, and response to larger political systems and behaviors using social science methods of inquiry. Looks at unequal power relations, social justice, and the political economy.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/26892/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 November 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (22576)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Mon, Wed, Fri 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Description:
    This course examines the influence of human nature on political decision making among members of the mass public, asking questions about how human thought processes, emotions, and personality influence political judgments. Political theorists have long disagreed over basic human nature and have advanced different solutions to political governance as a consequence, ranging from participatory democracy to authoritarian regimes. In this course, we carefully consider how well we, as humans, are equipped to deal with different forms of political governance, especially democracy. We examine different aspects of human psychology, including personality, motivation, values, information processing, emotion and intergroup behavior, as well as proximal and distal biological processes (e.g., physiology, genetics, evolution), and consider their influence on political decision making. Readings are drawn from psychology and political science. No prior in-depth knowledge of either psychology or political science is needed to succeed in the course. It would help to have a general interest in politics, however. The course begins with an introductory reading in political psychology, designed to provide an overview of the field. We will then begin a section of the course on obedience to authority, which examines the power of social context and perceptions of legitimate authority in altering social and political behavior. We then consider the impact of group life on political preferences. To what extent do political preferences spring from our membership in groups and our views of other groups in society (including nations)? We will consider the impact of in-group attachments (to one's race, gender or nation), followed by a consideration of how animosity towards outsiders can escalate into prejudice, or even genocide.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22576/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 April 2013

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3785 Section 001: Persuasion and Political Propaganda (23597)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. Persuasion theories relevant to designing effective political propaganda. Applying theories to analyze WWI/WWII propaganda posters, films, and political campaign commercials. Use of fiction as propaganda tool.
    Class Description:
    This course will provide an introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. We will first define propaganda and discuss the primary theories in persuasion and propaganda that could be applied to designing and analyzing propaganda campaigns. We will then apply these theories to analyze WWI and WWII propaganda posters, propaganda films, and political campaign commercials. This course is intended to be 1/3 or less lecture and 2/3 or more discussion. I intentionally limited the number of students in this class to facilitate class discussion and group exercises.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    20% Reports/Papers
    20% Special Projects
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    short answer/essay
    Class Format:
    30% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    40% Other Style movies
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/23597/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3833 Section 001: The United States and the Global Economy (34412)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    West Bank Skyway AUDITORIUM
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Domestic and international politics of the United States, foreign economic policy (trade, aid, investment, monetary, and migration policies). Effects of policies and international economic relations on the U.S. economy and U.S. politics.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34412/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (11632)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to theoretical study of international relations. How theoretical perspective shapes one's understandings of structure/practices of global politics.
    Class Description:
    World Politics is a theoretical discipline. It deals with entities like states and international organizations that are not directly observable. Various theories about the nature of these entities and relations between them offer us different views about world politics. This course is designed to provide the conceptual and theoretic means for analyzing issues, processes, and structures in global politics. Emphasis is placed on developing usable knowledge of influential theories for understanding international conflict, cooperation, and change, especially in the contemporary era. We will not limit our discussion to the mainstream American theories of international relations, but will also cover European and post-colonial perspectives on global politics. Topics covered by the class will include realist and constructivist views on international system of territorial states and the anarchic structure of that system, institutionalist explanations of international cooperation, so called English School's views on the rules and institutions of international society, Feminist perspectives on gendered practices of global politics, and Postcolonial analyses of inequality and prejudice in the practice and study of global politics. We will investigate both the explanatory insights and the practical and normative political implications that distinguish a variety of theoretical perspectives on international relations. The course is intended to provide the means for students to develop their own theoretically informed analyses of issues in contemporary international relations.
    Grading:
    40% Final Exam
    30% Quizzes Other Grading Information: 30% Online discussion
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    5% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    3 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: Instead of writing papers students are expected to participate in weekly online discussions.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11632/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2013

    Fall 2014  |  POL 4315W Section 001: State Governments: Laboratories of Democracy (34413)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Mon, Wed, Fri 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political behavior, governmental institutions, and public policies in American states; comparison among states, between state and national government, with special attention given to Minnesota.
    Class Description:
    State governments have been incredibly active in recent years, making critical decisions about such diverse issues as climate change, same-sex marriage, health care, and immigration. This course examines the institutional and political changes that sparked this ?resurgence of the states? and help explain why state policies in these and other areas differ so dramatically.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    10% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34413/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 4473W Section 001: Chinese Politics (21474)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Course Catalog Description:
    Focuses on fundamental conflicts in Chinese society; the democracy movement, human rights, class divisions, gender struggles, environmental issues, and capitalist vs. socialist development strategies. Secondary topics include Chinese foreign relations and domestic and foreign political issues in Taiwan.
    Class Description:
    Don't know anything about China? Like, say, zero? No problem: no background required here. This course starts from scratch, going high-speed through Imperial China and the Chinese Revolution to arrive at the contemporary scene (the focus for most of the course). We'll cover Chinese social structure plus the basics of China's long history of sophisticated political theory, and then see how they both play out in the biggest controversies today: environmental catastrophe, internet censorship, changing sexual morals, international copyright piracy, sex-selective abortion & the missing girls problem, freedom & human rights, changing roles for women and men, corruption & high-profile scandals, tainted food and medicine, religion, grass-roots protest movements, art & cinema, business & Chinese capitalism, the military, espionage, and U.S.-China relations ( with an emphasis on what American behavior looks like to the Chinese). Feedback I've gotten from students about this class: it's hard and it's really fun.
    Grading:
    15% Midterm Exam
    15% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-13 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21474/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    17 April 2010

    Fall 2014  |  POL 4478W Section 001: Contemporary Politics in Africa and the Colonial Legacy (34416)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Examines how current politics in mainly, though not exclusively, sub-Saharan Africa have been shaped by the pre-colonial and colonial processes. Reality of independence; recurrent political and economic crises, global context and prospects for effective democracy.
    Class Description:
    What explains the crisis that Africa finds itself in today? What explains "ethnic" tragedies such as Darfur, Somalia or Rwanda? Why has Africa had such difficulty in feeding itself? Why has there been a decline in economic development for the last decade or so? If the "socialist" path to development has proven to be bankrupt then why has the capitalist course also been difficult to realize? Has a genuine revolution unfolded in South Africa and if so what kind? At the end of this course you should be in a position to give informed answers to these and other such questions. This course intends to introduce you to the political systems of sub-Saharan Africa with some attention to North Africa. Among the topics that you will examine are traditional or pre-colonial political systems, the impact of colonial rule, the reaction to colonialism and the rise of nationalism, the politics of economic development in independent Africa, and the liberation of southern Africa. An underlying assumption of the course is that the current crisis in Africa cannot be explained without an understanding of Africa's history--before independence in the 1960s and before colonial rule at the end of the 19th century. Therefore, about half of the course will focus on events leading up to independence. Another basic assumption is that Africa's reality can only be understood within global perspective. How that came to be will also be a focus of the course. Finally, as there are some 50 different countries on the African continent, it would be unrealistic to expect a fourteen-week course to adequately address each political system. Thus, the emphasis will be on themes and issues that affect the majority of countries. There will of course be exceptions to this, particularly in the case of South Africa which will occupy a significant portion of the course.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34416/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 November 2011

    Fall 2014  |  POL 4495 Section 001: Politics of Family, Sex, and Children (34420)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political fights over volatile issues of family, sex, and children. Diversity of family life in the United States as a source of disharmony and inequality. Same-sex couples, interracial families, polygamous communities, reproductive equality for people with disabilities, targeting of immigrant children, teen sex & pregnancy, working mothers, a??childfreea?? advocates. Citizen efforts aimed at reconciling communities with harshly clashing beliefs.
    Class Description:
    If you take this course you will confront contemporary fights over family, sex, and children. Here are the big questions: (1) Who controls sex? We will look at power in sexual relationships, sexual freedom & the state, and sexual elements in political ideologies. (2) Who should be allowed to make a family? We will do same-sex marriage, polygamy, and teenage childbearing. (3) What happens to children? We will look at countries with strong pro-child policies, but also at the dark side: child soldiers, child prostitutes, and sexual abuse of children by clergy. (4) What are the odds that your family will survive? Time to face up to financial crisis, bankruptcy, and divorce, and see the effects of taxation, social support for families, childcare, and family medical leave. (5) Do politicians care? We will see what policies actually help families, plus how political campaigns manipulate images of the family for their own ends. Got more questions about the class? Just ask me: kelliher@umn.edu
    Grading:
    10% Midterm Exam
    10% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    10% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    5 Problem Set(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34420/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 November 2012

    Fall 2014  |  POL 4501W Section 001: The Supreme Court and Constitutional Interpretation (10594)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Historical/analytical approaches to Court's landmark decisions. Theory/techniques of judicial review. Relates court's authority to wider political/social context of American government.
    Class Description:
    This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of Articles I, II, and III.
    Grading:
    33% Midterm Exam
    33% Final Exam
    33% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    25 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/10594/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 February 2008

    Fall 2014  |  POL 4773W Section 001: Interest Groups, Social Movements and Politics of Race, Class, and Gender (34421)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Interest groups/social movements as agents of democratic representation/political change in American politics/policy-making. Organizations/movements that represent racial/ethnic minorities, women, religious conservatives, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people, low-income people.
    Class Description:
    From the Supreme Court's controversial ruling in Citizens United to the successful grassroots activism of Minnesotans United for All Families, the role of interest groups in today's political landscape continues to spark passionate debates about the meaning of political representation and democracy. In this course, we will examine the role of interest groups and social movements in American politics. Over the semester, we will review both theoretical and empirical research on interest groups and social movements, paying particular attention to organizations and movements that represent women, racial and ethnic minorities, low-income populations, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people. In addition, we will focus on more general questions of how interest groups form, who participates in interest groups, and the influence that interest groups have on politics. Love them or hate them, interest groups have been, and will continue to be, major actors in American politics.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34421/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 4885W Section 001: International Conflict and Security (25589)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    An examination of alternative theories of the sources of militarized international conflict. Apply these theories to one or more past conflicts and discuss their relevance to the present.
    Class Description:
    With the end of the Cold War, many foresaw the birth of a new world order. Military strategy, strategic bombing and coercive diplomacy, deterrence and compellence, signaling and the escalatory ladder--these concepts, staples of Cold War thinking, were believed to be outmoded and to have little relevance to the emerging world. The events of the past two decades have shown how wrong this conclusion was. Military force is as pertinent to international politics as ever. Unable to reap the peace dividend that was expected to accompany the end of the Cold War, the United States has since 1989 repeatedly deployed its military forces across the globe--from Kuwait to Somalia to Bosnia and Kosovo to Afghanistan and Iraq. These operations have sometimes ended in apparent success, other times in failure. This course explores central issues regarding the use of military force in international politics. Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? Under what conditions is the use of force ethical, and when does it exceed those bounds? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? What is the future of military force in global politics? Through theoretical readings, concrete historical cases, and contemporary policy debates, this course examines these questions and others.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100-150 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/25589/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 4887 Section 001: Thinking Strategically in International Politics (34423)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Survey of applications of game theory to international politics; conflict and cooperation, global environmental commons, deterrence and reputation.
    Class Description:
    This course surveys current theories of international relations, and introduces students to elementary game theory. Major topics include the causes of war, the conditions for international cooperation, and the role of international institutions. By the end of the semester, students will be expected to: 1. Understand the relevant international relations literature; 2. Understand simple game-theortic techniques; 3. Critically analyze theories of international politics; and 4. Understand the general scientific method of theory building and empirical testing. Possible textbooks: Kenneth N. Waltz. 1954. Man, the State, and War; Waltz, Kenneth N. Theory of International Politics; Bruce Bueno de Mesquita, 2000. Principles of International Politics.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam
    10% Class Participation
    20% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: homework
    Exam Format:
    Multiple choice, essay, and short answer are all possible.
    Class Format:
    Lectures and discussions after each homework is graded.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    5 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 3 game theory homework assignments
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34423/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Fall 2014  |  POL 4900V Section 001: Honors: Senior Paper (15514)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/15514/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 4900W Section 001: Senior Paper (13824)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Class Description:
    Can be attached to any 3XXX or 4XXX course (with the instructor's agreement). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instuctor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/13824/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Fall 2014  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (13681)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    College Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/13681/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 5810 Section 001: Topics in International Politics and Foreign Policy -- Managing Global Crises (34907)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    GLOS 5900 Section 001
    PA 4890 Section 001
    PA 8890 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Mon 06:00PM - 08:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 215
    Course Catalog Description:
    Selected issues in contemporary international relations. Topics vary, see Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Managing Global Crises
    Class Description:
    Managing Global Crises: Human Rights and Humanitarian Challenges for Policy Makers and Practitioners Mondays, 6 pm to 8:45 pm, Blegen 215 (Offered as PA 4890/GLOS 5900/POL 5810/PA 8890) Humphrey School Dean Eric Schwartz will be teaching this course. Dean Schwartz served in the White House and the State Department in the Clinton and Obama Administrations, as well as the United Nations and with Human Rights Watch. From Syria and Iraq to Somalia and Sudan, man-made disasters, which principally impact populations in the developing world, pose compelling challenges to the capacities of governments and international organizations to prevent and alleviate suffering and promote recovery. Moreover, especially after 9/11, the complex crises that result in humanitarian suffering became the focus of serious concern among policy-makers and practitioners in the United States, who began to view effective responses as important in avoiding political instability and state failure. This course, which will involve lecture and class discussion, will examine the efforts of the international community ? governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and others -- to respond to humanitarian, recovery and reconstruction challenges posed by man-made disasters that impact civilians. (We will also consider disasters related to natural hazards, like storm surges and hurricanes, though those will not be a major focus of the course.) The issues and institutions that relate to humanitarian challenges and humanitarian suffering around the world are often studied separately. However, this course will take a broad and integrated approach, designed to give students a wide understanding of the lay of the humanitarian land and the questions with which policy makers and policy practitioners grapple ? including those relating to security, disaster response and human rights, and the roles of international and non-governmental humanitarian organizations. In addition to focusing on the efforts of the international community, the course will examine the role and institutions of the United States government, the largest provider of international humanitarian aid. Learning objectives: Students who successfully complete the course will gain a broad understanding of the policy issues that are involved in international humanitarian response ? an understanding that will integrate concepts from a range of fields ? as well as knowledge of the key institutions that define and impact policy and practice in this area. Students will also develop an appreciation of the key dilemmas faced by policy-makers and practitioners involved in response to complex crises, the challenges to achieving policy and operational objectives, and the strategies for success.
    Grading:
    40% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    35% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Report is 3-4 page policy brief based exclusively on material provided in syllabus and in class. See syllabus for specifics on class participation and other grading.
    Exam Format:
    Essay.
    Class Format:
    25% Lecture
    70% Discussion
    5% Guest Speakers See syllabus for description of class discussion.
    Workload:
    175 Pages Reading Per Week
    4 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 BRIEF Paper(s)
    Other Workload: I've sought to keep readings to under 200 pages per week. In one or two instances, when readings include popular works (that are easier to read quickly), that may increase somewhat. When there are many readings, a high percentage are very short.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34907/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 August 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (34474)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Wed 11:45AM - 01:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    Comparative Political Studies Journal Seminar
    Class Description:
    Students will meet to discuss and evaluate submissions to Comparative Political Studies. Students will learn best practices for doing peer-reviews of journal submissions, and will learn presentation skills.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34474/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8060 Section 002: Research Proseminar in Political Science (26368)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Meets With:
    SOC 8090 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue 11:15AM - 12:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1183
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    Law and Society Review: Journal Editing Seminar
    Class Description:
    This course is co-taught be Timothy R. Johnson (Political Science) and Joachim Savelsberg (Sociology), incoming editors of the Law & Society Review, the official journal of the Law & Society Association and the world's leading journal in the field of law and society studies. This is the first offering in a series of six semesters. Johnson will take the lead in 2013/14, Savelsberg in 2014/15. Students will read submitted papers that receive 'revise and resubmit' decisions and the reviewers' comments and discuss them with the editors. Different students may take the lead on specific papers in line with their substantive and methodological interests and expertize. Suggestions developed during these discussions will be incorporated into the R&R letters the editors will send out to authors. Students will thus get immersed in a range of cutting edge work done in the field. They will further gain crucial insights into the decision making processes associated with journal publishing. In this respect the course is intended to be a major professionalization tool that should be most helpful to graduate students who prepare to enter academic careers in which publishing papers in journals will be a crucial component. The process should make for an engaging collaborative, intellectual and professional, experience.
    Grading:
    20% In-class Presentations
    80% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    85% Discussion
    15% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    70 Pages Reading Per Week
    10 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/26368/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 April 2013

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8106 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science I (23953)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue 11:00AM - 01:10PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course provides a thorough grounding in the quantitative analysis of political science data. The emphasis is on how to analyze such data, interpret statistical results, and summarize and report the findings. By the end of the term you will (1) know how to describe variables; (2) test hypotheses; (3) use measures of association to quantify the relationship between two variables while holding a third variable constant; (4) understand bivariate regression and the basics of multiple regression; (5) understand reliability and validity and how to assess these properties empirically; and (6) know how to use the STATA statistical software program.
    Class Notes:
    Every other Friday POL 8106 will meet in the Political Science Computer Lab for a lab portion.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/23953/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8120 Section 001: Core Course in Political Methodology: Modeling Political Processes (34475)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Mon 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Methods used and potential for creating models of political processes. Designing political institutions, discerning/forecasting election outcomes, producing early warnings of international conflicts, increasing turnout in elections. Using mathematics to study political strategy and collective decision making in committees/legislatures. Using statistics to measure political variables, design experiments with human subjects, and test micro/macro political theories.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34475/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8126 Section 001: Qualitative Methods (23645)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Thu 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Course Catalog Description:
    Qualitative methods in social science. Hands-on training through fieldwork projects. Interviewing, participant observation, narrative interpretation, ethical problems. Issues of gender/race in fieldwork.
    Class Description:
    This course is 100% practical, hands-on training in fieldwork: -- Interviewing -- Participant-observation -- Handling visual evidence -- Analysis of physical & spatial data -- Problems of interpretation & inference -- Practical management of field research The only way to learn this stuff is by doing it. So this class shoves you out the door and onto the street. Students in this course have carried out research in dozens of different fieldwork settings across all of the diverse communities, organizations, businesses, and physical sites available in the Twin Cities area. You'll also get training in the ethics of fieldwork and the crucial task of getting dissertation and professional research approved by the Human Subjects Committee and the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Students from all departments are welcome. Questions? Call me: Daniel Kelliher, 612-624-1671, or email: kelliher@umn.edu
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/23645/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 May 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8160 Section 002: Topics in Models and Methods -- Maximum Likelihood Estimation (22589)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Mon 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    Maximum Likelihood Estimation
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/22589/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8160 Section 004: Topics in Models and Methods -- Multilevel Modeling (34476)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    First Half of Term
     
    09/02/2014 - 10/20/2014
    Fri 11:00AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics, as specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Notes:
    ITV "Multilevel Modeling" Rudolph. Classes will be help on Sept 12, 19, 26, Oct 3, 17, 24, 31
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34476/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8201 Section 001: Understanding Political Theory (34478)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    1.5 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    First Half of Term
     
    09/02/2014 - 10/20/2014
    Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Key concepts/major approaches.
    Class Notes:
    Interpretive Methods: Historicist, Narrative, and Critical Theories
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34478/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8201 Section 002: Understanding Political Theory (34614)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    1.5 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Second Half of Term
     
    10/21/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Key concepts/major approaches.
    Class Notes:
    Contemporary Appropriations of Kant, Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34614/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8260 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- Constitutional Theory: Law, Power, and Right (23648)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Wed 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in special topics or problems.
    Class Notes:
    Constitutional Theory: Law, Power, and Right from Ancient Polis to Modern Empire
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/23648/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8302 Section 001: Public Opinion and Political Behavior (35498)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Thu 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Major theoretical perspectives/research on political participation, voting behavior, public opinion. Voter turnout, importance of party identification, effects of campaigns, long-term change in public opinion, designing/conducting research.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35498/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8307 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology I (11696)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Meets With:
    PSY 8211 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Fri 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11696/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8360 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Democratic Deliberation and Processes (34480)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings/research in special topics or problems.
    Class Notes:
    Democratic Deliberation & Processes
    Class Description:
    POL 8360: Small Group Processes and Democratic Deliberation The ?deliberative turn? in democratic theory has inspired a range of new empirical research. This work asks how deliberative existing democratic systems are and what can be done to make them more so. Drawing on work in political science, communications, psychology, and sociology, we will examine this new literature, exploring such questions as: How can we measure the quality of deliberation? Can conversation about politics, whether in small groups, in the media, or in everyday conversation, meet the standards of deliberative theory? What can empirical research tell us about how to improve the quality of deliberation? We will start by briefly reviewing the normative literature spawned by the ?deliberative turn.? The bulk of the course will explore literatures on small group processes, and what lessons this research can teach us about the feasibility of creating deliberation in institutions like deliberative polls, citizen juries, and other ?mini-publics.? Finally, we will examine research on everyday political conversation among citizens, asking what such conversation looks like and whether it can play a role in a deliberative political system. This course meets the requirements of an elective class for the Ph.D. minor in Political Psychology.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34480/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 May 2014

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (14387)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14387/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8460 Section 001: Topics in International Relations -- Global Civil Society (24373)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Wed 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in advanced topics or problems. Recent topics: global environmental issues, morality in world politics, and norms and institutions in world politics.
    Class Notes:
    Global Civil Society
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/24373/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8460 Section 002: Topics in International Relations -- Political Violence (36252)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    POL 8660 Section 002
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Wed 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in advanced topics or problems. Recent topics: global environmental issues, morality in world politics, and norms and institutions in world politics.
    Class Notes:
    Political Violence
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/36252/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Democratization (23644)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems; supervised research and research training.
    Class Notes:
    Democratization
    Class Description:
    Title: Democracy and Democratization This seminar considers some of the oldest and most important questions in comparative politics. What is democracy? What are the sources of democratic and non-democratic rule, and what factors promote authoritarian and democratic regime stability and/or change? We will explore research from all major political science approaches to these and related questions. Readings are selected for their theoretical and/or conceptual importance; the seminar does not focus on any particular region of the world. The seminar will be organized around the following main themes: 1) Philosophical traditions, emergence of key concepts 2) Typologies of regimes - empirical referents 3) The rise of the state and sources of democratic and authoritarian rule 4) Processes of regime decay and/or collapse
    Grading:
    50% Reports/Papers
    25% Reflection Papers
    25% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    25% Lecture
    60% Discussion
    15% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    ~200 Pages Reading Per Week
    30 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    Other Workload: Main project is a 25-page research paper.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/23644/1149
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    18 March 2008

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8660 Section 002: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Political Violence (34482)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    POL 8460 Section 002
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    Wed 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems; supervised research and research training.
    Class Notes:
    Political Violence
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34482/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (14507)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14507/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (14002)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/14002/1149

    Fall 2014  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (11819)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/02/2014 - 12/10/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/11819/1149

    Summer 2014  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (86678)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/16/2014 - 08/08/2014
    Tue, Thu 05:30PM - 08:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 20
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Description:
    This course provides an introduction to western political thought and, to borrow a phrase from one author we will read, its discontents. We will read, discuss, and write about a variety of texts in order to gain a solid understanding of the foundations of historical and contemporary approaches to democracy, political participation, and government by consent of the governed. Ultimately this will help us to better answer important questions about contemporary political life: What is politics? What makes political authority legitimate? What counts as a political issue in contemporary society, and why? We will pursue these questions and more through readings of Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Freud, and others.
    Grading:
    70% Reports/Papers
    30% Quizzes
    Exam Format:
    no exams
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    3 microthemes (500 word); 2 "bookend" essays
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/86678/1145
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 April 2014

    Summer 2014  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (81812)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/16/2014 - 08/08/2014
    Off Campus
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester.
    Class Description:
    This course has two purposes. The first is to provide students with an opportunity to acquire first-hand political experience and knowledge. The second is to enable students to situate their internship experience in the context of relevant political science research on the subject matter. Students earn 1 credit for every 3 hours per week worked at the internship. Students must work at least 10 hours per week (or 140 total hours), and take POL 3080 for at least 3 credits. To enroll in POL 3080, students must meet with the instructor to discuss the course requirements, sign a Student/Faculty contract that specifies the required coursework, and get a permission number. This meeting takes 15-20 minutes, and should be scheduled once you have secured your internship and you know how many hours per week you will be working (so that you will know how many credits you can take). These meetings usually take place once enrollment for the next semester is open. NOTE: you MUST sign up for the course by the end of the first week of classes for the semester in which you are doing the internship. All students must submit weekly analytical journal entries, and two informational interview reports. At higher credits levels, students must complete a 5-7p essay and 10p research paper.
    Grading:
    90% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Grade based 90% on coursework, 10% on internship supervisor's evaluation.
    Class Format:
    100% Web Based Students work at their internships, and submit their course work by e-mail. There are no required classroom meetings.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-50 Pages Writing Per Term Other Workload: Workload varies by number of credits taken. Minimum 14 weekly journal entries, 2 informational interview reports. Additional papers at higher credit levels
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81812/1145
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 March 2014

    Summer 2014  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (84590)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture Workaround
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/16/2014 - 08/08/2014
    Tue, Thu 09:15AM - 12:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists increasingly utilize quantitative data to examine a variety of topics, such as the relationship between democracy and economic growth, election outcomes in Brazil, and voter turnout in the United States. This course will focus on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to implement these techniques and manage data using computer software. By the end of the semester, you will be able to: develop testable research questions and hypotheses; apply the appropriate statistical techniques when using quantitative data to test hypotheses; and more effectively consume and evaluate political science research and political news that uses quantitative data.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/84590/1145
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Summer 2014  |  POL 3110H Section 001: Honors Thesis Credits (81813)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81813/1145

    Summer 2014  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (84591)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/16/2014 - 08/08/2014
    Mon, Wed 05:45PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 255
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Democracy based on individual rights. Pluralism. Civic republicanism. Community activism. Dilemmas of democratic government/citizenship in race, class, gender-stratified society.
    Class Description:
    This course explores the meanings of democracy and citizenship from historical and contemporary perspectives. Democracy is almost universally championed in contemporary politics. But what does democracy mean, what does it require of us, and why should we value it? Who is included in the concept of ?we the people? and who gets to decide? How should democracies deal with differences and conflicts? What are the rights and responsibilities of the citizens of a democratic community? Why is there on-going fear that democracies devolve into tyranny? How have understandings of democracy and citizenship evolved over time? What kinds of practical mechanisms and processes should be used to institutionalize democracy? We will explore these questions from historical perspectives and in relation to current political events and challenges. You should emerge from this course not only with a deepened understanding of the historical and intellectual tradition of democratic theory, but also with the ability to articulate your own democratic ideals, your understanding of democratic citizenship, and how you conceive of your relationship to these ideals.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/84591/1145
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 March 2014

    Summer 2014  |  POL 3309 Section 001: Justice in America (89108)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/27/2014 - 06/13/2014
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 11:00AM - 02:00PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Blegen Hall 220
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    American judiciary. Selection of judges. How/why these individuals/institutions behave as they do. What influences judicial decisions. What impact decisions have. Why people comply with them.
    Class Description:
    This course examines how the politics of race, gender, and sexuality are contested in the American legal system. The syllabus is structured around three recent cases - Floyd v. City of New York, Walmart of America v. Dukes, and Goodridge v. Dept of Public Health ? in order to examine how claims for remedy to injustices due to race, gender, and sexual orientation are contested in the practice of the American legal system. First, using Floyd, we will engage in a conversation about race and racial profiling in law enforcement. We will focus not only on stop-and-frisk in New York, but consider data revealing the disproportionate surveillance given racial minorities nationwide and in Minnesota. Second, in thinking about gender through the lens of Dukes, we will consider how women have struggled to have their collective interests recognized as a legal class. Further, recognizing that all people are gendered, we transition to examine how some conceptions of masculinity are correlated both with incarceration and fatherless homes. Third, we turn to gay marriage through Goodridge, critically assessing the push for equality through a traditionally heteronormative institution. Throughout the course, we evaluate the political possibilities and limits for pursuing change through legal action.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/89108/1145
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    7 April 2014

    Summer 2014  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Development (87516)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/16/2014 - 08/08/2014
    Tue, Thu 01:30PM - 04:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 260
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political processes/problems associated with economic development. Political economy of underdevelopment/development. Problems of state building, development of political institutions.
    Class Description:
    Why are there such vast disparities of wealth among countries? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world experienced stunning economic growth while others have not? We will explore the issue of inequality among nations through an engagement with competing explanations from multiple disciplines. Do free markets, the legacies of colonialism, state power, culture, or geography offer the most persuasive account of current patterns of global inequality? The course focuses primarily on countries in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, with explicit comparisons between Brazil, South Korea, and Nigeria. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of and possible solutions to global inequality. The course is designed to give students the space to learn and to debate contending perspectives about global inequality. Lectures are delivered in an interactive fashion and stress not only the mastery of a particular theory but also offer students the opportunity to reflect on the persuasiveness of a theory and on the broader implications of that theory. Small group activities allow students to engage in hands-on exercises, to integrate visual and reading materials, and to reflect critically on course themes. Written assignments require students to show a mastery of the various theories and to assess the persuasiveness of contending perspectives in light of the experiences of particular countries.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87516/1145
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 April 2014

    Summer 2014  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (87517)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/16/2014 - 08/08/2014
    Mon, Wed 10:00AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 1-136
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Description:
    This course will introduce you to the interdisciplinary field of political psychology. This field uses research and theory from social psychology and mass communication to understand various aspects of politics. Political psychology is a very broad field, so there are many types of research that we will not be able to cover. This class focuses specifically on the mass public (voters) and upon completing this course, you will better understand the ways ordinary people make political decisions and interact with the political world. Students do not need to have taken classes in psychology or political science to do well in this class. However, prior coursework (especially courses on social psychology, personality, public opinion, or political behavior) in one of these two fields is recommended. This course is organized around four broad themes. After a basic introduction to political psychology, students will learn about voter's beliefs, specifically the content of these beliefs and where they come from. The course then turns to a study of personality and emotions, followed by a section on political communication and the media. We end with a discussion of the stereotypes and voting.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    10% Reflection Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87517/1145
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 May 2014

    Summer 2014  |  POL 3785 Section 001: Persuasion and Political Propaganda (86779)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/27/2014 - 06/13/2014
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 09:00AM - 12:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 260
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. Persuasion theories relevant to designing effective political propaganda. Applying theories to analyze WWI/WWII propaganda posters, films, and political campaign commercials. Use of fiction as propaganda tool.
    Class Description:
    This course will provide an introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. We will first define propaganda and discuss the primary theories in persuasion and propaganda that could be applied to designing and analyzing propaganda campaigns. We will then apply these theories to analyze WWI and WWII propaganda posters, propaganda films, and political campaign commercials. This course is intended to be 1/3 or less lecture and 2/3 or more discussion. I intentionally limited the number of students in this class to facilitate class discussion and group exercises.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    20% Reports/Papers
    20% Special Projects
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    short answer/essay
    Class Format:
    30% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    40% Other Style movies
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/86779/1145
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Summer 2014  |  POL 4310 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- The View from Hollywood (85764)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/27/2014 - 06/13/2014
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 08:00AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 210
    Course Catalog Description:
    See Class Schedule for description.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/85764/1145

    Summer 2014  |  POL 4900V Section 001: Honors: Senior Paper (86602)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/16/2014 - 08/08/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/86602/1145

    Summer 2014  |  POL 4900W Section 001: Senior Paper (82046)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Class Description:
    Can be attached to any 3XXX or 4XXX course (with the instructor's agreement). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instuctor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82046/1145
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Summer 2014  |  POL 4900W Section 101: Senior Paper (82739)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Class Description:
    Can be attached to any 3XXX or 4XXX course (with the instructor's agreement). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instuctor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82739/1145
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Summer 2014  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (82047)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    College Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/16/2014 - 08/08/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82047/1145

    Summer 2014  |  POL 4970 Section 101: Individual Reading and Research (82740)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    College Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/27/2014 - 06/13/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82740/1145

    Summer 2014  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (82741)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    College Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82741/1145

    Summer 2014  |  POL 8333 Section 001: FTE: Master's (82429)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/16/2014 - 08/22/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82429/1145

    Summer 2014  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (82513)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/16/2014 - 08/22/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82513/1145

    Summer 2014  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (82590)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/16/2014 - 08/22/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82590/1145

    Summer 2014  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (84080)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/84080/1145

    Summer 2014  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (81816)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/81816/1145

    Spring 2014  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (58469)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture Workaround
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 210
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? Through an examination of the roles of American political institutions and the behavior of American citizens, we will be able to critically reflect on issues such as political and economic inequality in the U.S., the role of American political and economic power in the world, and the possibility for an American public policy that lives up to the ideals of the founders. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them.
    Grading:
    50% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/58469/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 November 2012

    Spring 2014  |  POL 1001 Section 002: American Democracy in a Changing World (64424)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture Workaround
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-105
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Description:
    Why doesn't Congress seem to work? Why do some people have political beliefs that seem crazy to other people? Why do we let nine unelected judges decide which laws are unconstitutional and which ones are not? This course will introduce students to politics in the United States, addressing these and many more questions about how the American political system really works. We will begin with the founding principles and historical development of the American system of government and then move on to examine the contemporary structure and function of American political institutions and the role that average citizens play in the political process. Students will exit the class with a better understanding of how the American political system succeeds or fails at living up to our ideals and what we can do about it.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/64424/1143
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2018.docx (Fall 2018)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2017.docx (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/cdmyers_POL1001_Fall2016.docx (Fall 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 January 2014

    Spring 2014  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (51655)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Mon, Wed, Fri 09:05AM - 09:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
    Class Description:
    Global politics introduces students to the study of the world's political systems and to the debates over certain global issues. Various theroretical frameworks are examined throughout the semester, but the emphasis is on the so-called liberal perspective. Related middle range accounts of war and of international political economy also are studied. While many global political issues will be mentioned, the focus will be on the legacies of the East-West conflict, particularly nuclear proliferation, and on the North-South conflict, expecially Southern demands for distributional justice. At the end of the semester, students will be able to describe and predict the evolution of a global political system. In addition, they will be able to carve out and defend a stand on one of the global issues mentioned above.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam Other Grading Information: Weightings are approximate
    Exam Format:
    A mix of short answers/essays and long essays
    Class Format:
    Some digitized video materials are used.
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51655/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Spring 2014  |  POL 1025 Section 002: Global Politics (54485)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
    Class Description:
    ?Personal is political? and ?local is global and global is local?. This course offers students tools to understand the global and political aspects of various phenomena they encounter in local, daily routines or in the media. We will explore, among other questions, how traditional nation-states function, how people, goods, capital and ideas move across state borders, why does politics turn to violence, how global trade and finance affect us and others, how can we deal with environmental problems, and, most importantly, how all these questions are affected by the political organization of the world. The perspective of the course is `European? ? without forgetting views from the other corners of the globe. This means that instead of analyzing global politics only as a system of interacting states ? as is often the case in American textbooks ? we will also focus on the institutions and rules that are the foundation of international society. With cases from different eras and around the world the course gives an introduction to the dynamics of contemporary global politics. Work Load: 50-90 pages reading per week, weekly small-group on-line discussions, 3 exams. Grade: 40% mid exams, 40% final exam, 10% online discussion, 10% class participation.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54485/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 November 2012

    Spring 2014  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Politics of Countries Around the World (61471)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture Workaround
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Science Teaching Student Svcs 330
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political life. Repression, democracy, rights, corruption, gender, and political change. Guest lectures by political science professors who are experts on different parts of the world.
    Class Description:
    Introduction to political life in all its worldwide variety. Focus on repression, democracy, rights, corruption, gender, and political change. Guest lectures by political science professors who are experts on different parts of the world. Non-majors welcome.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/61471/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Spring 2014  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (51592)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 370
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Description:
    This course examines different models of political rule. What models of politics, throughout history, have structure those relations of rulers and ruled? How does each model for rule try to grapple with questions of inequality, power and domination, justice and equality? To answer these questions, we will range across the globe (looking at examples that bear on contemporary politics both in the US and elsewhere), and also across history.
    Grading:
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Journal
    30% Reflection Papers
    Exam Format:
    no exams
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    5 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 3 of the papers will be 1-2 page micro-papers; the others will be 4-5 pages each
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51592/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 January 2014

    Spring 2014  |  POL 1201 Section 002: Political Ideas and Ideologies (58619)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Mon, Wed, Fri 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    West Bank Skyway AUDITORIUM
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Description:
    Ever wondered what it means when someone calls themselves "liberal" or "conservative "? Ever wondered where you should place yourself on the liberal-conservative continuum? In this introductory-level political theory class we explore the changing meanings of these terms over time through accessible readings beginning with the colonial period and extending through recent selections from popular media sources today. The class is designed for political science majors and non-majors; no prior knowledge of political theory assumed). I expect and welcome active class participation--alert listening, informed speaking, and critical questioning. This class is open to students of all ideological dispositions. My goal is for all of us to become more critical readers of political messages.
    Grading:
    70% Reports/Papers
    30% Quizzes
    Exam Format:
    no exams
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    3 microthemes (500 word); 2 "bookend" essays
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/58619/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3070 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Field Work (51590)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    1-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Faculty-supervised research related to work in political or governmental organizations.
    Class Description:
    Students conducting field research on politics or government may receive credit for academic work completed in association with their research. Typically students will write a substantial research paper (20 pages or more) that incorporates their field research into the political science literature on their topic. Students must arrange for credit no later than the end of the first week of the semester. To enroll for this course, contact the instructor.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    100% Other Style Fieldwork/Participant-Observation
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-30 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51590/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (51591)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Off Campus
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester.
    Class Description:
    Students working in political or governmental internships may receive credit for academic work completed in association with their internship work. Students may receive 1 credit for every 3 hours (per week) of internship work. Academic work increases with increased hours worked. Assignments will include: weekly journal, 5-7 page essay, 10 page research paper. Acceptable internships include: US Congress, MN state legislature, federal, state, and local gov't agencies, as well as political parties, campaign organizations, and non-governmental advocacy groups. To enroll in this course, students must first arrange their internship, and then contact the instructor before the semester begins. Students who do not contact the instructor before the end of the first week of the semester will NOT be enrolled in this course. NOTE: Students doing internships outside the US must contact me at least 2 months before the beginning of the semester.
    Class Format:
    Fieldwork/Participant-observation
    Workload:
    20 Pages Reading Per Week
    30-50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51591/1143
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 March 2012

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (57546)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Mon, Wed 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    The purpose of this course is to teach you how to accurately construct and test theories of political science. To do so, we will seek to incorporate data and statistics in a manner that convincingly, and truthfully, tests and communicates questions of political science to the average individual. Throughout this course, we will accordingly spend a lot of time immersed in actual data sets, and applications. Upon doing so, you will not only become well versed in math and statistics, but will also learn to reason through problems with data, and use your newfound statistical knowledge to frame convincing arguments. Learning these skills is important not only to modern political science, but also to business, law, public policy, and other related fields in the social sciences.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/57546/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 December 2013

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (60449)

    Instructor(s)
    Christina Farhart (Secondary Instructor)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Mon 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/60449/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (63565)

    Instructor(s)
    Christina Farhart (Secondary Instructor)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Mon 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/63565/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3085H Section 001: Honors Course: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (68960)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 105
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques/how one tests a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up a research question in political science, proper research design, and basic techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    Political science 3085 is a four credit upper-level undergraduate course that fulfills the LE Mathematical Thinking Core requirement. The course designed to introduce students to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. Political scientists increasingly utilize quantitative data to shed light on a variety of diverse topics, such as the relationship between democracy and economic growth, determinants of vote choice, and voter turnout in the United States. This course will focus on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to implement these techniques and manage data using computer software. Not only will students learn how to analyze quantitative data, but this course will also enable students to be more informed consumers of political science research.
    Grading:
    18% Midterm Exam
    18% Final Exam
    18% Reports/Papers
    18% Written Homework
    18% Additional Semester Exams
    10% Attendance
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    20% Laboratory
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    30 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    7 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68960/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 October 2013

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3085H Section 002: Honors Course: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (68967)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Laboratory
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Thu 01:25PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 440
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques/how one tests a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up a research question in political science, proper research design, and basic techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    Political science 3085 is a four credit upper-level undergraduate course that fulfills the LE Mathematical Thinking Core requirement. The course designed to introduce students to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. Political scientists increasingly utilize quantitative data to shed light on a variety of diverse topics, such as the relationship between democracy and economic growth, determinants of vote choice, and voter turnout in the United States. This course will focus on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to implement these techniques and manage data using computer software. Not only will students learn how to analyze quantitative data, but this course will also enable students to be more informed consumers of political science research.
    Grading:
    18% Midterm Exam
    18% Final Exam
    18% Reports/Papers
    18% Written Homework
    18% Additional Semester Exams
    10% Attendance
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    20% Laboratory
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    30 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    7 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68967/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 October 2013

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3108H Section 001: Honors Tutorial: Thesis Preparation and Political Science Inquiry (66129)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Wed 01:25PM - 03:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 135
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Advance research skills and prepare to write senior thesis. Political science research. Develop thesis topic, test ideas in a structured/collegial setting.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66129/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3110H Section 001: Honors Thesis Credits (51795)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51795/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3225 Section 001: American Political Thought (63545)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Puritans, American Revolution, Constitution, pro- and anti-slavery arguments, civil war/reconstruction, industrialism, westward expansion, Native Americans, immigration, populism, socialism, social Darwinism, women's suffrage, red scares, Great Depression, free speech, pluralism, multiculturalism.
    Class Description:
    We will begin with an examination of Puritan political ideas, and remain attentive to the role of religious ideas on American political thought throughout the course. Next we will devote considerable time to the Revolutionary and Constitutional periods, focusing in particular on the arguments for and against ratification of the Constitution. Then we will move on to examine arguments over federalism and slavery, women's and workers' rights, as well as the emergence of romantic individualism. Finally, we will look at debates over the emergence of industrial society, the Populist, Progressive, and Socialist responses to it, and debates over racial equality. Prominent theorists covered include Winthrop, Franklin, Paine, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, the Anti-Federalist "Brutus," Emerson, Thoreau, Fuller, Calhoun, Fitzhugh, Douglass, Lincoln, Sumner, Bellamy, DuBois, Goldman, Debs, Dewey, and King. Throughout the course we will be attentive to understanding not only particular political theories, but also how each thinker was influenced by past theories, and by the political, social, and economic context in which he or she wrote.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    25% Lecture
    75% Discussion
    Workload:
    150 Pages Reading Per Week
    30 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/63545/1143
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3225_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 June 2009

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (67144)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 415
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Democracy based on individual rights. Pluralism. Civic republicanism. Community activism. Dilemmas of democratic government/citizenship in race, class, gender-stratified society.
    Class Description:
    This course explores the meanings of democracy and citizenship from historical and contemporary perspectives. Democracy is almost universally championed in contemporary politics. But what does democracy mean, what does it require of us, and why should we value it? Who is included in the concept of "we the people," demos and who gets to decide? How should democracies deal with differences and conflicts? What are the rights and responsibilities of the citizens of a democratic community? Why is there on-going fear that democracies devolve into tyranny? How have understandings of democracy and citizenship evolved over time? What kinds of practical mechanisms and processes should be used to institutionalize democracy? We will explore these questions from historical perspectives and in relation to current political events and challenges. You should emerge from this course not only with a deepened understanding of the historical and intellectual tradition of democratic theory, but also with the ability to articulate your own democratic ideals, your understanding of democratic citizenship, and how you conceive of your relationship to these ideals.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    35% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    5% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67144/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 June 2012

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3251W Section 001: Power, Virtue and Vice: Ancient and Early Modern Political Theory (67145)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Ancient/early modern political thinking confronts basic questions of political order.
    Class Description:
    What is justice? What is a good society? What would it mean to live a good or bad life in that society? What is the place of the gods or God here on earth? In order to see how others have answered these enduring political questions, we read Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Machiavelli, Luther, and others. While reading those texts we also examine the concepts of power, virtue, and vice to chart how political concepts gain currency, change, or fall out of use. By reading the classic texts and examining the political concepts contained within them, we gain an appreciation for political continuities and discontinuities across eras, as well as a critical distance from and perspective on our present politics.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67145/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    12 November 2013

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3309 Section 001: Justice in America (64448)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    American judiciary. Selection of judges. How/why these individuals/institutions behave as they do. What influences judicial decisions. What impact decisions have. Why people comply with them.
    Class Description:
    The study of judicial politics. Are judges and courts political actors and institutions? How are judges selected?. How/why do these individuals/institutions behave as they do? What influences judicial decisions? Can we predict judicial outcomes based on past behavior and articulated political preferences? What impact do decisions have? Why do people comply with them? This course will be 70% lecture, 30% discussion. There will be 2 exams and 10 - 15 pages of writing.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/64448/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    11 November 2013

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3310 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Gender and Politics (64449)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 425
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topic in American politics.
    Class Description:
    This course is designed as an overview to the field of gender and politics and examines the role that women play in the U.S. policy process. We will begin by discussing how public policies are "gendered" and how these policies compare to feminist thinking about the related issue area. We then examine different theories of the role(s) gender plays in various aspects of politics. For example, we will explore different gender gaps between men and women in political attitudes and participation and examine some of the potential causes behind those differences. We will also focus on how gender affects running for political office and how women's behavior once in office may (or may not) differ from their male counterparts. The class is designed to develop your political awareness, demonstrate how gender affects the nature of American politics and show you how regular citizens affect issues of importance. Throughout this class, you will learn how to think critically about American political events, to put them into context and to formulate cogent arguments about them.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/64449/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 October 2013

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3319 Section 001: Education and the American Dream (68998)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics and education in the United States. Equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, role of political institutions in making educational policy. Efforts to reform/remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers.
    Class Description:
    This course is intended as introduction to education politics and policy in the United States. It is designed for any student who might have an interest in exploring education, public policy, or American government. Topics will include equality of educational opportunity, educating democratic citizens, school finance, the role of political institutions in making educational policy, and efforts to reform and remake American education, including charter schools and private school vouchers. By the end of the course, students should have a basic understanding of the provision of education in the United States, including the ways in which education is governed and the institutions involved in that governance. Students should be able to critically reflect on the degree to which American education fulfills the sometimes-competing goals Americans have for our schools.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    essay, short essay
    Class Format:
    55% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68998/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 November 2008

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3323 Section 001: Political Tolerance in the United States (68999)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political importance of civil liberties in American society. Tolerance as a political phenomenon. Issues such as free speech, privacy, religion, race, gender.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68999/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3410 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Russian Politics (60598)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Mon, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics of current analytical or policy importance to comparative politics. Topics vary.
    Class Description:
    This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics. It begins with the Russian Revolution of 1917, and continues with a study of the creation of the USSR and Soviet rule under Lenin, Stalin, and later decades. We look in depth at the economic and political system set up by the Communist Party, and at the causes of its collapse in 1991, which has had profound legacies for the post-Soviet development of Russia. Then in the second half of the course we turn to themes of political, economic, social and civic development under Yeltsin and Putin. We will pose the following questions: Why does democratization begin and why does it fail? How is economic reform undermined? What type of state and regime is Russia now? What caused the Chechen wars and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus during this period? Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Are US-Russian relations improving as a result of Obama's "Reset," or are we now in an era of a new Cold War? The coursework involves significant reading (about 75-100 pages per week), a research paper, class participation, two exams, and several short writing assignments.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    35% Final Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    5% Class Participation Other Grading Information: One or two midterms, one final exam GRADING VARIES BY SEMESTER depending on enrollment.
    Exam Format:
    Essays and short answers.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    15% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    10 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: Varies by semester depending on enrollment
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/60598/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 October 2013

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3475 Section 001: Islamist Politics (68033)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Mon, Fri 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 425
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Islamic faith and its historical relationship to politics. Rise of Islamist politics in the Middle East and North Africa and south central Asia from the 1950s-80s. Failure of many Islamist revolutions. Spread/rebirth of Islam in less traditional areas of the Muslim world. Rise of global jihadists. New jihad being waged in Iraq, implications for Middle East. Possibility of synthesizing Islam and democracy.
    Class Description:
    Course Description The relationship between Islam and politics ? both in the Muslim world and in the West -- is one of the most important political issues of our day. Especially since 9/11, scholars and policy makers around the world have been debating the compatibility or conflict between Islam and democracy, the tense relationship between ?the Muslim world? and the US, the roots of rising Islamist movements in the 20th century, the causes of terrorism and suicide bombings, and the clash or compatibility of ?Muslim? and ?Western? cultures. This class will address these issues by taking a historical and political look at the development of Islam (the religion) and Islamism (Islamic political movements) in many areas of the Muslim world. We will begin by discussing the Islamic faith and historical debates about its relationship to politics. Then we will turn to the twentieth century, and examine the rise of Islamist politics in the Middle East and North Africa (e.g. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Iran, Sudan) and south central Asia (e.g. Pakistan, Afghanistan). We will study the successes and failures of Islamist revolutions. Then we will focus on the evolution of the ?Arab Spring? and its implications for both Islamism and democracy in that region. In doing so, we will discuss debates about the compatibility of Islam and democracy, and examine cases of democratic success in the Muslim world. We will examine the rebirth of Islam and rise of Islamism in Eurasia (post-Soviet Central Asia, Russia, and the Caucasus) during the last two to three decades. We will examine the effects of state repression of Islam and religious freedom in those countries. We will also discuss varying ideas about jihad, and the rise of global jihadists and terrorist groups, such as Al Qaeda. We will study the jihads waged by Al Qaeda and the Taliban in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the implications of militancy and terrorism for establishing stability and democracy in the Muslim world. We will read both Muslim and non-Muslim perspectives on these problems, and will discuss the intense debates over these issues within the West as well as within the diverse Muslim world. Understanding these issues is critical to gaining perspective on the troubling state of today's complex global politics, and US foreign policy in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere. We hope that this course will generate knowledge and understanding, and through that, tolerance and wisdom in dealing with these critical issues. The course requirements likely include two exams and a paper. Final requirements will be printed on the syllabus in January.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68033/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 October 2013

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3479 Section 001: Latin American Politics (66130)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 145
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Latin American politics/political economy. Authoritarianism, human rights, redemocratization. Development/economic policy. Social movements. Ethnicity, race, religion. Revolution. U.S.-Latin American relations.
    Class Description:
    This course examines historical and contemporary patterns of political and economic stasis and change in Latin America. It aims not only to help students understand the similarities and differences in outcomes in the region over time, but also to reflect on what Latin America's experiences can teach us about the requirements of and barriers to meaningful democracy and sustainable and equitable development around the world. The course presents competing theoretical approaches and discusses them in the context of the political trajectories of four major Latin American cases: Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Venezuela. Readings on other countries are occasionally assigned and students have opportunities to draw on other cases for writing assignments.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    35% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Combo of short answer, IDs, and essay
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    125 Pages Reading Per Week
    8 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66130/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    30 May 2012

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3769 Section 001: Public Opinion and Voting Behavior (66131)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Major factors influencing electoral decisions/political attitude formation/change. Data analysis lab required.
    Class Description:
    This course covers major issues in public opinion and voting behavior. Do citizens hold real opinions about political issues? Are these opinions ideologically coherent and stable, or are they superficial and weak? How do citizens form these opinions? And, how do voters decide which candidate to vote for on Election Day? In this course we will engage major theoretical perspectives on public opinion and the survey response, and address major issues animating contemporary political debate.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66131/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 April 2014

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3833 Section 001: The United States and the Global Economy (66133)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    GLOS 3900 Section 002
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 210
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Domestic and international politics of the United States, foreign economic policy (trade, aid, investment, monetary, and migration policies). Effects of policies and international economic relations on the U.S. economy and U.S. politics.
    Class Description:
    This course provides an overview of the impact of the global economy on domestic politics, with a particular focus on the US. The global economy impacts all forms of politics, not just those we traditionally think of as foreign policy. For example, US labor markets are highly dependent on cheap immigrant labor, the housing market is (or was?) financed by cheap foreign capital, and Walmart is dependent on cheap foreign resources to achieve those everyday low prices. Both the 2008 and 2012 general elections focused heavily on economic issues (the effects of stimulus on the economy, the appropriateness of auto and bank bailouts, the impact of government healthcare regulations on unemployment, etc.), thus complicated economic issues had major electoral consequences. This course will help you understand how the ever more complex global market impacts politics from the international to the local level. You will, I hope, become educated consumers of economic news, and be able to link it clearly to your own political preferences and those of other citizens in the US and abroad.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66133/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    13 November 2013

    Spring 2014  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (53497)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to theoretical study of international relations. How theoretical perspective shapes one's understandings of structure/practices of global politics.
    Class Description:
    This class examines theories and concepts of international relations that are used in the study of war and peace, foreign policymaking, international institutions and international law, international trade, and globalization. These theories and concepts include realism and neorealism, liberalism and liberal institutionalism, constructivism, feminism, Marxism, bargaining and organizational models of IR, and international norms and transnational advocacy. These theories and concepts give us the tools we need to understand and attempt to answer questions about the origins of war, the future of US-China relations, how institutions of global governance deal with humanitarian, environmental, and economic crises, the nature of state sovereignty, the roles of transnational activists and multinational corporations in global politics, whether international law can stop human rights abuses, and how globalization effects both developed and developing countries. Other Class Time Information 70% Lecture, 30% Discussion, Films, or Activities. Other Workload Information 100 pages of reading per week, 2 in-class exams, 2 short response papers (3-4 pages each) Other Grading Information 30% midterm exam, 30% final exam, 20% each response paper Exam Format Short Answer and Essay
    Grading:
    Other Grading Information: 30% midterm exam, 30% final exam, 20% each response paper
    Exam Format:
    Short Answer and Essay
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture, 30% Discussion, Films, or Activities.
    Workload:
    Other Workload: 100 pages of reading per week, 2 in-class exams, 2 short response papers (3-4 pages each)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53497/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 November 2013

    Spring 2014  |  POL 4275 Section 001: Domination, Exclusion, and Justice: Contemporary Political Thought (66134)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 105
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Urgent political debates in major works of contemporary political thought from World War II to present. Relationships between force/freedom. Ideology/truth. Authority/resistance. Ideas may include communitarianism, feminism, postcolonialism, postmodernism, socialism.
    Class Description:
    Violence, Sex, Money, and Race: Political theory from the early 20th century onwards faces challenges in framing the conflicts and contestations that define contemporary politics. Drawing on the theoretical frameworks offered by Judith Shklar, Isaiah Berlin, Michel Foucault, Jurgen Habermas, and Charles Taylor, this course will explore contemporary problems of political violence, sex, money, and race. The first weeks of the course will explore three models for politics: the politics of liberties (that defines politics as protection from government intrusion), the politics of discipline (that defines politics as relations of power and asymmetry), and the politics of recognition (that defines politics as a site of dignity and respect). Readings and class discussion will then consider how these theories differently help us to understand: the political violence of torture; gender, sexuality, and domestic violence; crime, punishment, and modern prisons; and finally, race relations in America. Class discussions will move consistently between political theories and current political events. Further readings will include works by Hannah Arendt, WEB Du Bois, Judith Butler, Antonio Negri and others.
    Grading:
    55% Reports/Papers
    35% Reflection Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    40% Discussion
    Workload:
    75 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Paper(s)
    3 Homework Assignment(s)
    Other Workload: plus three short "response" papers
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66134/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    27 March 2012

    Spring 2014  |  POL 4473W Section 001: Chinese Politics (67857)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Course Catalog Description:
    Focuses on fundamental conflicts in Chinese society; the democracy movement, human rights, class divisions, gender struggles, environmental issues, and capitalist vs. socialist development strategies. Secondary topics include Chinese foreign relations and domestic and foreign political issues in Taiwan.
    Class Description:
    Don't know anything about China? Like, say, zero? No problem: no background required here. This course starts from scratch, going high-speed through Imperial China and the Chinese Revolution to arrive at the contemporary scene (the focus for most of the course). We'll cover Chinese social structure plus the basics of China's long history of sophisticated political theory, and then see how they both play out in the biggest controversies today: environmental catastrophe, internet censorship, changing sexual morals, international copyright piracy, sex-selective abortion & the missing girls problem, freedom & human rights, changing roles for women and men, corruption & high-profile scandals, tainted food and medicine, religion, grass-roots protest movements, art & cinema, business & Chinese capitalism, the military, espionage, and U.S.-China relations ( with an emphasis on what American behavior looks like to the Chinese). Feedback I've gotten from students about this class: it's hard and it's really fun.
    Grading:
    15% Midterm Exam
    15% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-13 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67857/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    17 April 2010

    Spring 2014  |  POL 4477 Section 001: Struggles and Issues in the Middle East (67450)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-111
    Course Catalog Description:
    Turkey, Iran, Israel, and selected Arab states. Domestic politics of religious/secular, ethnic, economic, environmental, and other policy/identity issues. Regional politics of water access, Israeli/Palestinian/Arab world relationships, oil and the Persian/Arabian Gulf, and human rights.
    Class Description:
    ?Struggles and Issues in the Middle East? is an upper-level undergraduate seminar that examines the domestic, regional, and transnational politics of the Middle East and North Africa. The class is organized into three units. The first examines major armed conflicts?anti-colonial, intra-state, and inter-state?from 1948 through the 1990s. It uses these historical moments as windows onto key issues in MENA politics such as external intervention/occupation, human rights, sectarianism, social movements, and political economy. Unit Two focuses on transnational issues such as minority populations, Islam and politics, oil production, and migrant labor. In Unit Three, students will explore the politics of the Arab Uprisings through critical reading and discussion of new (post-2009) scholarship on MENA states, organizations, and populations.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67450/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 October 2013

    Spring 2014  |  POL 4478W Section 001: Contemporary Politics in Africa and the Colonial Legacy (69456)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 155
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Examines how current politics in mainly, though not exclusively, sub-Saharan Africa have been shaped by the pre-colonial and colonial processes. Reality of independence; recurrent political and economic crises, global context and prospects for effective democracy.
    Class Description:
    What explains the crisis that Africa finds itself in today? What explains "ethnic" tragedies such as Darfur, Somalia or Rwanda? Why has Africa had such difficulty in feeding itself? Why has there been a decline in economic development for the last decade or so? If the "socialist" path to development has proven to be bankrupt then why has the capitalist course also been difficult to realize? Has a genuine revolution unfolded in South Africa and if so what kind? At the end of this course you should be in a position to give informed answers to these and other such questions. This course intends to introduce you to the political systems of sub-Saharan Africa with some attention to North Africa. Among the topics that you will examine are traditional or pre-colonial political systems, the impact of colonial rule, the reaction to colonialism and the rise of nationalism, the politics of economic development in independent Africa, and the liberation of southern Africa. An underlying assumption of the course is that the current crisis in Africa cannot be explained without an understanding of Africa's history--before independence in the 1960s and before colonial rule at the end of the 19th century. Therefore, about half of the course will focus on events leading up to independence. Another basic assumption is that Africa's reality can only be understood within global perspective. How that came to be will also be a focus of the course. Finally, as there are some 50 different countries on the African continent, it would be unrealistic to expect a fourteen-week course to adequately address each political system. Thus, the emphasis will be on themes and issues that affect the majority of countries. There will of course be exceptions to this, particularly in the case of South Africa which will occupy a significant portion of the course.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/69456/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 November 2011

    Spring 2014  |  POL 4487 Section 001: The Struggle for Democratization and Citizenship (58608)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Meets With:
    GLOS 4910 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origins of democratic process. Emphasizes how disenfranchised fought to become included. History of democratic movement from its earliest moments to present. Attempts to draw a balance sheet.
    Class Description:
    The setting for this course is the mounting effort on the part of states and a variety of social forces to roll back the historic gains of the world-wide democratic movement--from anti-immigrant campaigns (in both fascist and non-fascist clothing) that would limit citizenship rights to efforts that undermine civil liberties in the guise of combatting terrorisim. This takes place in a larger context in which increasing numbers of citizens feel disempowered and alienated from the state. As democracy and popular participation are central to citizenship the course traces the origins of the democratic process with particular emphasis on how the disenfranchised fought to become included. Both implicitly and explicitly it seeks to understand how that occured in order to see if there are lessons of the past that that might have appllicability for the defense and extension of democratic rights today. To understand it was the disenfranchised who empowered themselves is in itself empowering. An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of citizens is due to social struggles or the threat of such--an assumption to be examined in the course.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    50% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/58608/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 October 2011

    Spring 2014  |  POL 4495 Section 001: Politics of Family, Sex, and Children (65124)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political fights over volatile issues of family, sex, and children. Diversity of family life in the United States as a source of disharmony and inequality. Same-sex couples, interracial families, polygamous communities, reproductive equality for people with disabilities, targeting of immigrant children, teen sex & pregnancy, working mothers, a??childfreea?? advocates. Citizen efforts aimed at reconciling communities with harshly clashing beliefs.
    Class Description:
    If you take this course you will confront contemporary fights over family, sex, and children. Here are the big questions: (1) Who controls sex? We will look at power in sexual relationships, sexual freedom & the state, and sexual elements in political ideologies. (2) Who should be allowed to make a family? We will do same-sex marriage, polygamy, and teenage childbearing. (3) What happens to children? We will look at countries with strong pro-child policies, but also at the dark side: child soldiers, child prostitutes, and sexual abuse of children by clergy. (4) What are the odds that your family will survive? Time to face up to financial crisis, bankruptcy, and divorce, and see the effects of taxation, social support for families, childcare, and family medical leave. (5) Do politicians care? We will see what policies actually help families, plus how political campaigns manipulate images of the family for their own ends. Got more questions about the class? Just ask me: kelliher@umn.edu
    Grading:
    10% Midterm Exam
    10% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    10% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    5 Problem Set(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65124/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 November 2012

    Spring 2014  |  POL 4502W Section 001: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights (51653)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Supreme Court's interpretation of Bill of Rights, 14th amendment. Freedom of speech, press, religion; crime/punishment; segregation/desegregation, affirmative action; abortion/privacy.
    Class Description:
    This course deals with civil liberties in the United States and how the United States Supreme Court decides which rights and liberties get which protections, at which times. Specifically, our focus will be on the First Amendment, and the Right to Privacy. Special emphasis will be placed on how the Supreme Court defines, establishes, and protects these liberties through its interpretation of the Constitution.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Exam -- Hypothetical Questions
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    60% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    40-50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    5 Paper(s)
    25 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51653/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 October 2012

    Spring 2014  |  POL 4810 Section 001: Topics in International Politics and Foreign Policy -- Nationalisms (69360)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    GLOS 3900 Section 003
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 60
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of selected issues in contemporary international relations. Topics vary.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/69360/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 4867W Section 001: United States Foreign Policy Toward the Middle East (66140)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 5
    Course Catalog Description:
    U.S. foreign policy toward Israeli-Palestinian issue in Turkey, Iran, Iraq, etc. Mideast polities, debates, actions. Rationales for U.S. engagement with region. Readings of Middle East authors.
    Class Description:
    This course examines US foreign policy and the Middle East. Its topics include, but are not limited to, the nature of the US foreign policy process; relationships between general themes of US foreign policy and themes of US policy toward the Middle East; the political structures and policies of selected countries in the region; and the internal diversity of the Middle East. In regard to the topic of the course the current decade is unfolding very differently from the previous decade in many respects. The course looks at a number of these changes and asks how prior and current US policies relate to them. There is no prerequisite. The intent of the course is that students leave with far more understanding of the region and a correspondingly more nuanced ability to think about US relationships with that region than they had when they entered the course. There are two tests. Class attendance is very important. The course is writing intensive, which means that some class instructional time is devoted to writing matters. It is difficult to realize in a university classroom how important writing is in the worlds of foreign policy and international relations with which this course is concerned. Similarly it is difficult for most students to anticipate how important certain kinds of writing skills are for people working in large organizations of any kind. With these points in mind, the course seeks to help people write insightful, coherent, and focused papers akin to what many employers hope that BA graduates will be able to do when they hire them. The assumption is that most people entering a 4xxx level course already write mechanically acceptable English and that the challenge lies in using that skill. The writing requirements include short papers and a three part larger project. The course meets the major project requirement for political science majors.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: The 10% pertains to small group activities and short statements students write on reading assignments as preparation for those small group discussions.
    Exam Format:
    one large essay question, short answer, and blank-d multiple choice. A study guide appears a week before each test. The final exam is a second test and does not cover the entire course.
    Class Format:
    65% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    110 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-18 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: The paper happens in various stages, whose activities are intended to help people write better papers more comfortably. To some extent the paper is based on course readings.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66140/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    12 November 2013

    Spring 2014  |  POL 4887 Section 001: Thinking Strategically in International Politics (64458)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Wed, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Survey of applications of game theory to international politics; conflict and cooperation, global environmental commons, deterrence and reputation.
    Class Description:
    This course surveys current theories of international relations, and introduces students to elementary game theory. Major topics include the causes of war, the conditions for international cooperation, and the role of international institutions. By the end of the semester, students will be expected to: 1. Understand the relevant international relations literature; 2. Understand simple game-theortic techniques; 3. Critically analyze theories of international politics; and 4. Understand the general scientific method of theory building and empirical testing. Possible textbooks: Kenneth N. Waltz. 1954. Man, the State, and War; Waltz, Kenneth N. Theory of International Politics; Bruce Bueno de Mesquita, 2000. Principles of International Politics.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam
    10% Class Participation
    20% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: homework
    Exam Format:
    Multiple choice, essay, and short answer are all possible.
    Class Format:
    Lectures and discussions after each homework is graded.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    5 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 3 game theory homework assignments
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/64458/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Spring 2014  |  POL 4900V Section 001: Honors: Senior Paper (54839)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54839/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 4900W Section 001: Senior Paper (53722)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Class Description:
    Can be attached to any 3XXX or 4XXX course (with the instructor's agreement). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instuctor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53722/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Spring 2014  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (53787)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    College Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53787/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8060 Section 002: Research Proseminar in Political Science (68034)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Meets With:
    SOC 8090 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Thu 11:15AM - 12:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    Law and Society Review: Journal Editing Seminar
    Class Description:
    This course is co-taught be Timothy R. Johnson (Political Science) and Joachim Savelsberg (Sociology), incoming editors of the Law & Society Review, the official journal of the Law & Society Association and the world's leading journal in the field of law and society studies. This is the first offering in a series of six semesters. Johnson will take the lead in 2013/14, Savelsberg in 2014/15. Students will read submitted papers that receive 'revise and resubmit' decisions and the reviewers' comments and discuss them with the editors. Different students may take the lead on specific papers in line with their substantive and methodological interests and expertize. Suggestions developed during these discussions will be incorporated into the R&R letters the editors will send out to authors. Students will thus get immersed in a range of cutting edge work done in the field. They will further gain crucial insights into the decision making processes associated with journal publishing. In this respect the course is intended to be a major professionalization tool that should be most helpful to graduate students who prepare to enter academic careers in which publishing papers in journals will be a crucial component. The process should make for an engaging collaborative, intellectual and professional, experience.
    Grading:
    20% In-class Presentations
    80% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    85% Discussion
    15% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    70 Pages Reading Per Week
    10 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68034/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 April 2013

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8107 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science II (65089)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Thu 01:00PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Multiple linear regression model applied to political science data. How to use regression techniques to analyze data, interpret statistical results, and summarize/report the findings. Estimation of model. Underlying assumptions. Inference. Model diagnostics. Extensions of model.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65089/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8160 Section 003: Topics in Models and Methods -- Panel Data Analysis (65047)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    First Half of Term
     
    01/21/2014 - 03/10/2014
    Wed 01:30PM - 03:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics.
    Class Notes:
    ITV- Professor Brian Gains, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dates of class: Jan. 22, 29, Feb. 5, 12, 19 ? no class, Feb. 26, March 5, 12.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65047/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8160 Section 004: Topics in Models and Methods -- Time Series - 2 Modules (65474)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    wk Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 04/14/2014
    Fri 11:00AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 25
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics.
    Class Notes:
    ITV - Professor Janet Box-Steffensmeier, The Ohio State University and Professor Jon Pevehouse, Unviersity of Wisconsin Madison. Dates of class: Jan. 24, 31, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, March 7 - no class, March 14, 21, 28, April 4 - no class/meet at MPSA, April 11, April 18 - no class, April 25, May 2.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65474/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8160 Section 005: Topics in Models and Methods -- Bayesian Methods (67129)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    PSY 8882 Section 003
    SOC 8890 Section 001
    STAT 8932 Section 002
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue 11:15AM - 01:10PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 110
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics.
    Class Notes:
    Professor Jeff Gill
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67129/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8160 Section 006: Topics in Models and Methods -- Advanced Game Theory (68910)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Fri 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68910/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8235 Section 001: Democratic Theory (68852)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Wed 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Course Catalog Description:
    Competing models of democracy: classical, republican, liberal, radical, Marxist, neo-Marxist, pragmatist, populist, pluralist, postmodern, participatory. Domestic and international struggles over meaning of "democracy"; social science models of and findings on democracy.
    Class Description:
    This graduate seminar will focus on a set of critical debates over the meaning and practice of democracy and the political hopes and fears it inspires: Can democratic self-rule be practiced in large, complex societies? Who or what is included in core democratic concepts and ideals such as the people, popular sovereignty, and the common good and what and whom do such notions assume and exclude? What is the relationship between democracy and equality? Between democracy and liberty? What is the appropriate role for citizens? For political elites and experts? How should democracy address differences, pluralism, and conflict? Do rights and constitutional limits check democracy or provide its basic foundations? Is democracy primarily a type of regime or system of governance, or should it be understood as a set of principles and/or practices or ways of life? -- of popular sovereignty, rational communication and deliberation, contestation, constraint on tyranny, or opposition to domination? Does democracy depend primarily on particular values or ground rules or on processes that legitimate decision-making? What are the recurring crises and new challenges facing democracy and how might these be addressed? To explore these and other questions, we will focus on a set of important works of historical and contemporary democratic theory. We will begin with a brief examination of some important roots of democratic theories before turning to more modern texts and topics such as the possibilities and limits of popular participation, the politics of group representation and pluralism, the rise of deliberative democracy, radical critiques and reformulations of democracy, and the relationship of democracy to crises, war and globalism.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68852/1143
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    6 April 2011

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8260 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- Political Theory Beyond the Western Canon (67146)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue 12:00PM - 02:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in special topics or problems.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67146/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8308 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology II (51654)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Meets With:
    PSY 8212 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Fri 11:00AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51654/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8333 Section 001: FTE: Master's (53936)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53936/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8360 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Race and Ethnicity in U.S. Politics (68035)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Mon 03:35PM - 05:35PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings/research in special topics or problems.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68035/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8360 Section 002: Topics in American Politics -- Mass Communication and Attitude Change (68914)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings/research in special topics or problems.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68914/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8405 Section 001: International Political Economy (68530)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Mon 03:35PM - 05:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theoretical and policy issues in international economic relations. Different approaches for understanding outcomes in international economy. Trade, finance, labor markets, creation and maintenance of international regimes, and "globalization" of economic liberalism.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68530/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (54035)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54035/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8460 Section 004: Topics in International Relations -- Critical International Relations (68036)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Wed 03:35PM - 05:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in advanced topics or problems. Recent topics: global environmental issues, morality in world politics, and norms and institutions in world politics.
    Class Notes:
    Professor David Blaney, Macalester College
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68036/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8660 Section 003: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Law and Courts in Emerging Democracies (64467)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    Thu 12:45PM - 02:40PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems; supervised research and research training.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/64467/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (54143)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54143/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8777 Section 001: Thesis Credits: Master's (54259)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-18 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54259/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (54363)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54363/1143

    Spring 2014  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (51773)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/21/2014 - 05/09/2014
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/51773/1143

    Fall 2013  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (24165)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture Workaround
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? Through an examination of the roles of American political institutions and the behavior of American citizens, we will be able to critically reflect on issues such as political and economic inequality in the U.S., the role of American political and economic power in the world, and the possibility for an American public policy that lives up to the ideals of the founders. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them.
    Grading:
    50% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/24165/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 November 2012

    Fall 2013  |  POL 1001 Section 002: American Democracy in a Changing World (25325)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture Workaround
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 415
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? Through an examination of the roles of American political institutions and the behavior of American citizens, we will be able to critically reflect on issues such as political and economic inequality in the U.S., the role of American political and economic power in the world, and the possibility for an American public policy that lives up to the ideals of the founders. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them.
    Grading:
    50% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/25325/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 November 2012

    Fall 2013  |  POL 1019 Section 001: Indigenous Peoples: A Global Perspective (36304)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    AMIN 1002 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 01:25PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Wulling Hall 220
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Colonial experiences of selected indigenous peoples in Americas, Euroasia, Pacific Rim.
    Class Description:
    This course focuses on the social, cultural and political relationship between selected indigenous peoples and the nation-states that settled in their territories and explores the various ways these states attempted to exterminate, incorporate, and segregate the native peoples they encountered. This class can be taken as an American Indian Studies course or a Political Science Studies course. It has been cross-listed. This course fulfills CLE requirements of Global Perspective Theme.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/36304/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    12 August 2010

    Fall 2013  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (17395)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 5
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
    Class Description:
    Global politics introduces students to the study of the world's political systems and to the debates over certain global issues. Various theroretical frameworks are examined throughout the semester, but the emphasis is on the so-called liberal perspective. Related middle range accounts of war and of international political economy also are studied. While many global political issues will be mentioned, the focus will be on the legacies of the East-West conflict, particularly nuclear proliferation, and on the North-South conflict, expecially Southern demands for distributional justice. At the end of the semester, students will be able to describe and predict the evolution of a global political system. In addition, they will be able to carve out and defend a stand on one of the global issues mentioned above.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam Other Grading Information: Weightings are approximate
    Exam Format:
    A mix of short answers/essays and long essays
    Class Format:
    Some digitized video materials are used.
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17395/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Fall 2013  |  POL 1025 Section 002: Global Politics (17396)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-102
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
    Class Description:
    Americans hardly need to be told that international politics matters. US forces are at war in Afghanistan and around the globe, and economic uncertainty has spread like a contagion. Knowing that international politics matters is one thing, making sense of it is another. This course will give students the tools they need to begin to understand patterns and trends in global politics. Students will be introduced to international relations' theoretical traditions, but the course will focus primarily on explaining and understanding historical and especially current problems in world politics. It will explore, among other issues, the causes of war and peace, the limited use of force, humanitarian intervention, nuclear proliferation, nationalist conflict, international ethics, the politics of international trade and finance, foreign aid, globalization, the prospects for environmental cooperation and human rights norms, migration, terrorism, and the future of world politics. By the end of the course, students should be familiar with all these issues and others, should have developed their own views on these much-debated questions, and should be able to apply basic analytical frameworks to answer them.
    Grading:
    50% Midterm Exam
    45% Final Exam
    5% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Identifications; short paragraphs; essays
    Class Format:
    90% Lecture
    10% Discussion
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17396/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    30 March 2011

    Fall 2013  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Politics of Countries Around the World (17377)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture Workaround
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political life. Repression, democracy, rights, corruption, gender, and political change. Guest lectures by political science professors who are experts on different parts of the world.
    Class Description:
    This course introduces political science through the comparative study of politics in various countries. There is a considerable emphasis on democracy and how it works -- including comparison and contrast with how politics works in nondemocratic regimes. We will look at all aspects of politics -- the nature of political power, how politics is lodged in the state, various ways to organize at the mass level and to govern, the nature of justice, etc. The class will consist of three lecture sessions a week. The course is appropriate for both majors and non-majors.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17377/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 June 2011

    Fall 2013  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (17329)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Description:
    This course examines political ideas and their role in the past and present. It is designed to help us become more reflective political thinkers and actors by analyzing key concepts, such as freedom and equality, and exploring their relation to central political questions and challenges.
    Grading:
    55% Reports/Papers
    35% Quizzes
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: 10% of grade In-class small group discussion exercises
    Exam Format:
    2 in-class quizzes are short critical response essays focused on analyzing course readings
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    35% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Paper(s)
    2 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: 4 in-class discussion activities
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17329/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 April 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 1201 Section 002: Political Ideas and Ideologies (19956)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon, Wed, Fri 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Description:
    Ever wondered what it means when someone calls themselves "liberal" or "conservative "? Ever wondered where you should place yourself on the liberal-conservative continuum? In this introductory-level political theory class we explore the changing meanings of these terms over time through accessible readings beginning with the colonial period and extending through recent selections from popular media sources today. The class is designed for political science majors and non-majors; no prior knowledge of political theory assumed). I expect and welcome active class participation--alert listening, informed speaking, and critical questioning. This class is open to students of all ideological dispositions. My goal is for all of us to become more critical readers of political messages.
    Grading:
    70% Reports/Papers
    30% Quizzes
    Exam Format:
    no exams
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    3 microthemes (500 word); 2 "bookend" essays
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19956/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Fall 2013  |  POL 1234 Section 001: Citizen U: Building Tomorrow's Citizens Today (30187)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 115
    Course Catalog Description:
    Questions of public engagement and higher education. Focuses on U as public space for citizen action/discussion. Hisotry of U, its ongoing initiatives in public engagement. Core concepts of public achievement. Model of public engagement practiced at U.
    Class Description:
    Are you interested in pursuing a career in public service? Do you plan to run for office in the future, or work in a government agency such as the State Department or the FBI or the MN DNR), or become a professional campaign manager or lobbyist, or work as an issue activist on a cause important to you? Would you like to learn more about the variety of public service careers open to a college graduate? Do you wonder what motivates people to pursue careers in politics, public administration, and community service, and how these motivations vary across career fields? Would you like to explore some options for future internship or service learning while at the University? Then this course is for you! This course is the Political Science Department's introduction to political and civic engagement. Through a moderate amount of reading, numerous guest speakers, and a discussion-oriented class format, we will explore the meaning of public service and the main types of public service careers that you could pursue. We will think about the virtues and challenges associated with doing public service work, and how these differ across different types of jobs and venues for serving the public. Finally, in addition to gaining a better understanding of the concept and varieties of public service work, you will acquire practical knowledge and skills related to the search for public service work opportunities. Intended for first- and second-year undergraduates.
    Grading:
    30% Reports/Papers
    20% Written Homework
    50% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    10% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    30% Guest Speakers
    Workload:
    <100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Paper(s)
    10 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/30187/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 April 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 1905 Section 003: Freshman Seminar -- Who Are They to Judge? Courts, Rights, Democracy (33472)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Seminar
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 184
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics specified in Class Schedule.
    Class Description:
    From campaign finance, national security, and health care to same-sex marriage, affirmative action, and women's rights, courts decide many of the key policy issues of our day. Even lower-court judges are routinely involved in a broad array of processes that affect the life, liberty, and property of citizens and their families. So how can we ensure that the officials charged with such weighty decisions are in touch with and accountable to the diverse people they purport to serve? This seminar will address this question by examining arguments for and experiences with different approaches to securing democratic justice around the world. The course will begin with a conceptual and theoretical introduction, exploring arguments and critiques of the relationships between democracy, a rights-based rule of law, and judicial independence. The rest of the term, we will explore arguments over and experiences with different approaches to securing democratic justice, including: judicial training in particular role understandings; appointment, tenure, and override rules; diversity on the bench; judicial elections; and lay participation and oversight. Examples will be drawn both from the US and abroad, and the course will include guest speakers and perhaps even a field trip to a local court.
    Grading:
    15% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    10% In-class Presentations
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    IDs and essay
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    10% Student Presentations
    5% Field Trips
    5% Guest Speakers
    Workload:
    6-8 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33472/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 1942 Section 001: Topics: Freshman Seminar -- The Global Politics of Information Technology (34701)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Freshman Seminar
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 145
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics titles printed in Class Schedule.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34701/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (17328)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Off Campus
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester.
    Class Description:
    Students working in political or governmental internships may receive credit for academic work completed in association with their internship work. Students may receive 1 credit for every 3 hours (per week) of internship work. Academic work increases with increased hours worked. Assignments will include: weekly journal, 5-7 page essay, 10 page research paper. Acceptable internships include: US Congress, MN state legislature, federal, state, and local gov't agencies, as well as political parties, campaign organizations, and non-governmental advocacy groups. To enroll in this course, students must first arrange their internship, and then contact the instructor before the semester begins. Students who do not contact the instructor before the end of the first week of the semester will NOT be enrolled in this course. NOTE: Students doing internships outside the US must contact me at least 2 months before the beginning of the semester.
    Class Format:
    Fieldwork/Participant-observation
    Workload:
    20 Pages Reading Per Week
    30-50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17328/1139
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 March 2012

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (16238)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    Political scientists increasingly utilize quantitative data to research such diverse topics as the relationship between democracy and economic growth, election outcomes, and the causes and consequences of political violence. Political science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. In this course we will focus on basic statistical techniques, how to implement these techniques and manage data using computer software, as well as issues of research design, hypothesis formation, and causation. No prior experience with statistics is necessary. This class fulfills the Liberal Education requirement of the Mathematical Thinking Core.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16238/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (26168)

    Instructor(s)
    Timothy Callaghan (Secondary Instructor)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue 02:30PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 150
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    Political scientists increasingly utilize quantitative data to research such diverse topics as the relationship between democracy and economic growth, election outcomes, and the causes and consequences of political violence. Political science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. In this course we will focus on basic statistical techniques, how to implement these techniques and manage data using computer software, as well as issues of research design, hypothesis formation, and causation. No prior experience with statistics is necessary. This class fulfills the Liberal Education requirement of the Mathematical Thinking Core.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/26168/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (26169)

    Instructor(s)
    Timothy Callaghan (Secondary Instructor)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue 03:35PM - 04:25PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 150
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    Political scientists increasingly utilize quantitative data to research such diverse topics as the relationship between democracy and economic growth, election outcomes, and the causes and consequences of political violence. Political science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to the techniques political scientists use to answer research questions with quantitative data. In this course we will focus on basic statistical techniques, how to implement these techniques and manage data using computer software, as well as issues of research design, hypothesis formation, and causation. No prior experience with statistics is necessary. This class fulfills the Liberal Education requirement of the Mathematical Thinking Core.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/26169/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3108H Section 001: Honors Tutorial: Thesis Preparation and Political Science Inquiry (33473)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Wed 12:20PM - 02:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management L-118
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Advance research skills and prepare to write senior thesis. Political science research. Develop thesis topic, test ideas in a structured/collegial setting.
    Class Notes:
    Professor: C. Daniel Myers
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33473/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3110H Section 001: Honors Thesis Credits (17540)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17540/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3225 Section 001: American Political Thought (33474)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Puritans, American Revolution, Constitution, pro- and anti-slavery arguments, civil war/reconstruction, industrialism, westward expansion, Native Americans, immigration, populism, socialism, social Darwinism, women's suffrage, red scares, Great Depression, free speech, pluralism, multiculturalism.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33474/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (30188)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management 2-215
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Democracy based on individual rights. Pluralism. Civic republicanism. Community activism. Dilemmas of democratic government/citizenship in race, class, gender-stratified society.
    Class Description:
    Democracy based on individual rights. Pluralism. Civic republicanism. Community activism. Dilemmas of democratic government/citizenship in race, class, gender-stratified society. During Fall 2013, we will focus especially on these issues: how important is "equality" in a democracy? Does politics always involved "dirty hands?" Is it OK for politicians to lie? What kinds of changes are needed for contemporary democracy to respond to the needs of today's citizens? For example, is there enough "public space" for democracy? Should the US Constitution or system of representation be changed? What does the "Occupy" movement teach us? Students will read texts, watch films, and present their learning to assist others to act more effectively as democratic citizens.
    Grading:
    33% Final Exam
    60% Reports/Papers
    6% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Students whose work improves over the semester will receive a higher grade than a mere average would indicate
    Exam Format:
    Final will consist of several essays
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    1 Special Project(s)
    Other Workload: Students are expected to spend 2 hours outside of class for each hour of class instruction.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/30188/1139
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/stone571_POL3235W_Summer2017.pdf (Summer 2017)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    6 May 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3252W Section 001: Revolution, Democracy, and Empire: Modern Political Thought (33477)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Thinkers, discourses, events that craft understanding of revolution, democracy, empire. Emergence of democracy/democratic institutions alongside problems of religious zealotry, political hierarchy/exclusion, market economies, cultural marginalization.
    Class Description:
    (Formerly POL 3252 Early Modern Political Thought. Students who previously enrolled in POL 3252 may not re-enroll in this course.) From the 16th through the 19th centuries, Europe and its colonies were wracked by large scale, sweeping changes: from the violent emergence of the sovereign state, to intense religious conflict, to transformative expansions into new economic markets. These changes posed extraordinary challenges to usual methods of conceiving of political order and governance. Our course this semester will read these changes through three key concepts: revolution, democracy, and empire. We will read primary historical sources, political pamphlets and treatises, and travel journals so as to study the effects on both the European context and beyond.
    Grading:
    45% Reports/Papers
    40% Reflection Papers
    15% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: Across the semester, students will also participate in "pop" in-class writing exercises.
    Exam Format:
    Take-home final examination.
    Class Format:
    70% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    5 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 2 papers are 5-7 page "analytic" papers; 4 papers are 2 page "micro" papers
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33477/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 April 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3310 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Food Politics (33478)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topic in American politics.
    Class Description:
    From New York to California and places in between, food?how its grown, transported, processed, and consumed?is the subject of political contestation at all levels of government., including the international system. This course takes a broad, interdisciplinary look at several contemporary ?food fights,? including the 2012 Farm Bill and proposals over so-called ?fat taxes,? to examine how various political actors interact in the complex policy arena that is food. We will explore the various resources, arguments, and evidence used by the participants in these conflicts, and investigate the institutional, cultural, and moral rules of engagement that provide the structure in which political contenders attempt to advance their interests. This course will be of interest to students in a variety of social science disciplines, as well students with interests in environmental, public health, or agricultural policy.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33478/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 April 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3310 Section 002: Topics in American Politics -- Personality and Politics (33479)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 60
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topic in American politics.
    Class Notes:
    Personality and Politics
    Class Description:
    There is a vast and longstanding literature in political psychology exploring the dispositional (i.e., personality) origins of political attitudes and ideology. Beginning with Adorno et al.'s (1950) classic work The Authoritarian Personality, psychologists and political scientists have sought to understand why some people gravitate toward political conservatism and others resonate toward moderate or liberal ideologies. The purpose of this course is to survey this literature. We will begin with an examination of two personality factors that are often linked to political preferences, namely "The Big 5" and authoritarianism. We will then broadly consider the biological underpinnings of political ideology and preference, including works on evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral genetics. Following that, we will examine how personality conditions political persuasion, and how the effects of personality depend on political engagement. Finally, we will discuss the personality styles of political elites (e.g., presidents), and examine about how variation in the personalities of presidents affects their performance in office.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33479/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 April 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3310 Section 003: Topics in American Politics -- Gender & Politics (33480)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topic in American politics.
    Class Notes:
    Professor: Kathleen Marchetti
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33480/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3321 Section 001: Issues in American Public Policy (29019)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics of policy process. Agenda formation, formulation, adoption, implementation, evaluation. Attention to selected policy areas.
    Class Description:
    This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars often describe the United States as a laggard where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. How accurate is this conventional wisdom? In what ways is the American welfare state unusual? How have political culture, interest groups, government institutions, and other factors contributed to the distinctive shape of American social policy? The second half of the course applies the analytical frameworks discussed in the first half of the course to contemporary trends in American social policy. It focuses on four specific policy areas: pensions, health care, education, and income support. In addition to examining the historical origins of existing programs in each of these policy areas, it also looks closely at the political and substantive impact of such contemporary reforms as charter schools and the Affordable Care Act.
    Grading:
    45% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers Other Grading Information: Grades for the course will be based on two midterm exams (worth 20% and 25%), a final exam (30%), a two-page health care policy analysis (10%), and a four-page education policy memo (15%).
    Exam Format:
    All exams will consist of multiple-choice questions, short identifications, and essay questions.
    Class Format:
    85% Lecture
    10% Discussion
    5% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/29019/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 April 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3410 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics (35421)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    AFRO 3910 Section 001
    AFRO 5910 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics of current analytical or policy importance to comparative politics. Topics vary.
    Class Notes:
    Conflict & Peace in Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35421/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3451W Section 001: Politics and Society in the New Europe (27179)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon, Wed 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Changing politics/society of Europe. Generational change/values, political parties, welfare state, future of European integration, political stability, democratization.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/27179/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Development (30208)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political processes/problems associated with economic development. Political economy of underdevelopment/development. Problems of state building, development of political institutions.
    Class Description:
    How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in others parts of the world been stuck in a development rut? This course will explore contending answers to these difficult but important questions. We will do so through discussions of different explanations of development and underdevelopment, examining these issues concretely in several countries, and discussing contemporary "hot topics" such as micro-credit, AIDS, and the resource curse.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: For students taking 4 credits, the research paper=25%, participation 15%, midterm exam=15%, final exam=15%, and each essay 15%.
    Exam Format:
    The exams will be multiple choice and short answer questions. The exams will focus on topics not covered in the short papers, so collectively the exams and the essays function as four midterms. The final exam is not cumulative.
    Class Format:
    45% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: For 3 credits, 2 short 4-5 page essays. For 4 credits, must also write a 20-page research paper.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/30208/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 December 2009

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3701 Section 001: American Indian Tribal Governments and Politics (35503)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    AMIN 3501 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Wed 02:30PM - 05:00PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Amundson Hall 156
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    History, development, structure, politics of American Indian Governments. North American indigenous societies from pre-colonial times to present. Evolution of aboriginal governments confronted/affected by colonizing forces of European/Euro-American states. Bearing of dual citizenship on nature/powers of tribal governments in relation to states and federal government.
    Class Description:
    This course examines the origins, status, structures, and powers of American Indian governments and the distinctive politics associated with these First Nations who constitute the third set of sovereign governments in the U.S. whose existence long predates the federal and state governments. This course fulfills CLE requirements of Social Science core and Citizenship and Public Ethics themes.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    20% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: weekly questions based on readings
    Exam Format:
    long essays
    Class Format:
    25% Lecture
    75% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-150 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-25 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35503/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3739 Section 001: Politics of Race, Class, and Ethnicity (17393)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Course Catalog Description:
    How race/ethnicity/class interact in political process. Political conflict through comparative analysis of United States, South Africa, Brazil.
    Class Description:
    What similarities are there, if any, between the conflicts in the former Yugoslavia, South Africa, Northern Ireland, Rwanda, and Palestine/Israel? Why does racial and ethnic conflict persist in so many regions of the world? To what extent does racial conflict in th U.S. reflect the increasing disparities in wealth? How is racial/ethnic oppression similar and different from sexual oppression? These are some of the questions that this course will address and attempt to answer. This will be done primarily through a comparative analysis of racial/ethnic/class conflict in the U.S., South Africa, and Cuba with particular attention on the experiences of Blacks in the three countries.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    50% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17393/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3752 Section 001: Chicana/o Politics (35791)

    Instructor(s)
    Michael Duenes
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    CHIC 3852 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Scott Hall 4
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of Chicana/o politics through analysis of Mexican American experience, social agency. Response to larger political systems/behaviors using social science methods of inquiry. Unequal power relations, social justice, political economy.
    Class Description:
    In this course we will explore multiple explanations for how and why the political and social relationships between Latin@s and non-Latin@s change. Students will explore how demographic changes in communities influence the political, social, and economic relationships between people. Why and how COINTELPRO infiltrated a Chicano organization in Denver that advocated for Chicano equal rights. How two Latinas created a successful model for women of color to work together to address the treatment of women within their communities AND the broader society's treatment of multicultural women. Students will learn the tremendous intellectual, social, and political effect this last movement created within Latin@ communities, multicultural communities, and society. By the end of the course students will know how to summarize and expand on an author's, while supporting their view, criticisms, and suggestions of that author's work.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35791/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (29020)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon, Wed, Fri 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Description:
    This course examines the influence of human nature on political decision making among members of the mass public, asking questions about how human thought processes, emotions, and personality influence political judgments. Political theorists have long disagreed over basic human nature and have advanced different solutions to political governance as a consequence, ranging from participatory democracy to authoritarian regimes. In this course, we carefully consider how well we, as humans, are equipped to deal with different forms of political governance, especially democracy. We examine different aspects of human psychology, including personality, motivation, values, information processing, emotion and intergroup behavior, as well as proximal and distal biological processes (e.g., physiology, genetics, evolution), and consider their influence on political decision making. Readings are drawn from psychology and political science. No prior in-depth knowledge of either psychology or political science is needed to succeed in the course. It would help to have a general interest in politics, however. The course begins with an introductory reading in political psychology, designed to provide an overview of the field. We will then begin a section of the course on obedience to authority, which examines the power of social context and perceptions of legitimate authority in altering social and political behavior. We then consider the impact of group life on political preferences. To what extent do political preferences spring from our membership in groups and our views of other groups in society (including nations)? We will consider the impact of in-group attachments (to one's race, gender or nation), followed by a consideration of how animosity towards outsiders can escalate into prejudice, or even genocide.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/29020/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    23 April 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3767 Section 001: Political Psychology of Elite Behavior (30209)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 415
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Intersections of politics, personality, and social psychology. Focuses on political leaders and elites. Usefulness of psychological theories for conducting political analysis. Role of individual, of group processes, of political/social cognition, and of context in political decision-making.
    Class Description:
    In this course, we will examine the intersections of elite political decision-making, personality and social psychology. We will explore the usefulness of psychological theories for investigating the role of the individual, of group processes, and of the political context in decision-making by political leaders, particularly U.S. Presidents. We will examine how the personalities of political leaders affect the type and quality of their decision-making, how group processes can degrade or enhance good decision-making, how decision-makers employ historical analogies and broader metaphors when they decide the fate of nations. We will examine these general forces by conducting case studies of Presidential decision making, including the Bay of Pigs, Cuban Missile Crisis, Watergate, the Iranian Hostage Crisis, the Iran-Contra affair, the Gulf War, etc.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Short answer and medium length essay
    Class Format:
    65% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    100+ Pages Reading Per Week
    10-14 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/30209/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 April 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3785 Section 001: Persuasion and Political Propaganda (30210)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 210
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. Persuasion theories relevant to designing effective political propaganda. Applying theories to analyze WWI/WWII propaganda posters, films, and political campaign commercials. Use of fiction as propaganda tool.
    Class Description:
    This course will provide an introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. We will first define propaganda and discuss the primary theories in persuasion and propaganda that could be applied to designing and analyzing propaganda campaigns. We will then apply these theories to analyze WWI and WWII propaganda posters, propaganda films, and political campaign commercials. This course is intended to be 1/3 or less lecture and 2/3 or more discussion. I intentionally limited the number of students in this class to facilitate class discussion and group exercises.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    20% Reports/Papers
    20% Special Projects
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    short answer/essay
    Class Format:
    30% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    40% Other Style movies
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/30210/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (17323)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon, Wed, Fri 12:20PM - 01:10PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Willey Hall 125
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to theoretical study of international relations. How theoretical perspective shapes one's understandings of structure/practices of global politics.
    Class Description:
    World Politics is a theoretical discipline. It deals with entities like states and international organizations that are not directly observable. Various theories about the nature of these entities and relations between them offer us different views about world politics. This course is designed to provide the conceptual and theoretic means for analyzing issues, processes, and structures in global politics. Emphasis is placed on developing usable knowledge of influential theories for understanding international conflict, cooperation, and change, especially in the contemporary era. We will not limit our discussion to the mainstream American theories of international relations, but will also cover European and post-colonial perspectives on global politics. Topics covered by the class will include realist and constructivist views on international system of territorial states and the anarchic structure of that system, institutionalist explanations of international cooperation, so called English School's views on the rules and institutions of international society, Feminist perspectives on gendered practices of global politics, and Postcolonial analyses of inequality and prejudice in the practice and study of global politics. We will investigate both the explanatory insights and the practical and normative political implications that distinguish a variety of theoretical perspectives on international relations. The course is intended to provide the means for students to develop their own theoretically informed analyses of issues in contemporary international relations.
    Grading:
    40% Final Exam
    30% Quizzes Other Grading Information: 30% Online discussion
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    5% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    3 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: Instead of writing papers students are expected to participate in weekly online discussions.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17323/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    29 April 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 3872W Section 001: Global Environmental Cooperation (33481)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Course Catalog Description:
    Emergence of environment as key aspect of global political agenda. Non-governmental/governmental international organizations. Politics of protection of atmosphere, rain forest, seas, other selected issues. International security, environment.
    Class Description:
    Increasingly, global environmental issues?such as climate change, ozone layer depletion, biodiversity conservation, hazardous wastes transportation, and air pollution?have come to threaten the interests of nation-states and their citizens. Yet, the transnational nature of these environmental problems generally precludes individual governments, NGOs, or citizen-groups from solving these problems on their own. This course will therefore examine the extent to which these latter actors have been able to successfully cooperate internationally to address global environmental threats. To do so, the course will focus upon four broad themes. We will begin by appraising a number of prominent ecophilosophical, political, economic , and legalistic perspectives on environmental problems in order to gain an understanding of how each unique perspective shapes our understandings of environmental problems (and their solutions). Second, we will then evaluate and compare the major global environmental problem areas of our time, as well as the determinants of their identification. Having identified these problem areas, we will next discuss how countries have come to manage these problems, paying particular attention to the creation and negotiation of international agreements. Finally, the fourth theme of this course will examine how effective these agreements have been in both ensuring states? compliance and solving global environmental problems. Ultimately, students should leave this course with an appreciation of the complexity of international environmental problems, and their solutions, as well as an understanding of what makes for a successful international environmental agreement.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33481/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 April 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 4210 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- Political Power of Ideas in Latin Amer Politics (30477)

    Instructor(s)
    Jaime Yaffe Esposito
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Meets With:
    SPAN 3510 Section 003
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 155
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics in political theory.
    Class Notes:
    This course is taught in Spanish. We will study the importance of some ideas about political institutions and the economy to understand the history of Latin America since independence.Students are expected to understand, at least the general meaning of, what they will listen to in Spanish at class and to be able to read in this language. The bibliography will be a mix of texts in English and texts in Spanish but most will be in Spanish. Essays, mid term exam and final exam can be written in English.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/30477/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 4322 Section 001: Rethinking the Welfare State (33483)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Course Catalog Description:
    Discuss competing arguments about welfare states in advanced industrial countries. Are welfare states the result of sectional interests, class relations, or citizenship rights? Compare American social policy with policies in other western countries.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33483/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 4403W Section 001: Comparative Constitutionalism (30265)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon, Wed 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theory/practice of constitutionalism in different countries. Conceptual/normative inquiry between constitutionalism, rule of law, and democracy. Origins/role of constitutions. Relevance of courts with constitutional review powers: U.S., Germany, Japan, Hungary, Russia, South Africa, Nigeria.
    Class Description:
    How and why do constitutions matter in different polities, and/or how can they be made to matter? What purposes, general or specific, do we want constitutions to serve? And under what conditions are those goals likely to be achieved? Is constitutionalism supportive of or at odds with the construction and maintenance of a meaningful democracy? What kinds of rights, if any, should be included in a constitution? Is an empowered judiciary necessary to constitutionalism? If not, why not? If so, how should that judiciary be configured institutionally so as to be both legitimate and effective? This course seeks to answer these and other questions through an examination of the theory and practice of constitutionalism in different countries. We begin with a conceptual and normative inquiry into the relationship between constitutionalism, the rule of law, and democracy, and then turn to an analysis of the origins and role of constitutions, and the relevance of courts with constitutional review powers, in four cases: the U.S., Germany, Canada, and South Africa. The course takes as its particular focus the issue of equality--political, social, and economic--and aims to help the student determine if, how, and why constitutions and courts have advanced or impeded equality in these four polities. The course is writing intensive and offers senior paper credit for Poli Sci majors (though the course is open to non-majors). Crafting a written, evidence-based argument that speaks to broader debates about the origins, nature and/or implications of political decisions and outcomes is central to Political Science. To hone this skill, students will do a cumulative writing assignment, starting with a short essay early in the term and revising and enhancing the argument based on what they learn, or how their perspective changes, as the course progresses (this is a new approach beginning Fall 2013). The final assignment will be a "research-enhanced" version of the paper. To support this, writing and research tutorials and class activities are integrated into the course every few weeks.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    IDs
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    5 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: The paper assignment will be cumulative, such that a first and short version will be due early in the term, and revisions and extensions of the work due at later points, capped with a final, research-enhanced version at the end.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/30265/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 4463 Section 001: The Cuban Revolution Through the Words of Cuban Revolutionaries (26004)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Cuban Revolution. Leadership/strategy. Perspectives of Cubans/leaders.
    Class Description:
    The history of socialist revolutions over the course of a century or more reveals that what occurred in Cuba has proven to have more lasting power. In spite of all the challenges it continues to face, what explains why the Cuban Revolution is still in place after four decades? This is the central research question of the course. A definitive answer would require a thorough examination of the revolution from its initiation until today, which is beyond what can be done in a semester or its equivalent. The focus, rather, will be more limited. First, how was the revolution made and consolidated, from 1953 until about 1969. Second, how has it been able to survive and advance since the collapse of the Soviet Union, that is, since 1991? The emphasis here is on the role of leadership and strategy and how the Cubans and their leaders saw and see what they are doing, in their own words. This is an attempt to get into their heads, their understandings, through documents, speeches and writings. For the first question I will also draw on the data from a research/film documentary project that I'm involved in at this moment: the participation of women and men in the guerrilla army and underground movement.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/26004/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    20 June 2008

    Fall 2013  |  POL 4473W Section 001: Chinese Politics (27810)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 270
    Course Catalog Description:
    Focuses on fundamental conflicts in Chinese society; the democracy movement, human rights, class divisions, gender struggles, environmental issues, and capitalist vs. socialist development strategies. Secondary topics include Chinese foreign relations and domestic and foreign political issues in Taiwan.
    Class Description:
    Don't know anything about China? Like, say, zero? No problem: no background required here. This course starts from scratch, going high-speed through Imperial China and the Chinese Revolution to arrive at the contemporary scene (the focus for most of the course). We'll cover Chinese social structure plus the basics of China's long history of sophisticated political theory, and then see how they both play out in the biggest controversies today: environmental catastrophe, internet censorship, changing sexual morals, international copyright piracy, sex-selective abortion & the missing girls problem, freedom & human rights, changing roles for women and men, corruption & high-profile scandals, tainted food and medicine, religion, grass-roots protest movements, art & cinema, business & Chinese capitalism, the military, espionage, and U.S.-China relations ( with an emphasis on what American behavior looks like to the Chinese). Feedback I've gotten from students about this class: it's hard and it's really fun.
    Grading:
    15% Midterm Exam
    15% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-13 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/27810/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    17 April 2010

    Fall 2013  |  POL 4481 Section 001: Governments and Markets (33484)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Connection between democracy and markets. Experiences of countries in North America and Europe.
    Class Description:
    This course addresses the question of whether democracy and markets are compatible, whether democratic institutions enhance (undermine) the workings of market institutions and vice versa. Competing theoretical perspectives in the field of political economy are critically evaluated. And the experiences of countries with different forms of democratic market system are studied. Among the topics singled out for in-depth investigation are the economics of voting, politics of money management, political business cycles,and the politics of trade.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    2-3 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: Number of exams includes final exam. Paper will be short: 5-8 pages
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33484/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 October 2008

    Fall 2013  |  POL 4489W Section 001: Citizens, Consumers, and Corporations (25972)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 105
    Course Catalog Description:
    How ordinary people can act collectively to hold corporations accountable for effects their activities have on communities/nations. Mobilizing as citizens through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through court system. Mobilizing as consumers through purchasing decisions.
    Class Description:
    Corporations are among the most powerful actors in the global political economy. They employ millions of people, produce a variety of goods, and have massive effects on the ecological and social environments in which they do business. How do ordinary people act in order to hold corporations accountable for the effects that their activities have on communities and individuals? This course focuses on two ways that people have mobilized to counter corporate power--as citizens and as consumers. When people mobilize as citizens, they put pressure on corporations through the political system--e.g. through mass protests, lobbying politicians, and pursuing claims through the courts. When people mobilize as consumers, they use the power of their purchasing decisions to encourage corporations to change their behavior. We will explore these different modes of action through an examination of Wal-mart, branding and corporate social responsibility, labor rights, the environment, fair trade, water privatization, the privatization of life, and outsourcing war.
    Grading:
    20% Final Exam
    60% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Students will write two short essays of 4-5 pages and one research paper, 6-8 pages in length.
    Exam Format:
    The final exam will be an essay exam in which students will answer one question from a list of two or three questions.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    14-18 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    3 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/25972/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    7 April 2009

    Fall 2013  |  POL 4501W Section 001: The Supreme Court and Constitutional Interpretation (16241)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Historical/analytical approaches to Court's landmark decisions. Theory/techniques of judicial review. Relates court's authority to wider political/social context of American government.
    Class Description:
    This Course is designed to introduce students to constitutional law, with an emphasis on the U.S. Supreme Court's interpretation of Articles I, II, and III.
    Grading:
    33% Midterm Exam
    33% Final Exam
    33% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    25 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16241/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 February 2008

    Fall 2013  |  POL 4502W Section 001: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights (34919)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 155
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Supreme Court's interpretation of Bill of Rights, 14th amendment. Freedom of speech, press, religion; crime/punishment; segregation/desegregation, affirmative action; abortion/privacy.
    Class Description:
    This courses offers a powerful overview of the development of American constitutional law, with a focus on the civil rights and liberties reflected in the Bill of Rights and 14th Amendment. Reading landmark Supreme Court cases from the past and present, we will consider the constitutional principles, interpretations, and doctrinal developments these cases express, as well as considering the broader social and political contexts and controversies surrounding these cases.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    10% Special Projects
    10% Written Homework
    25% Additional Semester Exams Other Grading Information: Students will write and submit short "case briefs" as homework (10%), participate in an in-class Moot Court (10%), complete 2 essay exams (25% each), and write one paper (30%).
    Exam Format:
    Essay exam
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    5% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    Other Workload: Note: Although this course is preceded by POL 4501, that course is not a prerequisite and this course may be taken separately with no difficulty.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34919/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 April 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 4771 Section 001: Racial Attitudes and Intergroup Conflict (33485)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Basic approaches, findings, and controversies in research on racial attitudes and intergroup relations, from perspective of political psychology. Approaches developed by researchers in political science, social psychology, and sociology. Contemporary issues/debates, historical development of research/theory.
    Class Description:
    This course will focus on critical comparative perspectives on race and ethnicity. Because race and ethnicity function differently in various parts of the world, it is instructive to consider questions of recognition, inclusion, equality and democracy through the comparative method. The first part of the course considers the similarities and differences between racial and ethnic identities. Historical patterns of inequality, economic relations and political institutions all interact and structure the way in which racial and ethnic diversity is managed and manipulated in different contexts. Key cases will highlight the way in which race and ethnicity serve as systems of stratification, as well as the various models of inter-group conflict resolution which have been tried throughout the world (cases will include US, Brazil, South Africa, Ethiopia, China, Australia, Iraq, France). Through case studies, films and popular news media, students will be asked to think globally and comparatively about inequality based on race and ethnicity. Finally, institutional and local solutions, in both national and international policy, will be considered.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    35% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Short answers and essays
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    100-150 Pages Reading Per Week
    7-10 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33485/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Fall 2013  |  POL 4810 Section 001: Topics in International Politics and Foreign Policy -- Patronage and Corruption (33486)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of selected issues in contemporary international relations. Topics vary.
    Class Notes:
    Patronage and Corruption
    Class Description:
    This course examines dysfunction within the state apparatus -- in the specific forms of patronage, corruption, and clientelism -- and asks why such dysfunction persists and what factors drive it to change. The first half of the course will be devoted to patronage. It will examine the functioning of the patronage mechanism, both in the US and in other national settings; ask when and why patronage is abandoned in favor of meritocracy; and will assess the relationship between merit reforms and changes in the quality of governance. The second half of the course will be devoted to corruption. Specific topics to be covered will include: an examination of different forms of corruption, both at the level of political leaders and of bureaucratic officials; the relationship between corruption, democracy, transparency and accountability; governments' manipulation of corruption to provide incentives to bureaucratic and party officials; and different means of combating corruption. The course will conclude with an examination of the relationship between patronage, corruption and clientelism, with a particular focus on the mechanisms that cause the correlation between these different forms of mis-governance.
    Grading:
    45% Reports/Papers
    40% Reflection Papers
    15% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    40% Discussion
    Workload:
    100-200 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-25 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33486/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 March 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 4885W Section 001: International Conflict and Security (33487)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Meets With:
    POL 5885 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    An examination of alternative theories of the sources of militarized international conflict. Apply these theories to one or more past conflicts and discuss their relevance to the present.
    Class Description:
    Soon after the fall of the Berlin Wall, many foresaw the birth of a new world order. Military strategy, strategic bombing and coercive diplomacy, deterrence and compellence, signaling and the escalatory ladder--these concepts, staples of Cold War thinking, were believed to be outmoded, having little relevance to the emerging world. The events of the past decade have shown how wrong this conclusion was. Military force is as pertinent to international politics as ever. Unable to reap the peace dividend that was expected to accompany the end of bipolar conflict, the United States has since 1989 repeatedly deployed its military forces across the globe--from Kuwait to Somalia to Bosnia and Kosovo to Afghanistan to Iraq. These operations have sometimes ended in apparent success, other times in failure. This course explores central issues regarding the use of military force in international politics. Why do states turn to military force and for what purposes? What are the causes of war and peace? What renders the threat to use force credible? Can intervention in civil wars stall bloodshed and bring stability? Under what conditions is the use of force ethical, and when does it exceed those bounds? How effective is military force compared to other tools of statecraft? What is the future of military force in global politics? Through abstract theoretical readings, concrete historical cases, and contemporary policy debates, this course examines these questions and others.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100-150 Pages Reading Per Week
    15-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33487/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 November 2009

    Fall 2013  |  POL 4900V Section 001: Honors: Senior Paper (21394)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/21394/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 4900W Section 001: Senior Paper (19633)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Class Description:
    Can be attached to any 3XXX or 4XXX course (with the instructor's agreement). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instuctor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19633/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Fall 2013  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (19469)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    College Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19469/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 5885 Section 001: International Conflict and Security (35287)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Meets With:
    POL 4885W Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Course Catalog Description:
    Alternative theories of sources of militarized international conflict. Theories applied to past conflicts. Theories' relevance to present.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35287/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (32468)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    College Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    UMTC, East Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/32468/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8060 Section 002: Research Proseminar in Political Science (34853)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Meets With:
    SOC 8090 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue 11:15AM - 12:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 278
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    Law and Society Review: Journal Editing Seminar
    Class Description:
    This course is co-taught be Timothy R. Johnson (Political Science) and Joachim Savelsberg (Sociology), incoming editors of the Law & Society Review, the official journal of the Law & Society Association and the world's leading journal in the field of law and society studies. This is the first offering in a series of six semesters. Johnson will take the lead in 2013/14, Savelsberg in 2014/15. Students will read submitted papers that receive 'revise and resubmit' decisions and the reviewers' comments and discuss them with the editors. Different students may take the lead on specific papers in line with their substantive and methodological interests and expertize. Suggestions developed during these discussions will be incorporated into the R&R letters the editors will send out to authors. Students will thus get immersed in a range of cutting edge work done in the field. They will further gain crucial insights into the decision making processes associated with journal publishing. In this respect the course is intended to be a major professionalization tool that should be most helpful to graduate students who prepare to enter academic careers in which publishing papers in journals will be a crucial component. The process should make for an engaging collaborative, intellectual and professional, experience.
    Grading:
    20% In-class Presentations
    80% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    85% Discussion
    15% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    70 Pages Reading Per Week
    10 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/34853/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 April 2013

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8060 Section 003: Research Proseminar in Political Science (35862)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Wed 03:35PM - 05:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Notes:
    NSF Workshop: Alternative Accountabilities for Past Human Rights Violations
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35862/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8106 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science I (30797)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue 03:35PM - 05:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    This course provides a thorough grounding in the quantitative analysis of political science data. The emphasis is on how to analyze such data, interpret statistical results, and summarize and report the findings. By the end of the term you will (1) know how to describe variables; (2) test hypotheses; (3) use measures of association to quantify the relationship between two variables while holding a third variable constant; (4) understand bivariate regression and the basics of multiple regression; (5) understand reliability and validity and how to assess these properties empirically; and (6) know how to use the STATA statistical software program.
    Class Notes:
    Every other Friday POL 8106 will meet in the Political Science Computer Lab for a lab portion.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/30797/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8160 Section 002: Topics in Models and Methods -- Maximum Likelihood Estimation (29039)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon 03:35PM - 05:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/29039/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8160 Section 003: Topics in Models and Methods -- Questionnaire Design (29268)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1-3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    MBT Half Term A
     
    09/03/2013 - 10/24/2013
    Wed 01:30PM - 03:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 20
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics.
    Class Notes:
    Questionnaire Design-- ITV course.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/29268/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8260 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- French Marxism and Postcolonialism (30277)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in special topics or problems.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/30277/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8301 Section 001: American Politics (16239)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminar on main themes of theory and research in American politics, institutions, law, and policy. Major works on individual, mass, elite, and institutional behavior and their relationship to each other. Foundation for advanced seminars in American politics.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/16239/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8307 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology I (17394)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Meets With:
    PSY 8211 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Fri 09:00AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17394/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8333 Section 001: FTE: Master's (25145)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, East Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/25145/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8337 Section 001: Welfare State Theories and American Social Policy (33509)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Mon 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Rival theoretical explanations for cause and nature of welfare state development in context of four American social policies: social security, welfare, education, and healthcare.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33509/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8401 Section 001: International Relations (33510)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Basic theories/approaches to study of international politics. Surveys representative work/central issues of scholarship.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33510/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8403 Section 001: International Norms and Institutions (35794)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Thu 03:35PM - 05:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origins, roles, and effectiveness of international norms and institutions; theoretical explanations and debates. Institution of sovereignty; rational choice versus constructivist perspectives; role of international law, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations; and international society and transnational cultural norms.
    Class Description:
    This seminar explores a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of international norms and institutions in world politics with an emphasis on the development of contemporary research programs and their usefulness for helping us understand and explain current issues in global governance. The course is designed primarily for Ph.D. students in political science to help prepare them for the Ph.D. prelim exams in International Relations, but graduate students from other departments may be admitted with the permission of the instructor.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    10% Lecture
    70% Discussion
    20% Student Presentations Students will choose weeks for which they will write reflection papers, and they will be responsible for presenting and synthesizing the issues and readings for the week and leading discussion.
    Workload:
    200-300 Pages Reading Per Week
    26-46* Pages Writing Per Term
    4 Paper(s)
    3 Presentation(s)
    Other Workload: * Papers include 3 short reflection papers, and two drafts of a 20 page research paper relating theoretical readings from class to a specific empirical case involving international norms, institutions, or global governance.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/35794/1139
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    13 April 2009

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (20208)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20208/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8601 Section 001: Introduction to Comparative Politics (33512)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Tue 05:35PM - 07:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Main theoretical approaches and issues: comparative method, the state and class; political culture; development, democratization, rational choice, social movements.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/33512/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Comparative Labor Politics (30273)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    Thu 05:35PM - 07:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems; supervised research and research training.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/30273/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (20328)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20328/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8777 Section 001: Thesis Credits: Master's (20411)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-18 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20411/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (19813)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/19813/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (17520)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/17520/1139

    Fall 2013  |  POL 8990 Section 002: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (20670)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    09/03/2013 - 12/11/2013
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/20670/1139

    Summer 2013  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (87580)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/17/2013 - 08/09/2013
    Tue, Thu 05:30PM - 08:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 330
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Description:
    What is power? What is justice? What is a good political community? When, if ever, is violence best exercised? What role, if any, should religion play in collective life? How should humans best organize their economies? Such questions guide the ways that we live and are central to how we shape our political institutions, from the family up to global networks. This course considers how political ideas shape human life, past and present, and the role that ideas play in shaping questions of justice and power. Students will read classics in political philosophy and theory including works by Plato, Machiavelli, Marx, and Nietzsche (among others), as well as engage with important works of literature and the cinema. The class pays special attention to the development of students? own interpretive and analytic skills, and will relate historical texts to contemporary problems in political and social life.
    Grading:
    30% Reports/Papers
    60% Quizzes
    5% Attendance
    5% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    no exams
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    35% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities We will also screen occasional films.
    Workload:
    100-150 Pages Reading Per Week
    1 Paper(s)
    3 Quiz(zes)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87580/1135
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 April 2013

    Summer 2013  |  POL 3070 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Field Work (82109)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    1-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Faculty-supervised research related to work in political or governmental organizations.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82109/1135

    Summer 2013  |  POL 3070 Section 101: Faculty-Supervised Individual Field Work (83070)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    1-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Faculty-supervised research related to work in political or governmental organizations.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83070/1135

    Summer 2013  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (82110)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Field Work
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/17/2013 - 08/09/2013
    Off Campus
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester.
    Class Description:
    Students working in political or governmental internships may receive credit for academic work completed in association with their internship work. Students may receive 1 credit for every 3 hours (per week) of internship work. Academic work increases with increased hours worked. Assignments will include: weekly journal, 5-7 page essay, 10 page research paper. Acceptable internships include: US Congress, MN state legislature, federal, state, and local gov't agencies, as well as political parties, campaign organizations, and non-governmental advocacy groups. To enroll in this course, students must first arrange their internship, and then contact the instructor before the semester begins. Students who do not contact the instructor before the end of the first week of the semester will NOT be enrolled in this course. NOTE: Students doing internships outside the US must contact me at least 2 months before the beginning of the semester.
    Class Format:
    Fieldwork/Participant-observation
    Workload:
    20 Pages Reading Per Week
    30-50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82110/1135
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 March 2012

    Summer 2013  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (85132)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture Workaround
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/17/2013 - 08/09/2013
    Tue, Thu 09:15AM - 12:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 255
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    Political Science 3085 is an upper-level undergraduate course designed to introduce you to quantitative political analysis. Political scientists use statistics and data to explore a wide variety of questions and topics including voting behavior in the United States and other democracies, how democracy influences economic growth, and whether the American public is becoming more or less polarized. These are just a few of the many political questions that political scientists try to answer with quantitative analyses. This course will give you the tools to begin your own examination of these types of questions. This course focuses on issues of research design, hypothesis formation, causation, basic statistical techniques, and how to use computer software to manage data and perform these calculations. By the end of the semester, you will be able to develop testable research questions and hypotheses, design research to answer these questions and hypotheses, apply statistical techniques with quantitative data to answer these questions and hypotheses, present and explain your results using ordinary language, and consume and evaluate academic research and political news that use quantitative data
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    30% Written Homework
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Part of your final paper grade will be based on a presentation of your results during the final week of class.
    Exam Format:
    Short answer, some of which will involve calculations requiring a calculator.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Discussion
    30% Laboratory
    15% Small Group Activities Lab time will be built into the assigned time for the course. While a certain amount of lecture is necessary for a class like this, I promise I won't lecture for 3 hours for any class!
    Workload:
    60-80 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    6 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/85132/1135
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 March 2013

    Summer 2013  |  POL 3110H Section 001: Honors Thesis Credits (82111)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82111/1135

    Summer 2013  |  POL 3235W Section 001: Democracy and Citizenship (85133)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/17/2013 - 08/09/2013
    Mon, Wed 05:45PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 425
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Democracy based on individual rights. Pluralism. Civic republicanism. Community activism. Dilemmas of democratic government/citizenship in race, class, gender-stratified society.
    Class Description:
    Democracy, we are told, 'is the worst form of government, except all the others that have been tried.' Yet, while democracy is universally extolled as the ideal political form, there is little agreement about what exactly democracy means, and even less about the nature of democratic citizenship. This course, then, will examine a series of questions about the meaning and nature of democracy, and the roles and requirements of citizenship within it. What does it mean for a nation to be a democracy, and what is democracy's proper structure? What does it mean to be a citizen, and who gets to decide who is one? What do democracies owe their citizens? What do citizens owe a democracy? Why has there often been a fear of democratic tyranny, and what is the proper balance of minority rights and majority rule? Ultimately, what is required by and for democratic citizenship? In answering these questions, this course will examine both the historical and current examples of democratic thought. Through a combination of lecture, individual reflection, and group discussion, the course will place theories of democracy within their proper context not only with regard to the historical situations in which they arose, but also with regard to their interactions with current events. In the end, this course should help you to not only gain a greater understanding of the history and development of democratic thought, but also deepen your ability to formulate, analyze, and express your own views about the nature and purpose of a democratic society and the role of individual citizens within it.
    Grading:
    50% Reports/Papers
    15% Attendance
    20% Reflection Papers
    15% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Attendance and participation are the keys to doing well in this course; even the written assignments are designed primarily to aid in group discussion. If you stay with the readings and come to class, you will do well.
    Class Format:
    45% Lecture
    40% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities I imagine a general 50/50 split between lecture and discussion/group work. By no means do I desire to speak endlessly, and excellent discussion is the aim of this course.
    Workload:
    100-125 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: Two short reflection papers (~2pg) and one term paper (~15pg). Readings will be around 50-60 pages per session.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/85133/1135
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 March 2013

    Summer 2013  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Development (88946)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/17/2013 - 08/09/2013
    Tue, Thu 01:30PM - 04:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 205
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political processes/problems associated with economic development. Political economy of underdevelopment/development. Problems of state building, development of political institutions.
    Class Description:
    In 2005, GDP per capita (a measure of average income) in the United States was $42,170. That same year, GDP per capita was less than half that amount in 119 countries, home to roughly 85% of the planet's population. In 59 of those countries - mostly in Africa and East Asia - GDP per capita was less than $3,500; in other words, the average American earned more in one month than the average citizen of these 57 countries earned during the entire year. In 1950, the ratio between GDP per capita in the US and GDP per capita in the world's poorest economy stood at 33:1. By 2005, that ratio had grown to 134:1. Why do such vast economic disparities exist between countries? What is the origin of this enormous gap between the richest countries and the poorest, and why has this gap continued to grow even after European colonialism was finally dismantled in most of Africa and Asia during the 1950s and 1960s? During the first half of this course, we will examine competing answers to these questions. Is global inequality simply an unfortunate side-effect of economic competition between countries with different resource endowments, or is it a legacy of colonialism and the patterns of political domination that were established during the colonial era? What role (if any) do culture and geography play in explaining global inequality? Although most of the countries that were poor in 1950 are still poor today, there have been a few success stories, countries that have experienced remarkable economic growth. The so-called Asian Tigers - South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore - are frequently presented as proof that it is indeed possible for "underdeveloped" countries to close the income gap and catch up to the "developed" world. The success of these four countries has prompted a new set of questions, which we will examine during the second half of this course. Are the world's poorest countries poor because their governments are ineffective (or worse, hopelessly corrupt), or are they poor because their governments have pursued unwise economic policies? Do natural resources help or hinder economic development? Is foreign aid part of the solution to the problem of global inequality, or is aid part of the problem? Can the poorest of the poor pull themselves out of poverty through entrepreneurship and access to capital markets, or are they trapped in poverty? Is rapid economic development compatible with democracy? By the end of this course, students will have a better understanding of the causes of, and possible solutions to, global inequality.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    10% Quizzes
    10% In-class Presentations
    Exam Format:
    Exams will consist of multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Final exam is not cumulative.
    Class Format:
    30% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    40% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    5% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    125 Pages Reading Per Week
    8-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    2 Presentation(s)
    4 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: Students who enroll in this course for 4 credits will also write a 20-25 page research paper.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/88946/1135
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 April 2013

    Summer 2013  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (88947)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/17/2013 - 08/09/2013
    Mon, Wed 10:00AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 430
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Description:
    This course is an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of political psychology. The content of this course draws on theories and research from political science, psychology, and mass communication to understand different aspects of politics. In this course, we will discuss topics such as the source and content of peoples' political beliefs, the role of emotions in political judgment, and what influence the mass media and interpersonal communication have on shaping political behavior. Students are not required to have prior coursework in political science, psychology, and communication, however prior coursework in one area is recommended. This course meets the Lib Ed requirement. Grading: Midterm - 20 percent, Final Paper - 25 percent, Short Papers - 10 percent, Class Participation - 15 percent, Attendance - 5 percent, Other - 25 percent Work load: 120 pages/week Reading, 25 pages/term writing, 1 exam, 1 research paper, 1 presentation
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/88947/1135
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 May 2013

    Summer 2013  |  POL 3769 Section 001: Public Opinion and Voting Behavior (86432)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/28/2013 - 06/14/2013
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 10:00AM - 01:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 205
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Major factors influencing electoral decisions and political attitude formation/change. Data analysis lab required.
    Class Description:
    This course focuses on whether citizens and the broader public make sensible political decisions. We will assess whether ordinary citizens are capable of meeting their responsibilities as democratic citizens. The first part of the course focuses on what public opinion means, how it is measured, and how it changes over time. The second part of the course focuses on how voters decide which presidential candidate to vote for and whether to turn out on election day. Class time will feature lecturing, classroom discussion and debate, viewing political films/video, and evaluating the videos. Note finally that I will provide pdf copies of slides for each lecture a day or two before the materials are formally presented in class.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    25% Special Projects
    15% Attendance
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: If you do the readings, show up regularly, pay attention in class, and study, you will do well in this course.
    Exam Format:
    A combination of multiple choice and short answer questions. There will also be extra credit opportunities on the exams.
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    20% Film/Video
    40% Discussion I will strive for the right mix of lecture and classroom discussion each day. In no case will I lecture for 3 straight hours. I lack sufficient charm to pull that off!
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Homework Assignment(s)
    Other Workload: One midterm and final exam. There will be 2 short papers where you evaluate political videos/films.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/86432/1135
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 April 2011

    Summer 2013  |  POL 3785 Section 001: Persuasion and Political Propaganda (87739)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/28/2013 - 06/14/2013
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 09:00AM - 12:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 115
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. Persuasion theories relevant to designing effective political propaganda. Applying theories to analyze WWI/WWII propaganda posters, films, and political campaign commercials. Use of fiction as propaganda tool.
    Class Description:
    This course will provide an introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. We will first define propaganda and discuss the primary theories in persuasion and propaganda that could be applied to designing and analyzing propaganda campaigns. We will then apply these theories to analyze WWI and WWII propaganda posters, propaganda films, and political campaign commercials. This course is intended to be 1/3 or less lecture and 2/3 or more discussion. I intentionally limited the number of students in this class to facilitate class discussion and group exercises.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    20% Reports/Papers
    20% Special Projects
    20% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    short answer/essay
    Class Format:
    30% Lecture
    30% Discussion
    40% Other Style movies
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87739/1135
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Summer 2013  |  POL 4310 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Film and Politics (86355)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/28/2013 - 06/14/2013
    Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 08:00AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 225
    Course Catalog Description:
    See Class Schedule for description.
    Class Notes:
    Film and Politics
    Class Description:
    Politics has always been a major theme for the American film industry. This course will analyze several films, deliberately spanning the time period from the end of World War II to the present, to see what they tell us about the political culture of their time, and what messages (if any) they have for contemporary politics. To that end, we will read about, watch, talk about, and write about films. Our goal is to attempt to understand the political messages of the films we watch, but also to understand the place of the movie industry in American politics.
    Grading:
    75% Reports/Papers
    25% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    80% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    15 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/86355/1135
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    10 April 2013

    Summer 2013  |  POL 4900V Section 001: Honors: Senior Paper (87491)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/17/2013 - 08/09/2013
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/87491/1135

    Summer 2013  |  POL 4900W Section 001: Senior Paper (82354)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Class Description:
    Can be attached to any 3XXX or 4XXX course (with the instructor's agreement). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instuctor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82354/1135
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Summer 2013  |  POL 4900W Section 101: Senior Paper (83071)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Class Description:
    Can be attached to any 3XXX or 4XXX course (with the instructor's agreement). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instuctor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83071/1135
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Summer 2013  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (82355)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    College Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    06/17/2013 - 08/09/2013
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82355/1135

    Summer 2013  |  POL 4970 Section 101: Individual Reading and Research (83072)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    College Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    May Session
     
    05/28/2013 - 06/14/2013
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83072/1135

    Summer 2013  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (83073)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    College Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/83073/1135

    Summer 2013  |  POL 8333 Section 001: FTE: Master's (82754)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/17/2013 - 08/23/2013
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82754/1135

    Summer 2013  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (82839)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/17/2013 - 08/23/2013
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82839/1135

    Summer 2013  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (82917)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Summer Session 10 wk
     
    06/17/2013 - 08/23/2013
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82917/1135

    Summer 2013  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (84584)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/84584/1135

    Summer 2013  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (82114)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Independent Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    TBD
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/82114/1135

    Spring 2013  |  POL 1001 Section 001: American Democracy in a Changing World (53743)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture Workaround
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue, Thu 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Description:
    This course is intended to introduce students to the expressed hopes of the American people for their government and to the institutions and processes that have been created and recreated to achieve these hopes. What do we mean by good government? Have we achieved it? How do we build it? Through an examination of the roles of American political institutions and the behavior of American citizens, we will be able to critically reflect on issues such as political and economic inequality in the U.S., the role of American political and economic power in the world, and the possibility for an American public policy that lives up to the ideals of the founders. By the end of the semester students should have a basic understanding of the structure and function of American government as well as an increased ability to critically reflect on the degree to which our institutions, processes, and citizens live up to the expectations placed on them.
    Grading:
    50% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    3 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53743/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 November 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 1001 Section 002: American Democracy in a Changing World (64756)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture Workaround
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to politics/government in the United States. Constitutional origins/development, major institutions, parties, interest groups, elections, participation, public opinion. Ways of explaining politics, nature of political science. Emphasizes recent trends.
    Class Description:
    This course is designed to study the basis, functions, promises and problems of the American national government. Roughly breaking the term into thirds, we will look at the Constitution and the ideas that underpin American government, how the Federal institutions function (and if they function well), and how the American people can or cannot successfully influence and interact with government in various ways. Though largely a lecture course, we will take advantage of the size of the course and the longer session length to engage in activities and discussions to help us decide how well the political events unfolding around us conform to our `textbook? understanding of American political life. Ultimately, the goal of the term is not simply to learn the dry facts and figures of American government, but to have students think more critically about how and why our government was formed, how citizens can interact with and control it, how well it lives up to our expectations or desires of it, and the extent to which it is possible reform government to better accomplish our desires.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    20% Reports/Papers
    10% Attendance
    25% Reflection Papers Other Grading Information: There will be two exams (~60 minutes), three short (~1-2pg) reflections on the readings, and a short (~5pg) paper developed over the course of the term.
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    40% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/64756/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    5 December 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 1019 Section 001: Indigenous Peoples: A Global Perspective (54807)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Meets With:
    AMIN 1002 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Scott Hall 4
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Colonial experiences of selected indigenous peoples in Americas, Euroasia, Pacific Rim.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/54807/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 1025 Section 001: Global Politics (46646)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
    Class Description:
    Americans hardly need to be told that international politics matters. US forces are at war in Afghanistan and around the globe, and economic uncertainty has spread like a contagion. Knowing that international politics matters is one thing, making sense of it is another. This course will give students the tools they need to begin to understand patterns and trends in global politics. Students will be introduced to international relations' theoretical traditions, but the course will focus primarily on explaining and understanding historical and especially current problems in world politics. It will explore, among other issues, the causes of war and peace, the limited use of force, humanitarian intervention, nuclear proliferation, nationalist conflict, international ethics, the politics of international trade and finance, foreign aid, globalization, the prospects for environmental cooperation and human rights norms, migration, terrorism, and the future of world politics. By the end of the course, students should be familiar with all these issues and others, should have developed their own views on these much-debated questions, and should be able to apply basic analytical frameworks to answer them.
    Grading:
    50% Midterm Exam
    45% Final Exam
    5% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Identifications; short paragraphs; essays
    Class Format:
    90% Lecture
    10% Discussion
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/46646/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    30 March 2011

    Spring 2013  |  POL 1025 Section 002: Global Politics (49586)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Study of international relations and issues in contemporary world affairs. Forms of state interaction from violent conflict to cooperation and integration; activities of international institutions; transnational relations involving non-state actors such as international businesses, human rights networks, and environmental movements.
    Class Description:
    ?Personal is political? and ?local is global and global is local?. This course offers students tools to understand the global and political aspects of various phenomena they encounter in local, daily routines or in the media. We will explore, among other questions, how traditional nation-states function, how people, goods, capital and ideas move across state borders, why does politics turn to violence, how global trade and finance affect us and others, how can we deal with environmental problems, and, most importantly, how all these questions are affected by the political organization of the world. The perspective of the course is `European? ? without forgetting views from the other corners of the globe. This means that instead of analyzing global politics only as a system of interacting states ? as is often the case in American textbooks ? we will also focus on the institutions and rules that are the foundation of international society. With cases from different eras and around the world the course gives an introduction to the dynamics of contemporary global politics. Work Load: 50-90 pages reading per week, weekly small-group on-line discussions, 3 exams. Grade: 40% mid exams, 40% final exam, 10% online discussion, 10% class participation.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49586/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    19 November 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 1054 Section 001: Politics of Countries Around the World (57075)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture Workaround
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political life. Repression, democracy, rights, corruption, gender, and political change. Guest lectures by political science professors who are experts on different parts of the world.
    Class Description:
    This course provides an introduction to the study of comparative politics, which is the study of politics within different countries around the world. Comparative politics aims to understand how different peoples around the world seek to establish a durable and legitimate political system, how they seek to contest the legitimacy of and attempt to transform that system, and how they seek to benefit from that system. Specifically, the course explores the following questions: 1) What is the "nation-state" and where does it come from? 2) What distinguishes democracy from dictatorship? 3) What factors cause democracy to emerge? 4) Why do democracies sometimes collapse into dictatorship? 5) How does ethnicity impact politics? 6) What is nationalism and how does it impact politics? 7) How does religion drive conflict in the contemporary world? 8) What is the impact of women's more prominent political role around the world? 9) What causes social movement mobilization around the world? 10) What causes civil war to erupt sometimes? 11) Why are some countries rich and some countries poor? 12) Why do some countries tax and spend quite a lot, while others have lower tax rates and lower levels of redistribution?
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    15% Written Homework Other Grading Information: There is one five-page paper, and ten short assignments
    Exam Format:
    Blue Book: short and long answers
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    10 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/57075/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 November 2010

    Spring 2013  |  POL 1201 Section 001: Political Ideas and Ideologies (46582)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Willey Hall 175
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Description:
    This course examines political ideas and their role in the past and present. It is designed to help us become more reflective political thinkers and actors by analyzing key concepts, such as freedom and equality, and exploring their relation to central political questions and challenges.
    Grading:
    55% Reports/Papers
    35% Quizzes
    10% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: 10% of grade In-class small group discussion exercises
    Exam Format:
    2 in-class quizzes are short critical response essays focused on analyzing course readings
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    35% Discussion
    15% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Paper(s)
    2 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: 4 in-class discussion activities
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/46582/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 April 2013

    Spring 2013  |  POL 1201 Section 002: Political Ideas and Ideologies (53908)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    West Bank Skyway AUDITORIUM
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Analysis of key concepts and ideas (e.g., freedom, equality, democracy) as they are constructed by major theories and ideologies (liberalism, conservatism, socialism, etc.).
    Class Description:
    What is power? What is justice? What does it mean to be free? What is the role of violence in politics? How do I make sense of politics? Theses are powerful questions that influence the ways in which we think about and shape politics. This class will introduce students to the field and approaches of political theory. We will be reading works of political philosophy and political literature by Plato, (Apology, Republic) Sophocles, (Oedipus Rex, Antigone) Machiavelli, (The Prince) Nietzsche, (On the Genealogy of Morals) and Mary Shelley, (Frankenstein). We will focus on developing student's spoken, written, and interpretive skills by emphasizing critical thinking and close-analysis of the readings with an eye towards understanding our present predicament and contemporary political issues.
    Grading:
    70% Reports/Papers
    30% Quizzes
    Exam Format:
    no exams
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    30% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100-150 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-30 Pages Writing Per Term
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53908/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    30 October 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3070 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Field Work (46580)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Intern/Externship
    Credits:
    1-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Faculty-supervised research related to work in political or governmental organizations.
    Class Description:
    Students conducting field research on politics or government may receive credit for academic work completed in association with their research. Typically students will write a substantial research paper (20 pages or more) that incorporates their field research into the political science literature on their topic. Students must arrange for credit no later than the end of the first week of the semester. To enroll for this course, contact the instructor.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    100% Other Style Fieldwork/Participant-Observation
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20-30 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/46580/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3080 Section 001: Faculty-Supervised Individual Internships (46581)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Intern/Externship
    Credits:
    3-13 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Internship with government or community organizations arranged by the department and awarded competitively each spring semester.
    Class Description:
    Students working in political or governmental internships may receive credit for academic work completed in association with their internship work. Students may receive 1 credit for every 3 hours (per week) of internship work. Academic work increases with increased hours worked. Assignments will include: weekly journal, 5-7 page essay, 10 page research paper. Acceptable internships include: US Congress, MN state legislature, federal, state, and local gov't agencies, as well as political parties, campaign organizations, and non-governmental advocacy groups. To enroll in this course, students must first arrange their internship, and then contact the instructor before the semester begins. Students who do not contact the instructor before the end of the first week of the semester will NOT be enrolled in this course. NOTE: Students doing internships outside the US must contact me at least 2 months before the beginning of the semester.
    Class Format:
    Fieldwork/Participant-observation
    Workload:
    20 Pages Reading Per Week
    30-50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/46581/1133
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Summer2017.doc (Summer 2017)
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3080_Spring2016.doc (Spring 2016)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 March 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3085 Section 001: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (52764)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Freshman Full Year Registration
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 435
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    This course offers an introduction to empirical research methods in political science. By the end of the semester, students should have a better acquaintance with the types of empirical work done by political scientists (and other social scientists) and the ability to understand and critique them. Possible textbooks: --Phillip H. Pollock, The Essentials of Political Analysis (2003, CQ Press, Washington, D.C.) --Phillip H. Pollock, An SPSS Companion to Political Analysis (2003, CQ Press, Washington, D.C.) --Strongly recommended: Murray R. Spiegel and Larry J. Stephens. Schaum's Outlines: Statistics.3rd edition. McGraw-Hill.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam
    15% Reports/Papers
    15% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: homework
    Exam Format:
    Multiple choice, problem solving, and short answer
    Class Format:
    Lectures and discussions
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    5 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 3 homework assignments; paper is 5 pages, double-spaced data analysis project
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/52764/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3085 Section 002: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (55924)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Thu 09:05AM - 09:55AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 150
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    This course offers an introduction to empirical research methods in political science. By the end of the semester, students should have a better acquaintance with the types of empirical work done by political scientists (and other social scientists) and the ability to understand and critique them. Possible textbooks: --Phillip H. Pollock, The Essentials of Political Analysis (2003, CQ Press, Washington, D.C.) --Phillip H. Pollock, An SPSS Companion to Political Analysis (2003, CQ Press, Washington, D.C.) --Strongly recommended: Murray R. Spiegel and Larry J. Stephens. Schaum's Outlines: Statistics.3rd edition. McGraw-Hill.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam
    15% Reports/Papers
    15% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: homework
    Exam Format:
    Multiple choice, problem solving, and short answer
    Class Format:
    Lectures and discussions
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    5 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 3 homework assignments; paper is 5 pages, double-spaced data analysis project
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55924/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3085 Section 003: Quantitative Analysis in Political Science (59668)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Thu 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 150
    Auto Enrolls With:
    Section 001
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical research techniques. Testing a political hypothesis using data. Topics such as setting up research question in political science, research design, and techniques of data analysis.
    Class Description:
    This course offers an introduction to empirical research methods in political science. By the end of the semester, students should have a better acquaintance with the types of empirical work done by political scientists (and other social scientists) and the ability to understand and critique them. Possible textbooks: --Phillip H. Pollock, The Essentials of Political Analysis (2003, CQ Press, Washington, D.C.) --Phillip H. Pollock, An SPSS Companion to Political Analysis (2003, CQ Press, Washington, D.C.) --Strongly recommended: Murray R. Spiegel and Larry J. Stephens. Schaum's Outlines: Statistics.3rd edition. McGraw-Hill.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam
    15% Reports/Papers
    15% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: homework
    Exam Format:
    Multiple choice, problem solving, and short answer
    Class Format:
    Lectures and discussions
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    5 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 3 homework assignments; paper is 5 pages, double-spaced data analysis project
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59668/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    21 May 2007

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3110H Section 001: Honors Thesis Credits (46794)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Directed Research
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Individual research/writing of departmental honors thesis.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/46794/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3225 Section 001: American Political Thought (59623)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Mon, Wed, Fri 10:10AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 150
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Puritans, American Revolution, Constitution, pro- and anti-slavery arguments, civil war/reconstruction, industrialism, westward expansion, Native Americans, immigration, populism, socialism, social Darwinism, women's suffrage, red scares, Great Depression, free speech, pluralism, multiculturalism.
    Class Description:
    We will begin with an examination of Puritan political ideas, and remain attentive to the role of religious ideas on American political thought throughout the course. Next we will devote considerable time to the Revolutionary and Constitutional periods, focusing in particular on the arguments for and against ratification of the Constitution. Then we will move on to examine arguments over federalism and slavery, women's and workers' rights, as well as the emergence of romantic individualism. Finally, we will look at debates over the emergence of industrial society, the Populist, Progressive, and Socialist responses to it, and debates over racial equality. Prominent theorists covered include Winthrop, Franklin, Paine, Jefferson, Adams, Madison, Hamilton, the Anti-Federalist "Brutus," Emerson, Thoreau, Fuller, Calhoun, Fitzhugh, Douglass, Lincoln, Sumner, Bellamy, DuBois, Goldman, Debs, Dewey, and King. Throughout the course we will be attentive to understanding not only particular political theories, but also how each thinker was influenced by past theories, and by the political, social, and economic context in which he or she wrote.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    25% Lecture
    75% Discussion
    Workload:
    150 Pages Reading Per Week
    30 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59623/1133
    Past Syllabi:
    http://classinfo.umn.edu/syllabi/psoper_POL3225_Fall2017.doc (Fall 2017)
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    15 June 2009

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3309 Section 001: Justice in America (65526)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    American judiciary. Selection of judges. How/why these individuals/institutions behave as they do. What influences judicial decisions. What impact decisions have. Why people comply with them.
    Class Description:
    The principal purpose of this course is to introduce you to the scientific study of judicial politics. Specifically, we will examine theoretical issues regarding judicial process and politics. This course, unlike constitutional law and civil liberties classes, does not study legal doctrine; rather, it examines political aspects of the legal system, with an emphasis on the social scientific literature on law and legal process.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    50 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65526/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 October 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3310 Section 001: Topics in American Politics -- Personality and Politics (65527)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Mon, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 435
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topic in American politics.
    Class Notes:
    Personality and Politics
    Class Description:
    For more than half a century, psychologists and political scientists have sought to understand why some people gravitate toward political conservatism and others toward moderate or liberal ideologies. This course will examine classic and contemporary literature on the relationship between psychological dispositions (including traits, needs, physiological processes, and genes) and political preference and orientation. We will begin the course by examining the nature and influence of authoritarianism, a psychological disposition that launched the study of personality and politics in the 1950s and that continues to fuel debate about the underpinnings of political orientation. We will then examine how a wide variety of individual differences in personality, genes, and physiological functioning are responsible for producing differences in political ideology. The course will rely on both books and articles, and will require a 7-page term paper.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65527/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 November 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3321 Section 001: Issues in American Public Policy (58577)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 350
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Politics of policy process. Agenda formation, formulation, adoption, implementation, evaluation. Attention to selected policy areas.
    Class Description:
    This course examines the politics of social policy in the United States. The first half of the course places the United States in comparative perspective. Scholars often describe the United States as a laggard where social policies developed relatively late, grew relatively slowly, and are less generous than are corresponding policies in other advanced industrial democracies. What are the political sources of these programmatic differences? How have political culture, interest groups, government institutions, and other factors contributed to the distinctive shape of American social policy? The second half of the course examines recent trends in American social policy, focusing on four policy areas: pensions, income support, health care, and education. It examines the historical origins of contemporary American policies and recent reform proposals.
    Grading:
    60% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam Other Grading Information: There will be two Midterm Exams, worth 30% each. The Final Exam will be worth 40%.
    Class Format:
    90% Lecture
    10% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    3 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/58577/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 October 2011

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3410 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Soviet and Post-Soviet Politics (56088)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Mon 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 235
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics of current analytical or policy importance to comparative politics. Topics vary.
    Class Description:
    This course examines major themes and periods in Soviet and Post-Soviet Russian politics. It begins with the Russian Revolution of 1917, and continues with a study of the creation of the USSR and Soviet rule under Lenin, Stalin, and later decades. We look in depth at the economic and political system set up by the Communist Party, and at the causes of its collapse in 1991, which has had profound legacies for the post-Soviet development of Russia. Then in the second half of the course we turn to themes of political, economic, social and civic development under Yeltsin and Putin. We will pose the following questions: Why does democratization begin and why does it fail? How is economic reform undermined? What type of state is Russia now? What caused the Chechen wars and the massive bloodshed in the Caucasus during this period? Is Putin trying to recreate the Soviet Union and retake control of its neighbors? Are US-Russian relations improving or are we now in an era of a new Cold War? The coursework involves significant reading (about 75-100 pages per week), a paper, class participation, and several exams.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    35% Final Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    5% Class Participation Other Grading Information: One or two midterms, one final exam GRADING VARIES BY SEMESTER depending on enrollment.
    Exam Format:
    Essays and short answers.
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    15% Discussion
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    10 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: Varies by semester depending on enrollment
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/56088/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 October 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3464 Section 001: Politics of Inequality (67252)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 5
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Causes/consequences of economic inequality in the USA and Europe. America and European countries in contrast to one another. What differences there are and whether they matter.
    Class Description:
    In the United States today, the gap in incomes between rich and poor, indeed the gap in incomes between the top one percent of the population and those at the 95th percentile (between the super rich and the affluent) as higher than at any time since the Wall Street Crash. Inequality is increasing not just in income but in the value of Americans? assets, their housing, their education, and their health. Whether this is a fair and natural outcome of free markets or a sign of a developing `oligarchy? is a matter of much heated debate but it is perhaps the most fundamental change in American life over the last half century. At the same time, many European countries like England and Ireland have seen a massive surge in inequality, whereas others like Sweden and Germany have witnessed little change. In some ways America and Europe are growing apart; in other ways they are becoming more alike. On top of these changes in the industrial world, the rise of new global economic powers like China and India is reshaping the global distribution of income and wealth, often in ways that undermine or bolster the welfare of different Americans and Europeans. This class is intended to help you understand the causes and consequences of economic inequality in the USA and Europe. The class is explicitly comparative: we will address both America and European countries in contrast to one another, with our aim being to understand what differences there are and whether they matter.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    Class Format:
    90% Lecture
    10% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67252/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    11 November 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3477 Section 001: Political Development (53883)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political processes/problems associated with economic development. Political economy of underdevelopment/development. Problems of state building, development of political institutions.
    Class Description:
    How can the vast disparities of wealth between countries be explained? Why have some countries in the post-colonial world, in particular those of East Asia, experienced stunning economic growth, while those in others parts of the world been stuck in a development rut? This course will explore contending answers to these difficult but important questions. We will do so through discussions of different explanations of development and underdevelopment, examining these issues concretely in several countries, and discussing contemporary "hot topics" such as micro-credit, AIDS, and the resource curse.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    20% Class Participation Other Grading Information: For students taking 4 credits, the research paper=25%, participation 15%, midterm exam=15%, final exam=15%, and each essay 15%.
    Exam Format:
    The exams will be multiple choice and short answer questions. The exams will focus on topics not covered in the short papers, so collectively the exams and the essays function as four midterms. The final exam is not cumulative.
    Class Format:
    45% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: For 3 credits, 2 short 4-5 page essays. For 4 credits, must also write a 20-page research paper.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53883/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    3 December 2009

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3766 Section 001: Political Psychology of Mass Behavior (65530)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 330
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How political behavior of citizens and political elites is shaped by psychological factors, including personality, attitudes, values, emotions, and cognitive sophistication. Political activism/apathy, leadership charisma, mass media, group identifications, political culture.
    Class Description:
    This course will provide an introduction to the interdisciplinary field of political psychology. We will use theories and findings from both political science (particularly in the areas of public opinion and political behavior) and psychology (particularly in the areas of social psychology and personality) to better understand politics, with a special focus on understanding ordinary citizens' political attitudes and behaviors. Students do not have to have prior coursework in both political science and psychology for this class. However, prior coursework in one of the two fields (especially in the areas mentioned above) is recommended.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    25% Final Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    10% Attendance
    10% Other Evaluation
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65530/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    6 April 2009

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3785H Section 001: Persuasion and Political Propaganda (66497)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 115
    Course Catalog Description:
    Persuasion theories relevant to designing effective political propaganda. Applying theories to analyze WWI/WWII propaganda posters, films, and political campaign commercials. Use of fiction as propaganda tool.
    Class Description:
    This course will provide an introduction to persuasion and political propaganda. We will first define propaganda and discuss the primary theories in persuasion and propaganda that could be applied to designing and analyzing propaganda campaigns. We will then apply these theories to analyze WWI and WWII propaganda posters, propaganda films, and political campaign commercials (primarily from the U.S.). This course is intended to be 1/3 or less lecture and 2/3 or more discussion. I intentionally limited the number of students in this class to facilitate class discussion and group exercises. Let's take advantage of the relatively small class size to engage in interesting, thoughtful discussion about the topics of the day.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    20% Special Projects
    10% Attendance
    10% Class Participation
    10% Other Evaluation
    Workload:
    ABT 100 Pages Reading Per Week ABT 20 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66497/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    31 October 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3835 Section 001: International Relations (48557)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Mon, Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:05PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Anderson Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to theoretical study of international relations. How theoretical perspective shapes one's understandings of structure/practices of global politics.
    Class Description:
    This course is organized in three units: We begin the course with a unit on the question whether and how a world of stable, peaceful, and equitable international politics is coming into being? Can we speak sensibly of progress toward an international community based on international law? In what ways and to what effect, for example, is international politics premised on the universality of human rights? Can we foresee an effective international regime for the environment? The second unit concerns the crucial distinction between international and domestic politics? For that, we focus on the anarchic context of international politics to examine how the absence of authority and rule above states shapes insecurities and struggles for power. In this unit, we analyze how states play out the implications of the anarchic context in their political interactions of security, violence, and war, including the contemporary international politics of 'terrorism'. Whether international politics is understood differently if the systemic context is viewed as hierarchical rather than anarchical is the concern of the third unit. Here we ask whether and in what senses one can appropriately speak of empire as contemporary structure of international politics. How are imperial relations and other forms of hierarchy best analyzed? What is the significance of globalization and localized political movements for international politics? The principal objective of this course is for students to develop an appreciation of the ways in which various theoretical perspectives lead to different understandings of the structures and practices of world politics. Each of the perspectives that we address accepts the assumption that the many and varied interactions among states and non-state actors in the global arena are vital elements of our world. However, in interpreting these many and varied forms of world politics, each of the theories offers not only a unique accounting of why international relations take the form that they do, but also distinct guidance about what international political activity should be. Therefore, we investigate both the explanatory insights and the practical and normative political implications that distinguish each theoretical perspective. Through the highlighting of such theoretical differences, the course is intended to provide the means for students to develop their own theoretically informed analysis of issues in contemporary international relations, such as the changing security dynamics in the Middle East and Southwest Asia, whether a war on terrorism can be won, how the proliferation of nuclear weapons and other `weapons of mass destruction' affects international stability or instability, the extent to which cooperation on global climate change, human rights, or poverty alleviation is possible, and in what ways the functioning of the global economy shapes the terms and conditions of international politics.
    Grading:
    25% Final Exam
    55% Reports/Papers
    20% Quizzes Other Grading Information: two analytical papers, six pages each. Each worth 30% of total grade, but lower grade is reduced to count only 25% (for a total of 55% for the two papers)
    Exam Format:
    take-home, essay format
    Class Format:
    65% Lecture
    5% Film/Video
    25% Discussion
    5% Small Group Activities students do a few in-class writing assignments, or quizzes
    Workload:
    100-120 Pages Reading Per Week
    18-20 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    4 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: the exam is a take-home final
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48557/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 November 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3872W Section 001: Global Environmental Cooperation (65531)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Mon, Wed, Fri 08:00AM - 08:50AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-105
    Course Catalog Description:
    Emergence of environment as key aspect of global political agenda. Non-governmental/governmental international organizations. Politics of protection of atmosphere, rain forest, seas, other selected issues. International security, environment.
    Class Description:
    Course examines the emergence and development of environmental issues as a major topic of global politics. In considering selected examples of international environmental stress (such as climate change, marine sea degradation, protection of forests, hazardous wastes, biodiversity, and protection of the ozone layer) the course looks at regimes that have been established to address specific issues; considers corresponding developments occurring in international environmental law; asks about relationships of domestic politics to state decisions to participate or not participate in relevant agreements; and examines instances of NGO and IGO filling gaps where states declined to act and assisting with programs where states did act. The course analyzes ongoing concerns about the effectiveness and the fairness of contemporary international efforts to address global environmental issues. Finally, the course allots some time for students to develop an informed speculation about where global environmental politics is likely ?to be? ten years hence and what expectations the class has about the implications of global environmental politics for their lifetime. Readings provide general historical background, theoretic formulations, and case studies. The lectures provide additional information and devote some attention to the readings. The course format includes a number of class meetings devoted to group discussions, for which students individually write a short statement about a relevant passage of the assigned readings. A two stage paper is required of all students. As a writing intensive course the class seeks to help people improve their writing, particularly as a device for deepening thinking about the course topic and for honing ideas into clear, concise discussions. Class meetings are important; doing the reading is expected but does not cover everything covered in class. There is a test and a final exam.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65531/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    9 November 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 3873W Section 001: Global Citizenship and International Ethics (65532)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Course Catalog Description:
    Case studies of ethics in intervention, war, weapons, foreign aid, environmental practices, and human rights are used to examine the global ethical responsibilities of individual citizens and public officials; effectiveness of transnational social movements in influencing policy at domestic and international levels.
    Class Description:
    Should nations intervene in other countries to prevent famine or ensure human rights? Under what conditions is war justified? On what principles should immigration policies be based? Who should pay to avoid global environmental problems? Should wealthy states provide foreign aid or forgive the debts of poor countries? Is the possession of nuclear weapons morally and legally acceptable? What do we mean by global citizenship? How does an understanding of global citizenship influence how we answer ethical questions in international politics? Are activist groups in transnational civil society practicing global citizenship? In this course we will grapple with these and many other related questions. The course will introduce you to different traditions of moral, legal, and political thought to provide you with the tools to make reasoned judgments about difficult political problems in global politics. The course meets the CLE civic life and ethics requirement. It presents and defines ethics and the role of ethics in public life. We will explore the origins of different ethical traditions, and see how those traditions have been subjected to public debate and contestation. Throughout the course, we will apply these ethical traditions to concrete problems and instances in international politics. Ideas about global ethics and citizenship are dynamic and contested; they have changed over time, often in response to pressures from citizenship movements. One goal of the course is to help you understand that there is no single correct ethical approach to a problem, but that different philosophical traditions may provide different ways of understanding both ethics and citizenship. Learning about these traditions will help you make more thoughtful and informed decisions about your own practices as a national and international citizen. I will encourage you to develop, defend, and question your own values and beliefs in relation to the ethical traditions and political cases we are exploring.
    Grading:
    20% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    20% Reflection Papers
    20% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    30% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    40% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    150 Pages Reading Per Week
    28 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    3 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: POL 3873W is a writing intensive course. You will write two short reflection papers (3 pages each), and a first draft (10 pages) and a second draft (12 pages) of a research paper.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65532/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    5 November 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4210 Section 001: Topics in Political Theory -- Feminist Theory and Politics (65533)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 210
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics in political theory.
    Class Description:
    Feminist Theory and Politics This course will consider the development of feminist political theory since the 1960s, primarily in the United States but globally as well. Among the topics to be included are: issues about the proper role of women and men in society, how femininity and masculinity are configured and change, issues of diversity among women, questions about the nature of political change and how best to achieve it, the postmodern turn in feminist thinking, the relationship of women and peace, using care as a way to understand the nature of politics, the place of women as workers in the global political economy, how feminist thinking intersects with religious thinking in various religious traditions.
    Grading:
    25% Final Exam
    65% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Students will be expected to read texts, interpret them, think about issues of interpretation, speak in class, will write 2 papers (20 pages in all) on topics that arise from these issues, and take a summative final exam.
    Exam Format:
    Take home final
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    150 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65533/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 October 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4210 Section 002: Topics in Political Theory -- French Politics (65534)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 125
    Course Catalog Description:
    Topics in political theory.
    Class Description:
    France witnessed a number of extraordinary events in the 20th century: the carnage and trauma of World Wars I and II; the Vichy regime's shameful collaboration with German Nazis; the general strike and student protests of the 1960s; the tensions prompted by decolonization in North Africa; and the challenges of contemporary multiculturalism and identity politics. This course will examine these events, the political and ethical challenges they raised, and the intellectuals who shaped the ensuing public debates. It will draw on historical documents, cultural media (e.g. posters, art, film), and philosophical texts to explore contemporary France in its century of politics and protest. Thinkers range from to philosopher-playwright Jean-Paul Sartre, to film-maker Jean-Luc Godard, to philosopher Michel Foucault.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    70% Reports/Papers
    10% In-class Presentations
    Exam Format:
    One in-class midterm examination.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    40% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    3 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65534/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 October 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4253 Section 001: Modernity and Its Discontents: Late Modern Political Thought (66498)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 115
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theoretical responses/interpretations of Western economy, society, politics, democratic culture. Theories of history. Class struggle. End of metaphysics, death of God. Technology/bureaucracy. Psychology of culture in Hegel, Marx, Tocqueville, Mill, Nietzsche, Weber, Freud.
    Class Description:
    This course will explore the issues raised in political theory during the period considered "late modernity." Among the topics we will discuss are these: Theories of history. Class struggle. End of metaphysics, death of God. Technology/bureaucracy. Psychology of culture in Hegel, Marx, Tocqueville, Mill, Nietzsche, Weber, Freud. We will also pay special attention to the emergence of social scientific discourses about Western culture
    Grading:
    25% Final Exam
    65% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation Other Grading Information: Students will write two papers over the course of the semester that will serve as the basis for class discussions.
    Exam Format:
    Take Home Final
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    10% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    UP TO150 Pages Reading Per Week
    20 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    Other Workload: Students will also view an exhibit about the Haitian revolution this term.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/66498/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 October 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4322 Section 001: Rethinking the Welfare State (59634)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Carlson School of Management L-110
    Course Catalog Description:
    Discuss competing arguments about welfare states in advanced industrial countries. Are welfare states the result of sectional interests, class relations, or citizenship rights? Compare American social policy with policies in other western countries.
    Class Description:
    Why have numerous attempts to introduce universal health insurance in the United States failed? Why does the United States provide public pensions (social security) to all elderly citizens, but lack universal programs for children and young people? Why does the US welfare state look so different from the Swedish, German and Japanese welfare states? Social programs like health care, pensions, unemployment benefits, welfare, and education are at the center of many contemporary political debates. In the past ten years alone, proposals to introduce private accounts in Social Security, extend the new prescription drug benefits for Medicare recipients, expand health coverage, reform welfare, and introduce more testing and federal regulations in education have been at the center of American political debate. This course examines these contemporary issues in a comparative perspective, asking why the American welfare state looks different from many European and Asian countries, what characterizes in the politics of social policy development in the US and abroad, and how can we understand today's debates about policy reform. In so doing, we will look at the history and development of social policy in the US, Sweden, Germany and Japan, among other countries, comparing both across countries and different types of policies. The course is divided into three parts. The first section will introduce you to the basic structure of the American welfare state and different explanations for its character and development. In the second section, we turn to Europe and Asia, focusing in particular how various countries have organized their systems differently, and what explains these differences. In the third section of the course, we examine contemporary debates in social policy across countries ? looking at both how US politicians and their foreign counterparts have responded to new social needs, taxpayer revolts, and new political debates.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59634/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    7 April 2010

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4461W Section 001: European Government and Politics (55374)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Mon, Wed 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 425
    Course Catalog Description:
    European political institutions in their social settings; power and responsibility; governmental stability; political decision making, government and economic order.
    Class Description:
    This course provides an introduction to the history, politics, and controversies of contemporary European politics. The goals of the course are threefold. Firstly, to prepare students to be educated consumers of European politics - to be able to understand contemporary debates in the European press and relate these to the varying historical experiences of European countries. Secondly, to develop and test theories about important aspects of social life on the rich panoply of European cases. European countries display an astounding variation in their political institutions and their historical experiences with regimes as diverse as fascism, communism, socialism, and liberal democracy. Thirdly, to examine how the different political systems of Europe condition how they respond to globalization, rising immigration and changing social values. In this course, we will focus specifically on Britain, France, Italy and Germany, with further discussion of the smaller European countries.
    Grading:
    30% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    20% Quizzes
    Exam Format:
    essay (i.e. the students will have to answer four to five questions)
    Class Format:
    80% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    Workload:
    70-90 Pages Reading Per Week
    10-12 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/55374/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    2 November 2011

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4465 Section 001: Southeast Asian Politics (59624)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue, Thu 04:00PM - 05:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Southeast Asia's increasingly important role in global political/economic affairs. U.S. involvement in region. Progress toward and resistance to democratic political systems. Economic development.
    Class Description:
    Composed of eleven countries, Southeast Asia covers a wide geographical region stretching from India to China. With a rich endowment of natural resources, a dynamic manufacturing base, and a strategic location on China's southern flank, the region has come to play an increasingly important role in the political and economic affairs of the globe. Culturally and ethnically diverse, hundreds of languages are spoken in the region, and the religions practiced include Buddhism, Catholocism, Hinduism, and Islam. All of the countries in Southeast Asia have exclusionary political systems, but they range from the formally democratic through civilian authoritarianism to military authoritarianism. Because the region is so diverse, the introduction must necessarily be incomplete. Readings and lectures will focus on seven countries: Burma, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The course centers on three main themes: comparing the countries in the region with respect to political change and political systems, the Vietnam War, and counter-terrorism since 9/11. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of politics in the region and acquire theoretical tools for analyzing politics there.
    Grading:
    29% Midterm Exam
    29% Final Exam
    29% Reports/Papers
    13% Class Participation Other Grading Information: I use a point system, with 100 points each for the midterm, final, and research paper and 50 points for class participation.
    Class Format:
    30% Lecture
    20% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    80-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    8-10 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59624/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    7 April 2009

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4478W Section 001: Contemporary Politics in Africa and the Colonial Legacy (57953)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Thu 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 120
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Examines how current politics in mainly, though not exclusively, sub-Saharan Africa have been shaped by the pre-colonial and colonial processes. Reality of independence; recurrent political and economic crises, global context and prospects for effective democracy.
    Class Description:
    What explains the crisis that Africa finds itself in today? What explains "ethnic" tragedies such as Darfur, Somalia or Rwanda? Why has Africa had such difficulty in feeding itself? Why has there been a decline in economic development for the last decade or so? If the "socialist" path to development has proven to be bankrupt then why has the capitalist course also been difficult to realize? Has a genuine revolution unfolded in South Africa and if so what kind? At the end of this course you should be in a position to give informed answers to these and other such questions. This course intends to introduce you to the political systems of sub-Saharan Africa with some attention to North Africa. Among the topics that you will examine are traditional or pre-colonial political systems, the impact of colonial rule, the reaction to colonialism and the rise of nationalism, the politics of economic development in independent Africa, and the liberation of southern Africa. An underlying assumption of the course is that the current crisis in Africa cannot be explained without an understanding of Africa's history--before independence in the 1960s and before colonial rule at the end of the 19th century. Therefore, about half of the course will focus on events leading up to independence. Another basic assumption is that Africa's reality can only be understood within global perspective. How that came to be will also be a focus of the course. Finally, as there are some 50 different countries on the African continent, it would be unrealistic to expect a fourteen-week course to adequately address each political system. Thus, the emphasis will be on themes and issues that affect the majority of countries. There will of course be exceptions to this, particularly in the case of South Africa which will occupy a significant portion of the course.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/57953/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 November 2011

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4481 Section 001: Governments and Markets (67235)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue, Thu 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 250
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Connection between democracy and markets. Experiences of countries in North America and Europe.
    Class Description:
    This course addresses the question of whether democracy and markets are compatible, whether democratic institutions enhance (undermine) the workings of market institutions and vice versa. Competing theoretical perspectives in the field of political economy are critically evaluated. And the experiences of countries with different forms of democratic market system are studied. Among the topics singled out for in-depth investigation are the economics of voting, politics of money management, political business cycles,and the politics of trade.
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    50% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    2-3 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: Number of exams includes final exam. Paper will be short: 5-8 pages
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67235/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    28 October 2008

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4487 Section 001: The Struggle for Democratization and Citizenship (53894)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 255
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Origins of democratic process. Emphasizes how disenfranchised fought to become included. History of democratic movement from its earliest moments to present. Attempts to draw a balance sheet.
    Class Description:
    The setting for this course is the mounting effort on the part of states and a variety of social forces to roll back the historic gains of the world-wide democratic movement--from anti-immigrant campaigns (in both fascist and non-fascist clothing) that would limit citizenship rights to efforts that undermine civil liberties in the guise of combatting terrorisim. This takes place in a larger context in which increasing numbers of citizens feel disempowered and alienated from the state. As democracy and popular participation are central to citizenship the course traces the origins of the democratic process with particular emphasis on how the disenfranchised fought to become included. Both implicitly and explicitly it seeks to understand how that occured in order to see if there are lessons of the past that that might have appllicability for the defense and extension of democratic rights today. To understand it was the disenfranchised who empowered themselves is in itself empowering. An underlying assumption of the course is that the inclusion of previously disenfranchised layers of society into the category of citizens is due to social struggles or the threat of such--an assumption to be examined in the course.
    Grading:
    25% Midterm Exam
    50% Final Exam
    25% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    Essay
    Class Format:
    75% Lecture
    25% Discussion
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/53894/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    24 October 2011

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4492 Section 001: Law and (In)Justice in Latin America (67253)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Mon, Wed 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 145
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    How law and justice function in contemporary Latin America. Similarities/differences within/between countries and issue areas. Causes behind varied outcomes. Effectiveness of different reform efforts. Transitional justice, judicial review, judicial independence, access to justice, criminal justice (police, courts, and prisons), corruption, non-state alternatives. Issues of class, race/ethnicity, and gender.
    Class Description:
    Although democracy is the dominant form of government in Latin America today, most Latin American countries still suffer from a weak rule of law. Across the region, free and fair elections are held on a regular basis and few formal barriers to participation exist, but most countries are still a long way from offering full citizenship rights for all. Even in some of the largest and most economically developed cases, governments are often ineffective at providing basic rights protection, and state officials can abuse their power with impunity. Legal and judicial institutions are often partisan, corrupt, and/or inaccessible, leaving average citizens with no real recourse when their rights are violated. This course will examine, from various angles, how law and justice function in contemporary Latin America, highlighting similarities and differences within and between countries and issue areas. Students will reflect on and debate the causes behind the varied outcomes, as well as the effectiveness, actual and potential, of the different reform efforts that have been underway in the region since the 1980s. Specific topics to be addressed are transitional justice, judicial review, judicial independence, access to justice, criminal justice (including police, courts, and prisons), corruption, and non-state alternatives. Special attention will be paid to issues of race/ethnicity, class, and gender, as well as to what general lessons, if any, can be drawn from analyses of Latin American cases.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    35% Reports/Papers
    10% In-class Presentations
    15% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    15% Film/Video
    20% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    15% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67253/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 October 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4494W Section 001: US-Latin American Relations (67692)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 02/13/2013
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Carlson School of Management 2-219
     
    02/14/2013
    Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 184
     
    02/16/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue, Thu 02:30PM - 03:45PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Carlson School of Management 2-219
    Course Catalog Description:
    US foreign policy toward Latin America. Immigration, trade policy, relations with Cuba, drug war, relations with Venezuela.
    Class Description:
    In this course we compare how different political science approaches to US foreign policy explain the dynamics of several historical and contemporary issues, including immigration, trade policy, relations with Cuba, the drug war, and relations with Venezuela. This class presupposes no particular knowledge about US foreign policy, US-Latin American relations, or international relations theory. Particular attention is paid to the process of research and writing a lengthy term paper. Grades are based on up to eight short assignments (35%), an in-class oral presentation (15%), a research paper (35%), and class participation (15%). There are no exams.
    Grading:
    35% Reports/Papers
    35% Written Homework
    15% In-class Presentations
    15% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    35% Lecture
    35% Discussion
    15% Student Presentations
    15% Guest Speakers
    Workload:
    125 Pages Reading Per Week
    35 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    8 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67692/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    18 October 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4495 Section 001: Politics of Family, Sex, and Children (67295)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 02/05/2013
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 10
     
    02/07/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue, Thu 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Hanson Hall 1-111
    Course Catalog Description:
    Political fights over volatile issues of family, sex, and children. Diversity of family life in the United States as a source of disharmony and inequality. Same-sex couples, interracial families, polygamous communities, reproductive equality for people with disabilities, targeting of immigrant children, teen sex & pregnancy, working mothers, a??childfreea?? advocates. Citizen efforts aimed at reconciling communities with harshly clashing beliefs.
    Class Description:
    If you take this course you will confront contemporary fights over family, sex, and children. Here are the big questions: (1) Who controls sex? We will look at power in sexual relationships, sexual freedom & the state, and sexual elements in political ideologies. (2) Who should be allowed to make a family? We will do same-sex marriage, polygamy, and teenage childbearing. (3) What happens to children? We will look at countries with strong pro-child policies, but also at the dark side: child soldiers, child prostitutes, and sexual abuse of children by clergy. (4) What are the odds that your family will survive? Time to face up to financial crisis, bankruptcy, and divorce, and see the effects of taxation, social support for families, childcare, and family medical leave. (5) Do politicians care? We will see what policies actually help families, plus how political campaigns manipulate images of the family for their own ends. Got more questions about the class? Just ask me: kelliher@umn.edu
    Grading:
    10% Midterm Exam
    10% Final Exam
    50% Reports/Papers
    10% Quizzes
    20% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    50% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    30% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    2 Paper(s)
    5 Problem Set(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67295/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    14 November 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4502W Section 001: The Supreme Court, Civil Liberties, and Civil Rights (46644)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue, Thu 08:15AM - 09:30AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    West Bank Skyway AUDITORIUM
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Supreme Court's interpretation of Bill of Rights, 14th amendment. Freedom of speech, press, religion; crime/punishment; segregation/desegregation, affirmative action; abortion/privacy.
    Class Description:
    This course deals with civil liberties in the United States and how the United States Supreme Court decides which rights and liberties get which protections, at which times. Specifically, our focus will be on the First Amendment, and the Right to Privacy. Special emphasis will be placed on how the Supreme Court defines, establishes, and protects these liberties through its interpretation of the Constitution.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    10% Class Participation
    Exam Format:
    Exam -- Hypothetical Questions
    Class Format:
    40% Lecture
    60% Discussion
    Workload:
    50-75 Pages Reading Per Week
    40-50 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    5 Paper(s)
    25 Homework Assignment(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/46644/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    22 October 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4737W Section 001: American Political Parties (56615)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Wed, Fri 11:15AM - 12:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 130
    Course Catalog Description:
    The American two-party system; party influence in legislatures and executives; decline of parties and their future.
    Class Description:
    Political parties are the lifeblood of American politics. This course will examine the role parties play in the U.S. political system. Specifically, we will examine: (1) why political parties exist; (2) what the parties stand for and how that has changed over time; (3) what role they play in campaigns and elections; (4) the social bases of partisan identification; (5) how partisan ties shape citizens perceptions, judgments, and voting decisions; (6) how the parties behave in government; and (7) why there are no major third parties in the U.S.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/56615/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 October 2009

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4766 Section 001: American Political Culture and Values (65537)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Wed, Fri 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 215
    Course Catalog Description:
    Empirical analysis of basic political values. Individualism, freedom, equality. Democratic principles, materialism, capitalism, citizenship, patriotism, heroism.
    Class Description:
    Many foreign observers of American politics have emphasized the unique qualities of American democracy. The exceptionalism of American politics has been traced to different institutions, historical experiences, values, and habits of the heart that distinguish the U.S. from other contemporary democratic countries. In an increasingly interconnected world and with rapidly changing demographics, does it still make sense to talk about a distinct American political culture? In what ways in the U.S. similar to or different from other advanced democracies? In this course, we will address these questions by weaving together both historical observations of American democracy with contemporary information on public opinion and public policy. Throughout, we will explore themes of unity and diversity in American political culture, using recent events, such as the passage of the Affordable Care Act, the presidential election of 2012, and the negotiations over the looming fiscal cliff, as settings in which elements of American political culture play out.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    20% Final Exam
    30% Reports/Papers
    10% Attendance
    10% In-class Presentations
    10% Class Participation
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    10% Film/Video
    10% Discussion
    10% Small Group Activities
    10% Student Presentations
    Workload:
    75-100 Pages Reading Per Week
    12-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Presentation(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65537/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    11 December 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4878W Section 001: Israeli-Palestinian Situation (65538)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Wed 06:20PM - 08:50PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 5
    Course Catalog Description:
    Situation as clash of two communities. History, politics, and respective narratives of each community. Divisions within each community that are consequential for reconciliation. Examples of reconciliation literature from both communities.
    Class Description:
    Examines the issue in its familiar Israelis vs Palestinians mode, looking at each side's basic narrative and the historical and political factors surrounding those narratives. The course also draws on recent literature from both communities that challenges the basic narrative of the writer's own community. Some attention is paid to political-psychological ideas about conflict and reconciliation. The course asks how the domestic political structures and politics of each community relate to the prospects for peace. Much of the assigned reading is by Israelis or Palestinians. Writing activities in the course support (a) student thinking about the subject and (b) student development of the required course paper. Complied into a course writing portfolio these items meet the Department of Political Science major project requirement. This is a writing enriched course.
    Grading:
    20% Midterm Exam
    30% Final Exam
    40% Reports/Papers
    10% Other Evaluation
    Exam Format:
    A study guide appears a week before the exam or the test date. The test and the exam include a choice of short questions and a large essay. The guide includes possible essay questions, of which one appears on the test and one or two on the final exam
    Class Format:
    60% Lecture
    20% Discussion
    20% Small Group Activities
    Workload:
    115 Pages Reading Per Week
    24 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    1 Quiz(zes)
    Other Workload: Various writing exercises contribute to the final paper and are submitted with the paper as a portfolio at the end of the course. The final paper itself is 15 pages.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65538/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    8 November 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4885W Section 001: International Conflict and Security (67691)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Discussion
    Credits:
    4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Mon, Wed 09:45AM - 11:00AM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    An examination of alternative theories of the sources of militarized international conflict. Apply these theories to one or more past conflicts and discuss their relevance to the present.
    Class Description:
    This course offers students a broad perspective on international security. We will discuss the role of military force in super power relations, changing nature of warfare and intra-state conflicts. In addition to these traditional military security concerns, the course will also familiarize students with the post Cold War widening and deepening of the agenda of security studies. Deepening refers to questioning of `whose security? are we concerned with. In addition to state security we will focus on security of, for example, individuals and ecosystems. With the introduction of a range of new referent objects to security studies, the agenda also widened to cover security issues centering on the environment, health, and transnational crime. The course presumes that students are already familiar with the main theoretical approaches to international relations, but we will also survey and revisit key theoretical concepts that might aid in our understanding of security and related issues in world politics. By the end of the course, students should be familiar with the manifold dynamics of international security, and the politics involved in these dynamics. Class Time: 2/3 Lecture, 1/3 other, including discussion, video and small group activities. Work Load: 100-130 pages reading per week, 12 pages writing per term, 2 exams, 3-4 papers. Grade: 20% mid exam, 30% final exam, 40% reports/papers, 10% class participation.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67691/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    26 October 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4887 Section 001: Thinking Strategically in International Politics (65539)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Wed, Fri 01:00PM - 02:15PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Blegen Hall 230
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Survey of applications of game theory to international politics; conflict and cooperation, global environmental commons, deterrence and reputation.
    Class Description:
    This course surveys current theories of international relations, and introduces students to elementary game theory. Major topics include the causes of war, the conditions for international cooperation, and the role of international institutions. By the end of the semester, students will be expected to: 1. Understand the relevant international relations literature; 2. Understand simple game-theortic techniques; 3. Critically analyze theories of international politics; and 4. Understand the general scientific method of theory building and empirical testing. Possible textbooks: Kenneth N. Waltz. 1954. Man, the State, and War; Waltz, Kenneth N. Theory of International Politics; Bruce Bueno de Mesquita, 2000. Principles of International Politics.
    Grading:
    30% Midterm Exam
    40% Final Exam
    10% Class Participation
    20% Other Evaluation Other Grading Information: homework
    Exam Format:
    Multiple choice, essay, and short answer are all possible.
    Class Format:
    Lectures and discussions after each homework is graded.
    Workload:
    30-50 Pages Reading Per Week
    5 Pages Writing Per Term
    2 Exam(s)
    1 Paper(s)
    Other Workload: 3 game theory homework assignments
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65539/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4900V Section 001: Honors: Senior Paper (49947)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Honors
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course. A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49947/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4900W Section 001: Senior Paper (48802)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    Instructor Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    UMNTC Liberal Education Requirement
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Can be attached to any 3xxx or 4xxx course (with the agreement of that course's instructor). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instructor, then revised for final submission.
    Class Description:
    Can be attached to any 3XXX or 4XXX course (with the instructor's agreement). A 10-15 page paper is submitted for evaluation/advice by instuctor, then revised for final submission.
    Grading:
    100% Reports/Papers
    Exam Format:
    None
    Workload:
    10-15 Pages Writing Per Term
    1 Paper(s)
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48802/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    4 September 2007

    Spring 2013  |  POL 4970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (48868)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Directed Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    College Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/48868/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 5810 Section 001: Topics in International Politics and Foreign Policy (67251)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Lecture
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, East Bank
    Course Catalog Description:
    Selected issues in contemporary international relations. Topics vary, see Class Schedule.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67251/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 5970 Section 001: Individual Reading and Research (69727)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Directed Study
    Credits:
    1-4 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    College Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, East Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Guided individual reading or study.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/69727/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8060 Section 001: Research Proseminar in Political Science (59642)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Seminar
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue 03:35PM - 05:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/59642/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8107 Section 001: Quantitative Political Science II (67242)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Seminar
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F only
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue 10:10AM - 12:20PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Multiple linear regression model applied to political science data. How to use regression techniques to analyze data, interpret statistical results, and summarize/report the findings. Estimation of model. Underlying assumptions. Inference. Model diagnostics. Extensions of model.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67242/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8120 Section 001: Core Course in Political Methodology: Modeling Political Processes (65540)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Seminar
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Mon 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Methods used and potential for creating models of political processes. Designing political institutions, discerning/forecasting election outcomes, producing early warnings of international conflicts, increasing turnout in elections. Using mathematics to study political strategy and collective decision making in committees/legislatures. Using statistics to measure political variables, design experiments with human subjects, and test micro/macro political theories.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65540/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8160 Section 002: Topics in Models and Methods -- Theories and Models of Political Economy (60021)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Seminar
    Credits:
    1-3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Meets With:
    POL 8460 Section 003
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/60021/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8160 Section 003: Topics in Models and Methods -- Political Experiments: Design and Analysis - II (67197)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Seminar
    Credits:
    1-3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    First Half of Term
     
    01/22/2013 - 03/11/2013
    Wed 01:30PM - 03:30PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 20
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics.
    Class Notes:
    ITV - Professor Corrine McConnaughy, The Ohio State University
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67197/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8160 Section 006: Topics in Models and Methods -- Multilevel Modeling (68193)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Seminar
    Credits:
    1-3 Credits
    Repeat Credit Limit:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Second Half of Term
     
    03/25/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Wed 01:30PM - 03:30PM
    UMTC, East Bank
    Hubert H Humphrey Center 20
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Seminars on selected topics.
    Class Notes:
    ITV - Professor Tom Rudolph, University of Illinois
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/68193/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8201 Section 001: Understanding Political Theory (65541)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Seminar
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Wed 11:00AM - 12:55PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Key concepts and major approaches.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65541/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8253 Section 001: Late Modern Political Thought (65542)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Seminar
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Wed 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theoretical responses to and rival interpretations of Western economy, society, politics, and democratic culture in the modern age; theories of history; class struggle; the end of metaphysics and the death of God; technology and bureaucracy; psychology of culture, in Hegel, Marx, Tocqueville, Mill, Nietzsche, Weber, Freud.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65542/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8305 Section 001: Interest Groups and Social Movements (65543)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Seminar
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Mon 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Course Catalog Description:
    Theoretical/empirical work on role of interest groups and social/political movements in American politics and policy-making processes. Theories of interest group and social/political movement formation, maintenance, and decline. How interest groups and social/political movements attempt to influence public policy. Impact/effectiveness groups/movements as agents of democratic representation, particularly for marginalized groups.
    Class Description:
    This graduate seminar engages theoretical and empirical work on the role of interest groups and social movements in American politics and policy-making processes. Some of the topics that we will cover include: theories of interest group and social movement formation, maintenance and decline; how interest groups and social movements attempt to influence public policy; the impact of interest groups and social movements; lobbying; the relationships between interest groups and the three branches of the federal government; interest groups, elections, campaign finance, PACs, and 527s; and the effectiveness of interest groups and social movements as agents of democratic representation. These topics reflect the multi-faceted and interdisciplinary subject area itself, which brings together behaviouralist and institutionalist foci, empirical and normative approaches, qualitative, quantitative, and theoretical methods, and materials from a range of disciplines and subfields in Political Science, Sociology, History, and Policy Studies. While we will examine a wide-range of groups and movements, the course will emphasize those that aim to represent marginalized groups, such as women, LGBT people, racial and ethnic minorities, and low-income people. We begin the course with a brief introduction to the state of the subfield. We then turn to some golden oldies of thinking and research on group politics in the US, discussing, for example, the role of groups in early ideas about US politics and the rise of pluralism as the dominant paradigm. Next, we move on to a range of critiques of pluralist approaches. After laying the conceptual and theoretical groundwork, we address empirical questions about interest groups and social movements: What do they do? How do they try to influence public policy? Do they influence public policy? How can we tell? What distinguishes interest groups from social movements, political parties, and other forms of collective action? We conclude by considering American Political Development and exploring whether theories and models of American interest groups and social movements ?travel? to other countries and to transnational politics.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65543/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    18 October 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8308 Section 001: Proseminar in Political Psychology II (46645)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Seminar
    Credits:
    2 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    S-N or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Meets With:
    PSY 8212 Section 001
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Fri 10:10AM - 12:10PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings, discussion, and guest speakers. Topics vary by semester.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/46645/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8311 Section 001: Political Psychology and Socialization (65544)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Seminar
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    A-F or Audit
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Thu 03:35PM - 05:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1314
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to political psychology. Personality and politics; political cognition, emotion, and political behavior; political expertise; media and politics; aggression, authoritarianism, and political behavior; altruism and politics.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65544/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8333 Section 001: FTE: Master's (49024)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Thesis Credit
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    (No description)
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49024/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8402 Section 001: International Security (67238)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Seminar
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Thu 03:35PM - 05:30PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Introduction to contending theories of international conflict/security.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/67238/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8444 Section 001: FTE: Doctoral (49123)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Thesis Credit
    Credits:
    1 Credit
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49123/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8460 Section 001: Topics in International Relations -- Civil Society: Transnational and Local (58034)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Seminar
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Fri 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in advanced topics or problems. Recent topics: global environmental issues, morality in world politics, and norms and institutions in world politics.
    Class Description:
    This graduate course reviews some of the most important works written on transnational (or global) civil society. We begin with a handful of classics from the 1990s, including Alison Brysk's work on the Argentinian human rights movement and its transnational supporters (1994)and Keck and Sikkink's widely cited work on "activists beyond borders" (1998). Then, we move into more contemporary work, including material published in the early part of this millenium (eg, Cliff Bob's 2005 work, "The Marketing of Rebellion,") as well as brand new, hot-off-the-press work such as Sarah Stroup's 2012 book on INGOs and national character ("Borders Among Activists"), and Charli Carpenter's forthcoming volume, "Lost Causes: Agenda Setting and Agenda Vetting." Three of these authors will visit us during the semester to give lectures in the department, meet with students during seminar and, hopefully, in private meetings for those particularly interested in their work. These include Neera Chandhoke ("Conceits of Civil Society,"), Charli Carpenter ("Lost Causes") and Mark Anner ("Solidarity Transformed: Labor Responses to Globalization and Crisis.") The course seeks to give graduate students a thorough grounding in the relevant literature, theories, debates, and methods. Although we obviously won't cover even a fraction of the field's total output, you will be familiar with some of the key debates and works, giving you a good start for a relevant project of your own. Each week, students will write a 500-page "book report," and debate the readings in class. Once a semester, you'll also present your book report orally to class. Your final project will either be a 3,000 word book review of all the works we read, or a 3,000 word literature review for an empirical paper/dissertation project of your own. For more details about your instructor, please visit www.jamesron.com
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/58034/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    25 October 2012

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8460 Section 003: Topics in International Relations -- Theories and Models in Political Economy (65546)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Seminar
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Meets With:
    POL 8160 Section 002
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Thu 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1450
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings and research in advanced topics or problems. Recent topics: global environmental issues, morality in world politics, and norms and institutions in world politics.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65546/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8660 Section 001: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Law and Courts (65547)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Seminar
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Tue 01:25PM - 03:20PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems; supervised research and research training.
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65547/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8660 Section 002: Topics in Comparative Politics -- Religion and Politics (65548)

    Instructor(s)
    Class Component:
    Seminar
    Credits:
    3 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    Wed 06:00PM - 08:00PM
    UMTC, West Bank
    Social Sciences Building 1383
    Also Offered:
    Course Catalog Description:
    Readings in advanced topics or problems; supervised research and research training.
    Class Description:
    This course examines theoretical debates about the role of religion in politics and governance. The course will primarily focus on these debates as they play out in the "Muslim world," that is, primarily in the Middle East, Muslim Eurasia, South and Southeast Asia and Africa. However, the course will discuss comparative political and sociological theories of religion more broadly. The course will also include a number of readings and examples that deal with the role of Christianity in western politics, historically and today. The course is divided into theoretical components, and each one will examine a major debate about the role of religion, especially Islam, in politics, such as: the intricate relationship between religious identity and tribe, ethnicity, nation and nationalism, and citizenship; religion and democracy; religion and gender politics; religion and state-building; religion and conflict; and religion and terrorism. The course will also cover a broad array of methodologies for studying religious identity and politics, from ethnographic to survey methods. These discussions are designed to help graduate students think about developing their own tools for pursuing field research related to religious and identity politics. The course has a political science focus, but is designed to be interdisciplinary. It draws on literature in anthropology (Saba Mahmood), sociology (e.g. Ronald Inglehart, Mounira Charrad), law (e.g. Noah Feldman, Hallaq), Islamic studies (e.g. Asma Afsaruddin) and history (e.g. Benin, John Esposito), as well as political science (Mark Tessler, Amaney Jamal, Robert Pape). Course requirements will include a final research paper and class presentations.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/65548/1133
    Instructor Supplied Information Last Updated:
    1 April 2009

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8666 Section 001: Doctoral Pre-Thesis Credits (49236)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Thesis Credit
    Credits:
    1-6 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49236/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8777 Section 001: Thesis Credits: Master's (49355)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Thesis Credit
    Credits:
    1-18 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49355/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8888 Section 001: Thesis Credit: Doctoral (49463)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Thesis Credit
    Credits:
    1-24 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    No Grade Associated
    Instructor Consent:
    No Special Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Grade Sort
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/49463/1133

    Spring 2013  |  POL 8990 Section 001: Directed Readings and Research in Political Science (46771)

    Instructor(s)
    No instructor assigned
    Class Component:
    Directed Study
    Credits:
    1-7 Credits
    Grading Basis:
    Student Option
    Instructor Consent:
    Department Consent Required
    Instruction Mode:
    In Person Term Based
    Class Attributes:
    Delivery Medium
    Times and Locations:
    Regular Academic Session
     
    01/22/2013 - 05/10/2013
    UMTC, West Bank
    Also Offered:
    Class Description:
    Student may contact the instructor or department for information.
    Textbooks:
    https://bookstores.umn.edu/course-lookup/46771/1133

    ClassInfo Links - Political Science Classes

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