POLITICAL SCIENCE (PLSC)
Robert L. Savage, Chair of the Department, 428 Old Main, 575-3356
PROFESSORS KELLEY, NEUSE, SAVAGE, VANNEMAN, WALIGORSKI; PROFESSORS EMERITI BLAIR, PILCHER; ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR EMERITUS TWERASER; ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS MILLER, RYAN; ASSISTANT PROFESSORS CONGE, KERR, OKRUHLIK, REID, SHIELDS; ASSISTANT PROFESSORS EMERITI ELSTON, REED; ADJUNCT PROFESSOR JAMISON; LECTURERS HIPP, LANCASTER
Requirements for B.A. Degree with a Major in Political Science: 30 semester hours at least 21 of which must be above 3000.
1. PLSC 2003 and 2013.
2. A student must take courses in four fields and at least two courses must be taken in each of three fields. In no single field may more than three courses be counted toward the 30-hour requirement. Neither PLSC 2003 nor 2013 can count toward a field requirement.
| American Politics-PLSC 2203, 3203, 3223, 3243, 3253, 3263, 4203, 4213, 4223, 4233, 4243, 4253, 4263, 4273, 4283, 4373 |
| Comparative Politics-PLSC 3503, 3513, 3523, 3553, 3573, 4503, 4543, 4553, 4563, 4583, 4593 |
| International Politics-PLSC 2813, 3803, 3813, 3823, 3853, 3863, 4803, 4813, 4843, 4873 |
| Political Theory-PLSC 3603, 3933, 3953, 3963, 3973, 3983, 4053, 4903 |
| Administration-PLSC 3103, 3113, 3153, 3183, 4193 |
Writing Requirement: The college writing requirement is fulfilled by submitting an acceptable research/analytical paper to the department for approval at least four weeks prior to graduation. The paper may derive from completion of an honors essay (PLSC 499VH), a senior thesis (PLSC 498V), or some other advanced course in political science. The student is urged to consult with his or her faculty adviser no later than early in the first semester of the senior year.
Requirements for Departmental Honors in Political Science: The Departmental Honors Program in Political Science offers junior and senior students the opportunity to enroll in enriched and advanced courses and to do independent research in their senior year. Honors candidates are eligible for honors colloquia, honors courses, some advanced seminars and an independent studies project, usually in close collaboration with one or more members of the faculty.
In addition to satisfying the general college honors requirements for the bachelor's degree, honors candidates in political science must successfully complete at least 12 hours of honors work. Six of the 12 hours will be senior essay credit (PLSC 499VH) and will be taken during the senior year. Successful completion and defense of senior essay or thesis is a major part of the Political Science Honors Program and students should begin discussing it with the Honors Advisor during their junior year. The preferred methods for satisfying the remaining six hours is to enroll in an honors colloquium (3923H) in political science or another department; by enrolling in a graduate seminar in political science; or, by enrolling in PLSC 399VH (honors course). Under exceptional circumstances, students may satisfy honors requirements by enrolling in PLSC 394V; by enrolling in honors sections in other departments; or by enrolling in colloquia or graduate seminars in other departments; each of which requires approval by the Department chairperson. Successful completion of the requirements will be recognized by the award of the distinction "Political Science Scholar Cum Laude'' at graduation. Higher degree distinctions are recommended only in truly exceptional cases and are based upon the whole of the candidate's program of honors studies. For full details consult the chairperson of the Political Science Department.
Political Science (B.A.) Teacher Certification in Social Studies Requirements:
| 1. Complete a minimum of 36 hours in primary field. |
| 2. Complete Pre-Education (ASED) minor. |
3. The following courses are specifically required for certification:20 PLSC 3223, Arkansas Politics |
| 4. Earn a "C" or better in ENGL 1013, ENGL 1023, ENGL 2003 (or ENGL 2013, or exemption by grades or test), COMM 1313, and MATH 1203 (or any higher mathematics course). |
Combined Majors
Political Science and African American Studies: For the requirements for a combined major in political science and African American studies, see page 198.
Political Science and Journalism: The combined major in political science and journalism is recommended for those students who have a strong interest in the reporting of public affairs as a career. The political science requirement may be satisfied by 24 semester hours of courses including PLSC 2003, 2013, 4373, and 15 additional hours of advanced political science courses elected from one or the other of two field concentrations. Those wishing to emphasize American political affairs may elect the additional hours from the following: PLSC 3103, 3113, 3153, 3183, 3203, 3223, 3243, 3253, 3263, 3603, 3853, 3923H, 3933, 394V, 3973, 3983, 399VH, 4193, 4203, 4223, 4233, 4243, 4253, 4263, 4273, or 4903. Alternatively, a foreign affairs concentration may be pursued by electing the advanced hours from the following courses: PLSC 3503, 3513, 3523, 3553, 3573, 3603, 3803, 3813, 3823, 3853, 3863, 3923H, 394V, 3953, 3963, 3973, 3983, 399VH, 4273, 4503, 4543, 4553, 4563, 4583, 4593, 4803, 4813, 4843, or 4873.
The journalism requirement may be satisfied by 24 semester hours of courses including JOUR 1023, 2013, 3013, 3023, 3633, and 4043, plus two courses from the following: 3133, 3333, 3433.
Political Science and Latin American Studies: For the requirements for a combined major in political science and Latin American studies, see pages 224.
Requirements for a Minor in Political Science: 18 hours including PLSC 2003 or PLSC 2013. At least 9 of these hours must be in courses numbered 3000 or above, and courses must be chosen from at least two of the five political science fields. Students should consult with an adviser in the Department for the selection of appropriate courses.
For requirements for the M.A. degree in political science, see the Graduate School Catalog.
Courses: Political Science (PLSC)
PLSC2003 American National Government (FA, SP, SU) Survey of the history, basic ideas, structure, and political processes of the national government of the United States, including the fundamental relationships of the federal system. Required of all political science majors. UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE
PLSC2003H Honors American National Government (FA) Survey of the history, basic ideas, structure, and political processes of the national government of the United States, including the fundamental relationships of the federal system. UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE
PLSC2013 Introduction to Political Science (FA, SP, SU) An introduction to the methods by which political scientists compare different political systems. Emphasis is on acquainting students with basic concepts and contemporary political institutions. Required of all political science majors. UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE
PLSC2203 State and Local Government (FA, SP) Organization and functions of state and local governments in the United States, intergovernmental relations, administration, adjudication, and the organization and function of political parties on state and local levels. UNIVERSITY CORE COURSE
PLSC2813 Introduction to International Relations (SP, SU) Introduction to the international system, theories of international behavior, political economy, conflict and peacemaking, the third world, international law and organizations, and the nature of the post-cold war world. (Same as FIIR 2813)
PLSC300V Internship in Public Affairs (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Work experience in a public agency arranged by the student under the guidance of a faculty member. Paper required. May be repeated for 6 hours.
PLSC3103 Public Administration (FA, SP) Trends and organization of public administration, dynamics of management; fiscal and personnel management; administrative powers and responsibility. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003.
PLSC3113 The Dynamics of Public Bureaucracy (FA, SP, SU) Study of the theoretical basis of public organizations. Particular emphasis on structure, human relations, communication, conflict resolution, leadership, control, and the political context of bureaucratic action and behavior.
PLSC3153 Public Policy (SP) A study of public policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation at various levels of government. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003.
PLSC3183 Public Personnel Management (FA, SP, SU) Development of the merit system in government, career systems, human resource planning and development, labor relations, diversity issues, and the legal dimension of public personnel systems. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003.
PLSC3203 Political Opinion (FA) Survey of the process by which people formulate their opinions on public matters and transmit them to governmental decision makers.
PLSC3223 Arkansas Politics (FA) The political system in Arkansas including the political process, public policy, social problems, political behavior, governmental structure, and contemporary issues. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003.
PLSC3243 The Judicial Process (FA) The structure and operation of the state and national court systems. Emphasis is upon the role of the judiciary in the American political system and the political aspects and consequences of judicial decision-making. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003.
PLSC3253 Urban Politics (FA) Analysis of comparative urban systems, including political process, public policy, social problems, governmental structure, and voter behavior. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003.
PLSC3263 Southern Politics (SP) Survey of the development and process of the distinctive politics of the American South as a region and as a set of individual state governments. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003.
PLSC3503 Governments and Politics of East Asia (IR) Comparative analysis of structures, processes, and problems of the political systems of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, Japan, and the Peoples Republic of China. Prerequisite: PLSC 2013.
PLSC3513 Government and Politics of Southeast Asia (IR) Comparative analysis of structures, processes and problems of selected Southeast Asian political systems. Prerequisite: PLSC 2013.
PLSC3523 Politics of the Middle East (FA, SP, SU) Survey of the unity and diversity in the political development of the Middle East, as evident in historical legacies, state formation, civil society, social class, and political identity.
PLSC3553 Western European Politics (FA) Comparative analysis of Western European parliamentary systems with special attention to political traditions, constitutional arrangements, socio-economic structure, and the political and legislative processes in countries such as Britain, France, and Germany. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003 or PLSC 2013.
PLSC3573 Governments and Politics of Latin America (FA) Comparative survey of Latin America political forces and institutions with special attention to patterns and problems of political change and development in that area. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003.
PLSC3603 Scope and Methods of Political Science (IR) The basic principles and assumptions of political inquiry (methodology) and research techniques for gathering and analyzing data about political phenomena. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003.
PLSC3803 International Organization (FA) The theory and practice of international organizations past and present, with emphasis on the United States and a critical examination of current trends. Prerequisite: junior standing.
PLSC3813 International Law (SP) Analysis of the traditional principles of public international law including the law of war, the law of sea and air, and the legal nature of statehood; and analysis of selected principles of private international law relevant to such topics as the multinational corporation, international arbitration, commerce with Communist states, and the expropriation of foreign property. Prerequisite: junior standing.
PLSC3823 Theories of International Relations (FA, SP) Analysis of major intellectual traditions in the field of international relations, including realism, liberalism, and social constructivism. Emphasis will be placed on how they help us to understand war, revolution, global capitalism, nationalism, peace, and other significant international phenomena. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003 and PLSC 2013.
PLSC3853 American Foreign Policy (FA, SP) The structure and process for making and implementing the foreign policy of the United States, and an evaluation of current policies in the contemporary international milieu. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003 or PLSC 2013.
PLSC3863 Russian and Soviet Foreign Policy (FA) Analysis of post-communist Russian foreign policy as contrasted with the global challenge of the Soviet Union. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003 or PLSC 2013.
PLSC3923H Honors Colloquium (IR) Covers a special topic or issue, offered as part of the honors program. May be repeated. Prerequisite: honors candidacy in political science.
PLSC3933 American Political Theory (FA) Major ideas and issues in American political theory from the Colonial Period to date.
PLSC394V Readings in Political Science (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) For advanced students who wish to study some field of political science beyond the course offering available in that field. May be repeated for 6 hours. Prerequisite: junior standing.
PLSC3953 Ancient and Medieval Political Thought (FA) leading political works by classical writers during ancient and medieval European history.
PLSC3963 Modern European Political Thought (SP) Major European political writings from Machiavelli to the present. Prerequisite: junior standing.
PLSC3973 Twentieth Century Political Thought (FA) Twentieth century political thought including authority, obligation, dissent, government and economy, politics and technology, alienation, anarchy, pacifism, positivism and and existentialism within the general context of democratic-Marxist controversy.
PLSC3983 Politics in Literature (SP) Analysis of political theories and issues through extensive reading and discussion of selected works of literature. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003 or PLSC 2013.
PLSC399VH Honors Course (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) May be repeated for 6 hours. Prerequisite: junior standing.
Courses numbered 4000 are designed primarily for advanced undergraduates but are open to graduate students.
PLSC400V Special Topics (1-3) (IR) Topics in political science not usually covered in other courses. May be repeated.
PLSC4053 Political Sociology (FA) Analysis of political institutions and movements in relation to power, social class, ideology, and related variables. (Same as SOCI 4053)
PLSC4193 Administrative Law (SP) Legal aspects of the administrative process and the effect of legal principles and processes upon administrative decision-making. Emphasis is given to the limitation of administrative discretion and the judicial review of administrative decision. Prerequisite: PLSC 3103 or PLSC 4253.
PLSC4203 American Political Parties (FA, SP) The nature, function, and history of political parties in then United States with emphasis on party membership, organization, campaign techniques, finance and electoral alliances. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003.
PLSC4223 The American Congress (FA) Thorough examination of the constitutional role of the legislative branch under the Constitution; the internal procedures and personalities of the Senate and House; the central place of Congress in shaping domestic and foreign policy. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003.
PLSC4233 The American Chief Executive (SP) Offices and roles of the President and state governors of the United States focusing on the evolution of the offices in terms of responsibilities and political leadership. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003.
PLSC4243 Minority Politics (SP) Reviews political action and concepts of political activity by minority groups, focusing on contemporary political behavior.
PLSC4253 The Supreme Court and the Constitution (FA) United States Supreme Court decisions involving the functions and powers of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the President and federalism. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003.
PLSC4263 The Supreme Court and Civil Rights (SP) United States Supreme Court decisions interpreting the political, economic, and civil rights of individuals and groups. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003.
PLSC4273 Political Psychology (SP) Examines role of the individual in the polity including basic psychological constructs of relevance to political action, the formulation and maintenance of stable political orientations, the patterns linking the individual to the polity, and major modes of inquiry. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003.
PLSC4283 Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations (FA, SP, SU) Analysis of changes in intergovernmental relations in the American federal system. Discussions will focus on political, economic/fiscal and administrative aspects of policy changes of the pre-and post-Reagan eras.
PLSC4373 Political Communication (SP) Study of the nature and function of the communication process as it operates in the political environment. (Same as COMM 4373)
PLSC4503 African Politics (SP) Comparative analysis of structures, processes and problems of selected Sub-Saharan African political systems.
PLSC4543 Government and Politics of Eastern Europe (SP) Study of the politics of East European nations primarily after World War II, with emphasis on the role of the period of communist rule and democratization. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003 or PLSC 2013.
PLSC4553 Political Development (SP) Concepts of political development, political modernization, and political change are analyzed. Topics such as the following are then studied: political integration, political parties and interest groups, and political elites. Examples are taken from both Western and non-Western political systems. Prerequisite: PLSC 2013.
PLSC4563 Government and Politics of Russia (SP) Study of Russian and Soviet politics after 1917 and of the democratization of Russia and the other successor states. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003 or PLSC 2013.
PLSC4583 Political Economy of the Middle East (FA, SP, SU) Examines the links between politics and economics in the Middle East and the impact of that nexus on development. Analyses of global and regional integration, oil states, statist development, liberalization and privatization, and resources and population movements to understand power and class in the area.
PLSC4593 Islam and Politics (FA, SP, SU) Compares contemporary Islamist political movements. Seeks to explain causes, debates, agendas, and strategies of Islamists in the political realm. Addresses sovereignty, the rule of law, visions of the good state and society, and relations between nationalism, religion and political development. Focus on Middle East with comparative reference to other cases.
PLSC4803 Foreign Policy Analysis (SP) Comparative analysis of foreign policy, with attention paid to explanations at a variety of levels, such as the individual, group, organizational, societal, systemic.
PLSC4813 Comparative Foreign Policy: American-Russian/Soviet Relations (FA) Study of the cold war period from 1945 to 1991, of post-1991 American-Russian relations, and of relations relations among the successor states. Prerequisite: PLSC 2003 or PLSC 2013.
PLSC4843 The Middle East in World Affairs (SP) An analysis of geo-political and socio-economic characteristics of Middle Eastern societies and their impact on world economic and political order. Special attention to such issues as the Arab-Israeli conflict, the promotion of lasting peace in the region, impact of oil on world politics, the involvement of superpowers, rehabilitation of Palestinian refugees and the role of the United Nations.
PLSC4873 Inter-American Politics (SP) An analysis of the political themes, regional organization, and hemispheric relations that constitute the inter-American system, with special emphasis on conflict and cooperation in the hemispheric policies of the American republics. Prerequisite: junior standing.
PLSC4903 Democratic Theory (FA, SP, SU) Analysis and comparison of classical and contemporary theories of democracy.
PLSC498V Senior Thesis (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)
PLSC499VH Honors Essay (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) Not part of the 30 hours requirement for the major. May be repeated for 6 hours.
Courses numbered above 5000 are designed primarily for graduate students.
PLSC5103 Human Behavior in Complex Organizations (FA) Review of the fundamental literature and a systematic analysis of various theories and research focusing on organization and behavior in public administration, including the discussion of organizational development, human motivation, leadership, rationality, efficiency and conflict management in public organizations. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5113 Seminar in Human Resource Management (SP) Intensive study of public personnel policies and practices, including legal foundations, classification and compensation plans, recruitment and selection processes, training, employment policies and morale, employee relations and organization. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5123 Public Budgeting and Finance (FA) Focuses on the budgeting process and governmental fiscal policy formulation, adoption, and execution. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5133 Management in Complex Organizations (FA, SP) This seminar focuses on the scope and nature of management in public organizations with special emphasis on relating contemporary management theory to the public organizational context. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5143 Administrative Law (IR) A seminar which examines the constitutional and statutory basis and authority of public organizations. Special attention focuses on the nature of the rule-making and adjudicatory powers of public agencies and on executive, legislative, and judicial restraints on such activities. Also considered is the role, scope, and place of public regulatory activities. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5163 Public Policy (SP) Research seminar examining the study of public policy making in complex human systems. Attention given to issues dealing with cognitive limitations in decisional settings, the use of reasoned persuasion vs. power, the appropriate application of technical analysis. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5183 Comparative Public Administration (IR) A comparative study of administrative structures and processes in selected modern and modernizing political systems. Analysis includes the consideration of cultural, legal and political factors influencing the operation of bureaucratic institutions, developmental goals, and the methods of establishing and administering programs of social, economic and political development. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5193 Seminar in Public Administration (FA) Introduction to and synthesis of public administration theory, functions, history, public accountability and management concerns, economic impact of administrative decisions, current problems, and issues in the public sector. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5203 Seminar in American Political Institutions (FA) Research seminar dealing with selected aspects of the major governmental institutions in the United States. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5213 Seminar in American Political Behavior (SP) Reading seminar surveying major works on representative processes in American national politics, including political opinion, political leadership, political participation, voting behavior, political parties, and interest groups. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5223 Seminar in Legislative Processes and Behavior (FA) Research seminar dealing with legislative processes and behavior in the United States. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5233 Disability Policy in the United States (FA, SP, SU) An analysis of public policy approaches to disability in the United States. Examines the political and philosophical origins of disability policy; reviews major disability legislation and its effects on policy stakeholders; describes recent policy initiatives; analyzes evolution of disability policy with context of changing societal, economic and political conditions. (Same as RHAB 6203) Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5243 Seminar in State and Local Politics (FA, SP, SU) Research seminar dealing with selected aspects of state and local institutions and politics such as comparative policy-making, political culture variations, and community power structures. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5383 Seminar in Political Communication (IR) Research seminar focusing on selected topics such as candidate imagery, diffusion of political information, or political symbolism. (Same as COMM 5383) Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5503 Comparative Political Analysis (FA) A selection of topics to provide the theoretical, conceptual and methodological and foundation for the analysis of contemporary political systems. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5513 Seminar in Politics of the Middle East (FA, SP, SU) Explores the major lines of inquiry on the politics of the state and society in the context of endogenous and exogenous forces that have influenced conceptions of power, legitimacy, and identity. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5523 Topics in Politics of the Middle East (FA, SP, SU) Indepth analysis of specific political phenomena in the contemporary Middle East. Inquiry will vary but may focus on gender, political economy, politics of inclusion and exclusion (democratization and authoritarianism), or the politics of oil. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5553 Western European Politics (SP, Odd years) Comparative analysis of major Western Europe political systems with special attention to development and transformation of European political cultures, forces and institutions. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5563 Russian and Soviet Political Systems (SP) Study of the political systems of the Soviet Union and the successor states. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5573 Political Change in Latin America (SP, Even years) Research seminar analyzing obstacles to change in Latin America while utilizing both North American and Latin American research frameworks and techniques that deal with the theory and measurement of stability and development. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5593 Problems of Political Development (SU) Concept and process and analysis of Western and non-Western political systems. Topics include political culture, political culture, political socialization, pluralism, political violence, political participation, and political elites. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC560V Teaching Foreign Cultures in Social Studies Curriculum (1-6) (SU) Extensive examination of foreign cultures (West Europe, USSR, China, Latin America) and methods of teaching about them in secondary school social studies. Four week residential summer institute. (Same as CIED 567, HIST 560, SEED 570)
PLSC5803 Seminar in International Politics (FA) Research seminar providing intensive coverage of selected topics in theories of international relations, the comparative study of foreign policy making, and international organizations. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5833 Seminar in Contemporary Problems (FA) Seminar with concentrated reading in selected and specialized areas of contemporary international relations. May be repeated for 6 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5843 International Legal Order (SP) Analysis of distinctive characteristics of contemporary international law. Topics include role of legal order in controlling the use of force in international relations and the impact of social and political environment on growth of international law and relations among international political systems. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC590V Directed Readings in Political Science (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) May be repeated for 6 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5913 Research Methods in Political Science (FA) Methods relevant to research in the various fields of political science. Required of all graduate students in political science. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC592V Internship in Political Science (1-6) (FA, SP, SU) Internship in a local, state, regional, or federal agency. Paper required on a significant aspect of internship experience. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC595V Research Problems in Political Science (1-3) (FA, SP, SU) May be repeated for 6 hours. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5963 Modern Political Thought (FA) European political thinking since the rise of the nation-state and the relevance of that tradition to contemporary politics. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC5973 Contemporary Normative Political Theory (SP) Analysis of current normative problems of political theory such as obligation, dissent, justification, sovereignty and tolerance, and major schools of thought including Marxism, liberalism and western conservatism. Prerequisite: graduate standing.
PLSC600V Master's Thesis (1-6) (FA, SP, SU)