Department of Political Science Home Page
Faculty
G. Eduardo Silva, Professor, Chairperson
Ph.D., University of California-San Diego
David B. Robertson, Distinguished Teaching Professor
Ph.D., Indiana University
J. Martin Rochester, Distinguished Teaching Professor
Ph.D., Syracuse University
Todd Swanstrom, E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor in Community Collaboration & Public Policy
Ph.D., Princeton University
Glen Hahn Cope, Professor, Provost and Vice Chancellor
Ph.D., Ohio State University
E. Terrence Jones, Professor
Ph.D., Georgetown University
Dennis R. Judd, Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., University of Illinois
Carol W. Kohfeld, Professor Emerita
Ph.D., Washington University
Joyce M. Mushaben, Professor
Ph.D., Indiana University
Lyman Tower Sargent, Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., University of Minnesota
J. Fred Springer, Professor Emeritus
Ph.D., University of California-Davis
Lana Stein, Professor Emerita
Ph.D., Michigan University
Brady Baybeck, Associate Professor, Director Public Policy Administration
Ph.D., Washington University
Andrew Glassberg, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Yale University
Joel N. Glassman, Associate Professor, Director, Center for International Studies, Associate Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
Ph.D., University of Michigan
Barbara L. Graham, Associate Professor, Graduate Director
Ph.D., Washington University
Jean-Germain Gros, Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of California-Berkeley
Ruth Iyob, Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of California-Santa Barbara
David C. Kimball, Associate Professor
Ph.D., Ohio State University
Nancy T. Kinney, Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Colorado at Denver
Richard T. Middleton, IV, Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia
Kenneth P. Thomas, Associate Professor
Ph.D., University of Chicago
Brian Fogarty, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Farida Jalalzai, Assistant Professor
Ph.D., University of Buffalo
Political Science faculty are nationally known scholars in their respective fields, dedicated to high-quality teaching and education. Department faculty members have received distinctions such as the Curators’ Distinguished Teaching Professor Award, Presidential Award for Research and Creativity, Chancellor's Award for Research and Creativity, Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching, Governor’s Teaching Awards, Burlington Northern Faculty Achievement Award, Emerson Electric Excellence in Teaching Award and E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor Award. They have received research grants from such prestigious agencies as the John F. Kennedy Library, the Ford Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, the National Science Foundation, the German Marshall Fund, the United States Department of Education, the Fulbright Program, and the United States Institute for Peace. The faculty has published its research in more than 80 books and 400 articles in scholarly journals and is devoted to using its research findings to improve teaching.
In addition to helping students become more knowledgeable about politics and public policy, political science course work provides rich opportunities for students to develop a variety of practical skills--such as information-gathering and processing, analysis, research, decision making and oral and written communication--that are transferable to many career paths and job settings after graduation.
General Information
Degrees and Areas of Concentration
The political science department offers undergraduate work leading to the B.A. degree in political science, B.S. degree in public policy and administration, and, in cooperation with the College of Education, the B.A. in political science with teacher certification and the B.S. in education with an emphasis in social studies. (See College of Education section in this Bulletin for details.) Minors in political science are available to students who are majoring in another discipline and who have a special interest in law, government, politics, and public policy.
Principal areas of concentration include urban politics, American political processes and behavior, international politics, comparative politics, public policy and administration, public law, and political theory. In many courses, emphasis is placed on the ways in which public policies are developed and administered. In addition to formal course work, internships are available in which the student can relate classroom learning to practical field experience.
The political science department also offers graduate courses leading to the M.A. and Ph.D. in political science. The M.A. program in political science offers advanced education for those seeking careers in government, business, secondary education, community, or not-for-profit agencies. The principal foci of the 33-hour program are public administration and public policy analysis/evaluation in the local, state, national, and international areas. The flexibility of the general master's degree allows for individualized programs in urban politics, prelegal education, American national government, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory.
The Ph.D. in political science emphasizes the study of theoretic, analytic, and substantive approaches to public policy. Core courses include research methods, normative and empirical theory, and policy processes and institutions. Doctoral candidates, in consultation with the faculty, develop a policy concentration, which can be interdisciplinary. Internships, when appropriate, may be a component. All successful doctoral candidates must complete a dissertation, which makes a significant contribution to knowledge in the field.
Most graduate classes are scheduled so those employed outside the university can participate in the programs on a part-time basis. Financial assistance is available to full-time students.
Special Interdisciplinary Degree
The Department of Political Science also cooperates with the Department of Economics in the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business Administration in offering a master's degree in public policy administration (MPPA). For information on the MPPA degree program, see that section in this Bulletin.
Cooperative Programs
Political science students may also study overseas, or obtain a Certificate in International Studies, European Studies, African Studies, East Asian Studies, Latin American Studies, Women's & Gender Studies, or Writing, in conjunction with their political science major. See Certificate Programs in this Bulletin and consult with the Center for International Studies.
Research in political science is encouraged for students at all levels. Assistance is available at UMSL's Public Policy Research Centers, the Center for International Studies, and the Office of Computing. The department's membership in the Interuniversity Consortium for Political and Social Research provides access to a wide range of survey data on local-state-national, comparative, and international politics. In addition, extensive research opportunities are available within the metropolitan St. Louis area. Scholarships are available for qualified students; details can be obtained from the department office.
Undergraduate Studies
General Education Requirements
Majors must satisfy the university and college general education requirements. Political science courses may be used to satisfy the social sciences requirement. The foreign language requirement for the B.A. degree may be satisfied in any language.
Departmental Honors
The department awards honors to students having a grade point average (GPA) of 3.2 in the major, an overall GPA of 3.2 (except in extraordinary circumstances), and successfully completed an honors thesis, project, or report.
Degree Requirements
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
All majors must complete at least 36, but not more than 45, hours of political science. All students are required to take the following core curriculum:
Political Science
POL SCI 1100, Introduction to American Politics
POL SCI 1500, Introduction to Comparative Politics
POL SCI 2000, Political Analysis
POL SCI 3950, Senior Seminar in Political Science
Majors are urged to take POL SCI 1100, 1500, and 2000 as early as possible since these courses are designed to provide a substantive foundation as well as conceptual and analytical tools for subsequent course work. Because the seminar topics in POL SCI 3950 change from semester to semester, the course can be repeated as an elective. All majors must take at least one Seminar in Political Science.
Students also must complete at least one course in four of the following political science areas:
Public Law (chosen from among courses listed in bulletin at the 1000, 2000, or 3000 or 4000 level)
American Politics (chosen from among courses listed in bulletin at the 1000, 2000, or 3000 or 4000 level).
Public Policy and Administration (chosen from among courses listed in bulletin at the 1000, 2000, or 3000 or 4000 level).
Comparative Politics (chosen from among courses listed in bulletin at the 1000, 2000, or 3000 or 4000 level).
Political Theory (chosen from among courses listed in bulletin at the 1000, 2000, or 3000 or 4000 level).
International Relations (chosen from among courses listed in bulletin at the 1000, 2000, or 3000 or 4000 level).
Methodology (chosen from among courses listed in bulletin at the 1000, 2000, or 3000 or 4000 level).
At least 18 hours of political science course work must be at the 2000, 3000 or 4000 level, not including POL SCI 2000. B.A. degree students may take a maximum of 3 hours of political science on a satisfactory/ unsatisfactory basis; this can include any course except the required courses in the core curriculum.
Note: As early as possible, students should determine their educational objectives and consult with an adviser regarding a plan of study. Those students who are uncertain of their future plans are urged to include in their 36-45 hours of political science a broad set of courses in American politics, public policy and administration, public law, comparative politics, international politics, political theory, and methodology. In addition to this general course of study in political science, the department offers B.A. degree students several specialized programs of study in political science geared to various student academic and career interests.
Graduate School Preparation
This program is designed for students planning to pursue graduate studies in political science, particularly the Ph.D. degree, with the aim of a career as either an academic or practitioner (working as a researcher, policy analyst, or in some other capacity calling for advanced knowledge and skills). In addition to the core curriculum and common requirements for all political science majors, students are advised to (1) take as many political science courses at the 2000 and 3000 or 4000 level as possible in a variety of areas (public law, American politics, comparative and international politics, etc.), (2) complete a departmental honors project based on independent research and writing in POL SCI 3900, Special Readings, and (3) give special consideration to courses in normative political theory (such as POL SCI 2620, Modern Political Thought) and research methods (such as POL SCI 6401, Introduction to Policy Research, which is a graduate course open to undergraduates with Graduate School approval). Students are also encouraged to take course work outside the department in microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistics.
Legal Studies
This is an ideal program of study for double majors in political science and criminal justice or for any student interested in law school and a career in the law. In addition to the core curriculum and common requirements for all political science majors, students are advised to take POL SCI 1200, Foundations of Law: An Introduction to Legal Studies, and at least four of the following political science courses:
POL SCI 2260, Law, Politics and Society
POL SCI 2280, Judicial Politics and Policy
POL SCI 2290, Gender and the Law
POL SCI 2650, American Political Thought
POL SCI 2900, Studies in Political Science (when appropriate)
POL SCI 3200, Constitutional Law
POL SCI 3210, Civil Liberties
POL SCI 3260, The Supreme Court
POL SCI 3290, Studies in Public Law
POL SCI 3900, Special Readings (when appropriate)
POL SCI 3940, Public Affairs Internship (when appropriate)
POL SCI 4850, International Law
Students are also advised to take political science course work that gives them a strong background in American political institutions and processes. Those students considering practicing law in the international arena should take course work in comparative and international politics. Political science course work may be supplemented by course work in criminal justice and criminology.
American Politics
Designed for those students interested in careers in communications, education, business, social work, political consulting, and other fields requiring knowledge of American urban, state, and national politics and institutions. Education majors planning to teach in the social studies field, communications majors planning on a career in journalism, or business majors thinking about working in corporate relations may especially wish to consider a double major in political science with a focus in this area. In addition to the core curriculum and common requirements for all majors, students are advised to take at least five of the following political science courses:
POL SCI 2280, Judicial Politics and Policy
POL SCI 2300, State Politics
POL SCI 2320, African Americans and the PoliticalSystem
POL SCI 2350, Introduction to Urban Politics
POL SCI 2380, The Politics of Gender in the United States
POL SCI 2420, Introduction to Public Policy
POL SCI 2650, American Political Thought
POL SCI 2820, United States Foreign Policy
POL SCI 2900, Studies in Political Science (when appropriate)
POL SCI 3300, The American Presidency
POL SCI 3330, Introduction to Political Behavior
POL SCI 3331, Congressional Politics
POL SCI 3340, Politics and the Media
POL SCI 3350, Political Parties and Elections
POL SCI 3390, Studies in American Politics
POL SCI 3480, Environmental Politics
POL SCI 3900, Special Readings (when appropriate)
POL SCI 3940, Public Affairs Internship (when appropriate)
In addition, students may wish to choose other political science courses listed below under the public policy and administration program of study. Given the growing reality of international interdependence, students should not restrict their studies completely to American politics but should take some course work in comparative and international politics as well. Depending on their specific career interest, students may wish to round out their program with course work in other social science departments such as criminal justice, communications, economics, or social work.
Public Policy and Administration
Designed for students interested in working inside or outside government, in a career requiring familiarity with how public policies are formulated and implemented. (Students alternatively may wish to consider the B.S. in public policy and administration degree offered by the political science department.) In addition to the core curriculum and common requirements for all majors, students are advised to take POL SCI 2420, Introduction to Public Policy, and at least four of the following political science courses:
POL SCI 2400, Public Administration
POL SCI 2820, United States Foreign Policy
POL SCI 2900, Studies in Political Science (when appropriate)
POL SCI 3420, Public Personnel Management
POL SCI 3439, Studies in Policy Formation
POL SCI 3440, Public Budgeting
POL SCI 3450, Urban Administration
POL SCI 3460, The Politics of Poverty and Welfare
POL SCI 3480, Environmental Politics
POL SCI 3570, Gender, Race, and Public Policy
POL SCI 3900, Special Readings (when appropriate)
POL SCI 3940, Public Affairs Internship (when appropriate)
POL SCI 4460, Urban Planning and Politics
POL SCI 4510, Comparative Public Policy and Administration
POL SCI 4940, Leadership and Management in Nonprofit Organizations
Depending on career interests, students should add course work in American, comparative, or international politics. Students are encouraged to develop a policy concentration in a particular policy area, such as urban, labor, health, education, and business studies, with multidisciplinary course work taken in political science and other departments.
International and Comparative Studies
Designed for students interested in international careers in government service (not only the U.S. State Department but also other federal government agencies), intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, business, education, and other areas of employment. In addition to the core curriculum and common requirements for all political science majors, students are advised to take POL SCI 1800, World Politics, or POL SCI 2500, Comparing Different Worlds, and at least four of the following political science courses (some of which are international politics courses that focus on conflict and cooperation between countries, and some of which are comparative politics courses that focus on political, economic, and social change within countries):
POL SCI 1600, Contemporary Political Ideologies
POL SCI 1820, Global Issues
POL SCI 2510, The Politics of European Union
POL SCI 2520, Middle Eastern Politics
POL SCI 2530, Political Systems of South America
POL SCI 2540, Political Systems of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean
POL SCI 2550, East Asian Politics
POL SCI 2560, Russia and the New Republics
POL SCI 2580, African Politics
POL SCI 2820, United States Foreign Policy
POL SCI 2900, Studies in Political Science (when appropriate)
POL SCI 3570, Gender, Race, and Public Policy
POL SCI 3595, Studies in Comparative Politics
POL SCI 3690, The Marxist Heritage
POL SCI 3830, International Political Economy
POL SCI 3850, International Organizations and Global Problem Solving
POL SCI 3860, Studies in War and Peace
POL SCI 3890, Studies in International Relations
POL SCI 3900, Special Readings (when appropriate)
POL SCI 3940, Public Affairs Internship (when appropriate)
POL SCI 4510, Comparative Public Policy and Administration
POL SCI 4850, International Law
Students interested in working for the U.S. Foreign Service, American-based multinational companies, and nonprofit organizations should also take course work that familiarizes them with the American political system and how public policy is made. Students should explore the various interdisciplinary area studies and international studies certificate programs offered through the Center for International Studies.
Bachelor of Science in Public Policy and Administration
The BSPA degree has three emphasis areas. The first is a public administration track, which emphasizes management in both the public and nonprofit sectors; it may produce a terminal degree or be a precursor to graduate training. The second is a public policy track in which a student may focus on a particular policy area and also acquire specialized analytic training and research skills, in preparation for relevant entry-level jobs in the public or the voluntary sector as well as in certain parts of the private sector. The third emphasis area focuses explicitly on the administrative and leadership concerns of organizations in the nonprofit sector, which constitutes a growing field of research and employment opportunities.
All BSPA majors must complete at least 33, but no more than 45, hours in political science. The following core curriculum is required of all BSPA majors:
Political Science
POL SCI 1100, Introduction to American Politics
POL SCI 1500, Introduction to Comparative Politics
POL SCI 2000, Political Analysis
POL SCI 2400, Public Administration
POL SCI 2420, Introduction to Public Policy
POL SCI 3940, Public Affairs Internship
POL SCI 3950, Senior Seminar in Political Science
ECON 1001, Principles of Microeconomics
ECON 1002, Principles of Macroeconomics
CRIMIN 2220, Statistical Analysis in Criminology and Criminal Justice or
SOC 3220, Sociological Statistics or
ECON 3100, Economic Statistics
In addition, students must provide a demonstration of computer proficiency through one of the following:
BUS AD 1800, Computers and Information Systems, extension courses, or other study approved by the BSPA coordinator.
BSPA students may take a maximum of 3 hours of political science on a satisfactory/ unsatisfactory basis, except for the following (which may not be taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis): POL SCI 1100, 1500, 2400, 2000, 2420, 3940, and 3950.
Public Administration Emphasis Area
In addition to the core curriculum requirements for all BSPA majors, students in the public administration emphasis area are required to complete the following courses:
POL SCI 3420, Public Personnel Management
POL SCI 3440, Public Budgeting
BUS AD 2400, Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
Students in the public administration emphasis area also must take two of the political science courses listed under policy and institutions courses below, as well as take at least two additional elective courses chosen from among that list or any other political science offerings.
Public Policy Emphasis Area
In addition to the core curriculum requirements for all BSPA majors, students in the public policy emphasis area must take four political science courses, preferably selected from the policy and institutions courses listed below but which may include other political science course offerings as well.
Policy and Institutions Courses:
POL SCI 1450, Introduction to Labor Studies
POL SCI 2280, Judicial Politics and Policy
POL SCI 2300, State Politics
POL SCI 2350, Introduction to Urban Politics
POL SCI 3300, The American Presidency
POL SCI 3331, Congressional Politics
POL SCI 3430, Union Leadership and Administration
POL SCI 3439, Studies in Policy Formation
POL SCI 3450, Urban Administration
POL SCI 3460, The Politics of Poverty and Welfare
POL SCI 3480, Environmental Politics
POL SCI 4460, Urban Planning and Politics
POL SCI 4510, Comparative Public Policy and Administration
POL SCI 4940, Leadership and Management in Nonprofit Organizations
Students will adopt a policy concentration of at least 15 credit hours. Possible areas of specialization include, but are not limited to, environmental policy, government and business, society and the legal system, urban policy, labor studies, health care, human services, and nonprofit service provision. In fulfilling the concentration requirement, students, in consultation with the BSPA coordinator, will select courses from related disciplines in addition to taking two more political science courses related to the policy area.
Nonprofit Emphasis Area
In addition to the core curriculum requirements for all BSPA majors, students in the nonprofit emphasis area are required to complete the following courses (9 credit hours):
POL SCI 4911, Management Issues in Nonprofit Organizations: Staff Management Issues (1 credit hour)
POL SCI 4912, Management Issues in Nonprofit Organizations: Legal Issues in Governing and Managing Nonprofit Organizations (1 credit hour)
POL SCI 4913, Management Issues in Nonprofit Organizations: Financial Issues (1 credit hour)
POL SCI 4940, The Management and Leadership of Nonprofit Organizations
POL SCI 4960, American Philanthropy and Nonprofit Resources Development
Students in the nonprofit emphasis area also must take four political science courses from the list below.
POL SCI 2320, African Americans and the Political System
POL SCI 2350, Introduction to Urban Politics
POL SCI 3350, Political Parties and Elections
POL SCI 3420, Public Personnel Management*
POL SCI 3430, Union Leadership and Administration
POL SCI 3440, Public Budgeting*
POL SCI 3450, Urban Administration
POL SCI 3460, The Politics of Poverty and Welfare
POL SCI 3480, Environmental Politics
POL SCI 4510, Comparative Public Policy and Administration
With the permission of an advisor, students may also choose from relevant special topic courses frequently offered as Studies in Political Science (2900)
Students who complete the required 9 credit hours for the Nonprofit Emphasis, as well as an additional three selected courses (two are marked with an asterisk*, above), are eligible to earn the Undergraduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. Further details about earning the certificate are available at the program’s webpage.
Note: Students considering the B.S. in public policy and administration should see a political science adviser as early as possible to plan their program.
Requirements for the Minors
A general minor in political science can be arranged, as well as specialized minors in eight different subfields of the discipline. Interested students should see a faculty adviser to plan a coherent program of study as a minor field.
Students must achieve a cumulative 2.0 GPA in the political science courses chosen to qualify for the minor. Students may count no more than 3 hours in political science taken on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis toward the minor. Students taking an internship POL SCI 3940 may count no more than three hours of the internship toward the minor.
Minor in Political Science, General
Fifteen hours, chosen from among all political science courses.
Minor in American Politics
Fifteen hours, chosen from the following political science courses:
POL SCI 1100, Introduction to American Politics
POL SCI 2280, Judicial Politics and Policy
POL SCI 2300, State Politics
POL SCI 2320, African Americans and the Political System
POL SCI 2350, Introduction to Urban Politics
POL SCI 2380, Politics of Gender in the United States
POL SCI 2420, Introduction to Public Policy
POL SCI 2650, American Political Thought
POL SCI 2820, United States Foreign Policy
POL SCI 3260, The Supreme Court
POL SCI 3300, The American Presidency
POL SCI 3331, Congressional Politics
POL SCI 3330, Introduction to Political Behavior
POL SCI 3340, Politics and the Media
POL SCI 3350, Political Parties and Elections
POL SCI 3390, Studies in American Politics
POL SCI 3900, Special Readings (when appropriate)
POL SCI 3940, Public Affairs Internship (when appropriate)
Minor in Comparative Politics
POL SCI 1500, Introduction to Comparative Politics, plus 12 hours from the following political science courses:
POL SCI 2500, Comparing Different Worlds
POL SCI 2510, The Politics of European Union
POL SCI 2530, Political Systems of South America
POL SCI 2540, Political Systems of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean
POL SCI 2550, East Asian Politics
POL SCI 2560, Russia and the New Republics
POL SCI 2580, African Politics
POL SCI 3570, Gender, Race, and Public Policy
POL SCI 3595, Studies in Comparative Politics
POL SCI 3900, Special Readings (when appropriate)
POL SCI 4510, Comparative Public Policy Administration
Minor in International Relations
Fifteen hours, chosen from the following political science courses:
POL SCI 1800, World Politics
POL SCI 1820, Global Issues
POL SCI 1850, Global Ecology
POL SCI 2520, Middle Eastern Politics
POL SCI 2820, United States Foreign Policy
POL SCI 3830, International Political Economy
POL SCI 3850, International Organizations and Global Problem-Solving
POL SCI 3860, Studies in War and Peace
POL SCI 3890, Studies in International Relations
POL SCI 3900, Special Readings (when appropriate)
POL SCI 3940, Public Affairs Internship (when appropriate)
POL SCI 4850, International Law
Minor in Political Theory
Fifteen hours, chosen from the following political science courses:
POL SCI 1600, Contemporary Political Ideologies
POL SCI 2610, Ancient and Medieval Political Thought
POL SCI 2620, Modern Political Thought
POL SCI 2650, American Political Thought
POL SCI 3680, Feminist Political Theory
POL SCI 3690, The Marxist Heritage
POL SCI 3695, Studies in Political Theory
POL SCI 3900, Special Readings (when appropriate)
Minor in Public Administration
POL SCI 2400, Public Administration, plus 12 hours chosen from the following political science courses:
POL SCI 2420, Introduction to Public Policy
POL SCI 3420, Public Personnel Management
POL SCI 3439, Studies in Policy Formation
POL SCI 3440, Public Budgeting
POL SCI 3450, Urban Administration
POL SCI 3900, Special Readings (when appropriate)
POL SCI 3940, Public Affairs Internship (when appropriate)
POL SCI 4460, Urban Planning and Politics
POL SCI 4510, Comparative Public Policy and Administration
Minor in Public Law
Fifteen hours, chosen from the following political science courses:
POL SCI 1200, Foundations of Law: An Introduction to Legal Studies
POL SCI 2260, Law, Politics and Society
POL SCI 2280, Judicial Politics and Policy
POL SCI 2290, Gender and the Law
POL SCI 3200, Constitutional Law
POL SCI 3210, Civil Liberties
POL SCI 3260, The Supreme Court
POL SCI 3290, Studies in Public Law
POL SCI 3900, Special Readings (when appropriate)
POL SCI 4850, International Law
Minor in Public Policy
POL SCI 2420, Introduction to Public Policy, plus 12 hours chosen from the following political science courses:
POL SCI 2300, State Politics
POL SCI 2350, Introduction to Urban Politics
POL SCI 2400, Public Administration
POL SCI 3300, The American Presidency
POL SCI 3440, Public Budgeting
POL SCI 3450, Urban Administration
POL SCI 3460, The Politics of Poverty and Welfare
POL SCI 3480, Environmental Politics
POL SCI 3570, Gender, Race, and Public Policy
POL SCI 3900, Special Readings (when appropriate)
POL SCI 3940, Public Affairs Internship (when appropriate)
POL SCI 4460, Urban Planning and Politics
POL SCI 4510, Comparative Public Policy and Administration
Minor in Urban Politics
POL SCI 2350, Introduction to Urban Politics, plus 12 hours chosen from the following political science courses:
POL SCI 2320, African-Americans and the Political System
POL SCI 3450, Urban Administration
POL SCI 3460, The Politics of Poverty and Welfare
POL SCI 3900, Special Readings (when appropriate)
POL SCI 3940, Public Affairs Internship (when appropriate)
POL SCI 4460, Urban Planning and Politics
Minor in Women and Politics
POL SCI 1550, Women and Politics in the Developing World and 12 hours from among the following political science courses:
POL SCI 2290, Gender and the Law
POL SCI 2380, The Politics of Gender in the United States
POL SCI 3439, Studies in Policy Formation (consent of instructor required)
POL SCI 3460, The Politics of Poverty and Welfare
POL SCI 3570, Gender, Race, and Public Policy (Comparative)
POL SCI 3590, Politics, Leadership and the Global Gender Gap
POL SCI 3680, Feminist Political Theory
POL SCI 3900, Special Readings (consent of instructor required)
POL SCI 4940, Leadership and Management in Nonprofit Organizations (consent of instructor)
Bachelor of Arts with Teacher Certification
For information, refer to the College of Education section in this Bulletin.
Bachelor of Science in Education: Emphasis in Social Studies
The Political Science requirements are the same as for the B.A. degree except students fulfill the College of Education general education requirements rather than those of the College of Arts and Sciences. For information, refer to the College of Education section in this Bulletin.
Graduate Studies
2+3 B.A. and M.A. in Political Science
The 2+3 Combined BA/MA program in Political Science provides an opportunity for students of recognized academic ability and educational maturity to complete the requirements for both degrees in 5 years of fulltime study.
The combined program requires a minimum of 140 credit hours of which at least 33 must be at the graduate level in political science. In qualifying for the BA, students must meet all University and College requirements. Students in the combined 2+3 who successfully complete the requirements for the MA degree will be awarded a BA degree simultaneously upon completion of at least 107 hours of undergraduate credit.
Student should apply to the Department for admission to the 2+3 combined degree program in Political Science during the semester they will complete 60 undergraduate credit hours. A cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher and three letters of recommendation from faculty are required. Students will be admitted to the 2+3 program under provisional status until they have completed 30 hours in that program with a grade point of 3.0 or higher. After completion of the provisional period, with the recommendation of the Graduate Director, students can be granted full admission into the 2+3 program.
Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher throughout the combined program. Students who officially withdraw from the 2+3 combined degree program, who have successfully completed all the regular requirements for the BA degree (120 hours) will be awarded their BA degree.
Undergraduate Requirements for Student in the 2+3 Program
A. The following must be completed prior to enrolling in the 2+3 program
1. Students must take
POL SCI 1100, Introduction to American Politics
POL SCI 1500, Introduction to Comparative Politics
2. PLUS two of the following:
POL SCI 1600, Contemporary Political Theory
POL SCI 1800, World Politics
POL SCI 2300, State Politics
POL SCI 2350, Introduction to Urban Politics
POL SCI 2400, Introduction to Public Administration
POL SCI 2650, American Political Thought
B. Undergraduate Requirements Within the 2+3 Program
1. Two of the following:
POL SCI 2280, Judicial Politics and Policy
POL SCI 2620, Modern Political Thought
POL SCI 3200, Constitutional Law
POL SCI 3210, Civil Liberties
POL SCI 3300, The American Presidency
POL SCI 3331, Congressional Politics
POL SCI 3350, Political Parties and Elections
POL SCI 3470, Gender, Race and Public Policy
POL SCI 3480, Environmental Politics
2.PLUS two of the following:
POL SCI 2510, The Politics of European Union
POL SCI 2520, Middle Eastern Politics
POL SCI 2530, Political Systems of South America
POL SCI 2540, Political Systems of Mexico, Central American & the Caribbean
POL SCI 2580, African Politics
POL SCI 3690, The Marxist Heritage (PHIL 3369; INTDSC 3690)
POL SCI 3830, International Political Economy
POL SCI 3850, International Organizations and Global Problem Solving
POL SCI 4850, International Law
3. Plus one additional course from B-1 or B-2
C. Graduate Requirements
1. POL SCI 6401, Introduction to Policy Research (3 credits)
2. PLUS 3 of the following (9 credits):
POL SCI 6420, Proseminar in Public Law
POL SCI 6430, Proseminar in American Politics
POL SCI 6440, Proseminar in Public Policy Administration
POL SCI 6450, Proseminar in Comparative Politics
POL SCI 6470, Proseminar in Urban Politics
POL SCI 6480, Proseminar in International Relations
3. PLUS 5 additional graduate Political Science classes (15 credits).
Students should select an emphasis in American Politics, Public Policy, Comparative Politics, Political
Theory, or International Relations.
4. PLUS Exit Project or Internship or Thesis (6 credits)
Summary of Credits in Political Science:
BA: 27 hours (12 completed in lower division courses before admission to the 2+3 program )
MA: 33 hours at the graduate level
TOTAL: 60 hours in Political Science classes
Master of Arts in Political Science
Admission Requirements: For admission, a student should have a baccalaureate degree with a minimum grade point average of 2.75 and an undergraduate background in the social sciences. The GRE is required, and scores should be submitted at the time of application. Two letters of recommendation are also requested for each student applying to the program. Students who do not meet these requirements may be admitted upon approval of the department and the dean of the Graduate School. Application materials may be obtained from and should be returned to the office of the director of admissions.
Deadlines are July 1 for the fall semester; December 1 for the winter semester; and May 1 for the summer term.
Degree Requirements
Beyond the general requirements of the Graduate School, the department requires a minimum of 27 semester hours of course work, of which 18 hours must be at the 6400 level and 12 hours must be in core courses in political science, including:
POL SCI 6401, Introduction to Policy Research
and three of the following political science courses:
POL SCI 6410, Introduction to Policy Analysis
POL SCI 6420, Proseminar in Public Law
POL SCI 6430, Proseminar in American Politics
POL SCI 6440, Proseminar in Public Policy Administration
POL SCI 6450, Proseminar in Comparative Politics
POL SCI 6470, Proseminar in Urban Politics
POL SCI 6480, Proseminar in International Relations
Students can plan their degree program to reflect the following six emphasis areas:
American Politics
Comparative Politics
International Politics
Political Process and Behavior
Public Administration and Public Policy
Urban and Regional Politics
Students must also select one of the following exit projects: a six-hour thesis, a six-hour internship, or six hours of additional course work and an approved paper. Students will have a mid-program review at the end of 12-15 hours of course work, at which time they will discuss their academic performance and program with a faculty committee and determine the most appropriate exit project. Each candidate is given a final oral review conducted by a faculty committee and focused on the course work completed and the student's chosen exit project.
Ph.D. in Political Science
The doctoral program emphasizes theoretical, analytic, and substantive approaches to public policy analysis and administration. Students are provided an opportunity to link core skills in policy analysis and political science with substantive emphasis in specific policy areas. The program is designed to prepare pre-career and mid-career students for advanced positions in policy research and administration, as well as for academic research and teaching.
Admission Requirements
Admission and financial aid decisions are made on the basis of past academic record, intellectual ability, and career commitment and performance. Applications are accepted from students who have either baccalaureate or master’s degrees. Past graduate work will be credited toward degree requirements as appropriate. Applicants must submit a) complete academic transcripts, b) three letters of recommendation, c) aptitude tests of the GRE and d) a statement of objectives for the course of study. Application materials may be obtained from and should be returned to the office of the director of admissions. Applications for fall semester should be submitted by February 15 and for winter semester by October 15.
Graduate Assistantships Stipends for teaching and research assistantships (nine month/20 hours per week) are awarded on a competitive basis. Out-of-state educational fees are waived for graduate assistants.
Degree Requirements
The department requires 60 credit hours beyond the baccalaureate degree for completion of the Ph.D. To ensure sufficient background for doctoral-level policy courses, students must demonstrate appropriate competence in computing and intermediate economics during their course of study. Course requirements are as follows:
Core courses (18 credit hours)
18 credit hours will be required in the areas of research methods, and policy process and institutions. Contact the department for specific courses.
Additional Requirements (12 credit hours)
In addition, students will select a minimum of 12 credit hours in public policy, theory, or process as they apply to major subfields in political science.
Policy Concentration (24 credit hours)
Students, in consultation with the program director, will develop expertise in a substantive policy area. Policy concentrations (many interdisciplinary) include but are not limited to:
American National Policy
Urban Politics and Planning
Comparative/International Policy
Policy Analysis and Research Social Welfare
Internship (6 credit hours) optional.
The Ph.D. intern program offers an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in select research and administrative positions.
General Examination and Dissertation
Upon completion of course work, students are advanced to candidacy by successfully completing three general examinations, 1) public policy institutions, processes, and analysis, 2) methodology, and 3) the student's chosen subfield and area of policy concentration. The degree is awarded upon completion and defense of the Ph.D. dissertation.
Career Outlook
Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Arts in Political Science
Political science graduates have done well in obtaining appropriate employment and in pursuing graduate education. Majors develop communications and decision-making skills, learn to analyze complex policy issues, both domestic and international in scope, and have a thorough understanding of government and politics. Political science is a particularly good undergraduate major for pre-law students. Many other majors pursue graduate education in business, education, public administration, public policy administration, journalism, public relations, non-profit organizations, and many other fields.
Ph.D. in Political Science
The Ph.D. in political science prepares students for three career areas: 1) government leadership and management positions at the local, state, and federal levels (both for new employees and in-service employees); 2) careers in the private sector, particularly positions in public affairs, policy research, and governmental relations departments of corporations, as well as consulting firms and nonprofit organizations; and 3) research and teaching careers in academic institutions.
Requests for further information about the M.A. or Ph.D. program should be sent to the Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Political Science, University of Missouri-St. Louis, One University Blvd, 347 SSB, St. Louis, MO 63121-4499 or by e-mail: umslpolisci@umsl.edu.
Learning Outcomes
Majors in the BA learn about power, conflict and cooperation in society, within and outside government.
Students understand the fundamentals of scientific-based inquiry, the postulating of cause-effect relationships, and the marshalling of evidence using quantitative or qualitative methods to draw conclusions about problems in politics.
We train students to communicate information effectively.
The BSPPA program provides knowledge and skills for real world application in the context of American institutions and structures.
Students learn the fundamentals of administration and policymaking in the Untied States by acquiring skills in budgeting, personnel management, accounting, and expertise in a specific policy area.
The M.A. in political science provides a firm grounding in scientific-based inquiry into problems in politics.
Students learn how institutional design and economic and cultural factors shape the distribution of power and patterns of cooperation and conflict in society within and outside of government.
Students master the postulating of cause-effect relationships, and the marshalling of evidence using quantitative or qualitative methods to test hypotheses about problems in politics.
The Ph.D. in political science trains students to become independent researchers who may apply their skills in the academic, government, non-profit, and business worlds.
Students master the skills to frame researchable questions that make original contributions to empirical and theoretical knowledge about problems in politics.
Students learn to rigorously specify cause-effect relationships, and to master techniques for marshalling evidence using quantitative and qualitative methods to test competing hypotheses about problems in politics.
Course Descriptions
POL SCI 1100 Introduction to American Politics (3) [V, SS, ST]
Introduction to basic concepts of government and politics with special reference to the United States, but including comparative material from other systems.
POL SCI 1200 Foundations of Law: An Introduction to Legal Studies (3) [MI, V, SS]
Same as CRIMIN 1200. As a broad liberal arts approach to the study of law, this course is designed to familiarize students with legal ideas, legal reasoning, and legal processes. It also provides comparative and historical perspectives on law that will help explain legal diversity and legal change. Finally, it offers opportunities to explore some of the persistent issues in law and legal theory: for example, issues about the sources of law, the responsibilities of the legal profession, or the relative merits of the adversary system.
POL SCI 1450 Introduction to Labor Studies (3) [MI, SS]
This course covers many topics important to the role of unions in the American political system and American society from a labor perspective. institutional structure, collective bargaining strategies Topics include the role of workers in current and future times, unions' and obstacles for union organizing, recent union campaigns, labor's political role, and the relationship between labor and the media.
POL SCI 1500 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3) [MI, V, SS, CD]
This course introduces students to western and non-western systems. It examines similarities and differences in the basic political ideologies, structures, economies, social institutions and governmental processes of developed and developing countries. It also provides frameworks for understanding the cultures of the world that are the basis for formal economic and political institutions. In addition, the course examines the role of non-state institutions, including trans-national ones, in shaping national policies. It uses case studies from Africa, Asia, Latin America, as well as Europe, to enhance student understanding of comparative politics.
POL SCI 1550 Women and Politics in the Developing World (3) [MI, V, SS, CD]
Women play a central role in the transformation of political, economic, cultural and gender relations in developing nations. This course examines the political role of women in these transformations. In particular, the course examines ways that modernity, universal education, the market economy and globalization have widened the scope of women's public activities; the emergence of social movements driven by the transformation of economic and political roles brought about by the inclusion of women in the political arena; the re-interpretation of religious doctrines, especially those that emphasize women's "return" to the private sphere and legitimate the denial of women's political rights.
POL SCI 1600 Contemporary Political Ideologies (3)
An introduction to the major political ideologies of the world today. Emphasis is placed on democracy, feminism, Marxism, and nationalism.
POL SCI 1800 World Politics (3) [V, SS]
An introduction to the field of international relations, covering such topics as nationalism, power, foreign policy-making, diplomacy, war, arms control and disarmament, interdependence, the regulation of conflict, and other aspects of politics among nations.
POL SCI 1820 Global Issues (3) [MI, SS]
A freshman- and sophomore-level course designed to introduce students to a range of global concerns, including population, hunger, trade, energy, and the environment. The worldwide implications of these and other problems will be considered, as well as their effects on local communities such as St. Louis.
POL SCI 1990 The City (3) [MI, V, SS]
Same as SOC 1999 and INTDSC 1990. An interdisciplinary course. Consideration of economic factors, urban institutions, historical developments in urbanization, problems of the inner city, suburbia and the metropolitan area, ethnic groups, stratification, and Psychological implications of urban living. This course is primarily for freshmen and sophomores. It is open to juniors and seniors with the instructor's permission.
POL SCI 2000 Political Analysis (3)
An introduction to political analysis, emphasizing both the logic of inquiry and practical methods. Students learn about the construction and evaluation of theories that relate to real-world politics. They also have an opportunity for hands-on experience with qualitative and quantitative methods including graphics, descriptive statistics, cross-tabular and correlational analysis, hypothesis testing, and computer applications.
POL SCI 2260 Law, Politics and Society (3)
Prerequisites: POL SCI 1100, or POL SCI 1200, or consent of instructorAn examination of the formal and informal aspects and processes of the American judicial system and its effect on the individual. The course will cover criminal and civil law, public and private law, state and federal courts, and the processes by which disputes are transformed into legal actions. Topics include judicial selection and recruitment, plea-bargaining, the impact and implementation of judicial decisions, the examination of a number of substantive areas of law like contracts and torts, and the role of courts in policymaking and dispute resolution.
POL SCI 2280 Judicial Politics and Policy (3) [ST]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or 1200, or consent of instructor. This course is an examination of the American state and federal legal systems. Topics examined in this course include an analysis of the structure, organization and function of courts. Emphasis will be placed on the role of juries, judges, attorneys, litigants, and interest groups in the judicial system. The objective of the course is to evaluate courts as political institutions and analyze the policy-making role of judges.
POL SCI 2290 Gender and the Law (3) [ST]
Legal position of women in the United States , emphasizing constitutional law, criminal law, domestic relations, and fair employment practice laws. Same as WGST 2290. This course examines the ways in which laws and interpretations of laws affect gender equality in the United States. Emphasizing how traditional roles impact both women and men historically and currently, the course highlights major pieces of legislation and court rulings related to employment, economics, education, sexual harassment, pornography, rape, reproductive rights, and domestic relations. The course stresses the impact of federal and state institutions and non-governmental influences on equality. It also addresses gender representation in the legal profession and its effect on judicial decisions. (This course satisfies State requirements in American History and Government)
POL SCI 2300 State Politics (3) [ST]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor. An examination of contemporary state politics in the United States; social, economic, and political determinants of policies; federal-state-local relations; elections, interest groups, and participation; executive, legislative, and judicial institutions and policies, and their impact.
POL SCI 2320 African Americans and the Political System (3) [ST]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor. Examination of the status of African Americans in the context of the American political system. The course will focus on a number of issues, including: attitudes of various publics toward racial concerns; nature of problems in specific policy areas (e.g., unemployment, school desegregation, housing, poverty); representation of African Americans in governmental institutions and the private sector; and the role of African American leadership and civil rights groups in the political process.
POL SCI 2350 Introduction to Urban Politics (3) [ST]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor. Examination of structure and process of politics in the urban community, with emphasis on their relationships to community power structures.
POL SCI 2380 The Politics of Gender in the United States (3) [ST]
Same as WGST 2380. Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor. This course examines the role of gender in political institutions, practices and policy in the United States, past and present. It focuses on various movements for political equality, the relationship between gender and political participation, vote choice, and public opinion, and how legislative, executive, and judicial offices are gendered at the national, state, and local levels. (This course satisfies State requirements in American History and Government.)
POL SCI 2400 Public Administration (3) [ST]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor. Survey of public administration, with reference to organization, financial administration, personnel management, and judicial control of the administrative process.
POL SCI 2420 Introduction to Public Policy (3) [ST]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor. Study of differing approaches to understanding the public policy process. Course surveys the application of social science to public issues and problems.
POL SCI 2500 Comparing Different Worlds (3)
This course focuses on the role of political institutions, economic structures and social groups in explaining differences in forms of government and levels of socioeconomic development. It explores in detail one or more of these themes in cases drawn from developing and developed nations.
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1500 or consent of instructor. The European Union has become the driving force in European economic and social development. This course assesses the changing nature of national identity and national sovereignty in Europe. It compares and contrasts key public policies (single market, welfare, migration, gender mainstreaming, “democratic deficits”), along with core EU actors and institutions, and includes participation in the annual Midwest Model EU.
POL SCI 2520 Middle Eastern Politics (3) [CD]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100, or 1500, or consent of instructor. Survey of political movements, governments, and international conflicts in the Middle East. Islam, nationalism, ideologies, and economic systems will be studied. The effects of oil and the military will also be considered.
POL SCI 2530 Political Systems of South America (3) [CD]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1500 or consent of instructor. An introduction to the study of the political systems of South America. Examination of the cultural context that has shaped the political, economic, and social development of states in the region.
POL SCI 2540 Political Systems of Mexico , Central America, and the Caribbean (3) [CD]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1500 or consent of instructor. An introduction to the study of the political systems of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Examination of the cultural context that has shaped the political, economic, and social development of these countries.
An introduction to the study of the Chinese and Japanese political systems. Examination of the cultural context that has shaped the path of political development for both states.
POL SCI 2560 Russia and the New Republics (3)Prerequisite: POL SCI 1500 or consent of instructor. Examination of political-economic conditions responsible for the creation, collapse, and reconstruction of the former Soviet Union, with emphasis on new elites and interest groups, problems of democratic transition, ethnic conflict and socio-economic reform.
POL SCI 2580 African Politics (3) [CD]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1500 or consent of instructor. An introduction to the nature of societies, governments, and international relations in Africa. The course deals with forms of governance on the continent, regional groupings of states, and persistent conflicts within and among states. Problems of economic underdevelopment, food supplies, health and population trends, and cultural change are analyzed, along with the role of outside major power intervention.
POL SCI 2610 Ancient and Medieval Political Thought (3)
Study of political thought from Plato to Machiavelli.
POL SCI 2620 Modern Political Thought (3)
Study of political thought from Machiavelli to the present.
POL SCI 2650 American Political Thought (3)
History of political thought in the United States from colonial times to the present.
POL SCI 2820 United States Foreign Policy (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100, or 1500, or consent of instructor. Examination of the factors influencing the formation and the execution of United States foreign policy, with a focus on specific contemporary foreign policy issues.
POL SCI 2900 Studies in Political Science (3)
Selected topics in political science.
POL SCI 3200 Constitutional Law (3) [ST]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100, or 1200, or consent of instructor. Study of leading American constitutional principles regarding legislative, executive, and judicial power, federalism, the commerce clause, and economic due process as they have evolved through the important decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court.
POL SCI 3210 Civil Liberties (3) [ST]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100, or 1200, or 3200, or consent of instructor. Civil rights in the American constitutional context, emphasizing freedom of religion, freedom of expression, minority discrimination, and the rights of defendants.
POL SCI 3220 Labor Law (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. In this course, participants will examine the role of government in the regulation of labor-management relations in the United States. While the focus of the course will be on federal laws regulating private sector labor relations, parallel issues addressed in the Railway Labor Act and state public sector labor relations law will also be covered. Specific topics include the legal framework for the organization of workers, definition of prohibited or unfair labor practices of employers and unions, legal regulation of the collective bargaining process, regulation of the use of economic weapons in labor disputes, enforcement of collective bargaining agreements and the regulation of internal trade union activities.
POL SCI 3260 The Supreme Court (3) [ST]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100, or POL SCI 1200, or consent of instructor. An examination of the role, function and assertion of power by the U.S. Supreme Court in our constitutional democracy. Topics include historical overview of the Supreme Court, the process of selecting Supreme Court Justices, life in the Court, Supreme Court decision making, Supreme Court policymaking, implementation and impact of Court decisions and the role of the Supreme Court as a national policymaker. This course fulfills the state requirement.
POL SCI 3290 Studies in Public Law (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100, or 1200, or consent of instructor. Selected topics in public law. May be repeated.
POL SCI 3300 The American Presidency (3) [ST]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor. Study of the constitutional, political, legislative, and administrative roles played by the American chief executive in the development of public policy.
POL SCI 3330 Introduction to Political Behavior (3) [ST]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor. An introduction to political behavior employing perspectives from both political psychology and political sociology. Subjects include political socialization, the character of public opinion, citizen participation, group dynamics, the social determination of reality, and the underlying bases of leadership and authority.
POL SCI 3331 Congressional Politics (3) [ST]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor. An examination of the Congress of the United States, its history and evolution, its contemporary politics, and its role in the national policy-making process. Topics include candidate recruitment, campaigns and elections, representation, committees, legislative leadership, roles and norms, voting alignments, lobbyists and interest groups, oversight of administration, and House-Senate comparisons. The role of Congress in foreign policy, economic policy, and social-welfare policy will be examined.
POL SCI 3340 Politics and the Media (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor. An analysis of the role the media play in shaping American political life. The first part of the course examines the organizational structures, the economic and psychic incentives, and the social and professional norms that define how television and newspapers report news about public affairs. The second part then considers the nature of a mass-communications society by looking at how reality is defined, the susceptibility of mass publics to persuasion and propaganda, the peculiar form of media election campaigns, and the manner in which the media link changes the basic character of a citizenry.
POL SCI 3350 Political Parties and Elections (3) [ST]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor. An examination of the part played by parties and elections in American politics. Topics include the historical development of the party system, the organization and management of political parties and campaigns, contemporary changes in the nature of electoral politics, and the effects of elections on public policy.
POL SCI 3390 Studies in American Politics (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor. Selected topics in American politics. May be repeated.
POL SCI 3420 Public Personnel Management (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100, or 2400, or consent of instructor. A study of personnel practices in the public sector, including recruitment, job development, labor relations, and administration of equal employment/affirmative action programs.
POL SCI 3430 Union Leadership and Administration (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This course will focus on the roles and challenges of union leadership in a changing environment. Topics will include the union leader's roles as representative, organizer and educator as well as administrative responsibilities within the union and the relationship with enterprise management in both adversarial and participatory situations. Options for leadership style and organizational models will be discussed and explored in both theory and practice. Leaders will develop their skills of motivation, speaking, strategic planning and managing complex campaigns and diverse organizations.
POL SCI 3439 Studies in Policy Formation (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Selected topics in policy formation. May be repeated.
POL SCI 3440 Public Budgeting (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor. Budgeting is the study of "who gets what" and who pays for it. This course examines the administration and politics of federal, state, and local government budgets. Students gain experience in interpreting budget documents and making budget choices, using electronic and other resources.
POL SCI 3450 Urban Administration (3) [ST]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor. Study of administrative machinery and practices of metropolitan government, how metropolitan areas organize themselves to provide services, how urban policies are made and implemented, how budgeting and personnel recruitment processes operate, and how these relate to urban policies.
POL SCI 3460 The Politics of Poverty and Welfare (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor. An examination of the structure of income inequality in the U.S. and public policies designed to redistribute wealth and to treat poverty. The history of welfare programs, the growth of the welfare state, and attempts to cut social spending are closely examined.
POL SCI 3470 Collective Bargaining (3)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. This course involves a study of collective bargaining processes including contract negotiations, contract administration, and methods for the resolution of bargaining disputes. Both theoretical and applied issues in collective bargaining will be addressed. Specific topics include the economic determination of bargaining power, legal constraints on the bargaining process, negotiations strategies and techniques, and the use of mediation and arbitration in the resolution of bargaining disputes.
POL SCI 3480 Environmental Politics (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of instructor. This course examines the process of environmental policy-making and key environmental issues. Topics include national and international policies toward air and water pollution, energy use, solid and toxic waste disposal, global warming, overpopulation, and wilderness and wildlife conservation.
POL SCI 3490 Studies in Public Administration (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or 2400, or consent of instructor. Selected topics in public administration. May be repeated.
POL SCI 3570 Gender, Race and Public Policy (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100, or 1500, or consent of instructor. Raises the question as to whether "more women in politics," stemming from diverse economic, racial, ethnic backgrounds and age groups, will necessarily result in better policies for women and men. Compares gendered and racialized impacts of a wide array of public policies (in the areas of education, employment, health care, welfare, and reproductive technologies) across a broad sample of advanced industrial societies. Analyzes the "empowerment" potential of new equality policies being generated at the international and supranational levels (e.g., in the UN and the European Union).
POL SCI 3590 Politics, Leadership and the Global Gender Gap (3)
Prerequisites: POL SCI 1500 or consent of instructor. Compares women's day-to-day leadership and participation patterns across a wide variety of political-economic contexts, emphasizing their performance as elective and administrative office holders. It examines the experiences of individual female leaders, long-term nomination and recruitment strategies, and the larger political opportunity structure awaiting women beyond the year 2000.
POL SCI 3595 Studies in Comparative Politics (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1500 or consent of instructor. Selected topics in comparative politics. May be repeated.
POL SCI 3680 Feminist Political Theory (3)
A study of the history of feminist political thought with an emphasis on contemporary concerns. Issues to be considered include the feminist theories of the state, gender and justice, and equality and difference.
POL SCI 3690 The Marxist Heritage (3)
Same as PHIL 3369. Study of Marx and leading Marxists. Designed to evaluate their influence on recent political, economic, and social thought and institutions.
POL SCI 3695 Studies in Political Theory (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100, or 1500, or consent of instructor. Selected topics in political theory. May be repeated.
POL SCI 3830 International Political Economy (3)
Prerequisite: Introduction to international political economy. In particular, it will focus on the politics of international trade, finance, and investment. It will analyze the relationships between developed and developing countries, and it will assess the relative usefulness of alternative frameworks for studying international political economy.
POL SCI 3850 International Organizations and Global Problem Solving (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or 1500, or consent of instructor. Introduction to the study of international organization. The course focuses on relationships between nation-states and "nonstate" actors (e.g., global intergovernmental organizations such as the United Nations, and nongovernmental organizations such as multinational corporations) in world politics and on the role of international institutions in such problem areas as economic development, management of resources, and control of violence across national boundaries.
POL SCI 3860 Studies in War and Peace (3)
Prerequisites: Junior standing and POL SCI 1100, or 1500, or consent of instructor. Exploration, development, and testing of theories about the causes and consequences of war, peace, and conflict among nations. A broad range of literature on war and peace will be reviewed and applied to crisis situations in the international system.
POL SCI 3890 Studies in International Relations (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100, or 1500, or consent of instructor. Selected topics in international relations. May be repeated.
POL SCI 3900 Special Readings (1-10)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Independent study through readings, reports, and conferences. May be repeated.
POL SCI 3940 Public Affairs Internship (1-6)
Prerequisites: Junior standing and consent of instructor. Independent study involving work with an appropriate public or private agency. A maximum of 6 credit hours may be earned.
POL SCI 3950 Senior Seminar in Political Science (3)
Prerequisites: Senior standing and consent of instructor. Required of all political science majors in their last year of course work as an integrative capstone experience. Emphasis is on student-faculty interaction in a seminar format designed to engage upper-level students in a critical examination of a broad theme in political science, leading to the production of a major research paper. Topics vary. May be repeated. This course is not available for graduate student credit.
Same as ECON 4140 and SOC 4040. Prerequisites: Junior standing and consent of the instructor. The execution of a sample survey, including establishing study objectives, sampling, questionnaire construction, interviewing, coding, data analysis, and presentation of results.
POL SCI 4060 Theory of Decisions and Games (3)
Prerequisite: Six hours of Philosophy and junior standing, POL SCI 6401 (or the equivalent) or consent of instructor. Same as PHIL 4465. A study of rational decision making, including games against nature, zero-sum games and social choices. Topics will include the following: expected utility maximization, the Prisoner's Dilemna, Nash equilibria, and Arrow's theorem on the impossibility of a social welfare function. Parts of the course are technical in nature; a prior course in mathematics (e.g., finite mathematics, calculus, statistics or an economics course with a mathematical component), symbolic logic, or some other course with comparable mathematical content.
POL SCI 4090 American Government for the Secondary Classroom (3)
Prerequisites: POL SCI 4090/SEC ED 4090 must be taken concurrently with HIST/SEC ED 4011 except with special consent of the School Studies Coordinator. (Same as SEC ED 4090)Adapts the themes and subject matter of American government to the secondary classroom and trains teachers in techniques particularly designed to maximize the use of primary sources, foster critical inquiry, and encourage knowledge of subject matter. Particular emphasis will be placed on defining the broad and connecting themes of American government, on expanding bibliography, and on choosing methods of inquiry for use in an interactive classroom. Either HIST/SEC ED 3257 or 3258 or POL SCI/SEC ED 3209 must be taken the same semester as HIST/SEC ED 3255 except with special consent of the Social Studies Coordinator. Can be counted towards the Political Science major requirement, but not the American Politics subgroup. Counts towards Social Studies Certification.
POL SCI 4460 Urban Planning and Politics (3) [ST]
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100, or 2400, or consent of instructor. Examination of the political processes of urban areas as they relate to the planning of services and facilities.
POL SCI 4510 Comparative Public Policy and Administration (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1500 or consent of instructor. A comparative study of the characteristics of public administrators, their institutions and environments in Western democratic, developing nations, and communist political systems.
POL SCI 4850 International Law (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100, or 1500, or consent of instructor. Study of the international legal system, including the content and operation of the laws of war and peace, how law is created and enforced with regard to the oceans and other parts of the globe, and the relationship between international law and international politics.
POL SCI 4900 Topics in Political Science (3)
Prerequisite: POL SCI 1100 or consent of Instructor. Selected topics in political science.
POL SCI 4911 Management Issues in Nonprofit Organizations: Staff Management Issues (1)
Prerequisite: Junior Standing. Same as SOC WK 4911 and P P ADM 4911. This course addresses issues involved in managing staff in nonprofit organizations. The course will cover the following topics: fundamentals of staff supervision; balancing supervisory processes with counseling and coaching; selecting, hiring, evaluating, and terminating staff; and legal issues that affect these processes.
POL SCI 4912 Management Issues in Nonprofit Organizations: Legal Issues in Governing and Managing Nonprofit Organizations (1)
Prerequisite: Junior Standing. Same as SOC WK 4912 and P P ADM 4912. This course addresses legal issues involved in managing and governing nonprofit organizations. The course will cover the following topics: The Board as steward of the organization; Director and officer liability; tax laws concerning charitable giving; legal issues in managing staff and volunteers (e.g., hiring, evaluating, and terminating employees); Missouri nonprofit law.
POL SCI 4913 Management Issues in Nonprofit Organizations: Financial Issues (1)
Prerequisite: Junior Standing. Same as SOC WK 4913 and P P ADM 4913. This course addresses financial issues involved in governing and managing nonprofit organizations. The course will cover the following topics: Cash flow analysis; budgeting; fund accounting; cost accounting (determining costs for programs and services); understanding and using standard financial statements, including balance sheets, cash flow statements, statements of activity, and operating and capital budgets.
POL SCI 4940 Leadership and Management in Nonprofit Organizations (3)
Same as P P ADM 4940, SOC WK 4940, and SOC 4940. Prerequisite: Junior standing. Addresses the role and scope of the independent sector in the United States, as well as the leadership and sector, the role of volunteerism in a democratic management of nonprofit organizations within that sector. Topics include the economic and political scope of the independent society, and the role and scope of philanthropy. Topics in include the dynamics, functions and membership voluntary organization management and leadership structure of NPOs, especially staff-board and other volunteer relations; governance and management of NPOs; resource mobilization; and program development management and evaluation.
POL SCI 4960 American Philanthropy and Nonprofit Resources Development (3)
Prerequisite: Junior standing or consent of instructor. Same as SOC WK 4960 and P P ADM 4960. This course addresses the history, philosophy, roles and scope of philanthropy in the United States, including its role in the nonprofit, voluntary sector. It further examines the contemporary forces which impact philanthropy and charitable giving, both by institutions and individuals. The course examines the effective planning and management of development programs (e.g., annual giving), fund raising vehicles (e.g., mail solicitations) and the fund raising process, from planning through donor relations.
POL SCI 6400 Analytic Perspectives in Political Science (3)
An introduction to the graduate study of political science. The course presents a number of analytic approaches to the scientific examination of a wide variety of political phenomena.
POL SCI 6401 Introduction to Policy Research (3)
Same as P P ADM 6010. Procedures for testing explanations, including research design, principles of measurement, probability sampling, methods of data collection, and techniques for analyzing data.
POL SCI 6402 Intermediate Techniques in Policy Research (3)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and POL SCI 6401. Elementary distribution theory, statistical inference, and an introduction to multiple regression. Emphasis on practical applications.
POL SCI 6403 Advanced Techniques in Policy Research (3)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing and POL SCI 6402. Selected topics in policy research emphasizing forecasting, modeling, and estimation.
POL SCI 6404 Multi-Method Research Design (3)
Prerequisites: POL SCI 6403 or consent of instructor. Develops policy research skills that combine qualitative and quantitative social science tools and applies an appropriate mix of these tools to specific policy problems. Topics include alternative approaches to causal analysis, levels of analysis, triangulation from a variety of qualitative and quantitative research techniques, building contextual effects into multiple research projects, techniques for assessing alternative program theories and clarifying implicit assumptions, and meta-analysis of secondary data sources.
POL SCI 6405 Directed Readings in Research Methods (1-10)
Independent study through readings, reports, research projects, and conferences.
POL SCI 6406 Survey Research Methods (3)
Prerequisites: An introductory statistics course (such as SOC 3220 or consent of instructor. A course on the principles and procedures for conducting survey research. Topics include: forming questions and scales, survey design, sampling methods, data preparation and analysis, and presentation of results.
POL SCI 6410 Introduction to Policy Analysis (3)
Same as P P ADM 6000. Systematic development of a critical/analytic base for dealing with public policy.
POL SCI 6415 Directed Readings and Research in Public Policy (1-10)
Same as P P ADM 6150. Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor. Independent study through readings, reports, research projects, and conferences. May be repeated for credit, provided the subject matter is different.
POL SCI 6419 Cases in Public Policy Analysis (3)
Intensive analysis of several public policy cases. Cases will be problem-solving exercises in areas such as personnel management, program financing, budget preparation, and planning.
POL SCI 6420 Proseminar in Public Law (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Study of judicial systems and processes (judges, courts, litigants, and juries) and evaluation of legal policies (compliance, impact, and deterrence).
POL SCI 6421 Seminar in Public Law (3)
Research problems and designs, models and approaches to the study of public law. May be repeated for credit when the subject matter is different.
POL SCI 6422 Law, Courts, and Public Policy (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Analysis of public policies, as represented by laws, court decisions, and agency adjudication, judicial review, discrimination, affirmative action, urban planning, social welfare, intergovernmental relations, environmental law, freedom of information, and privacy concerns will be surveyed. The relationship between courts and the Constitution, courts and legislatures, and courts and the administrative process will be stressed.
POL SCI 6425 Directed Readings and Research in Public Law (1-10)
Independent study through readings, reports, research projects, and conferences.
POL SCI 6430 Proseminar in American Politics (3)
Study of individual and group political behavior, including socialization, participation, consensus formation, representation, and legislative and judicial behavior.
POL SCI 6431 Seminar in American Politics (3)
Research problems and design in American political process and behavior. May be repeated for credit when the subject matter is different.
POL SCI 6433 Elections, Public Opinion, and Public Policy (3 )
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. This course provides an opportunity for graduate students to examine electoral politics and democratic governance. It includes an historical review of the dynamics of the American party system, paying particular attention to the ways that politicians translate social and economic change into the political system. It surveys the scientific community's understanding about mass political behavior, covering such topics as the nature of political beliefs, partisanship, political trust, tolerance, ideology, motives for participation, and so on. Then it gives particular attention to the instruments that seem to shape public opinion - the family, the social peer group, and the mass media. Finally, it presents analyses of the contemporary political system in terms of the links between citizen preferences, electoral outcomes, and the government's provision of public policies.
POL SCI 6435 Directed Readings and Research in American Politics (1-10)
Independent study through readings, reports, research projects, and conferences.
POL SCI 6440 Proseminar in Public Administration (3)
Same as P P ADM 6400. Examination of major approaches to analyzing public policies and their administration. Emphasis is on the effects of administrative organization and procedures on policy decisions and their impacts. Specific topics may include administrative accountability, intergovernmental relations, public-private interaction, implementation processes, bureaucratic expertise, the legal environment of public policy administration, and public service and merit issues.
POL SCI 6441 Seminar in Public Administration (3)
Research problems and design in public administration. May be repeated for credit when the subject matter is different
POL SCI 6442 The Policy Process (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. The course will require a major research project using federal documents and other primary sources of information about the United States policy process. Topics will include the sources of public policy; the policy agenda; policy design, legitimation, and implementation.
POL SCI 6443 Health Care Policy (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. Same as P P ADM 6430 GERON 6443, SOC 6443, and SOC WK 6443. (MSW students will normally take the social policy foundation course before enrolling in this course). Survey course examining current issues in health policy that face the nation. Policies are placed in a historical context to show how issues have been influenced by different political and economic conditions. Secondary consequences and limitations of current trends in health policy are explored.
POL SCI 6444 Seminar in Public Policy and Aging (3)
Same as P P ADM 6444, GERON 6444 and SOC 6444. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. The study of specialized issues and methods related to federal, state, and local policies that affect the elderly. Potential policy areas to be covered include housing, taxation, mental health, transportation, etc. May be repeated for credit, provided the subject matter is different.
POL SCI 6445 Directed Readings and Research in Public Administration (1-10)
Independent study through readings, reports, research projects, and conferences.
POL SCI 6446 Selected Topics in Health Care Policy (3)
Same as P P AD 6460 and SOC 6446. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. The study of specialized issues and methods relating to health care policy. May be repeated for credit, provided the subject matter is different.
POL SCI 6447 Seminar in Public Policy (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate Standing. Research seminar aimed at producing a substantial research project in the areas of public policy processes and outcomes. The seminar may focus on specific policy processes such as agenda-setting, policy formulation, or policy adoption, or it may focus on the politics of specific policy areas such as environmental programs, social legislation or regulation. May be repeated for credit when the subject matter is different.
POL SCI 6448 Political Economy and Public Policy (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. This course examines political economy in its contemporary manifestations as public choice and as the study of the ways in which institutional power shapes economic policies and performance. The course explores the origins and major concepts of political economy, the institutions of economic policy-making and economic policies in the U.S. It emphasizes the consequences of budget constraints, inflation, unemployment, and sectoral decline on the design and administration of public programs at all levels of government.
POL SCI 6449 Human Resources in the Public Sector (3)
Prerequisite: P P ADM 6600 or consent of instructor. Same as SOC WK 6449 and P P ADM 6490. Presents an overview of personnel and labor relations in the public sector. Particular emphasis placed on issues which are unique to the public sector, such as the merit system, the questions of representative bureaucracy and the constraints of personnel in the nonprofit sector. The topics include personnel reforms in the federal sector, equal employment and affirmative action policies, testing, selection, hiring, comparable worth, job evaluation, and labor relations including grievance arbitration and collective bargaining.
POL SCI 6450 Proseminar in Comparative Politics (3)
Classification and topology of political systems; structural-functional analysis; political culture, ideology, affiliation and participation; decision-making processes; political roles; organization of authority.
POL SCI 6451 Seminar in Comparative Politics (3)
Research problems and design in comparative politics. May be repeated for credit when the subject matter is different.
POL SCI 6452 Public Policy of Conservation and Sustainable Development (3)
Same as BIOL 6250. Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Political Science or Biology and consent of instructor. Prior course in ecology recommended. This course will introduce the student to concepts and techniques for formulating, implementing, and analyzing public policy with an emphasis on environmental concerns, conservation, and sustainable development. The course will be team-taught by a political scientist and a biologist. Course materials will include case studies that demonstrate the special problems of environmental policymaking in developing and developed economies.
POL SCI 6455 Directed Readings and Research in Comparative Politics (1-10)
Independent study through readings, reports, research projects, and conferences.
POL SCI 6457 Seminar in East Asian Politics (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. Study of concepts and research on the political culture, ideology, groups, political processes and institutions, and policy outcomes in the Chinese and/or Japanese political systems.
POL SCI 6461 Seminar in Political Theory (3)
Research problems and design in political theory. May be repeated for credit when the subject matter is different.
POL SCI 6465 Directed Readings and Research in Political Theory (1-10)
Independent study through readings, reports, research projects, and conferences.
POL SCI 6470 Proseminar in Urban Politics (3)
Examination of the relationships among the social, economic, and political systems of urban areas. Urban political structure, patterns of influence, political participation, and communication and political change. Special attention to problems of access to and control of urban political systems.
POL SCI 6471 Seminar in Urban Politics (3)
Research problems and design in urban and regional politics. May be repeated for credit when the subject matter is different.
POL SCI 6475 Directed Readings and Research in Urban Politics (1-10)
Independent study through readings, reports, and conferences.
POL SCI 6480 Proseminar in International Relations (3)
Examination of various approaches to the study of international politics and foreign policy, focusing on studies of conflict, decision making, international political economy, and related topics. Included are realist, idealist, and Marxist perspectives.
POL SCI 6481 Seminar in International Relations (3)
Research problems and design in international politics. May be repeated for credit when the subject matter is different.
POL SCI 6482 International Political Economy (3)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. This course will examine the theoretical and policy issues of international political economy. In particular, it will focus on the politics of international trade, finance and investment. It will also analyze the themes of interdependence, hegemony, and dependency, as well as consider relations between developed and developing countries. Finally, the relative usefulness of liberal, Realist and Marxist approaches to the study of international political economy will be weighed.
POL SCI 6485 Directed Readings and Research in International Relations (1-10)
Independent study through readings, reports, research projects, and conferences.
POL SCI 6488 Studies in International Relations (1-6)
Prerequisite: Graduate standing. Selected topics in international studies. May be repeated for credit provided the topic of the course is different each time.
POL SCI 6490 Strategic and Program Planning for Nonprofit Organizations (3)
Prerequisites: Graduate standing or consent of instructor. Same as P P ADM 6550 and SOC WK 6491. Strategic and program planning enable an organization to concentrate on efforts and set priorities guided by a mission, a vision, and an understanding of its environment. Focus is on preparing a strategic plan and a program plan for a nonprofit organization and analyzing an organization's ability to deliver goods and/or services to its constituents in today's economic, social and political climate.
POL SCI 6494 Thesis Research (1-10)
Arranged.
POL SCI 6495 Internship (1-6)
Independent study involving work with an appropriate public or private agency.
POL SCI 6499 Directed Dissertation Proposal Research (3)
Prerequisites: Consent of Instructor. Supervised study through readings and research leading to the preparation of a dissertation proposal plan. Open to doctoral students who have completed at least 42 hours of course work. The proposal plan will indicate the following: statement of research question, importance of the problem, literature review and research design.
POL SCI 7499 Dissertation Research (1-10)
Arranged.