Political Science (PSCI)

Introduction to the Constitution, presidency, congress, courts, and citizen participation in the political system. Emphasis on historical, social, and global contexts and applications varies by section. Satisfies requirements for a teacher's certificate in Iowa and Illinois.

Survey of the theory and practice of law, with attention to American civil, criminal, and constitutional law and the contemporary legal profession. Emphasis on historical, social, and global contexts and applications varies by section. Foundation course for Pre-Law Studies Interdisciplinary Minor.

Survey of the ethical foundations of political society, with a focus on their implications for political and civic leadership. Emphasis on historical, social, and global contexts and applications varies by section.

This course introduces students to a wide range of current global issues, including international conflicts, terrorism, nuclear weapons, human rights, population, poverty, trade, energy, globalization, and the environment. It explores both the worldwide implications of these issues and their effects on local communities. The course also explores how American government has responded to these challenges.

Explores the question, "How can the practice of civil discourse help us to achieve deeper mutual understanding and healthier social bonds?" Students will be able to define civility, explain how it respects human dignity and promotes the common good of society, and model civil discourse knowledge, skills, and virtues in a public forum.

Preparation for Mock Trial competition. Focus on judicial procedure and the court system, legal argumentation and rhetoric, and courtroom performance. Maximum 3 credits. Addresses Politics, Law, and Leadership.

Preparation for model United Nations conference. Model United Nations is an annual conference at which key activities of various United Nations bodies are simulated. Open to all majors. Maximum 3 credits.

Directed internship in political science, international politics or pre-law.

Explores the theory and practice of government, with variable focus on legislative, executive, campaign, or civil society contexts. This course, with different content coverage, may be repeated for credit.

This course introduces the student to the American electoral process. The campaign organization, the electioneering, and the role of political parties in American Government are studied in this context. We will address questions dominating contemporary American electoral politics; some of these include: Is the campaign and election process broken, in need of reform? Is money buying elections? What is political leadership? What makes for a winning campaign? Does the electoral process help or hinder citizenship?

Study of U.S. Constitution in its history, design, and effect on American government and society. Explores theory and practice of constitutional interpretation as it applies to governmental powers and the rights, liberties, and duties of citizens.

Among the topics discussed in this course are how foreign politics are made and implemented, the international economy, diplomacy, international law and organization, power, interdependence, arms races, terrorism, and war. This course is designed to touch upon a wide variety of topics that make up international politics.

Explores the theory and practice of law, with variable focus on constitutional, administrative, criminal, or civil law and jurisprudence. This course, with different content coverage, may be repeated for credit.

This course is designed to convey information about international legal institutions and the body of international law itself (the rules governing intervention and the use of armed force, uses of the oceans, expropriation of property, etc.) and to provide an understanding of the role of international law in affecting relationships among states and individuals.

Examines the applications of political philosophy to political life through the practice of statesmanship. Variable focus on areas of application such as institutional design and reform, strategic thinking, oratory, or literature. This course, with different content coverage, may be repeated for credit.

Examination of key themes in the field of political philosophy. Study of important works and contemporary research in the field.

This course explores the role of the United States in world politics, with variable focus on its foreign policy decision-making, engagement in global affairs, or the impact of U.S. strategies on international security and cooperation in various regions. Topics and case studies may vary by term. This course, with different content coverage, may be repeated for credit.

With variable focus, this course explores themes such as the political effects of globalization-including democratization, conflict, and governance-the development of international human rights and global public health, or the interaction between global markets and political power. Through different regional cases and topics, students examine how global forces shape states, institutions, and individuals, particularly in areas like health equity, humanitarian response, and transnational advocacy. This course, with different content coverage, may be repeated for credit.

This course introduces the foundations of international law and the institutions that shape it. With variable focus, this course explores the development, interpretation, and practice of international law; the role of international law and international organizations in managing global conflicts and fostering cooperation; or the influence of international law on major global challenges, including human rights, the environment, and migration. Through regional case studies and global examples, students examine how institutions such as the United Nations, the International Court of Justice, and other legal regimes affect state behavior and global governance. This course, with different content coverage, may be repeated for credit.

A directed individual research on a topic. **Instructor consent required.

Directed internship in political service. Open to upper-level political science and pre-law students on arranged basis. Credit is in addition to 27 credit minimum required for major. Regular grade or Pass/No Pass option.

Explore controversies surrounding government action. How have Court decisions impacted the power and actions of government agencies? Once a law has been passed, what is the role of Congress and the President? What can citizens do in response to government actions? Some of the legal issues examined to answer these questions include the environment, immigration, and healthcare.

The essentials of political, civic, and community service are explored. Topics include civic literacy, citizen power, running for elected office, organizing and leading political campaigns and non-profits, and community service. Multidisciplinary perspectives on leadership are applied to politics to explore the role(s) of political and civic leaders in theory and in practice.

Examine the classic works of public administration to develop a working knowledge of organizational behavior, organizational structure, management, and leadership in government agencies. Students will develop problem-solving and decision-making skills essential to leading in the public sector.

Research in political science or related field employing methodology of legal studies, political thought, or empirical social science. Students complete research project and provide constructive feedback on peers' work. International studies majors, American government teaching majors, and pre-law minors will complete a project on a topic appropriate to those fields.