101. Introduction to Political Theory.
(4). (SS).
Inquiry into assumptions about politics and the words used to express them. Persistent political questions, such as the nature of power, authority, freedom, and justice are discussed in classic and modern contexts.
111. Introduction to American Politics.
(4). (SS).
An introduction to American politics with emphasis on the electoral process, the functioning of political parties, and the decision-making process in the national congress, the presidency, and the federal courts.
140. Introduction to Comparative Politics.
(4). (SS).
An introductory survey of the governments and politics of several contemporary societies in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
160. Introduction to World Politics.
(4). (SS).
Factors that motivate the international politics of nations. Illustrations from current world developments.
190. Freshman Seminar in Political Science.
(3). (SS).
Selected Topics in Political Science.
300. Contemporary Political Issues.
(4). (SS).
A consideration of scholarly literature on voting, elections, political campaigns, nominations, party reform, and an analysis of selected issues being debated in contemporary American political campaigns. Candidates and campaign managers are invited to meet with the class throughout the term. Students are expected to participate in a campaign of their choice as part of the course.
305/Ling. 305/Comm. 305. Political and Advertising Discourse.
Junior standing. (3). (Excl).
Close study of the visual and textual structure of magazine ads, and of the textual structure of sermons, political speeches, and political debates, emphasizing their effects on audiences.
312. Freedom of Speech and Press.
(3). (Excl).
This course examines the constitutional right of freedom of speech and press in the United States. Various areas of law are examined in depth, including extremist or seditious speech, obscenity, libel, fighting words, the public forum doctrine and public access to the mass media. Classes are conducted according to the law school model, with readings focused on actual judicial decisions and students expected to participate in discussions.
353. The Arab-Israeli Conflict.
(4). (Excl). Laboratory fee ($30) required.
An analysis of the conflict between Israel and Palestinian nationalism as compounded by competition among regional powers and superpowers. Students simulate the roles of the various protagonists in an open-ended game and then critically analyze their performance in light of reality.
390. Practicum for the Michigan Journal of Political Science.
(1). (Excl). (EXPERIENTIAL). May be repeated for credit with permission of the chair.
This course allows students to gain experience working on the journal under the direction of the chair or other appropriate faculty member. This experience involves editing the Michigan Journal of Political Science. In addition to taking part in working on the year's issue, students wishing credit for working on the journal would do readings and write book reviews and research notes.
395/REES 395/Hist. 332/Slavic 395/Soc. 392. Survey of Russia: The Russian Empire, the Soviet Union, and the Successor States.
(4). (SS). Laboratory fee ($10) required.
An interdisciplinary survey of the history, politics, government, economy, social institutions, literature, and arts of the Soviet Union and its successor states and their relations with the rest of the world. Lectures and discussion.
396/REES 396/Hist. 333/Slavic 396/Soc. 393. Survey of East Central Europe.
No credit granted to those who have completed or are enrolled in REES 397. (4). (SS). Laboratory fee ($10) required.
An interdisciplinary survey of the people, history, politics, government, economy, social institutions, literature, and arts of the communist and post-communist states of Eastern Europe and their relations with the rest of the world. Lectures and discussions.
400. Development of Political Thought: To Modern Period.
Junior standing or two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
The principal theorists who have influenced political thought and development from fifth century B.C. to early seventeenth century A.D.
401. Development of Political Thought: Modern and Recent.
Junior standing or two courses in political science. (4). (Excl).
The principal theorists who have influenced political thought and development in the period from the seventeenth century to the present.
402. Selected Topics in Political Theory.
Pol. Sci. 101 or 400 or 401. (3). (Excl).
Topics vary from year to year according to the interests of the instructor.
405. Political Philosophy of the Enlightenment.
Pol. Sci. 101 or 403. (3). (Excl).
An examination of the political philosophies of Montesquieu, Rousseau, and Kant. The course focuses on the role of the individual in liberal society, the moral basis of liberal society, and the relationship between knowledge or enlightenment and civic concern. Readings include Montesquieu, and various moral and political works of Kant.
406. American Political Thought.
Pol. Sci. 101 or 401. (3). (Excl).
The principal American contributions to political theory.
409. Twentieth Century Political Thought.
Pol. Sci. 101 or 401. (3). (Excl).
The course discusses contemporary political theory starting from late 19th century thinkers. It considers contributions to political thinking from various disciplines outside of political theory.
410. American Policy Processes.
Any 100-level course in political science. (3). (Excl).
An analysis of the decision-making processes of the federal government with emphasis on the congressional and executive branches.
411. American Political Processes.
Any 100-level course in political science. (3). (Excl).
A survey of mass public and elite behavior and the interaction between masses and elites. Topics discussed include public opinion and electoral behavior, political parties and interest groups, relations between office-holders and the public, and alternative models for describing the American political system.
412. The Legal Process.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
Examines the role of the legal process in American politics. In addition to studying the recruitment, careers, and behavior of lawyers, judges, prosecutors, and the police, it assesses how the operation of the legal system affects the social order. It emphasizes the way the legal system applies the law rather than the content of the law itself.
413. American Constitutional Politics.
Pol. Sci. 111, 410, or 411. (3). (Excl).
This course examines Supreme Court interpretations of the Constitution and the political implications of these interpretations. Court cases and interpretive essays are among the readings.
414. The Politics of Civil Liberties and Civil Rights.
Two courses in political science. (4). (Excl).
Examines a number of Supreme Court decisions in the field of civil liberties and civil rights. In addition to delineating the political significance of the decisions, some emphasis is also placed on the dynamics of compliance with the Court's stated policy.
417. Legislative Process.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
Analysis of political behavior in legislatures, including legislators' recruitment and socialization, their decision making processes, and their relations with constituents, parties, interest groups, and the executive. Special attention is given to the United States Congress.
418/WS 418. Women and the Political System.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
The purpose of this course is to examine the role of women in the political system, their involvement in and influence on the political process, and the impact of various policy decisions on women.
419/CAAS 418. Black Americans and the Political System.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
Focuses on the status of blacks in the American political system. Analyzes the capacity and the capability of the political system for negotiating internal conflicts involving Black/white relationships.
420/Comm. 484. Mass Media and Political Behavior.
Comm. Studies 361 or 381 strongly recommended. (4). (Excl).
The role and importance of mass media in the political process. The topics to be covered include how the news is made; the relations between the Congress, the president and the media; the role of mass media in political campaigns; and political freedom and access to the media. These topics are examined through a systematic review of research in both mass communication and political science.
421. American State Government.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
A survey of state government, with emphasis on constitutional development, legislative, executive, and judicial processes; administrative functions; personnel and fiscal problems; nation-state, interstate, and state-local relations; and the future of the states in the federal system.
422/WS 422. Feminist Political Theory.
Junior standing. (3). (Excl).
The course explores the politics of inequalities between men and women by considering theories of gender differences. The purpose of the class is to draw on interdisciplinary work in feminist studies to think about political institutions - and to see the effect of political institutions on subject positions with different gender identities.
423. Politics of the Metropolis.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
A survey of the major demographic, social, and economic trends in metropolitan areas and an analysis of government responses to these trends. Particular emphasis is placed on formal governmental policies in these areas as well as on the distribution of power and influence in the modern metropolis.
425. Liberalism and Its Critics.
Pol. Sci. 101 or 401. (3). (Excl).
An examination of liberalism, still the dominant political tradition of the West, and of its chief rivals: conservatism, Marxism, Fascism, communitarianism, and feminism.
426. Democratic Theory.
Pol. Sci. 101 or 401. (3). (Excl).
Competing conceptions of democracy: Rousseau, Tocqueville, Mill. Critiques from economists and sociologists. Selected policy issues, including judicial review, representative ethics, the connection between capitalism and democracy, and the rationality of voting.
428/Asian Studies 428/Phil. 428/Soc. 426. China's Evolution Under Communism.
Upperclass standing. (4). (Excl).
An analysis of developments since 1949 with particular emphasis on the evolution of political control, economic development, and social change and their relationship to ideology.
431. Public Administration.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
Introductory study of principles and problems of administrative organization and coordination, personnel and fiscal management, regulatory administration, and public responsibilities of administrative agencies.
434. Government and Public Policy.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
A study of governmental policies and their impact on the American economy. Emphasis is placed upon the formation, administration, and substantive content of policies in areas of antitrust laws and the preservation of competition, transportation, public utility regulation, atomic energy, agriculture, and natural resources.
436. Bureaucracy and Policy Making.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
The purpose of this course is to explore the role and influence of the administrative agencies in the policy making process. Theory and examples are drawn from federal, state, and local levels of government.
440. Comparative Politics.
Any 100-level course in political science or upperclass standing. (3). (Excl).
Theory and research in the comparative study of political systems. Emphasis on theoretical approaches to comparative politics, models of political change, and empirical cross-national research.
441. Comparative Politics of Advanced Industrial Democracies.
Any 100-level course in political science or upperclass standing. (3). (Excl).
Theory and research on the politics of social change in Western Europe and North America. Emphasis is placed on elite and mass behavior in the transition from industrial to post-industrial society.
442. Governments and Politics in Western Europe.
Any 100-level course in political science or upperclass standing. (3). (Excl).
Analysis of the political systems of France, Great Britain, West Germany, and Italy. Emphasis is placed on the nature and source of political conflict. Students may devote special attention to one or more of the countries discussed.
443. Selected Topics in Western European Politics.
Any 100-level course in political science or upperclass standing. (3). (Excl). May be elected for credit twice.
An analysis of selected countries or political problems in Western Europe. Topics vary from term to term and are announced in the Time Schedule.
444. Government and Politics of Russia.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
An analysis of the Russian political system; its political institutions, constitutional organization, administration, and interest groups.
445. Eastern Europe: Revolution, Reaction, and Reform.
(3). (Excl).
A survey of the political and social development of Eastern Europe under socialism. Major themes include the political cultures of the area, communist accession to power, totalitarianism and its erosion, elite-mass relations, the role of public opinion and interest groups, and economic and political change.
447/Rel. 447. Comparative Studies in Religion and Politics.
(3). (Excl).
Comparative analysis of patterns of change in religion, in politics, and in the relations between them. Particular emphasis to third world cases, including Latin American Catholicism, Islam, and to Africa and Asia, reference as well to the United States.
448. Governments and Politics of Latin America.
Pol. Sci. 140 or 440; or a course on Latin America elected through another department. (3). (Excl).
Analysis of social change and political conflict in contemporary Latin America. Topics considered include race, class, and stratification; the role of the military; religion and politics; and the nature and implications of economic dependence. From year to year, emphasis is given to different countries (i.e., Mexico, Venezuela, Cuba, Brazil, Argentina).
450. Political Modernization in the Developing World.
Any 100-level course in political science. (3). (Excl).
A critical review of theories of political development and modernization. Examination of comparative and country case studies, with special attention to Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Emphasis varies with the instructor's area of specialization.
452. Israeli Society and Politics.
(3). (Excl).
A survey of the political culture and Zionist foundation of the Jewish state, its institutions, political parties, and elites. Electoral behavior and coalition politics are analyzed. Political consequences of social issues, such as the integration of immigrants and ethnic-religious minorities, are examined along with problems of religion and politics.
453. Government and Politics of the Middle East.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
Comparative study of the politics of decolonization, the quest for legitimacy, and the political responses to the strains of modernizations in selected states of the Near East and of Africa north of the Sahara.
454. Governments and Politics of Southeast Asia.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
An analysis of political developments in the countries of Southeast Asia defined in terms of Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Burma, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
455. Government and Politics of China.
(3). (Excl).
An analysis of the political development of China, emphasizing contemporary problems and trends. Supplementary consideration is given to political developments in outer Mongolia, Tibet, and adjacent areas.
456. Government and Politics of Japan.
Pol. Sci. 140, 440, or 450. (3). (Excl).
An analysis of the political development of Japan emphasizing contemporary problems and trends. Supplementary consideration is given to political developments in Korea and adjacent areas.
457. Governments and Politics of India and South Asia.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
A study of the government and politics of modern India, with some consideration given also to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka (Ceylon), and Nepal in a regional comparative analysis.
459/CAAS 449. African Politics.
Prior or concurrent study of the Third World; Pol. Sci. 465 is recommended but not required. (3). (Excl).
A comparative survey of the African states and territories, with primary emphasis on the process of decolonization, the continued dependent status of African states, obstacles to change, and alternative strategies of development.
460. Problems in World Politics.
Any 100-level course in political science. (3). (Excl). May be elected for credit twice with permission of the instructor.
An in-depth examination of one or more timely and important problems in the context of a broad overview of the basic dynamics of contemporary world politics.
463. International Organization and Integration.
Pol. Sci. 160. (3). (Excl).
An analysis of the growth, decision-making processes, and activities of international organization and of the consequences of international organization for the global political system. Attention is given to various concepts of future world order.
464. Public International Law.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
The law of the international community as it has been developed historically and recognized by modern states with special reference to the position of the United States.
465. Political Development and Dependence.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
Critical review of developmental theories, stressing links between national and international forces. The purpose of the course is to examine (1) historical paths followed by currently advanced as well as developing countries and (2) dependent relations of Third World nations with advanced countries. Consideration of probable futures of developed and less developed states.
466. Comparative Decolonization.
CAAS 203, or any 100-level course in political science. (3). (Excl).
Examination of the transfer of political power from imperial to colonial control and subsequent severance of economic ties between colonized and the colonizer.
468. The Communist International System.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
The course traces the changing pattern of interaction among ruling and nonruling Communist parties. Particular attention is paid to the manifestation, in the context of the Communist international system, of those processes characteristic of international systems generally.
469. Politics of International Economic Relations.
Pol. Sci. 160. (3). (Excl).
The course deals with the manner in which politics and economics interact in three areas of world politics, the relations between the industrialized nations of the West, the Cold War and detente, and North-South relations. Specialized topics such as the political determinants of the terms of trade, the transnational corporation and the politics of international monetary relations are integrated into the course.
470. Comparative Foreign Policy.
Any 100-level course in political science. (3). (Excl).
A comparative examination of the dynamics of the foreign policies of selected states such as China, France, the Soviet Union, and the United States with the aim of developing a framework for the analysis of and generalizations about state behavior.
471. The American Foreign Policy Process.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
An analysis of the processes by which contemporary United States foreign policies are made and implemented.
472. International Security Affairs.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl). Laboratory fee ($30) required.
An analysis of the processes by which security policy is formulated and of the major issues of contemporary security policy including global and regional strategic concepts, arms control, and disarmament.
475. Russian Foreign Policy.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
The foreign policy of Russia and its effect on the foreign policies of Western, Eastern, and Third World states.
476. International Relations of the Middle East.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
Studies of relations between states of the area and of their individual and collective relations with international organizations and with the Soviet and the Western blocs.
478. International Relations of the Far East.
Pol. Sci. 160 or Asian Studies 122 or Hist. 111. (3). (Excl).
Concentrates primarily on United States-Chinese elite interactions with case studies emphasizing perception and decision making.
479/CAAS 479. Political Development and Economy of Africa.
(3). (SS).
A survey of the relations of African states with each other and with the Middle East, Western Europe, the Socialist States, North America, the Indian subcontinent, the Caribbean, and other developing areas. Examines the participation of African states in international economic and political organizations. Problems of dependency and decolonization are also discussed.
480. Political Mobilization and Policy Change.
Poli. Sci. 111. (3). (Excl).
A study of the history, theories and impact of changes in political organizations and the development of public policy.
481. Junior Honors Proseminar.
Open only to Honors concentrators with junior standing. (3). (Excl).
Discussion of key issues in the various areas of political science.
482/Econ. 483. Positive Political Economy.
Econ. 401. (3). (Excl).
An introduction to positive political economy, analyzing political institutions and their impact on economic policies. The tools of game theory are used to analyze different voting mechanisms, legislative games, the bureaucracy, and interest groups, and to incorporate these political institutions into the analysis of issues such as income taxation and the provision of public goods.
483. American Political Parties and Electoral Problems.
Poli. Sci. 111, 140, 410, or 411. (3). (Excl).
Analysis of the characteristics and determinative conditions of the American party and election system.
484. The Politics of Disaffection.
Two courses in political science including Pol. Sci. 411 or 486. (3). (Excl).
A study of political alienation and allegiance, political deviance, and political conformity.
486. Public Opinion, Political Participation, and Pressure Groups.
One course in political science. (3). (Excl).
A study of the nature and formation of public opinion and the antecedents of political participation. The influence of personality, class, religion, and race as well as family, peer group, school, and media are examined.
487. Psychological Perspectives on Politics.
Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).
This lecture course is a topical survey of psychological perspectives on politics. There are many psychological schools of thought; there are many political problems. We take up a number of the most interesting intersections between the two, such as: socialization, leadership, decision-making, mobilization of political discontent.
488. Political Dynamics.
Junior standing. (3). (Excl).
Models of political systems that evolve through time. Topics include: political party competition, arms races, conservation, and management of natural resources, political development and economic growth. Extensive use of computing to explore properties of models, with less emphasis on mathematical detail and more on substantive interpretation and creativity.
489. Advanced Topics in Contemporary Political Science.
Two 400-level courses in political science. (1-3). (Excl). May be repeated for a total of six credits.
Short courses taught by senior staff on advanced topics in political science.
491. Directed Studies.
Two courses in political science and permission of instructor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies. (1-6). (Excl). No more than four credits of directed study credit may be elected as part of a concentration program in Political Science. (INDEPENDENT). Political Science 491 and 492 may be elected for a total of eight credits.
Directed individual study of any subject agreed upon by the student and the advising instructor, which does not duplicate a formal course offering.
492. Directed Studies.
Two courses in political science and permission of instructor and the Director of Undergraduate Studies. (1-6). (Excl). No more than four credits of directed study may be elected as part of a concentration program in Political Science. (INDEPENDENT). Political Science 491 and 492 may be elected for a total of eight credits.
Directed individual study of any subject agreed upon by the student and the advising instructor, which does not duplicate a formal course offering.
493. Senior Honors Proseminar.
Open only to senior Honors concentrators. (4). (Excl). No more than four Honors credits may be elected as part of a concentration plan in Political Science. (INDEPENDENT).
Each student prepares a substantial paper under the direction of a member of the Department of Political Science faculty.
494. Senior Honors Proseminar.
Open only to senior Honors concentrators. (4). (Excl). No more than four Honors credits may be elected as part of a concentration plan in Political Science. (INDEPENDENT).
Each student prepares a substantial paper under the direction of a member of the Department of Political Science faculty.
495. Undergraduate Seminar in Political Theory.
Senior standing, primarily for seniors concentrating in political science. (3). (Excl). May be elected for credit twice.
Selected topics in political theory.
496. Undergraduate Seminar in American Government and Politics.
Senior standing, primarily for seniors concentrating in political science. (3). (Excl). May be elected for credit twice.
Selected topics in American government and politics.
497. Undergraduate Seminar in Comparative and Foreign Government.
Senior standing, primarily for seniors concentrating in political science. (3). (Excl). May be elected for credit twice.
Selected topics in comparative and foreign governments.
498. Undergraduate Seminar in International Politics.
Senior standing, primarily for seniors concentrating in political science. (3). (Excl). May be elected for credit twice.
Selected topics in international politics.
499. Quantitative Methods of Political Analysis.
(3). (Excl). (BS).
An introduction to statistical and mathematical approaches to the study of politics. Application of statistical measures of relationship and methods for statistical inference in political research.
514. The Use of Social Science Computer Programs.
Pol. Sci. 499. (1). (Excl).
Practical experience in the use of a system of computer programs for social scientists.
529/Public Policy 529. Statistics.
Prior coursework in calculus or concurrent enrollment in Math 413, and permission of instructor. Previous coursework in statistics is not required. (3). (Excl).
This course covers descriptive statistics, probability theory, probability distributions (normal, binomial, Poisson, exponential), sampling distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, correlation, and simple regression analysis. It also includes an introduction to experimental design and to Bayesian decision analysis. The emphasis in the course in on preparing competent users and consumers of basic statistics. Some attention is paid to the mathematical underpinnings of statistical theory so that students are prepared to go on to the SPP econometrics course (SPP 571).
585/Public Policy 585. Political Environment of Policy Analysis.
Permission of instructor. (3). (Excl).
This course focused on the political environment within which policy analysis takes place. In the United States, public policies are formulated and implemented in a political system of widely-shared power by participants with many different, and often conflicting, goals. To be effective, policy analysts and public managers must understand this political system. The goal of this course is to provide the student with some of the background necessary to develop strategies for dealing effectively with the political environment of policy and administration.
586/Public Policy 586. Organizational Design.
(3). (Excl).
This course is designed to help students understand organizations from several perspectives. One perspective is that of a person who will be working in an organization. A second perspective is that of a policy analyst whose job it is to do analyses that are organizationally sensitive and to propose appropriate solutions to organizational problems. A third perspective is that of a manager responsible for making decisions that affect the well-being of the organization and its members. The course presents theory and opportunities for practice relevant to these perspectives.
591. Advanced Internship in Political Science.
Two courses in political science at the 400-level or above and concentration in political science; or graduate standing. Permission of supervising instructor and review by the Department's internship advisor. (2-6). (Excl). No more than four credits of internship may be included as part of a concentration plan in political science. (EXPERIENTIAL). All internship courses may be elected for a maximum total of eight credits.
For superior students in the department who, during their junior and senior years or in their graduate program, may be selected for directed programs of internship or field study in international, national, state, or local government agencies.
592. Advanced Internship in Political Science.
Two courses in political science at the 400 level or above and concentration in political science; or graduate standing. Permission of supervising instructor and review by the Department's internship advisor. (2-6). (Excl). No more than four credits of internship may be included as part of a concentration plan in political science. (EXPERIENTIAL). All internship courses may be elected for a maximum total of eight credits.
For superior students in the department who, during their junior and senior years or in their graduate program, may be selected for directed programs of internship or field study in international, national, state, or local government agencies.