Transfer Student Courses in Political Science (Division 450)

Fall Term, 1999 (September 8 - December 22, 1999)

To see what Transfer Student courses have been added or changed in Political Science this week go to What's New This Week.

Section 001 – Democratic Theory and Deliberation.

Instructor(s): Claudia Ritter (ritterc@umich.edu)

Prerequisites & Distribution: Pol. Sci. 101 or 400 or 401. (3). (Excl).

Credits: (3).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

This seminar is intended as an introduction to political theory through readings of current approaches to democratic theory. Concepts of democracy are challenged by political changes like the ongoing globalization, the transition to democracy in former state socialist countries, and by new shapes of socio-cultural standardization and heterogeneity, while everything turns out to be political. Moreover, the terms in which the preconditions of a democratic decision making process are discussed got questioned in recent debates in political theory. Communitarian, republican, and liberal thoughts criticize and redefinein different ways the role of political institutions and civil self-regulation. These thoughts can be interpreted as a part of the modern discourse, while the postmodern discourse opposes the rationality of deliberation – the modern heart of democratic culture – with a claim for difference and aesthetic politics. The main work for the course will be an oral midterm and a written final exam. Students will also have several short written assignments. Regular attendance, reading of the texts, and participation in the discussion are requested.

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Dennis McEnnerney (dennismc@umich.edu)

Prerequisites & Distribution: Pol. Sci. 101 or 401. (3). (Excl).

Credits: (3).

Course Homepage: http://www-personal.umich.edu/~dennismc/F99-PS409.htm

A survey of political thought in the 20^th century, focusing on the controversies and tensions that characterize recent philosophy and politics. Topics to be discussed include those of cultural relativism and universalistic humanism; realist analysis and normative inquiry; and communitarianism, individualistic liberalism, and group-oriented multiculturalism. Readings will likely consist of selections by Max Weber, Albert Camus, Joseph Schumpeter, Hannah Arendt, John Rawls, Frantz Fanon, Jean-François Lyotard, Iris Marion Young, and Charles Taylor. Written assignments will include some mix of papers and exams, though the exact character of that mix will depend upon what is feasible given final course enrollments. Course meetings will consist of a mixture of lecture and discussion.

Section 001 – Politics & Development in China.

Instructor(s): Joffe

Prerequisites & Distribution: Upperclass standing. (4). (Excl).

Credits: (4; 3 in the half-term).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

This course is built around the theme of China’s search for a development model that addresses its basic problems and fits the predilections of its leaders. This search began with the establishment of the communist regime in 1949 and continues to this day. The course traces its evolution and the convulsive changes which it has generated. Although the approach is chronological, the narrative is interlaced with an analysis of these changes, the reasons behind them and their implications. Requirement: exam at the end of the course

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Laracey

Prerequisites & Distribution: Two courses in political science. (3). (Excl).

Credits: (3).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

This course examines the world of public organizations in the American governmental system from three fundamental yet sometimes conflicting perspectives: management, politics, and law. The focus is on how public organizations function, the various societal interests they serve, and how they can be managed effectively. Guest speakers and actual case studies add a “real life” component to the course, so that public administration can be understood from the dual vantage points of theory and practice.

Section 001.

Instructor(s): John Campbell (jccamp@umich.edu)

Prerequisites & Distribution: Pol. Sci. 140, 440, or 450. (3). (Excl).

Credits: (3).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

Japan is an ever-more interesting country to study, due to both its obvious importance, and the fact that it is the only post-industrial non-western country. This course offers an overview of contemporary Japanese politics, designed for students with a general interest in Japan as well as political science concentrators. Special attention is given to how politics has affected, and has been affected by, cultural patterns, social organization, economic growth, and Japan's position in the world. Grading will be by examination and short papers.

Section 001.

Instructor(s): Jennifer Widner (jwidner@umich.edu)

Prerequisites & Distribution: Prior or concurrent study of the Third World; Pol. Sci. 465 is recommended but not required. (3). (Excl).

Credits: (3).

Course Homepage: No Homepage Submitted.

This course examines the institutions, processes, and ideas that shape political life in Africa. The first part of the course provides some historical background and considers the effects of environment on political structure, the differences between segmentary societies and kingships, and the effects of international contact on the character of the state. The second part explores some of the bold initiatives of independence leaders and their consequences. The third part explores contemporary struggles for democracy and the management of elections. A final segment of the course addresses several important policy issues, including war-peace transitions and government effectiveness.

Instructor(s): John Campbell (jccamp@umich.edu)

Prerequisites & Distribution: 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).

Credits: (4).

Course Homepage: http://www.lib.umich.edu/libhome/Documents.center/psjr/slide1.htm

This is a seminar for seniors who are working on honors theses. Students must be admitted to the honors program before enrolling.