POLITICAL SCIENCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Political Science Major
Political Science Minor
Public Administration Major
Public Administration Minor
Course Descriptions
Minné Hall, Room 120 (507-457-5500; fax 507-457-2621)
www.winona.edu/politicalscience
Darrell Downs (Chairperson)
FACULTY
Matthew Bosworth, Professor; B.A., Johns Hopkins University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison; 1997 –
Karen Csajko, Associate Professor; B.A., M.A., Portland State University; Ph.D., University of California-Berkeley; 1996 –
Darrell Downs, Professor; B.A., B.S., Montana State University; M.S., Oregon State University; Ph.D., Colorado State University; 1992 –
Yogesh Grover, Professor; B.A., M.A., University of Delhi (India); Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia; 1988 –
Edward Guernica, Assistant Professor; B.A., San Jose State; M.A., Ph.D., Tulane University; 2004 –
Frederick Lee, Professor; A.B., University of New Orleans; A.M., Ph.D., University of Michigan; 1992 –
Kara Lindaman, Assistant Professor; B.A., M.A., University of Northern Iowa; Ph.D., University of Kansas; 2006 –
PURPOSE
Political science deals with the theory and practice of politics, government, and administration. The essence of political science is to discover how, when, and why people and governments shape public decisions. As an academic discipline, it includes political theory, public law, public administration, American politics and policy (domestic and foreign), and governments and politics of different countries.
The primary objective of the political science curriculum is to prepare students for graduate studies and/or careers in public service, business, or education. The study of political science also provides a strong background for success in law school. Generally, students majoring in political science find that it helps them understand the changing political environment and prepares them to take responsibility in their community, nation, and the world at large. Whether a student is interested in a career in public service or not, the study of politics is a solid preparation for life as a critical thinking adult.
PASS/NO CREDIT (P/NC) COURSES
Except for internships, students must take all courses in the major and minor on a grade-only basis. The P/NC option is available to non-majors for all courses.
DOUBLE MAJORS
For students majoring in both political science and public administration, required courses for one major can be applied to the requirements of the other, but at least 15 semester hours must be non-duplicative.
COURSES FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION PROGRAMS
The Department of Political Science and Public Administration offers the following courses for political science and public administration programs.
American Politics
120 Introduction to American Politics (3)
201 Politics and Violence (3)
218 Community Service (3)
220 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (3)
221 State and Local Government (3)
227 Judicial Process and Politics (3)
228 Public Service (3)
315 American Political Thought (3)
320 Constitutional Law (3)
321 The American Presidency (3)
322 Political Parties and Pressure Groups (3)
330 Race and American Politics (3)
333 Media and Politics (3)
340 Environmental Policy (3)
341 Health Care Politics and Policy (3)
360 American Congress (3)
420 Administrative Law (3)
421 The First Amendment (3)
425 Policy Studies (3)
426 The Politics of Public Budgeting (3)
429 Policy Reform (3)
430 Agency Performance (3)
Comparative Politics
135 Comparative Political Systems (3)
224 Politics and Society in Latin
America (3)
225 Ethnic Conflict and Nationalism (3)
226 Politics and Society in Africa (3)
270 Politics and Society in the Middle
East (3)
332 European Political Systems (3)
335 Latin American Political Systems (3)
336 Post-Communist Political Systems (3)
337 Asian Political Systems (3)
343 Human Rights in Theory and
Practice (3)
390 Comparative Politics of the
Third World (3)
475 Democratization and Its Challenges (3)
International Politics
130 Introduction to International
Relations (3)
205 United Nations in World Affairs (3)
342 International Political Economy (3)
346 International Law (3)
347 International Organization (3)
422 American Foreign Policy (3)
460 North American Relations (3)
488 Issues in International Politics (3)
Political Theory
150 Introduction to Political Theory (3)
260 Classical Political Thought (3)
315 American Political Thought (3)
325 Modern Political Theory (3)
358 Contemporary Political Thought (3)
450 Feminist Political Theory (3)
Research and Methodology
280 Introduction to Political Analysis (3)
410 Political Research Seminar (3)
Note: Independent Readings (401) and Internship (416) credits may apply toward the major requirements, but internships will be limited to 3 semester credits in Option A,
Option B, and the public administration major. Students are allowed to take up to 12 credits for internships, but only 3 credits will count toward the major.
UNIVERSITY STUDIES FLAG REQUIREMENTS
Students may use flag courses to satisfy both University Studies and major requirements. Flag courses will usually be in the student’s major or minor program. The Department of Political Science and Public Administration offers the following flag courses in the University Studies Program:
FLAG
Oral
POLS 421 The First Amendment (3) POLS 460 North American Relations (3) POLS 488 Issues in International Politics (3)
Math/Critical Analysis
POLS 280 Introduction to Political Analysis (3)
POLS 410 Political Research Seminar (3)
Writing
POLS 260 Classical Political Theory (3)
POLS 321 American Presidency (3)
POLS 322 Political Parties and Pressure Groups (3)
POLS 325 Modern Political Theory (3)
POLS 330 Race and American Politics (3)
POLS 333 Media and Politics (3)
POLS 347 International Organizations (3)
POLS 358 Contemporary Political Thought (3) POLS 425 Policy Studies (3)
POLS 450 Feminist Political Theory (3) POLS 475 Democratization and Its Challenges (3)
Flag courses that can be used to satisfy political science major/minor requirements are identified in the lists of required courses and electives in this section.
B.A. MAJOR POLITICAL SCIENCE - GENERAL OPTION A (POLA)
42 S.H. (Minor Required)
REQUIRED COURSES (6 S.H.)
POLS 120 Introduction to American Politics (3)
POLS 280 Introduction to Political Analysis (3)
ELECTIVES (36 S.H.)
Students should note the following two requirements:
• They must take at least 3 credits (one course) from each of the four sub-fields in political science: American politics, comparative
politics, international politics, and political theory.
• Of the 36 credits (12 courses) required for electives, at least 15
credits (five courses) must be at the 300- to 400-level.
B.A. MAJOR POLITICAL SCIENCE -
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES OPTION B (POLB)
42 S.H. (Minor Required)
This option enables students to get a B.A. degree in political science by specializing in international relations. A degree in political science with an emphasis on international relations may be combined with either a minor or a major in international business, economics or foreign languages to broaden the scope of opportunities after graduation. Most of the requirements for this major can be met by taking electives, although a core of five courses is required.
REQUIRED COURSES - POLS (15 S.H.)
120 Introduction to American Politics (3)
130 Introduction to International Relations (3)
135 Comparative Political Systems (3)
280 Introduction to Political Analysis (3)
422 American Foreign Policy (3)
ELECTIVES (27 S.H.)
Students must take the remaining nine courses from International Politics and Comparative Politics sub-fields. No more than three 200-level courses will apply toward the major requirements.
B.A. MINOR - POLITICAL SCIENCE (POLS)
21 S.H.
REQUIRED COURSE (3 S.H.)
POLS 120 Introduction to American Politics (3)
ELECTIVES (18 S.H.)
Students must take at least one course (3 credits) from three of the four sub-fields in political science: American politics, comparative politics, international politics, and political theory.
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
The Bachelor of Science major and minor in Public Administration are designed to prepare students for an administrative career in public and nonprofit agencies. The core curriculum of this program provides students with the competency areas recommended by the National
Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration.
This program is uniquely designed to serve students seeking employment in the traditional fields of public service, as well as those intending to pursue graduate study in the more specialized areas of policy analysis and program management. Students in this program are strongly encouraged to work closely with their advisor to select a major/minor combination that serves the student’s career goals. See the Department of Political Science and Public Administration for more information and advising.
B.S. MAJOR - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (PUBA)
33 S.H. (Minor Required)
REQUIRED COURSES - POLS (33 S.H.)
120 Introduction to American Politics (3)
221 State and Local Government (3)
228 Public Service (3)
280 Introduction to Political Analysis (3)
320 Constitutional Law (3)
410 Political Research Seminar (3)
416 Internship (minimum of 3)
420 Administrative Law (3)
425 Policy Studies (3)
426 Politics of Public Budgeting (3)
429 Policy Reform (3)
B.S. MINOR - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (PUBA)
24 S.H.
REQUIRED COURSES - POLS (24 S.H.)
120 Introduction to American Politics (3)
221 State and Local Government (3)
228 Public Service (3)
280 Introduction to Political Analysis (3)
410 Political Research Seminar (3)
425 Policy Studies (3)
426 Politics of Public Budgeting (3)
429 Policy Reform (3)
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS (POLS)
120 - Introduction to American Politics (3 S.H.)
A study of the purposes of American government, civil rights, the federal system, the powers and functions of the three branches of government, political parties and interest groups, and contemporary problems. Offered each semester.
130 - Introduction to International Relations (3 S.H.)
A general introduction to the major concepts and theories employed to analyze world affairs, and to the behavior of major actors involved-states, international organizations, and multinational corporations. Offered each semester.
135 - Comparative Political Systems (3 S.H.)
Comparative study of different political systems with an emphasis on the frameworks used to compare them, and the concepts used to analyze and describe politics in different countries. Also includes case studies. Offered each semester.
150 - Introduction to Political Theory (3 S.H.)
This course is an introduction to the study, reading, and analysis of political texts, designed for students who do not have much familiarity with politics or theory, but are interested in investigating enduring questions of political thought, such as: What is freedom? What is the relationship between politics and conflict? What does it mean to be a member of a polity? What is justice? Offered yearly.
199 - First-Year Seminar (1-3 S.H.)
An open discussion of some political topics of current interest. Discussion centers around causes and possible remedies of some of the maladies of modern society. The different alternatives are discussed with an eye toward acquiring a better understanding of the problems. May be taken for up to 3 semester hours.
201 - Politics and Violence (3 S.H.)
A study of the modern and enduring questions about violence, its origins, causes, and its cures. This course explores violence from a political science as well as from an interdisciplinary perspective. Offered each semester.
205 - The United Nations in World Affairs (3 S.H.)
This course deals with the goals, structure, and functions of the United Nations and the way it deals with international issues of war, peace, and development. Offered every two years.
218 - Community Service (3 S.H.)
Democratic theory calls for participation of citizens not only in decision-making but also in community affairs. Students will be offered the opportunity to be involved in their community by volunteering their services and time to not-for-profit organizations as a community service. Such participation would foster community asset building and be beneficial to both the student volunteer and the community at large.
220 - Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (3 S.H.)
A survey of current controversies regarding civil rights and civil liberties, such as the right to privacy, freedom of speech, affirmative action, sexual harassment, gay rights, etc. Recommended: POLS 120.
221 - State & Local Government (3 S.H.)
An examination of the structure and policies of state and local governments in the U.S. and the relationships among national, state, and local governments in the areas of education, welfare, criminal justice, economic development, and environmental protection.
224 - Politics & Society in Latin American (3 S.H.)
A study of the impact of factors such as religion, wealth, natural resources, modern ideologies, and nationalism on the lives of individuals, groups, and countries of Latin America and their politics.
225 - Ethnic Conflict and Nationalism (3 S.H.)
Since the end of the Cold War, there has been an increase in nationalism and ethnic conflict throughout the world. This course analyzes this increasingly important international phenomenon, focusing on the causes and the characteristics of nationalism, the international consequences of what might appear to be national problems, and the
prospects of conflict resolution and political reform in areas suffering from these problems. Offered yearly.
226 - Politics & Society in Africa (3 S.H.)
A study of the political cultures of African nations north and south of the Sahara. A study of the impact of factors such as religion, wealth, natural resources, geographic location, and ethnic mix, modern ideologies on the lives of individuals and nations and on the politics of the African nations. Offered fall semester.
227- Judicial Process & Politics (3 S.H.)
This course provides an overview of the American legal process from a political perspective, covering basic court structure, legal actors, criminal and civil procedures, judicial impact, and comparative court systems. Prerequisite: POLS 120 or instructor’s permission. Offered yearly.
228 - Public Service (3 S.H.)
The theory and practice of public service and administration. The emphasis is on political processes as they affect administrative policy and problem solving in public and non-profit organizations. Prerequisite: POLS 120. Offered yearly.
260 - Classical Political Thought (3 S.H.)
What is politics? This course looks at Greek and Christian thinkers who first considered this question, from Sophocles to Plato to St. Augustine. Offered every two years.
270 - Politics and Society in the Middle East (3 S.H.)
A study of the impact of factors such as religion, wealth, natural resources, traditional ideologies, and modern ideologies on the lives of individuals and nations and on politics in the countries of the Middle East and among them. Offered yearly.
280 - Introduction to Political Analysis (3 S.H.)
An introduction to political research. Topics include approaches and methods used in political research, framing research questions, developing and testing hypotheses, evaluating research, defining concepts, measuring variables, making observations, analyzing data, and presenting research findings. It is recommended that students complete this course before enrolling in 300- or 400-level courses. Prerequisite: POLS 120 or instructor’s permission. Offered yearly.
315 - American Political Thought (3 S.H.)
An examination of the role of ideas in shaping American politics. Covering major political movements in the U.S. including revolutionary thought, constitutionalism, populism, pragmatism, socialism, conservatism, communitarianism, and feminism. Prerequisite: POLS 120.
320 - Constitutional Law (3 S.H.)
Judicial function in constitutional cases; division of powers between the nation and the states, and within the national government; powers of the President, limitations on the powers of government, separation of powers; protection of individual rights. Prerequisite: POLS 120.
321 - American Presidency (3 S.H.)
A study of the institution of the presidency, the gradual growth of formal and informal tools of presidential power, the influence that different presidents have brought to the office, the significance of presidential style and character, recruitment patterns for the presidency, and various suggestions to reform the institution. Prerequisite: POLS 120.
322 - Political Parties & Pressure Groups (3 S.H.)
Development, characteristics, organization, and politics of the major American political parties. Includes an examination of the nominating process, party campaigns and finances, elections, voting behavior, and the role and techniques of interest groups. Prerequisite: POLS 120.
325 - Modern Political Theory (3 S.H.)
A study of the political ideas central to liberalism and its critics. Focus will be on Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Marx. Offered every two years.
330 - Race & American Politics (3 S.H.)
A study of the impact, effects, and consequences of race and racism in American politics. Emphasis is placed on the origins, definitions, and political consequences of race and racism within American politics. Prerequisite: POLS 120 or instructor’s permission. Offered yearly.
332 - European Political Systems (3 S.H.)
A comparative study of the ideological, social, economic, and institutional developments of European (East and West) domestic politics and the European Union. Emphasis is placed on the interaction of developments between the domestic and supranational levels of governance. Prerequisite: POLS 135 or instructor’s permission. Offered every two years.
333 - Media and Politics (3 S.H.)
An examination of the role, process and power of the mass media in American politics. Includes an examination of media impact and effects at the individual, group, institutional, and cultural levels in American politics. Prerequisite: POLS 120 or instructor’s permission.
335 -Latin American Political Systems (3 S.H.)
A comparative study of the political development of South American, Central American, and Caribbean countries. Emphasis is placed on cultural, institutional, and economic factors of their development. Prerequisite: POLS 135 or instructor’s permission. Offered every two years.
336 - Post Communist Political Systems (3 S.H.)
A comparative study of transitions from communist to liberal political and economic systems, and an analysis of unique problems of conversion from totalitarian systems to democracy, and from command economies to market economies. The course also includes discussion of countries that did not make the above transition. Prerequisite: POLS 135 or instructor’s permission. Offered every two years.
337 - Asian Political Systems (3 S.H.)
A comparative study of the political systems in Asia with an emphasis on the structure of governments, the extent of their effectiveness and the role of non-governmental actors: army; political parties; economic, social, and cultural groups in politics. Variable focus on either the major powers like China, Japan, and India or the Asia Pacific countries and the factors responsible for their economic dynamism. Prerequisite: POLS 135 or instructor’s permission. Offered every two years.
340 - Environmental Policy (3 S.H.)
A seminar in environmental policy analysis. Students examine and assess a variety of global, national, local, and inter-governmental environmental problems and governmental efforts in response to these problems. Special emphasis is placed on air and water pollution, erosion, toxic wastes, species loss, and population growth.
341 - Health Care Politics & Policy (3 S.H.)
An analysis of the politics of health care. Special emphasis is placed on the formulation of health care policy and policy reform in the United States; however, health care systems of other industrialized nations and developing nations are also examined.
342 - International Political Economy (3 S.H.)
An introduction to the relationship between international politics and international economics and the theories of international political economy. The topics include the following: the politics of international trade, investment, and foreign aid; the consequences of the multi-national corporations on international relations and their political role; economic foreign policy-making and its implications for national and international politics. Prerequisite: POLS 130 or instructor’s permission. Offered every two years.
343 - Human Rights in Theory and Practice (3 S.H.)
Human rights are those rights possessed by individuals by virtue of being human. They are distinct from civil rights, which are guaranteed by civil societies. This course seeks to identify the basic human rights of individuals as human beings, the evolution of these rights, the philosophical foundations of those rights, and the legal remedies available to victims of violations. The course discusses the roles of national and international communities in protecting human rights including the establishment of a permanent criminal court to prosecute human rights violations.
346 - International Law (3 S.H.)
The nature and sources of international law; jurisdiction of states over persons and territory; recognition of states and governments; law of the sea; principle of state responsibility; law of treaties; and transnational legal problems. Prerequisite: POLS 130 or instructor’s permission. Offered every two years.
347 - International Organizations (3 S.H.)
An analysis of the background organization, aims, activities, and accomplishments of the United Nations and its specialized agencies. A consideration of the factors affecting the success or failure of world organizations. Prerequisite: POLS 130 or instructor’s permission. Offered every two years.
358 - Contemporary Political Thought (3 S.H.)
This is the third part of a three-part survey course on “The History of Political Thought” series offered in the department. This course studies major contemporary thinkers in the canon, such as Nietzsche, Foucault, Arendt, Camus, and Rawls. Offered every two years.
360 - American Congress (3 S.H.)
An examination of the role of Congress in shaping policy and representing constituents. Topics include the organization of Congress, Congressional leadership, voting coalitions, and proposals for reform. Prerequisite: POLS 120.
390 - Comparative Politics-Third World (3 S.H.)
A comparative study of the political ideological, social, and economic development in selected Third World countries. Countries covered may vary each time the course is offered but will include examples from the African, Asian, and Latin American continents. Prerequisite: POLS 135 or instructor’s permission.
401 - Independent Readings in Political Science (1-3 S.H.)
Readings in an area of political science of particular interest to the student. Credit arranged.
410 - Political Research Seminar (3 S.H.)
Capstone experience that allows students to do original primary research using the various primary research tools and approaches used in the study of practical phenomena and processes. Emphasis is placed on problem-solving and critical thinking. Students have a capstone experience in which they apply knowledge gained in this and other courses to an original research problem. Survey research techniques are studied, and a practical survey project is undertaken. Prerequisite: POLS 380. Offered yearly.
416 - Internship Program (1-12 S.H.)
Provides practical experience in local, state, and national government and public administration (limited enrollment). Credit arranged. (Cannot apply toward a graduate degree. Only three credits count toward major.)
420 - Administrative Law (3 S.H.)
An exploration of the law of the administrative process: legislative, executive, and judicial control of administrative action; the formal administrative process; and administrative discretion with due consideration to the Federal Administrative Procedure Act. Prerequisite: POLS 120; recommended prerequisite: POLS 320.
421 - The First Amendment (3 S.H.)
A seminar class on one of the most contentious constitutional amendments. Topics include freedom of speech, free exercise of religion, separation of church and state, and freedom of association. Prerequisites: POLS 120 and POLS 320 or instructor’s permission.
422 - American Foreign Policy (3 S.H.)
A study of contemporary United States foreign policy. The course includes an analysis of threats and issues originating from the external world and facing America, and the suitable American response, responsibilities, and commitments. Prerequisite: POLS 130 or instructor’s permission. Offered every two years.
425 - Policy Studies (3 S.H.)
An introduction to the evaluation of public policy in the United States. Students assess the process and substance of policy on various topics such as pollution, poverty, crime, illness, and violence. Prerequisite: POLS 120. Offered every two years.
426 - Politics of Public Budgeting (3 S.H.)
An examination of the politics of budgeting at the state, local, and national level. Consideration is given to program planning, inter-governmental relations, the government and the economy, and reforms in budgetary systems. Prerequisites: POLS 120 and POLS 228.
429 - Policy Reform (3 S.H.)
Strategies and problems of making, implementing, and changing public policy. Discussion addresses policy stakeholders as they are involved in developing and reforming public policy. Prerequisite: POLS 120. Offered every two years.
430 - Agency Performance (3 S.H.)
The civil service movement, public personnel systems, and contemporary strategies to manage personnel for higher levels of performance. Prerequisites: POLS 120 and POLS 228.
450 - Feminist Political Theory (3 S.H.)
This course investigates different perspectives in feminist political thought. Students will consider psychological, Marxist, radical, liberal, utopian, and French Feminist arguments, in order to understand the ways that political theorists have wrestled with the question of woman/women. Offered every two years.
460 - North American Relations (3 S.H.)
This course examines the relations among the three countries of North America: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The examination of these relations involves the applicable theories of regional cooperation and conflict with special emphasis on integration. The course will also develop an understanding of the evolution of the current state of relations among the three. Focus will be on trade relations, the institutions of NAFTA, security issues, migration, the potential of building a regional community (along political, social, and economic lines), citizen perceptions, and overall development. Prerequisite: POLS 130 or instructor’s permission. Offered every two years.
475 - Democratization and Its Challenges (3 S.H.)
The emphasis of this course is on the wave of democratization that is sweeping the world and the challenges that the new democracies face in consolidating themselves. This course covers the theory of democracy and the institutional, cultural, and socio-economic challenges that countries face as they seek to make the transition from dictatorship to democracy. Prerequisite: POLS 135 or instructor’s permission. Offered every two years.
488 - Issues in International Politics (3 S.H.)
The purpose of the course is to enable students to have an opportunity to discuss a variety of contemporary global issues, which may not be covered in a regular course such as terrorism, religious fundamentalism, human rights and state sovereignty, and ethno-nationalism. Topics vary from year to year, depending upon their prominence or the instructor’s judgment that they should receive consideration. Prerequisite: POLS 130 or instructor’s permission. Offered every two years.
499 - Seminar (1-3 S.H.)
The subject matter is arranged by the instructor before the course is offered. Students can repeat the course without limitation on the number of credits as long as the subject matter is different.
Last Modified: Wednesday, August 13, 2008 15:39
