All courses are offered through the College of Arts & Sciences, Social Sciences Building, Room 367, (907) 786-4897
An introduction to the historical and constitutional foundations of American government; the political activities of parties, groups, and the media; public decision-making by the executive, Congress, and the courts; and current economic, environmental, social, and foreign issues and policies.
An introduction to the discipline of political science focusing on the whole realm of political science concepts, political activities, and political processes, worldwide.
A topic of contemporary or continuing interest in Alaska politics, American politics, comparative politics, and/or international relations, treated at the introductory level. Subtitle varies and may be repeated for credit with a different subtitle.
Prerequisites: PS 101 or 102
The dynamic interaction of politics and economics in a variety of local, national, and international settings. The course considers how power determines the nature of the economic system and how the economic process redistributes power and wealth.
A comprehensive introduction and review of this major subfield of the discipline of political science. The subject matter, goals and purposes, concepts, and methods of comparative politics are covered. This course prepares students for comparative analysis of politics.
Prerequisite: PS 311
A detailed analysis and comparison of the political systems of several selected independent, sovereign nation-states. The cases selected for study represent contrasting types of political systems in different regions of the world.
Prerequisite: PS 101, or PS 102, or junior standing
A comprehensive introduction to the concepts, processes, and structures of international relations. Topics include the international environment, the nation-state system, transnational institutions, diplomacy, and war. Selected contemporary international issues and the state of international organization are also treated.
Prerequisite: PS 101, or PS 102, or junior standing
A comprehensive introduction to United States foreign policy. Constitutional provisions and the politics of policy making are treated. This course also focuses on contemporary foreign policy problems.
Special Note: To earn 1 credit students must prepare a debate by acquainting themselves with their nation-state and the topic. To earn 3 credits students must also submit two term papers. May be repeated once for credit.
A student simulation of the United Nations General Assembly. Acting as nation-state delegates, students research and debate a topic of international concern.
Prerequisite: PS 331 or 333
The political theory of liberal democracy examined in its application to crucial events in American political history.
An introduction to political philosophy, with emphasis on the study of regimes; selected regimes are examined through the writings of political philosophers.
Political philosophy from Plato to Marsilius, with emphasis on natural right.
Political philosophy from Machiavelli to Nietzsche, with emphasis on liberalism and its critics.
Prerequisite: One of PS 101, PS 102, or junior standing
The organization of Congress and its role in the American political system. Theories of representative government, the internal dynamics of Congress, and forces influencing Congress's ability to act within the constitutional system are among the topics examined.
Prerequisite: One of PS 101, PS 102, or junior standing
The evolution of the executive branch of United States government. The course focuses on presidential power, relations with Congress, presidential selection, contemporary policy making, and the Constitution.
Prerequisite: PS 101 or JUST 110
Crosslisted: JUST 343
An introduction to American constitutional law through study of selected Supreme Court cases. Among the topics considered are judicial review; separation of powers; property, commerce, and taxation; liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights; equal protection; and privacy. Comparisons are made with the Alaska Constitution.
Prerequisite: PS 101
State and local politics and governments in the United States and their interrelationships. The course focuses on how the political process works, how decisions are made, and current issues and policies.
Prerequisite: PS 101
Special Note: may be applied to the Alaska Culture and History requirements for State of Alaska teacher recertification.
Governmental structures and the political process in Alaska. The course examines the history of government in Alaska, the cultural diversity of the population, and its effect on politics, contemporary policy issues, and political change.
Special Note: may be applied to the Alaska Culture and History requirements for State of Alaska teacher recertification.
Politics and governments of Alaska Natives. Focuses on the history of Native/non-Native relations, contemporary issues and possibilities, and comparative case studies in Canada, Siberia, Greenland, and Scandinavia.
Prerequisite: PS 101 or PS 102
An introduction to the problems of managing agencies and implementing policies in local, state, and federal government. The course deals with the history and current practices of public administration and the effects of the social, economic and political environments on administration, with and emphasis on Alaska.
Prerequisite: One of PS 101, PS 102
Case study approach to public policy and policymaking. Examines the relationship between the social, economic, and political environments and specific contemporary policies (e.g., education, social welfare, housing, employment, etc.), the policymaking process, and alternative models of policymaking. Emphasis on Alaska as well as national issues.
Crosslisted: SOC 351
Introduction to the social aspects of politics and the nature and distribution of power in society. Examination of the dynamic relationship of the political process and the institution of society.
Prerequisite: One of PS 101, PS 102
An exploration of the relation between the organization of society, political behavior, and efforts to influence the distribution of wealth, property, information and other valuable resources. The course considers the effects of tradition, economic circumstances, education, the media, and other factors on our political beliefs and activities, and the impact individual and collective actions on public decisions and policies.
Prerequisite: PS 102 or SOC 101
Crosslisted: SOC 361
An introduction to research methods, including definition of research problems, development of hypotheses, experimental and non-experimental research design, sampling, and data collection and analysis. Students participate in field exercises to develop critical capacities for evaluating research studies.
Prerequisite: One of PS 101, PS 102, or junior standing
The politics of tribes, nations, and peoples lacking state representation. Case studies will be drawn from Africa, Asia, Australia, North and South America, the South Pacific, Europe, and the Soviet Union. Focuses on the nature of traditional societies, the history of Colonialism and Imperialism, and current problems and policies.
Prerequisite: One of PS 101, PS 102, or junior standing
An examination of the nature, subjects, and status of international law, and the purposes, roles, and development of international organizations. The course considers the significance of international law and organization in the contemporary global arena. Specific issues are analyzed to demonstrate the application of international law and the operation of international organizations.
Prerequisite: PS 101
Examines the behavior of the dominant form of institutions in modern society, i.e., organizations, and the behavior of individuals and groups within organizations. Emphasis on the relationship between the structure and design of organizations, conflicts within and between organizations, and organizations' (and individuals')ability to adapt and achieve goals.
Prerequisite: One of PS 101, PS 102, or junior standing
May be stacked with PS 690
Special Note: Subtitle varies; may be repeated to a maximum of six credits with a different subtitle.
An examination of an aspect of politics from the perspective of a major field in the political science discipline (comparative politics, international relations, political philosophy, American politics, and political behavior). Field and subject studies will vary from year to year.
Senior Integrative Capstone course required of all Political Science majors. An examination of a single major problem in the study of politics.
Registration Restrictions: Completion of GER Tier 1 (basic college-level skills) courses. Senior standing and at least one upper-division course from another social science.
Prerequisite: PS 101, PS 102; and faculty permission required.
Special Note: Internships vary; may be repeated once for credit with a different internship.
An opportunity for students to apply the subject matter of political science to the practical life of the community. Internships are available in a variety of governmental and private settings and require a formal agreement between the student, the faculty member, and the supervisor; a work evaluation; and a student report.
Prerequisite: One of PS 101, PS 102; graduate standing
May be stacked with PS 490
Special Note: Subtitle varies; may be repeated to a maximum of six credits with a different subtitle.
An examination of an aspect of politics from the perspective of a major field in the political science discipline (comparative politics, international relations, political philosophy, American politics, and political behavior). Field and subject studies will vary from year to year.
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