Requirements and Curriculum
Note: This information reflects the 2007-08 course catalog.
Requirements
Required for a major
Plan I. Thirty-two hours in the department, including 130, 132; two courses in the 300-370 range; 485. A maximum of four internship hours can be counted toward the major. The major is flexible, but it requires frequent consultation with the major adviser. Regular consultation insures that a major program meets that particular student’s needs. Students considering graduate study in political science, public policy or public administration should consider taking at least one course in economics and a statistics course.
Plan II (teaching). Same as general major requirements, except that a minimum of 24 hours must be selected from American government topics. A minimum of 34 hours of political science is required in Wisconsin. See education department for secondary education minor requirements.
Required for a second teaching area: Twenty-four hours selected from American government topics, or completion of a 30-hour major in another social science plus 15 hours in political science in American government.
Curriculum
130 American Politics 4 hours
An overview of the historical and contemporary practice of American politics that focuses on the nature of politics and government; the founders’ ideas about the democratic republic; the constitutional theory and actual distribution of political power among the branches and levels of government; the problems and possibilities of governing America today; and the avenues available for citizen participation and influence. (HBSSM, Hist, Intcl)
132 Global Politics 4 hours
This course will introduce students to (1) global issues, with examination of themes like globalization, economic development and poverty, global warming, ethnic conflict, democratization and war, and (2) global governance, with an emphasis on the role of states, non-state actors and multilateral institutions. (HBSSM, Intcl)
133 Politics and Society in the Nation’s Capital 4 hours
This course will focus on the politics and society of the nation’s capital. The essence of the course will be visits with government officials, lobbyists, lawyers, as well as exploration of the social issues one would expect to find in a major urban setting. A special effort will be made to meet with Luther alumni working in Washington D.C. (HB)
134 Mock Senate 4 hours
The first half of the course explores the U.S. Senate as a political institution and three or four contemporary policy issues. The second half of the course is a simulation of the Senate in which students portray current Senators; the simulation includes committee hearings, introduction and markup of bills, party caucuses, and a two-day session of the full Senate. (HB)
139, 239, 339, 439 Special Topics Credit arr.
These courses offer student and faculty the opportunity to explore an area of mutual interest. Topics have included Vietnam and Its Legacy; Political Novels and Films; Regional International Conflict; Courts in American Society.
171 Mock Trial 1 hour
This course involves preparation by students for the annual Drake University Intercollegiate Mock Trial Tournament. Because this competition is held in late March, the class will meet 2-3 times a week during January, February, and March. During this time, students will work closely with a faculty sponsor and local attorneys who will guide them in preparing the case. Course may be repeated for credit.
185 First-year Seminar 4 hours
A variety of seminars for first-year students offered each January term.
235 Terrorism and Democracy 4 hours
This course will use works of social science, fiction and film to explore the following issues: the sources of modern terrorism, the political nature of terrorism and the tensions inherent in democracies between civil liberties and national security. A variety of terrorist organizations and countries will be investigated, with special attention to how the United States and other democracies have responded to terrorist attacks. (HBSSM, Hist, Intcl)
237 Politics of the Middle East 4 hours
This course examines the political problems of this vital region of the world, with a focus on the Arab-Israeli conflict, the politics of oil, and other resource issues, the role of religion in politics, and the question of democratization. Offered alternate years. (HB, Hist, Intcl)
242 Comparative Political Analysis 4 hours
An introduction to the theories and concepts of comparative politics. Case studies cover major political systems around the world. The course will emphasize performance as well as historical, cultural and ideological bases of these diverse political systems. (HBSSM, Hist, Intcl)
243 Introduction to Law and the Legal System 4 hours
An introduction to the actors and institutions in the American legal system, historical and contemporary schools of legal thought, and the relationship among law, justice and morality. (HBSSM)
247 An Introduction to the Politics of Social Policy 4 hours
By focusing on current governmental efforts to reduce poverty, this course will investigate the influence of race, gender, class, ideology, demography, organized interests, and a market economy on how social policy is made in America. (HBSSM, Hist, Intcl)
252 Politics and Religion 4 hours
This course will focus on both the history of the relationship between politics and religion in America and current political issues that are difficult to separate from a very religious and a religiously diverse nation. We will devote significant attention to how religious beliefs influence the way citizens think and act politically and about how government decisions influence religious practices. (Rel, HB, Hist)
258 Environmental Politics and Policy 4 hours
In this course, students will identify and examine environmental issues confronting the United States, as well as the larger world. Students will identify and evaluate both current and proposed policies for addressing those issues. We will pay particular attention to the range of actors involved in the making of environmental policy and will emphasize the relationship among politics, economics, ethics, and science in the making of environmental policies in the United States and internationally. (HBSSM)
353 Political Parties and Interest Groups 4 hours
An examination of the function of political parties and interest groups as links between voters and government. What has been the impact of third parties, new campaign techniques, party reforms, single issue and public interest groups, and campaign finance rules? Will American political parties decline as interest groups build strength, or will there be a new party alignment? (HBSSM, Hist)
355 Constitutional Law 4 hours
Relying primarily on Supreme Court opinion, the course emphasizes how the Supreme Court has and should interpret the Constitution. The course examines the role of the Supreme Court and the allocation of governmental powers within the American constitutional/political system. (HEPT, HB)
356 Civil Rights and Liberties 4 hours
A study of the relationships between the individual and the state, emphasizing the limitations of government and the civil and political rights of individuals. Both Supreme Court cases and theoretical writings will be used. Offered alternate years. (HEPT, HB)
357 Congress and the Presidency 4 hours
An examination of the role of Congress and the Presidency in the American political system. Included are the powers and responsibilities of both institutions, the relationship between them, struggles over power and influence, and the capacity of Congress and the President to work together to make effective public policy. (HBSSM, Hist)
359 Politics and the Media 4 hours
This course explores the influence of the print and broadcast media on American politics. Topics to be covered include the history and present structure of the media, how “news” is defined and presented to the public, and how the way political issues are presented in the media influences the way Americans see politics. The course will also cover the efforts of political candidates, elected officials, and government bureaucrats to present themselves to the public and their impact on public opinion. (HBSSM)
362 Politics of Africa, Asia, and Latin America 4 hours
A comparative examination of selected political systems in African, Asian, and Latin American nations along the continuum of moderization and democratization. (HBSSM, Hist, Intcl)
363 International Relations 4 hours
An examination of theories and contemporary issues in international relations and international political economy. (HB, Hist)
364 United States Foreign Policy 4 hours
The first segment of the course examines the evolution of American foreign policy from 19th century isolationism to global power in the 20th century. The second segment explores the making of foreign policy today, with a focus on the role of the President, Congress, the State Department, and other institutions involved in policy formation. (HBSSM, Hist)
365 American Political Thought 4 hours
An examination of how American political thinkers, leaders, and contemporary commentators have dealt with the issues of power, equality, sovereignty, and representation. The course also focuses on the relations in American political thinking between abstract political concepts and practical politics. Offered alternate years. (HBSSM, HE)
366 Political Thought 4 hours
An historical survey of western political thought that explores competing visions of the political order. Readings will include selections from classical, modern, and contemporary political philosophy. (HB, HEPT)
375 Directed Readings 1, 2, or 4 hours
Individual or group directed reading programs on specific topics under the direction of a member of the department of political science. Weekly conferences required.
380 Internship 2-8 hours
Supervised off-campus work situations in public or private organizations.
389 Directed Research 1, 2, or 4 hours
Directed research involves students in research projects conducted under the supervision of departmental faculty.
395 Independent Study 1, 2, or 4 hours
485 Seminar 4 hours
Open to junior or senior political science majors, the seminar will focus on major political thinkers or themes. The course will rely on discussion, student presentations, and independent projects.
490 Senior Project 1, 2, or 4 hours
493 Senior Honors Project 4 hours
A year-long independent research project. Applications are completed on the “Honors Program” form available at the registrar’s office, requiring the signatures of a faculty supervisor, the department head, the honors program director, and the registrar. Interdisciplinary projects require the signatures of two faculty supervisors. The project must be completed by the due date for senior projects. The completed project is evaluated by a review committee consisting of the faculty supervisor, another faculty member from the major department, and a faculty member from outside the major department. All projects must be presented publicly. Only projects awarded an “A-” or “A” qualify for “department honors” designation. The honors project fulfills the all-college senior project requirement.
352 Politics and Religion 3 or 4 hours
A study of the relationship between politics and religion. Three controversies will be emphasized: the importance of religious institutions to law and politics; the role of churches in parties, campaigns and elections; the influence of religion on public policies, such as abortion, education and poverty. While primarily a course about politics and religion in America, material about other countries will be included. (F,J)
353 Political Parties and Interest Groups 4 hours
An examination of the function of political parties and interest groups as links between voters and government. What has been the impact of third parties, new campaign techniques, party reforms, single issue and public interest groups, and campaign finance rules? Will American political parties decline as interest groups build strength, or will there be a new party alignment? (F)
354 Public Administration 4 hours
This course is about governing America in the 21st century. Course topics are: the effects of globalization on national and state governments, the relationships between government and the economy, the growth of individual rights and government regulations, and the capacity of government to solve problems. Lectures, discussions, readings, videos, assignments, and guest speakers will emphasize differing perspectives on these topics. (S)
355 Constitutional Law 4 hours
Relying primarily on Supreme Court opinion, the course emphasizes how the Supreme Court has and should interpret the Constitution. The course examines the role of the Supreme Court and the allocation of governmental powers within the American constitutional/political system. (F)
356 Civil Rights and Liberties 4 hours
A study of the relationships between the individual and the state, emphasizing the limitations of government and the civil and political rights of individuals. Both Supreme Court cases and theoretical writings will be used. Offered alternate years. (S)
357 Congress and the Presidency 4 hours
An examination of the role of Congress and the Presidency in the American political system. Included are the powers and responsibilities of both institutions, the relationship between them, struggles over power and influence, and the capacity of Congress and the President to work together to make effective public policy. (F)
359 Politics and the Media 4 hours
This course explores the influence of the print and broadcast media on American politics. Topics to be covered include the history and present structure of the media, how “news” is defined and presented to the public, and how the way political issues are presented in the media influences the way Americans see politics. The course will also cover the efforts of political candidates, elected officials, and government bureaucrats to present themselves to the public and their impact on public opinion. (F)
362 Politics of Africa, Asia, and Latin America 4 hours
A comparative examination of selected political systems in African, Asian, and Latin American nations along the continuum of moderization and democratization. (S)
363 International Relations 4 hours
An examination of theories and contemporary issues in internal relations and international political economy. (F)
364 United States Foreign Policy 4 hours
The first segment of the course examines the evolution of American foreign policy from 19th century isolationism to global power in the 20th century. The second segment explores the making of foreign policy today, with a focus on the role of the President, Congress, the State Department, and other institutions involved in policy formation. (S)
365 American Political Thought 4 hours
An examination of how American political thinkers, leaders, and contemporary commentators have dealt with the issues of power, equality, sovereignty, and representation. The course also focuses on the relations in American political thinking between abstract political concepts and practical politics. Offered alternate years. (F)
366 Political Thought 4 hours
An historical survey of western political thought that explores competing visions of the political order. Readings will include selections from classical, modern, and contemporary political philosophy. (S)
367 U.S. National Security and Citizen Responsibility 4 hours
The course focuses on the meaning and requirements of national security in a post-Cold War world characterized by globalization. Topics include: setting the domestic agenda, regional and ethnic conflicts; security implications of population, health, and the environment; economic and military intelligence; constitutional dilemmas. Each student will do an independent project. When possible, the course will include a one-week trip to Washington, D.C., to meet with persons involved in making national security policy. Offered alternate years. (S)
375 Directed Readings 1-4 hours
Individual or group directed reading programs on specific topics under the direction of a member of the department of political science. Weekly conferences required.
380 Internship 2-8 hours
Supervised off-campus work situations in public or private organizations.
389 Directed Research 1-4 hours
Directed research involves students in research projects conducted under the supervision of departmental faculty.
395 Independent Study 1-4 hours
485 Seminar 3-4 hours
490 Senior Project 1-4 hours
493 Senior Honors Project 4 hours
A year-long independent research project. Applications are completed on the “Honors Program” form available at the registrar’s office, requiring the signatures of a faculty supervisor, the department head, the honors program director, and the registrar. Interdisciplinary projects require the signatures of two faculty supervisors. The project must be completed by the due date for senior projects. The completed project is evaluated by a review committee consisting of the faculty supervisor, another faculty member from the major department, and a faculty member from outside the major department. All projects must be presented publicly. Only projects awarded an “A- or A” qualify for “department honors” designation. The honors project fulfills the all-college senior project requirement.