Political Science

College of Arts and Sciences

324 Curry Building
336-334-5989
https://psc.uncg.edu

Gregory McAvoy, Department Head
Bill Crowther, Director of Graduate Studies
Hunter Bacot, Graduate Program Director

Political science is the study of the government, politics and policies of the United States and other nations; of levels of government, such as city and state, within those nations; and of relationships among nations. It studies the political behavior, attitudes, and ideas of groups and individuals.

All 100- and 200-level courses are introductions to the study of political science. Beginning students are urged to take any 100- or 200-level course in which they may be interested.

Students seeking electives in political science may select from almost the entire range of offerings. Non-majors are urged to select their electives widely to satisfy individual intellectual interests and are not restricted to 100- and 200-level courses.

Internships and field experiences are available to both majors and non-majors in national government, nonprofit agencies, public administration, and electoral politics.

Professor

Hunter Bacot

Bill E. Crowther^G

Franklin D. Gilliam

Susan W. Johnson^G

Fabrice Lehoucq^G

Gregory E. McAvoy^G

Associate Professor

Allison Faye Bramwell^G

Patrick T Giamario

David B. Holian^G

Tamaki Onishi^G

Assistant Professor

Michael Broache

Senior Lecturer

M. Jeffrey Colbert

A. Leigh Sink

Lecturer

J. Alan Boyette^G

Melissa Tuemler Dimock

Thomas H. Little

Elizabeth McNamara

Robert W. Saunders

Jamiah Kenyatta Waterman

G: Graduate-level faculty

PSC 101 Politics in a Digital World 3

Introduction to the analysis of politics (domestic and international) through the study of social media, databases, polls, blogs, and on-line news sources.

MAC: MAC Foundations

Prerequisites: Must have fewer than 60 credits to enroll or can enroll by Written Permission.

PSC 105 Exploring Political Issues 3

Introduction to the main intellectual traditions of political science. Discusses basic problems, political ideologies, and competing theories of politics.

MAC: MAC CritThink Hum and Fine Art

PSC 200 American Politics 3

Organization and behavior of the institutions, groups, and persons in American national government and politics. Introductory level course.

MAC: MAC CritThink Soc and BehavSci

PSC 210 Introduction to Health Policies 3

Analysis of governmental health policies with emphasis on the impact of these policies on the individual, states, and the nation.

MAC: MAC Health and Wellness

PSC 240 The International System 3

Introduction to international politics focusing upon major changes in the international system since 1945.

MAC: MAC CritThink Soc and BehavSci

PSC 250 Model United Nations 1

Introduces students to the structure and processes of the United Nations and involves participation in a simulation of the UN at the Southern Regional Model UN.

Notes: May be repeated for credit.

PSC 260 Introduction to Comparative Politics 3

Basic concepts and methods of comparative political analysis. Introduction to political institutions, processes, and problems of democratic, non-democratic, and transitional political systems.

MAC: MAC CritThink Soc and BehavSci

PSC 270 Introduction to Political Theory 3

Examines the tradition of Western political thought beginning with Plato and ending with twentieth century philosophers. Topics include the nature and meaning of liberty, justice, and equality and the purpose of politics.

MAC: MAC CritThink Soc and BehavSci

CIC: CIC College Writing

PSC 280 Introduction to Law 3

Introduction to legal method and principles and the legal profession. Students acquire knowledge of substantive areas of law and recognition of legal issues and resolution through the legal process.

PSC 290 The Politics of the Non-Western World 3

Introduces students to the problems facing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Introduces the social science literature concerning globalization, conflict and conflict resolution, political economy, and democratization.

PSC 300 Special Topics 3

Study of an issue in political science.

Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

PSC 301 Research Methods in Political Science 3

Basic principles of research in political science. Focus on testing of empirical propositions, with particular emphasis on survey research methods and on data analysis and interpretation. No statistical knowledge required.

Prerequisites: Majors only.

PSC 305 Political Psychology 3

Introduction to development of individual political attitudes and their relationship to political behavior. Topics include the psychology of political leaders, the belief systems of mass publics, and the development of distinct political cultures. Emphasis on the range of political participation, from voting behavior to extremism and violence.

PSC 307 Art and Politics of the United States 3

An interdisciplinary seminar combining analysis of the relationship between contemporary art and politics with community engagement via public-facing projects and discussions.

Prerequisites: ARH 110, ARH 111, ARH 353.

Notes: Same as ARH 349.

PSC 308 Identities and Politics 3

This course considers the relationship between social identities and politics within the United States. It addresses how the experiences of different groups inform opinions and actions, and how the political system helps create these experiences. Topics include the political construction of social groups, group-based appeals and representation, and how social group evaluations shape opinions.

PSC 309 Entrepreneurship in the Public Sector 3

Introduction to principles and practices of entrepreneurship in the public sector through literature, case studies of initiatives, such as citizen innovation and cross-sectoral collaborations, online class discussions, and group projects.

Notes: Students who have prior credit for ENT 309 may not take PSC 309 for credit.

PSC 310 Public Administration 3

Major concepts in administration of public bureaucracies, including comparative administration, organization theory, budgeting, public personnel, and decision-making.

PSC 311 The Nonprofit Sector and Governance 3

Development of nonprofit organizations and their contributions in the U.S. and internationally; their political, social, and economic roles; nonprofit governance; relationships to government; types of nonprofits; contemporary issues. Service-learning course.

PSC 312 Environmental Law and Policy 3

Study of federal and international environmental law and policy: topics include air and water pollution, hazardous and toxic substances, climate change, atmospheric pollutions, and related issues.

CIC: CIC College Writing

Notes: Same as ENV 312.

PSC 313 Natural Resources Law and Policy 3

Study of state, federal, and international natural resources law and policy: topics include acquisition and management of public lands, wildlife, biodiversity, resource conservation.

CIC: CIC College Writing

Notes: Same as ENV 313.

PSC 316 Judicial Process 3

Analysis of the American legal system, focusing on the behavior of actors in that system, theoretical foundations of the system, and policy-making role of the courts.

PSC 318 Constitutional Law 3

Case-method approach to the most important aspects of constitutional law regarding separation of powers, federalism, and economic regulation. Emphasis on importance of historical eras to the evolution of these cases, and current reassessment.

PSC 320 Civil Liberties 3

Case-method approach to issues involving civil liberties and civil rights. Examination of historical evolution of Supreme Court decisions and evaluation of the Court's reassessment of previous decisions.

PSC 322 American State Politics 3

Comparison of political behavior and institutions among the 50 American states.

CIC: CIC College Writing

PSC 323 Urban Politics 3

Examination of political behavior, processes, and institutions in city as a special focus for study of politics and government in United States. Discussion and readings directed to current development in American cities.

CIC: CIC College Writing

PSC 325 Community Development 3

This course explores the politics, policies, and practice of community development in the United States. The course tracks the political debates that accompany the historical evolution of community development, examines the primary elements of the community development process, and identifies core programs that improve quality of life for disadvantaged neighborhoods.

CIC: CIC College Writing

PSC 326 Elections, Law, and the Courts 3

Examines legal aspects of election in the U.S., with a particular emphasis on the controversies over these laws and on the court interpretations of these laws.

PSC 327 American Political Parties 3

Analysis of the role of political parties in the American political process, with emphasis on recent elections and campaigns.

PSC 328 North Carolina and Southern Politics 3

Examination of contemporary political and governmental developments in the American South. Particular attention to North Carolina politics and government.

PSC 329 American Interest Group Politics 3

Emphasis on interest groups' ideologies, tactics, and effect on public policy.

PSC 330 Internship in Campaigns and Elections 3

Analysis of electoral campaign strategies by party and candidate through actual participation in campaigns and by writing of case studies based on student campaign participation. Spring semester in even numbered years covers primary elections; fall semester concentrates on general elections. Either semester may be taken independently.

Prerequisites: PSC 200 or its equivalent and at least Junior standing.

Notes: PSC 327 or PSC 328 recommended.

PSC 332 Elections and Voting 3

Analysis of influences on voting behavior and of the relationship among voting behavior, elections, and the political process as a whole, with emphasis on contemporary U.S. presidential elections.

PSC 333 The U.S. Congress 3

Examination of the U.S. Congress, its evolution and contemporary standing. Attention given to internal organization—rules, committees, voting behavior—and relationship to constituencies, especially campaigns, elections, and home styles.

PSC 334 The American Presidency 3

Examination of the contemporary American presidency. Attention given to the multiple roles of the president, to the rise of the presidency in American government and politics, and to the implications of a powerful presidency for democratic government.

PSC 336 Women and the Law 3

Examination of interaction between women and the legal system. Role of women in legal professions and the impact of the legal system on women in American society.

PSC 337 Politics and the Media 3

Analysis of the interaction between the American media, and public and political institutions. Particular attention is given to how media interact with the three branches of government, particularly the executive.

PSC 341 International Law 3

Introduction and analysis of the fundamentals of international law and its role in the contemporary international system.

Prerequisites: PSC 240 or permission of instructor .

PSC 342 American Foreign Policy 3

Analysis of the decision-making process concerning formulation and execution of American foreign policy.

CIC: CIC College Writing

Prerequisites: PSC 240, its equivalent, or permission of instructor .

PSC 344 Politics of Globalization 3

Political impact of globalization at the international, national, and subnational levels. Attention given to its implications for the politics of international civil society, world affairs, and citizenship.

PSC 347 International Security 3

Examines traditional security threats such as war, conflict, and instability as well as more recent security challenges including weapons proliferation, terrorism, and human security concerns.

Prerequisites: PSC 240 or permission of instructor .

PSC 348 International Organization 3

The role of international organizations in international affairs with a special emphasis on the United Nations, its special agencies, and regional organizations such as the European Union.

Prerequisites: Any international relations course or permission of instructor .

PSC 349 Human Rights and the Global Citizen 3

Explores the role of international and nongovernmental organizations, and other non-state actors in the development of international human rights. Analyzes advocacy networks' role in the protections of those rights.

PSC 350 Democratic Political Systems 3

Comparative examination of political institutions and behavior in selected industrialized and non-industrialized countries.

CIC: CIC College Writing

PSC 352 Nationalism and Ethnic Politics 3

Explores competing explanations of nationalism and ethnic politics. Course focuses on comparative analysis in a global context, and examines strategies that have been employed by governments to manage ethnic tension.

Prerequisites: PSC 260 or permission of instructor .

PSC 354 Post-Conflict Politics 3

Examines the post-conflict reconstruction and reconciliation process in war-torn societies. Among the topics covered are security sector reform, elections, institutional design, transitional justice, and economic stabilization efforts.

Prerequisites: PSC 240 or PSC 260 or PSC 290.

PSC 355D Selected Topics in Comparative Politics: Politics of Industrial Societies 3

See PSC 355.

PSC 355J Selected Topics in Comparative Politics: Middle East Politics 3

See PSC 355.

PSC 355K Selected Topics in Comparative Politics: Russian Politics 3

See PSC 355.

PSC 355M Selected Topics in Comparative Politics: Political Economy 3

Cross-national examination of specific topics in political organization and behavior.

PSC 355N Selected Topics in Comparative Politics: European Union 3

See PSC 355.

PSC 355P Selected Topics in Comparative Politics: Politics of Latin America 3

See PSC 355.

CIC: CIC College Writing

PSC 370 Civic Leadership and Engagement 3

Civic Leadership and Engagement will provide students with the knowledge and skills to effectively participate in, organize, and lead civic groups and communities as they work to solve public problems.

PSC 371 American Political Thought 3

Examines major works in American political thought by authors such as Madison, Jefferson, Lincoln, Thoreau, Emerson, King, Malcolm X, and Friedan. Special Emphasis on tracing the promise and problems of American life.

PSC 375 Democracy and Its Critics 3

What does it look like when the people rule themselves? This course explores classical and contemporary accounts of the meaning, value, and challenges of democracy to answer this question.

PSC 376 Critical Political Theory 3

This course introduces various modes of thinking critically about modern political and social life, focusing specifically on how power and resistance work in economic, moral, cultural, racial, and gender relations.

PSC 391 African Political Systems 3

Survey and analysis of the institutions and current problems of African states. Emphasis on Sub-Saharan Africa.

CIC: CIC College Writing

Prerequisites: PSC 240 or PSC 290 or permission of instructor .

PSC 392 The Politics of South Africa Through Film and Literature 3

This course uses film and literature as the vehicle to examine the issues associated with the remarkable evolution of South African politics from the institutionalized racism of apartheid through the transformation to majority rule.

PSC 399 Public Affairs Internship 1-3

Field learning experience in governmental agencies and private organizations involved in the political process. Academic supervision provided by faculty advisor and direction in field provided by job supervisor. Written report on a substantive topic related to the internship required.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

Notes: May be repeated for a total of 9 s.h.

PSC 400 Selected Topics in Political Science 1-3

Opportunity for advanced students to study in depth a topic of special interest.

Prerequisites: Major in political science or permission of instructor.

Notes: May be repeated for credit when topics vary.

PSC 401 Individual Study 1-3

Reading or research. Available to qualified students upon recommendation of an instructor.

Prerequisites: Departmental permission.

PSC 402 Individual Study 1-3

Reading or research. Available to qualified students upon recommendation of an instructor.

Prerequisites: Departmental permission.

PSC 403 Survey Methods for Policy Research 3

Theoretical and practical issues involved in designing and using sample surveys for political and policy research. Emphasis on survey methods used by the government and others in public sector.

PSC 410 Topics in Public Policy 3

Intensive analysis of a major area of public policy. Examination of sources of policymaking, the policymaking process, and the impact of policy. PSC 410A-Politics of Education; PSC 410B-Criminal Justice; PSC 410C-Labor Relations; PSC 410D-Foreign and Defense Policy; PSC 410E-Environmental Policy; PSC 410F-Urban Development Policy; PSC 410G-Health Strategies; PSC 410H-Global Challenges; PSC 410I-Press and Politics; PSC 410J-Politics of Industrial Policy; PSC 410K-Ethics in Public Policy.

Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

PSC 410E Topics in Public Policy: Environmental Policy 3

See PSC 510.

PSC 410F Topics in Public Policy: Urban Development Policy 3

See PSC 410.

PSC 410G Topics in Public Policy: Health Strategies 3

See PSC 510.

PSC 410H Topics in Public Policy: Global Challenges 3

See PSC 510.

PSC 410K Topics in Public Policy: Ethics in Public Policy 3

See PSC 410.

PSC 410P National Security Policy 1-3

Topics in Public Policy.

PSC 411 Topics in Public Affairs 1

Examination of a current topic in the management of public and nonprofit agencies. PSC 511A–Oral Communication Skills; PSC 511B–Marketing for Public and Nonprofit Agencies; PSC 511C–Information Technology and Management; PSC 511D–Strategic Planning; PSC 511E–Legislative Relations; PSC 511F–Financial Management; PSC 511G–Grant Writing; PSC 511J–Legal Issues in Public Administration; PSC 511K–Legal Issues in Local Government; PSC 511M–Media Relations; PSC 511N–Nonprofit Law; PSC 511P–Group Facilitation; PSC 511R–Diversity and Culture; PSC 511S–Social Entrepreneurship in Nonprofits; PSC 511V–Volunteer Management.

Prerequisites: for senior PSCI major: completion of PSC 310 (or PSC 311).

Notes: May be repeated when topics vary up to a limit of 6 s.h.. Graduate standing; or senior PSCI major; or permission of the Graduate Director.

PSC 411A Topics in Public Affairs: Oral Communication Skills 1

See PSC 411.

PSC 411B Topics in Public Affairs: Marketing for Public and Nonprofit Agencies 1

See PSC 411.

PSC 411C Topics in Public Affairs: Information Technology and Management 1

See PSC 411.

PSC 411D Topics in Public Affairs: Strategic Planning 1

See PSC 411.

PSC 411E Topics in Public Affairs: Legislative Relations 1

See PSC 411.

PSC 411G Topics in Public Affairs: Grant Writing 1

See PSC 411.

PSC 411J Topics in Public Affairs: Legal Issues in Public Administration 1

See PSC 411.

PSC 411K Topics in Public Affairs: Legal Issues in Local Government 1

See PSC 411.

PSC 411M Topics in Public Affairs: Media Relations 1

See PSC 411.

PSC 411N Topics in Public Affairs: Nonprofit Law 1

See PSC 411.

PSC 411O ExpCrs: Program Evaluation 1

Coverage of the types of evaluation approaches, including needs assessment, formative research, process evaluation, monitoring of outputs and outcomes, impact assessment, and cost analysis.

PSC 411P Topics in Public Affairs: Program Evaluation 1

See PSC 411.

PSC 411R Topics in Public Affairs: Diversity and Culture 1

See PSC 411.

PSC 411S Topics in Public Affairs: Social Entrepreneurship in Nonprofits 1

See PSC 411.

PSC 411V Topics in Public Affairs: Volunteer Management 1

See PSC 411.

PSC 412 Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations 3

Focuses on changing relationships of local-state-federal agencies, expanding role of regional cooperation, and recent developments in sub-national governments.

Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.

PSC 420 Urban Political System 3

Examination of major topics in the study of urban government and policy. Systems approach to provide an analytic framework for interrelating specific topics such as citizen participation, interest groups, parties, types of elections, forms of government, community power, and racial politics.

PSC 435 Citizen Participation in Policy-Making 3

Political participation and citizen involvement in governmental policy-making. Both citizen initiated and government sponsored efforts to increase popular input analyzed. Assessment of impact of citizen participation on policy-making in specific areas of policy and on performance of government in general.

PSC 440 Nonprofit Management and Leadership 3

Overview of major concepts and concerns of nonprofit organizations, including tax-exempt status, incorporation, nonprofit-government relations, board-director-staff relations, volunteers, services and program planning, implementation, resource development.

Prerequisites: Senior standing.

PSC 460 Special Topics in Public Administration 1-3

Students may repeat three-semester-hour courses when topics vary, but one-semester-hour courses when topics vary only for a maximum of three semester hours. Specific topic identified by extension to basic title, e.g., Special Topics in Public Administration: Public Financial Management; Financial Analysis Techniques; Grants and Contract Administration.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.

PSC 493 Honors Work 3-6

Honors Work.

Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. 3.30 GPA in the major, 12 s.h. in the major;

Notes: May be repeated for credit if the topic of study changes.

PSC 499 Legislative Internship 0

PSC 503 Survey Methods for Policy Research 3

Theoretical and practical issues involved in designing and using sample surveys for political and policy research. Emphasis on survey methods used by the government and others in public sector.

PSC 510 Topics in Public Policy 3

Intensive analysis of a major area of public policy. Examination of sources of policymaking, the policymaking process, and the impact of policy. PSC 510A–Politics of Education; PSC 510B–Criminal Justice; PSC 510C–Labor Relations; PSC 510D–Foreign and Defense Policy; PSC 510E–Environmental Policy; PSC 510F–Urban Development Policy; PSC 510G–Health Strategies; PSC 510H–Global Challenges; PSC 510I–Press and Politics; PSC 510J–Politics of Industrial Policy; PSC 510K–Ethics in Public Policy.

Notes: May be repeated for credit when topic varies.

PSC 510E Topics in Public Policy: Environmental Policy 3

See PSC 510.

PSC 510F Topics in Public Policy: Urban Development Policy 3

See PSC 510.

PSC 510K Topics in Public Policy: Ethics in Public Policy 3

See PSC 510.

PSC 511 Topics in Public Affairs 1

Examination of a current topic in the management of public and nonprofit agencies.

Notes: May be repeated when topics vary up to a limit of 6 credits.

PSC 511A Topics in Public Affairs: Oral Communication Skills 1

See PSC 511.

PSC 511B Topics in Public Affairs: Marketing for Public and Nonprofit Agencies 1

See PSC 511.

PSC 511D Topics in Public Affairs: Strategic Planning 1

See PSC 511.

PSC 511E Topics in Public Affairs: Legislative Relations 1

See PSC 511.

PSC 511G Topics in Public Affairs: Grant Writing 1

See PSC 511.

PSC 511J Topics in Public Affairs: Legal Issues in Public Administration 1

See PSC 511.

PSC 511N Topics in Public Affairs: Nonprofit Law 1

See PSC 511.

PSC 511P Topics in Public Affairs: Program Evaluation 1

See PSC 511.

PSC 511R Topics in Public Affairs: Diversity and Culture 1

See PSC 511.

PSC 511S Topics in Public Affairs: Social Entrepreneurship in Nonprofits 1

See PSC 511.

PSC 511V Topics in Public Affairs: Volunteer Management 1

See PSC 511.

PSC 520 Urban Political System 3

PSC 540 Nonprofit Management and Leadership 3

PSC 560 Special Topics in Public Administration 1-3

PSC 600 Public Administration and Management 3

Political environment, structure and process of public bureaucracies; organizational theory; professional ethics; and administrative functions including management, budgeting, and personnel.