Political Science
American Government and Politics (PSCI 1101)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This course provides an introduction to American government and politics. It includes the study of the constitutional foundations of the American political system by examining the Constitution, the politics of federalism, and our tradition of civil liberties and civil rights; the study of political processes, participation, and power by examining interest groups, political parties, campaigns, and elections; the study of the institutions of the American government by examining the Congressional, Executive and Judicial branches; and policy and policy formation in American government.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
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State and Local Government (PSCI 1102)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This course is an introduction to state and local government with an emphasis on Minnesota and the Twin Cities. The setting and structures of state and local government (the Legislature, Governor, Courts, County, and city governments) will be examined. Involvement in the political process and application of the political process to an urban problem will be discussed.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
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Comparative Government (PSCI 1103)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3.00
Lab Credits:
0.00
Description:
This course examines and compares the governments of various countries of the world. Countries studied are chosen to illustrate different types of governments, as well as to show the diversity of governmental systems in the world. Examples are taken from the industrial democracies and the emerging democracies, from former communist countries and existing communist countries, from authoritarian regimes and democratic regimes, from the developed world and the developing world.
Prerequisites:
Placement score into READ 0200 or placement score into ESOL 0052 or completion of READ 0100 or ESOL 0042 with faculty recommendation into ESOL 0052.
MnTC:
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World Politics (PSCI 1104)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This introductory course helps you develop a better understanding of the major issues and conflicts that challenge our present global order. The course will cover the following main topics: the politics of intervention; cooperation and conflict in global institutions; south-north relations and the politics of hunger, development, foreign aid, and trade; politics of human rights and the environment; politics of the arms race; and case studies in the politics of international conflicts. The selection will depend on world events as they occur during the semester.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
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Introduction to Political Science (PSCI 1110)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This course deals with a number of topics that are part of the academic discipline of political science, including political theory, political ideologies, government, political culture, politics of diversity, politics of media, politics of change, political economy, international politics, and comparative government. The course draws its context and contents, its examples and its processes, from a global reality as much as possible, giving the course a special emphasis on the topics of comparative government and international politics. The course also requires students to examine their own political experience, political ideas, political culture, and political socialization in the context of considerations of alternative diverse opinions, interests, and ethical views.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
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Reclaiming Democracy: An Introduction to Civic Engagement (PSCI 1111)
Total Credits:
1
Lecture Credits:
1.00
Description:
This course teaches you about the individual and societal benefits of civic engagement theory and practices and the practical challenges of motivating mass citizen engagement. You will participate in civic engagement projects (or public projects) on campus and within the broader community. You will explore how to contribute to ethical and democratic governance, foster civil society, build social capital, and advance sustainable communities. You will learn how to connect your own political experiences to research on civic engagement theory, history and practice.
Prerequisites:
Placement score into READ 0200 or placement score into ESOL 0052 or completion of READ 0100 or ESOL 0042 with faculty recommendation into ESOL 0052.
MnTC:
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Environment, Politics and Society (PSCI 1137)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This course provides an examination of the global environmental challenges confronting the world today and the range of solutions that have been proposed to solve these problems. Scientific, technological, social, economic and political dimensions are integrated into the problem-solving, critical thinking and social-change strategizing that is at the core of this course. Case studies include local, national and international examples of both problems and actions people are taking to "save" the planet.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
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Introduction to Latin America (PSCI 1140)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3.00
Lab Credits:
0.00
Description:
The purpose of this course is to provide an introductory and interdisciplinary overview of the contemporary problems and achievements of Latin American countries and peoples. You will examine the contemporary history, politics, culture, economy and social structure of the region using the concepts of internal and external conflict, innovation and transformation. Key issues and events include colonial legacies; dilemmas of economic and political development; migration and urbanization; race, ethnicity and gender; religion and cultural identity; relations with the U.S.; and the region's role in the world today.
Prerequisites:
Placement score into READ 0200 or placement score into ESOL 0052 or completion of READ 0100 or ESOL 0042 with faculty recommendation into ESOL 0052.
MnTC:
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Introduction to the Middle East (PSCI 1143)
Total Credits:
1
Lecture Credits:
1.00
Lab Credits:
0.00
Description:
This course provides an introduction to the region of the Middle East and key conflicts and challenges within it. You will become more familiar with the countries and cultures of the region as we examine the different forces that unite and divide the peoples who live there. Special focus will be given to the politics of oil, post 9/11 wars and conflicts (especially Iraq), the role of Islam and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. You will also examine different perspectives on the role of U.S. policy. Finally, you will learn about organizations and resources to continue your education on Middle East issues. (Note: Any major crisis in the region that may exist at the time of each course offering will be integrated into our study.)
Prerequisites:
Placement score into READ 0200 or placement score into ESOL 0052 or completion of READ 0100 or ESOL 0042 with faculty recommendation into ESOL 0052.
MnTC:
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Introduction to China, Japan and the Asian Pacific Rim (PSCI 1147)
Total Credits:
1
Lecture Credits:
1.00
Lab Credits:
0.00
Description:
This course provides an introduction to the Asian Pacific Rim region in general and especially to the countries of China and Japan. You will become more familiar with the countries and cultures of the region and examine the different forces that unite and divide the people who live there. You will learn about the major internal and external factors that are driving the changes, challenges and conflicts that each country faces. (Note: Any major crisis in the region that may exist at the time of each course offering will be integrated into our study.)
Prerequisites:
Placement score into READ 0200 or placement score into ESOL 0052 or completion of READ 0100 or ESOL 0042 with faculty recommendation into ESOL 0052.
MnTC:
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Introduction to Mexico (PSCI 1149)
Total Credits:
1
Lecture Credits:
1.00
Lab Credits:
0.00
Description:
This course provides an introduction to the country of Mexico including its relationship with the United States and regional neighbors in Latin America and the Caribbean. In order to better understand contemporary Mexico, you will explore geographic and key historical as well as current internal and external political, economic, social and cultural forces that drive change and spur conflict in this country today. Key topics include migration and immigration, the role of the NAFTA and other trade treaties and the impact of the Zapatista resistance movement. You will also become familiar with the Resource Center of the Americas and other Mexico-related organizations and resources.
Prerequisites:
Placement score into READ 0200 or placement score into ESOL 0052 or completion of READ 0100 or ESOL 0042 with faculty recommendation into ESOL 0052.
MnTC:
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Introduction to Human Rights (PSCI 1169)
Total Credits:
1
Lecture Credits:
1.00
Lab Credits:
0.00
Description:
This course provides an introduction to the concept of human rights and how they have evolved, the tools that exist to pursue them, and the kind of work that is being done to define and promote them in the United States and globally. In this class, you will meet human rights activists from a number of fields and you will become familiar with organizations and resources for continuing your education on human rights issues.
Prerequisites:
Placement score into READ 0200 or placement score into ESOL 0052 or completion of READ 0100 or ESOL 0042 with faculty recommendation into ESOL 0052.
MnTC:
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Community Organizing: History, Theory and Practice (PSCI 1170)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This course, designed for those considering a career in nonprofit and social-change fields, explores the history, theory, and practice of community organizing and emphasizes indigenous perspectives of community organizing while it examines the relationship between social action and politics, economics and identity. You will examine the key assumptions of this approach to sociopolitical change and examine the differences and divisions that characterize the field. You will also use collaborative learning approaches and active learning techniques to help you develop basic skills central to community organizing.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
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Political Science Field Experience (PSCI 1175)
Internship/Practicum Credits:
3 - 6 Variable Credit
Description:
This course combines field work at a governmental or nongovernmental organization engaged in public policy work with an examination of power, politics, and leadership. You will spend approximately three hours per credit per week at your internship site; attend three seminars (orientation, midsemester, and end-of-semester seminars); develop specific learning goals with your instructor and internship site supervisor; and submit online writing assignments that integrate political science theories with your field experiences. You must arrange an internship placement and obtain permission from the instructor prior to registering for this course. Must be taken A-F.
Prerequisites:
PSCI 1101 or
PSCI 1102 or
PSCI 1110 or
AMIS 1120; Permission from faculty field experience supervisor is necessary for registration.
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Politics, Media and Community Organizing: Indigenous Understandings and Applications (PSCI 1180)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This course examines the relationship between the media, community organizing, and community power, with special emphasis on how various media forms are used in the organizing efforts of indigenous communities. You will learn about the historical connections between community organizing and the media, analyze the relationship between politics, political movements and the media, examine media in politics and society, and explore the effects of the media landscape on community organizing. You will also evaluate how community organizations use various media forms in their efforts to achieve their goals and develop a media plan for a community organization.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 1300 or completion of
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052
MnTC:
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Leadership/The Politics of Community Change: Soc Move/Non-profit/Comm Dev. (PSCI 1190)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This course introduces key concepts and skills for work in non-profit organizations, with a particular focus on organizations engaged in community change work. You will explore theories of social movements and social change, asset-based community development; the history, role and mechanics of non-profit organizations in politics and communities; approaches to leadership in organizations and movements; and diversity and inclusion in social change work. Must be taken A-F.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
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Introduction to Public Policy (PSCI 1200)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This course will explore the public policy-making process at the local, state and national levels. You will examine key public policy models and methods and learn how individuals and groups become involved in the policy-making process. You will also learn practical techniques for involving yourself and communities in the design, implementation, and assessment of public policies. You will examine public policies that affect economically disadvantaged communities, communities of color, women and young people.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
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Constitutional Law (PSCI 2000)
Total Credits:
3
Lecture Credits:
3
Description:
This course is an overview of the origins of the U.S. Constitution and its continuing evolution through amendment and interpretation. Changing power relationships within government and changing definitions of the basic rights of citizens will be examined through the study of important case decisions, both historic and contemporary, with an eye to demonstrating the fluid nature of our Constitutional system. Emphasis will be placed on the practical impact of the Constitution and of Supreme Court decisions upon the enforcement of criminal laws.
Prerequisites:
Placement into
READ 0200 or
ESOL 0052 or completion of
READ 0100 or
ESOL 0042
MnTC:
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