PC: Political Sciences
PC 151 — Global Power and Politics
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
This course is designed to give students an understanding of world politics by examining historical and current events and issues. It explores topics of international relations – origins of wars, conditions for peace, and conflicts over wealth and resources. Students will learn how international actors interact with each other. Formerly SS 151.
PC 202 — Bollywood and the Making of India
3 credits; 2 lecture and 2 lab hours
Bollywood cinema has played a significant role in managing euphoria, as well as political, social, and religious crises confronting India following partition, independence, and globalization. It captures and reflects anxieties and aspirations about an idea—a unique experiment called India. The class studies Bollywood movies, their history, and global connections.
PC 241 — Women and Global Politics
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
This course examines the intersection of gender and international relations by examining issues in the international political system. In particular, the course will analyze global issues such as human rights, war and peace, economic development and the global women’s movement using a feminist lens, using examples from around the world.. Formerly SS 341, PC 341.
PC 251 — American Government and Politics
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
An introduction to American government and politics, addressing the following questions: 1) How democratic are the American political system and its processes? 2) How well do they function? 3) How knowledgeable are Americans about the country’s political system and how extensively do they participate in the political process? Students will examine the framework of the American political system as well as the institutions of government, political processes and leadership selection. Citizen participation and policy decision-making will be emphasized. Formerly SS 251.
PC 299 — Independent Study in Political Sciences
1-3 credit
Prerequisite(s): a minimum 3.5 GPA and approval of instructor, chairperson, and dean for Liberal Arts.
PC 353 — Latin America Today
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
This course will examine Latin America’s complex history, contentious politics and abundant inequality among the factors shaping the identities of the nation-states and their citizens. Specific topics will include colonialism, authoritarianism and democracy and human rights, with a special focus on race and gender. Formerly SS 353.
PC 354 — Comparative Political Systems
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
This course provides a comparative study of political systems with a global perspective and explores how different types of regimes intersect with important issues of the 21st century. Special topics include colonialism, nationalism, political activism and human rights. Formerly SS 354.
PC 356 — Asia in Motion: National, International, and Transnational Relations
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
This course provides an analytical framework for understanding Asia’s diversity, complexity, and dynamics. The students will learn about Asia and its moves toward modernity by focusing on shifts in ideology, geopolitics, culture, and economic systems. Students will develop their knowledge and critical perspective about “Asia” in the transnational context. Formerly SS 356.
PC 393 — Politics in the Middle East (Honors)
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
This course is designed to give students a background in the most significant issues in the study of Middle Eastern politics. We will explore the ethnic, religious and geopolitical composition of the Middle East, and what major political discourses and identities exist as well as issues of conflict and cooperation. Formerly SS 393.
Prerequisite(s): Qualification for Presidential Scholars Program, or 3.5 GPA with approval of dean for Liberal Arts.
PC 395 — International Conflict in the 21st Century (Honors)
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
In this class, students will analyze international conflicts in the 21st Century and examine the question of why actors (people and states) take particular types of actions. The course will focus on the topics of ethnic conflict, nationalism, civil war and terrorism through case studies from around the world. Formerly SS 395.
Prerequisite(s): Qualification for Presidential Scholars Program, or 3.5 GPA with approval of dean for Liberal Arts.
PC 397 — Religion and Global Politics (Honors)
3 credits; 3 lecture hours
This course explores how religion shapes global politics. It examines why and how people’s beliefs influence political behavior, investigates human rights and religious freedom, and analyzes debates on religion’s proper role in democratic and pluralist societies.
PC 499 — Independent Study in Political Sciences
1-3 credit
Prerequisite(s): a minimum 3.5 GPA and approval of instructor, chairperson, and dean for Liberal Arts.