Political Science-POLS (POLS) < Colorado State University

Courses

POLS 101 American Government and Politics (GT-SS1) Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Principles, structures, and processes of American national government.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.
Additional Information: Social & Behavioral Sciences 3C, Economic or Political Systems (GT-SS1).

POLS 103 State and Local Government and Politics (GT-SS1) Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Principles, organization, and operation of American state and local government.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.
Additional Information: Social & Behavioral Sciences 3C, Economic or Political Systems (GT-SS1).

POLS 131 Current World Problems (GT-SS1) Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Historical background and theoretical perspectives explaining current international political and economic events.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.
Additional Information: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion 1C, Economic or Political Systems (GT-SS1).

POLS 160 Introduction to Public Policy and Service (GT-SS1) Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Introduction to the approaches and methods of public policy scholarship.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.
Additional Information: Social & Behavioral Sciences 3C, Economic or Political Systems (GT-SS1).

POLS 232 International Relations (GT-SS1) Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Basic concepts and approaches to international relations.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.
Additional Information: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion 1C, Economic or Political Systems (GT-SS1).

POLS 241 Comparative Government and Politics (GT-SS1) Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Major foreign political systems stressing cross-national comparison of political forces, parties, ideologies, and institutions.
Prerequisite: None.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.
Additional Information: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion 1C, Economic or Political Systems (GT-SS1).

POLS 272 Politics of Power, Justice, and Democracy (GT-SS1) Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Thematic study of power, justice, and democracy in government and politics.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.
Additional Information: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion 1C, Economic or Political Systems (GT-SS1).

POLS 301 Colorado Legislature Credit: 1 (1-0-0)

Course Description: Evolution and organization of the Colorado General Assembly, and of the legislative process. Examination of the role of committees, parties, leadership, and interest groups in that process.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Restriction: Must not be a: Freshman, Sophomore.
Registration Information: Junior standing. This is a partial semester course. Credit not allowed for both POLS 301 and POLS 381A2.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 302 U.S. Political Parties and Elections Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Foundational, institutional, and behavioral features of American political parties and elections.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 303 Politics of Organized Interests Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Role of interests in varied forms: social movements, institutions, associations, and membership groups in American politics.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 304 Legislative Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Structure, organization, behavior, processes, and policy implications of U.S. legislatures.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 305 Judicial Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 306 Executive Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 307 Media and Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: An introduction to the field of political communication, focusing on the role of the news media in national and international politics.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online. Credit not allowed for both POLS 307 and POLS 380A4.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 308 Political Psychology Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: The psychology behind political attitudes and decision-making.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 309 Urban Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Governmental structures and political processes in urban government.
Prerequisite: POLS 101 or POLS 103.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 320 Empirical Political Analysis Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Methods of empirical political inquiry.
Prerequisite: None.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 321 Empirical Political Analysis Laboratory Credit: 1 (0-2-0)

Course Description: Laboratory applications of empirical research methods.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Must have concurrent registration in POLS 320.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 331 Politics and Society Along Mexican Border Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Analysis of U.S.-Mexican relations and domestic politics as these affect regional characteristics and development of U.S.-Mexican border region.
Prerequisite: None.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 332 International Political Economy Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Also Offered As: ECON 332.
Course Description: Theories on relations between international politics and economics. Policy implications of different theories and case studies.
Prerequisite: (ECON 202 or AREC 202) and (POLS 232).
Registration Information: Credit not allowed for both POLS 332 and ECON 332.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 341 Western European Government and Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Politics in Western European countries such as Britain, France, and Germany, and countries influenced by European traditions.
Prerequisite: POLS 241.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 345 Russian, Central, and East European Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Political structures and processes in Russia, Central and East Europe, and selected post-Communist countries.
Prerequisite: POLS 241.
Registration Information: Must register for lecture and recitation. Freshman not allowed.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 347 Comparative Authoritarianism Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Explore non-democratic regimes in the world and the dynamics precipitating the emergence and breakdown of authoritarianism.
Prerequisite: POLS 241.
Registration Information: Sophomore standing. Sections may be offered: Online. Credit not allowed for both POLS 347 and POLS 380A3.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 351 Public Administration Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Government organization and management; decision processes; political and intergovernmental relations in administration.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 361 U.S. Environmental Politics and Policy Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Public and contemporary issues relating to U.S. environmental policy.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 362 Global Environmental Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Cross-national and international contexts of environmental politics and policy.
Prerequisite: POLS 232.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 364 Air, Climate, and Energy Policy Analysis Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Discussion and analysis of air quality, climate, and energy nexus, with a focus on policy impacts on the economy and the environment under future scenarios.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Registration Information: Sophomore standing. Sections may be offered: Online.
Term Offered: Fall (even years).
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 365 Food Policy and Politics in America Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Examines food policy in the United States by addressing the fundamentally political and global nature of food production and consumption, focusing on the history, institutions, and economy of food in America while situating each of these dimensions in an international context.
Prerequisite: POLS 101 or POLS 160.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 367 Power, Equity and Inclusion in Env Justice Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Examines procedural environmental injustice, as defined by the exclusion of marginalized groups from decision-making processes and the underenforcement of environmentally protective regulations in marginalized communities. Exploration of the degree to which power, equity and inclusion in policy processes create and perpetuate marginalization, weaving a single case study throughout the semester for illustration.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online. Credit not allowed for both POLS 367 and POLS 380A5.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 370A Study Abroad--Amazon: Global Environmental Politics Credits: 3 (0-0-3)

Course Description: Explore global environmental politics in the Brazilian Amazon. Through lectures, site visits, and meetings with local decision-makers, stakeholders and activists, apply international relations theories and concepts to understand various social, economic, political and ecological dimensions of global environmental problems, such as biodiversity loss and climate change, and efforts to address these problems from the global to local levels.
Prerequisite: POLS 232.
Registration Information: Sophomore standing. Written consent of instructor. Students need a minimum of a 2.5 GPA per Education Abroad standards. Sections offered as Mixed Face-to-Face or Online. Credit not allowed for both POLS 370A and POLS 382A.
Term Offered: Fall (even years).
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 371A Study Abroad--London : Comparative UK and US Policy Credits: 3 (0-0-3)

Course Description: Study and practice of public policy and law in the US and UK. In-depth comparative study of the central features of the American and UK policy-making process, administration, and legal system. Review a variety of substantive policy issues and existing public policies from a comparative perspective.
Prerequisite: POLS 101 or POLS 103 or POLS 241.
Registration Information: Sophomore standing. Written consent of instructor. This is a partial semester course. Credit allowed for only one of the following: POLS 371A, POLS 482B, or POLS 482C.
Term Offered: Spring (odd years).
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 392 Washington DC Semester Seminar Credits: Var[2-3] (0-0-0)

Course Description: Topics vary each semester, but each focuses on some aspect of politics and government in Washington, DC.
Prerequisite: POLS 101 or POLS 103 or POLS 232 or POLS 241.
Registration Information: Sophomore standing. Written consent of advisor. Requires the completion of the internal application form for students interested in the program. To be eligible, students should have a 3.000 GPA or greater. Students should register for 3 credits in the spring and fall semesters, and for 2 credits in the summer term.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 405 Race and Ethnicity in U.S. Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 409 Urban and Regional Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Governance processes and public policies in metropolitan regions.
Prerequisite: POLS 101 or POLS 103.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 410 American Constitutional Law Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Allocation of powers among structures in American federal system.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 413 U.S. Civil Rights and Liberties Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: U.S. Constitutional provisions and cases pertaining to the rights and liberties of individuals.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Spring, Summer.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 420 History of Political Thought Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Issues and texts related to tradition of political thought from the ancient through the modern period.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 421 Contemporary Political Theories Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Major political theories and ideologies of contemporary times.
Prerequisite: None.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 422 Democratic Theory Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Competing approaches to the theory and practice of democracy, both locally and globally.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Registration Information: Sophomore standing.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 423 American Political Theories Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Major American theories and ideologies: their development and present uses.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Term Offered: Spring.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 431 International Law Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Prerequisite: POLS 232.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 433 International Organization Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: History, development, structure, process, and activity of selected public international organizations.
Prerequisite: POLS 232.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 435 United States Foreign Policy Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Institutions, responsibilities, processes, and issues in formulation and execution of U.S. foreign policy.
Prerequisite: POLS 232.
Registration Information: Sophomore standing. Sections may be offered: Online.
Term Offered: Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 436 Comparative Foreign Policy Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Effect of varying international and domestic contexts on foreign policy choices and outcomes across different countries, cultures, issues, and time.
Prerequisite: POLS 232 and POLS 241.
Term Offered: Spring.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 437 International Security Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Examines the conditions that make for war and peace in international relations.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 440 Political Geography Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Also Offered As: GR 440.
Course Description: Examines the meaning of political space; states and nations; competition for territory, including methods and justifications; the structure of political space focusing on states; geopolitics; and the state in an era of globalization. Concepts are illustrated by real-world situations.
Prerequisite: GR 100 or POLS 101.
Registration Information: Sophomore standing. Sections may be offered: Online or Mixed Face-to-Face. Credit not allowed for both GR 440 and POLS 440.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 441 Comparative Indigenous Politics--Americas Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Compares the relationship between states and indigenous peoples throughout the Americas using concepts and theories from political science.
Prerequisite: POLS 241.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 442 Environmental Politics in Developing World Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Examines environmental politics in developing countries and evaluates climate change, natural resource governance and environmental justice.
Prerequisite: POLS 241.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 443 Comparative Social Movements Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Reviews major works dealing with conceptual and theoretical foundations of social movements and examines a number of cases across regions.
Prerequisite: POLS 241.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 444 Comparative African Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: African political systems focusing on precolonial, colonial influences; rise of nationalism; approaches to new political order; influences of development.
Prerequisite: POLS 241.
Terms Offered: Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 445 Comparative Asian Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Prerequisite: POLS 241.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 446 Latin American Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Latin American political actors and institutions with emphasis on themes of development, democracy, revolution, and international affairs.
Prerequisite: POLS 241.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 447 Politics in Mexico, Central America, Caribbean Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Mexican politics with comparison to one or more Central American and Caribbean countries.
Prerequisite: POLS 241.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 448 Comparative Racial/Ethnic Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Comparative examination of politics of race and ethnicity and role it plays in formation of nation-states.
Prerequisite: POLS 241.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 449 Middle East Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Political issues of the Middle East, including the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, Islamism, and democratization.
Prerequisite: POLS 241.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 451 Public Policy Design and Governance Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Examination of governance institutions outside the scope of traditional bureaucratic organizations and accountability.
Prerequisite: POLS 101 or POLS 103.
Registration Information: Junior standing.
Term Offered: Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 459 Program Evaluation for Public Administrators Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: An overview of research methods and statistical methods for public administrators.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Registration Information: Junior or senior standing. Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 460 Public Policy Process Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 462 Globalization, Sustainability, and Justice Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Public and private policies to promote sustainability and social justice in a globalizing world.
Prerequisite: POLS 232 or POLS 241.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 463 Urban Policy and Management Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Policy choices and management issues associated with urban government.
Prerequisite: POLS 101 or POLS 103.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 465 Public Policy Analysis Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Methods and tools used in the practice of policy analysis and evaluation of current public policy; emphasis on applied analysis.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Registration Information: Sophomore standing. Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 482A Study Abroad: Politics and Culture in Turkey Credits: 3 (0-0-3)

Course Description: Politics, history and material culture of Turkey. A study abroad experience.
Prerequisite: POLS 241.
Registration Information: Written consent of instructor. Freshman not allowed.
Term Offered: Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 482B Study Abroad: Comparative UK and US Policy - London Credits: 3 (0-0-3)

Course Description: Study and practice of public policy and law in the US and UK. In-depth comparative study of the central features of the American and UK policy-making process, administration, and legal system. Review a variety of substantive policy issues and existing public policies from a comparative perspective.
Prerequisite: POLS 101 or POLS 103 or POLS 241.
Registration Information: Sophomore standing. Written consent of instructor. This is a partial semester course. Credit not allowed for both POLS 482B and POLS 482C.
Term Offered: Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 482C Study Abroad: London Experience Credit: 1 (0-0-1)

Course Description: Study and practice of public policy and law in the US and UK. In-depth comparative study of the central features of the American and UK policy-making process, administration, and legal system. Review a variety of substantive policy issues and existing public policies from a comparative perspective.
Prerequisite: POLS 101 or POLS 103 or POLS 241.
Registration Information: Sophomore standing. Written consent of instructor. This is a partial semester course. Credit not allowed for both POLS 482B and POLS 482C.
Term Offered: Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 482D Study Abroad--Spain and Morocco: Politics of Food in the Mediterranean Credits: 3 (0-0-3)

Course Description: Examine the politics of food in Spain and Morocco, namely Spain and Morocco, by investigating the policies regarding agriculture and food systems. Explore the roles of women in the food systems and understanding new and innovative food economies alternative to the industrialized food systems.
Prerequisite: POLS 241.
Registration Information: Sophomore standing. Written consent of instructor. Offered as Mixed Face-to-Face.
Term Offered: Summer.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 486A Practicum: Legislative Politics Credits: 6 (0-8-2)

Course Description:
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Must register for laboratory and recitation.
Term Offered: Spring.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: Yes.

POLS 486B Practicum: Government Credits: Var[1-6] (0-0-0)

Course Description:
Prerequisite: None.
Term Offered: Spring.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 486C Practicum: Civic Engagement Credits: 3 (1-0-4)

Also Offered As: SPCM 486C.
Course Description: Participatory study of civic engagement in public education. Examination of civic engagement pedagogies and their role in public life. Evaluation of and participation in Public Achievement program in partnership with local K-12 schools.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Must register for lecture and practicum. POLS 486C and SPCM 486C may not be taken concurrently.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 487 Internship – Washington DC Semester Credits: Var[6-9] (0-0-0)

Course Description: Students in The Washington Center semester programs will work with an organization in Washington DC. Most internships are for 4 days/week and individually tailored for each student. The Washington Center ensures that all internships are "substantive and challenging." At least 80% of the student's work is non-clerical. Supervised by a professional academic program advisor.
Prerequisite: POLS 101 or POLS 103 or POLS 232 or POLS 241.
Registration Information: Sophomore standing. Requires written consent of program advisor, and the completion of the internal application form for students interested in the program. To be eligible, students should have a 3.000 GPA or greater.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 492 Capstone Seminar Credits: 3 (0-0-3)

Course Description: Advanced seminar that integrates different theories and approaches to the study of domestic and/or international politics and policy.
Prerequisite: POLS 300 to 499 - at least 12 credits.
Restriction: Must not be a: Freshman, Sophomore.
Registration Information: Junior standing. Sections may be offered: Online.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 495 Independent Study Credits: Var[1-18] (0-0-0)

Course Description:
Prerequisite: None.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 496 Washington DC Semester Colloquium Group Study Credits: Var[2-3] (0-0-0)

Course Description: Participating in the Washington DC semester program, groups of more than two students will work together under the supervision of faculty to explore how government and politics occurs in Washington, DC. Students will interact with members of the cabinet, ambassadors, leading journalists and CEOs. Participation in small group discussions and attendance at programming related to the internship. Portfolio creation of a student's work documenting and reflecting on their experiences.
Prerequisite: POLS 101 or POLS 103 or POLS 232 or POLS 241.
Registration Information: Sophomore standing. Written consent of advisor. Requires the completion of the internal application form for students interested in the program. To be eligible, students should have a 3.000 GPA or greater.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 500 Governmental Politics in the U.S. Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Selected primary source materials on performance of government officials and institutions at federal, state, and local levels.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Must have taken three upper-division credits in American politics with a grade of B or better.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 501 Citizen Politics in the U.S. Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Selected primary source materials on behavior of individuals and groups in American politics.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Must have taken three upper-division credits in American politics with a grade of B or better.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 509 Gender and the Law Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Relationship between gender and the law and the changing nature of that relationship over time.
Prerequisite: POLS 410 or POLS 413.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 520 Theories of Political Action Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Prerequisite: POLS 420 or POLS 421.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 530 International Relations Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Theory and methodology utilized in different approaches to international relations.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Nine credits in international relations or related studies.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 531 International Security Studies Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Theories of international security as applied to different issue areas, both traditional and non-traditional.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 532 Governance of the World Political Economy Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Theoretical and practical debates on the organization and governance of the world political economy.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Nine upper-division credits in international relations with a grade of B or better.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 533 Advanced Topics in US Foreign Policy Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Provides a comprehensive overview of the US foreign policy-making process. Topics covered include the domestic causes of US foreign policy, military and defense policy, foreign economic policy, and the US role in international organizations.
Prerequisite: POLS 531.
Registration Information: Offered as an online course only.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 534 International Environmental Security Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Explores how environmental challenges cause insecurity for people and states, as well as how the conduct of international politics can cause environmental instability and degradation. Topics covered include the international politics of climate refugees, energy security, food security, water wars, and environmental peacebuilding.
Prerequisite: POLS 531.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 535 Emerging Threats in International Security Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Comprehensive overview of emerging ("non-traditional") issues in the study of international security. Examples of topics covered include terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, artificial intelligence, human trafficking, organized crime, and cyber security.
Prerequisite: POLS 531.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 540 Comparative Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Prerequisite: None.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 541 Political Economy of Change and Development Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Responses of the state and its institutions to political, economic, and social change.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Three upper-division credits in comparative politics with a grade of B or better.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 542 Democracy and Democratization Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Theoretical foundations of democracy and democratization across world regions.
Prerequisite: None.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 544 National Identities and Nation Building Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Also Offered As: ETST 544.
Course Description: How statist conceptions of race and ethnicity have been mobilized in nation-building projects.
Prerequisite: None.
Registration Information: Credit not allowed for both POLS 544 and ETST 544.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 550 Advanced Public Administration Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Also Offered As: PPA 550.
Course Description: Overview of study of public administration; recent developments in theory and practice.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate.
Registration Information: Graduate standing. Sections may be offered: Online. Credit not allowed for both POLS 550 and PPA 550.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 558 Administrative Law Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Also Offered As: PPA 558.
Course Description: Introduction to the different roles that each branch of the national and state governments play in administrative law, also the politics of administration and regulation. Attention dedicated to the complex ways areas of law interact across administrative decision-making and disputes.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate.
Registration Information: Graduate standing. Sections may be offered: Online. Credit allowed for only one of the following: POLS 558, PPA 558, or POLS 580A2.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 587 Internship Credits: Var[1-6] (0-0-0)

Course Description: Supervised work experience in a professional setting related to political science.
Prerequisite: POLS 500 to 99999 - at least 18 credits.
Registration Information: Graduate standing in Political Science.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: S/U Sat/Unsat Only.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 620 Approaches to the Study of Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description:
Prerequisite: POLS 100 to 481 - at least 15 credits.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 621 Qualitative Methods in Political Science Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Research design, data gathering and organization, ethical issues, and computer applications in qualitative political research.
Prerequisite: SOC 311 or POLS 620, may be taken concurrently.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Credit not allowed for both POLS 621 and SOC 610.
Term Offered: Spring (odd years).
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 624 Scope and Methods of Political Science Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Graduate survey of the scope of the Political Science discipline and the range of research designs and methods used in the discipline.
Prerequisite: POLS 300 to 9999 - at least 15 credits.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 625 Quantitative Methods of Political Research I Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Quantitative approaches and methods for the study of political life.
Prerequisite: POLS 320.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 626 Political Research Laboratory Credit: 1 (0-2-0)

Course Description:
Prerequisite: POLS 321.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Must have concurrent registration in POLS 625.
Term Offered: Spring.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 627 Quantitative Methods of Political Research II Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Apply quantitative social science research methods to research. Develop analytical skills for use in political science and public policy, improve research design skills, assess the validity and limits of information and available data, and gain a thorough grounding in basic regression analysis. Strong emphasis on conceptual understanding and application.
Prerequisite: POLS 625.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online.
Term Offered: Spring (odd years).
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 660 Theories of the Policy Process Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Also Offered As: PPA 660.
Course Description: Recent developments in public policy.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: Graduate standing. Sections may be offered: Online. Credit not allowed for both PPA 660 and POLS 660.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 665 Public Policy Analysis Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Also Offered As: PPA 665.
Course Description: The practice of policy analysis and the tools used to conduct an analysis including: forecasting, cost benefit analysis, cost effectiveness analysis, and policy design.
Prerequisite: PPA 501 or POLS 625.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Graduate cooperative program, Professional.
Registration Information: Sections may be offered: Online. Credit not allowed for both POLS 665 and PPA 665.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 670 Politics of Environment and Sustainability Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Domestic, international, and comparative dimensions of environment and natural resource politics and policy.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Graduate cooperative program, Professional.
Registration Information: Written consent of instructor.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 672 Power, Justice, and Democracy Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Examines research related to the key themes of power, development, democracy, inequality, justice, labor/work, and social transformation. Analyze themes through a variety of theoretical literatures and practical examples.
Prerequisite: POLS 300 to 499 - at least 3 credits.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 684 Supervised College Teaching Credits: Var[1-3] (0-0-0)

Course Description:
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: One year of graduate work.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 692 Seminar in Environmental Policy Credits: 3 (0-0-3)

Course Description: Topics in domestic and/or global environmental policy.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Term Offered: Fall.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 693 Advanced Topics--Research Methods Credits: Var[1-3] (0-0-0)

Course Description: Seminar on specialized research methods for political scientists. Topics vary.
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Registration Information: May be repeated for credit.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 695 Independent Study Credits: Var[1-18] (0-0-0)

Course Description:
Prerequisite: None.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Grade Mode: Instructor Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 699 Thesis Credits: Var[1-18] (0-0-0)

POLS 709 Environmental Politics in the U.S. Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Selected primary materials on governmental performance, groups, and mass public in American environmental politics.
Prerequisite: (POLS 500 or POLS 501) and (POLS 670).
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 729 Political Theory and the Environment Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Political thought applied to questions of the environment.
Prerequisite: POLS 520 and POLS 670.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Modes: S/U within Student Option, Trad within Student Option.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 739 International Environmental Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Theories and methodologies used in analyzing international environmental politics and policy.
Prerequisite: POLS 530 and POLS 670.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 749 Comparative Environmental Politics Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Application of comparative political theory to analysis of environmental politics.
Prerequisite: (POLS 540 or POLS 541) and (POLS 670).
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 759 Environmental Policy and Administration Credits: 3 (3-0-0)

Course Description: Effects of regulation, intergovernmental relations, and resource availability on federal environmental programs in U.S.
Prerequisite: POLS 670.
Restriction: Must be a: Graduate, Professional.
Terms Offered: Fall, Spring.
Grade Mode: Traditional.
Special Course Fee: No.

POLS 795 Independent Study Credits: Var[1-18] (0-0-0)

POLS 799 Dissertation Credits: Var[1-18] (0-0-0)