Undergraduate Courses

Understanding the Course listing

New Course Number [Old Course Number] Course Title (Cross Listings*) (Course Credit amount) Course Description

* Whenever applicable

050 [006E] Movies and Politics (3.0). Movies often reflect important social and political issues. In this couse we will see a set of movies, discuss them, and put them into social and political context.

051 [006F] Plessy v. Ferguson: The Play: (3.0). This course will introduce you to the law, civil rights, Southern history, politics, moral questions, and culture surrounding the 1896 coase of Plessy v. Ferguson, a case that has had an impact on every part of our life in America.

052 [006J] Modern Japan (3.0).

053 [006K] The Politics of Shakespeare (3.0). Literature quite often provides insight into political life. Issues such as power, justice, equality, and rights have long been illuminated by authors seeking to capture a wide variety of political relationships.

054 [006E] The American Worker: Sociology, Politics and History of Labor in the US (3.0). This course will survey a wide range of topics on the American Laborer and the American Worker unions.

055 [006E] Democracy and the Civic Ideal (3.0). This course examines the emergence of the increasingly diverse and divided ethnic and racial compositions.

056 [006E] American Political Autobiography (3.0). How we think about ourselves as Americans, and how our identities influence our ideas about politics.

057 [006E] Politics of Multiculturalism (3.0) This seminar will examine the challenges that religious and ethnic identity groups are posing the principles of liberal democracy, primarily in Europe and North America but increasingly throughout the world.

58 [006E] Global Production and Workers Rights: North Carolina, Latin America and East Asia (3.0) This course explores the politics of economic globalization, with a focus on the relationships among trade, multinational corporations and workers’ rights.

060 [006E] International Politics and International Terrorism (3.0). This course will address the nature of terror and its use by private individuals and by governments.

061 [006E] Sense of U.S. Foreign PThe United States and Cuba: Making Sense of U. S. Foreign Policyolicy (3.0). This inter-disciplinary seminar is designed for students who wish to learn about Latin America in the disciplines of history and political science.

062 [006E] Power Politics (3.0). This course prepares the student for an understanding of influence and the practice of political leadership and persuasion.

063 [006E] Social Movements and Political pProtest and vViolence (3.0). Unconventional collective political behavior: mass movements, riots, demonstrations, revolts and revolution.

064 [006E] Sense of US Foreign Policy (3.0). To work in any area that requires a knowledge of inter American relations, diplomatic history, or foreign policy.

065 [006E] Pressure and Power: Organized Interest in American Politics (3.0). This course is designed to offer students how political scientist think about political phenomena.

066 [006E] The US and the European Union: Partners or Rivals? (3.0). The alliance between America and the European Union is one of the most important political relationships today.

067 [006E] Designing Democracy (3.0). Introducing the study of using political institutions as levers of conflict management in ethnically plural, post-conflict national states.

068 [006J] Shogun: Politics of the Sword in Early Modern Japan (3.0). Studying politics, culture, language, customs, religion, food, death, the role of women in 1600 Japan.

100 [041] Introduction to Government in the United States (3.0). An introductory course designed to explain the basic processes and issues of the American political system.

100H [041H] Introduction to Government in the United States (3.0). An introductory course designed to explain the basic processes and issues of the American political system

101 [042] State and Local Government in the United States (3.0). An introductory course on the government, politics, and policies at the state and local levels of the United States Federal system.

130 [050] Introduction to Comparative Politics (3.0). This course highlights the comparative method by seeking to understand differences among diverse states on five continents: UK, Northern Ireland, South Africa, Burma, and Fiji.

131 [060] Political Change and Modernization (3.0). An overview of politics and government in the Third World, emphasizing characteristics, problems, and solutions (successful and otherwise) common to nations making the attempt to modernize.

150 [086] International Relations and World Politics (PWAD 150) (3.0). The analysis of politics among nations.

150H [086H] International Relations and World Politics (PWAD 150) (3.0). The analysis of politics among nations.

181 [078M] Quantitative Research in Political Science (3.0). An introduction to 1) conceptual foundations of scientific study of politics; 2) research design; 3) descriptive statistics; and 4) inferential statistics. To accomplish these goals, the course employs class lectures, readings, and problem set assignments.

195 [095] Undergraduate Seminar (3.0). A detailed examination of selected topics in the field of political science.

196 [099] Independent Study in Political Science (1.0-3.0). Permission of Director of Undergraduate Studies required. Readings and research under the supervision of a member of the department. Open to political science majors.

200 [080] The President, Congress, and Public Policy (3.0). An analysis of the roles and influence of the President, the Congress, and other participants in the making of national policy.

201 [077] Politics of Bureaucracy (3.0). Problems of the public service; internal dynamics of public organizations; acquisition and allocation of public funds; the roles of bureaucracy in relation to public policy, clients, the citizenry, and society.

202 [079] The United States Supreme Court (3.0). Examination of the process of policy making on the Supreme Court. Focuses upon the selection of justices, factors affecting the court's decision making, and the impact of its policies.

206 [047] Ethics, Morality, Individual Liberty, and the Law (3.0). This course introduces students to moral and ethical issues that arise when individual rights conflict with the law and the central role race plays in American society's response. (3.0).

206H [047H] Ethics, Morality, Individual Liberty, and the Law (3.0). This course introduces students to moral and ethical issues that arise when individual rights conflict with the law and the central role race plays in American society's response.

207 [071] The Politics of Organized Interests (3.0). This course examines how interests organize themselves, enter and then interact within interest communities, and seek to influence government policy through electoral activity and lobbying legislators, executives, and courts.

208 [075] Political Parties and Elections (3.0). An analysis of the dynamics of party alignment, realignment, and of nomination and election to public office in American national government.

209 [070] Analyzing Public Opinion (3.0). A study of forces affecting public opinion and its expression in various political activities. Emphasis on gathering and analyzing opinion data. Course may be taught in the computer classroom.

209H [070H] Analyzing Public Opinion (3.0). A study of forces affecting public opinion and its expression in various political activities. Emphasis on gathering and analyzing opinion data. Course may be taught in the computer classroom.

210 [084] Global Issues in the Twentieth Century (ANTH 210, GEOG 210, HIST 210, INTS 210) (3.0). Survey of international social, political, and cultural patterns, in selected societies of Africa, Asia, America, and Europe, stressing comparative analysis of twentieth-century conflicts and change in different historical contexts.

214 [096] Practicum in State Government (3.0). Designed to give students experience in the legislative or executive branches of state government. The course will provide the structure for an in-depth study of several contemporary issues facing state government.

215 [066] Political Psychology: An Introduction (3.0). Findings of the behavioral sciences are examined on: human nature, community, political socialization, alienation, mass movements, belief systems and personality in politics.

216 [097] Constitutional Democracy (3.0). Examines the theory and practice of constitutional democracy, including the process of constitution writing, constitutional maintenance, and constitutional change, with special emphasis on the U.S. Constitution.

217 [072] Women and Politics (WMST 217) (3.0). A comparison of men and women as political actors at the mass and elite level in America. Topics considered include: the ???”gender gap,”??? the women's movement, abortion, and the ERA.

218 [073] Politics of Sexuality (WMST 218) (3.0). Examines the role of lesbians, gays, and bisexuals as political actors in the United States, both as individuals and collectively as a social movement.

219 [076] Violence Against Women: The Legal Perspective (WMST 219) (3.0). This course examines violence against women by examining theories, causes, and contributing factors surrounding violence against women.

226 [054] Government and Politics of East Asia (ASIA 226) (3.0). The indigenous political ideas and institutions of East Asia and Western influence on Asian government and politics with emphasis upon the political evolution and contemporary governments of Japan, China, and Vietnam.

230 [031] Democracy and Citizenship (3.0). An introduction to the life of the citizen in modern democracies: conceptions of citizenship, patriotism, political identities, tolerance, conceptions of rights and duties, civic engagement, civility, discussing public affairs, and democratization.

230H [031H] Democracy and Citizenship (3.0). An introduction to the life of the citizen in modern democracies: conceptions of citizenship, patriotism, political identities, tolerance, conceptions of rights and duties, civic engagement, civility, discussing public affairs, and democratization

231 [087] Latin America and the United States in World Politics (PWAD 231) (3.0). A survey of the events, institutions, and issues that have dominated relations between Latin America and the United States.

232 [053] Politics in England (3.0). An introduction to contemporary English politics emphasizing the political battle between Socialist and Conservative ideologies.

232H [053H] Politics in England (3.0). An introduction to contemporary English politics emphasizing the political battle between Socialist and Conservative ideologies.

235 [055] Politics of the Soviet Union and its SuccessorStates (3.0).(RUES 699) Factors and forces that explain the rise and demise of the Soviet political system and consideration of emerging new political configurations in the area.

235H [055H] Politics of the Soviet Union and its SuccessorStates (3.0).(RUES 699) Factors and forces that explain the rise and demise of the Soviet political system and consideration of emerging new political configurations in the area.

236 [057] Politics of East-Central Europe (3.0). Examines contemporary politics in East-Central Europe by looking at the communist period, the 1989 revolutions, and the political, economic, and social transformations underway in the area.

236H [057H] Politics of East-Central Europe (3.0). Examines contemporary politics in East-Central Europe by looking at the communist period, the 1989 revolutions, and the political, economic, and social transformations underway in the area.

238 [056] Contemporary Latin American Politics (3.0). An introduction to contemporary political conditions in Latin America, including consideration of leading theoretical explanations. Country emphasis varies with instructor.

238H [056H] Contemporary Latin American Politics (3.0). An introduction to contemporary political conditions in Latin America, including consideration of leading theoretical explanations. Country emphasis varies with instructor.

239 [052] Introduction to European Government (3.0). A treatment of the political institutions and processes of Western European democracies, with special attention to France, Germany, England, and Italy.

239H [052H] Introduction to European Government (3.0). A treatment of the political institutions and processes of Western European democracies, with special attention to France, Germany, England, and Italy.

241 [059] Contemporary Africa (3.0). Examines the development and operation of the political systems of contemporary Africa, emphasizing the period since independence and giving primary attention to sub-Saharan Africa.

241H [059H] Contemporary Africa (3.0). Examines the development and operation of the political systems of contemporary Africa, emphasizing the period since independence and giving primary attention to sub-Saharan Africa.

250 [085] Asia and World Affairs (ASIA 250, PWAD 250) (3.0). A survey of relations between the United States and major Asian powers: China, the USSR, and Japan.

252 [088] International Organizations and Global Issues (PWAD 252) (3.0). Examines international organizations and their relationships with and impact upon international politics, international law, and selected global issues.

253 [081] Problems in World Order (PWAD 253) (3.0). An examination of selected topics in international relations, such as security and defense, international integration, and North-South relations.

254 [083] International Environmental Politics (ENST 254) (3.0). See ENST 254 for description.

255 [089] Great Decisions (2.0). Major issues of contemporary international relations, in conjunction with the Great Decisions lecture series. May be repeated for credit once unless credit has already been received for INTS 393. May not be taken in the same semester as INTS 393.

256 [049] Defense Policy and National Security (3.0). National defense policy, including strategy, weapons systems,, and the bureaucracies/organizations that deal with them. Lectures and discussion sections.

257 [051] Society and Culture in Postwar Germany (GERM 257, HIST 257, SOCI 257) (3.0). See GERM 257 for description.

259 [082] Evolution of the International System (PWAD 259) (3.0). An examination of changes in the nature of the international system from about 1870 to the present, emphasizing changing patterns of alliance politics and crisis behavior.

260 [058] Crisis and Change in Russia and East Europe (PWAD 260, RUES 260, SOCI 260) (3.0). See RUES 260 description.

265 [067] Feminism and Political Theory (WMST 265) (3.0). Introduction to feminist theory and its implications for the study and practice of political theory. Topics: Women in feminist critiques of the western political tradition, schools of feminist political theory.

270 [063] Classical Political Thought (3.0). Survey designed to introduce students to major political thinkers and ideas of the ancient world and of the medieval period.

270H [063H] Classical Political Thought (3.0). Survey designed to introduce students to major political thinkers and ideas of the ancient world and of the medieval period

271 [064] Modern Political Thought (3.0). Survey course designed to introduce students to major political thinkers and schools of thought dating roughly from the sixteenth century to the present.

271H [064H] Modern Political Thought (3.0). Survey course designed to introduce students to major political thinkers and schools of thought dating roughly from the sixteenth century to the present.

272 [068] The Ethics of Peace, War, and Defense (PHIL 272, PWAD 272) (3.0). The legitimacy of states; just war theory; pacifism; the ethics of revolution; terrorism; problems of war in an age of weapons of mass destruction; the moral conditions of peace.

273 [069] Social and Economic Justice (SOCI 273) (3.0). Covers theory and practice of social and economic justice, including analyses of racial-gender-sexual-class-national and other forms of justice, the history of influential movements for justice, and strategies of contemporary struggles.

274 [065] African American Political Thought (3.0). A consideration of the political thought of African Americans, particularly within the context of the broader spectrum of American political thought, and both as reaction and contribution to that thought.

276 [061] Major Issues in Political Theory (3.0). An examination of major issues in political thought, including: equality; obedience; violence and nonviolence; justice; forms of social, economic and political life; liberty; and human nature and politics.

276H [061H] Major Issues in Political Theory (3.0). An examination of major issues in political thought, including: equality; obedience; violence and nonviolence; justice; forms of social, economic and political life; liberty; and human nature and politics.

280 [062] American Political Thought (3.0). A survey course in American political ideas from the seventeenth century to the present, with emphasis on the role of politics, society, and economy in American thought.

280H [062H] American Political Thought (3.0). A survey course in American political ideas from the seventeenth century to the present, with emphasis on the role of politics, society, and economy in American thought.

295 [190] Domestic Policy Seminar (PLCY 295) (3.0). See PLCY 325295 for description.

384 [048] Introduction to Philosophy, Political Science, Eonomics (ECON 384, PHIL 384) (3.0). See PHIL 384 for description.

400 [172] Executive Politics (3.0). This course explores how presidents select policy options, how they decide timing, what shapes their congressional support, and how they build successful coalitions.

401 [117] Political Economy I: The Domestic System (3.0). Problems of the national government in managing capitalist development and economic growth; political constraints; patterns of conflict among domestic actors.

404 [102] Research in Urban Politics (3.0). Prerequisites, POLI 100 and eitherOR POLI 101 or POLI 043. Examines contemporary research programs on urban politics conducted by political scientists. These topics will be examined both in terms of substantive findings and research methodology.

405 [134] North Carolina Politics and Public Policy (3.0). An intensive study of politics, government, and public policy in the state of North Carolina. Emphasis is placed on student research projects, with a major paper the main requirement.

407 [132] Health Politics and Policy (3.0). An analysis of health care policy in the United States with selective comparisons from health care systems in other developed democratic societies.

408 [169] Business Government Relations (3.0). Explores the nonmarket environment of firms and policymakers. Topics include the media, lobbying, antitrust, regulation, product safety, international trade, globalization, and corporate ethics. Emphasis on class discussion and presentation.

409 [154] Mock Constitutional Convention (3.0). Students employ their understanding of political philosophy and practical politics to write a new Constitution for the United States. Emphasis is on creative blending theory and practice.

410 [155] The Constitution of the United States (3.0). A study of the fundamental principles of constitutional interpretation and practice in the United States by means of lectures, textbooks, and cases. Emphasis will be on the political context surrounding and the impact following Supreme Court decisions.

411 [157] Civil Liberties under the Constitution (3.0). An analysis of the complex political problems created by the expansion of protection for individual liberties in the United States. Emphasis will be on contemporary problems with some supplemental historical background.

412 [170] United States National Elections (3.0). Course studies United States Presidential and Congressional elections. Emphasis on individual vote, changing party strengths, and the relation of outcomes to policy.

414 [151] The Adversary System (3.0). An overview of the theories, problems, and practices of police, courts, and corrections, and the values underlying our adversary system, especially insofar as constitutional principles, judicial integrity, and racial discrimination.

415 [159] Criminal Law (3.0). This course is concerned with the traditional substantive criminal law: crime; defenses and excuses to criminal liability; issues of morality attached to criminal law; constitutional limitations on punishments.

416 [153] Constitutional Policies and the Judicial Process (PWAD 416) (3.0). Analysis of the structure and functions of judicial systems emphasizing the organization, administration, and politics of judicial bureaucracies and roles of judges, juries, counsel, litigants, and interested groups in adjudication processes.

417 [167] Advanced Political Psychology (3.0). Prerequisite, POLI215, 216, or 697. Examines in greater depth issues in the field of political psychology, including conflict and conflict resolution, socialization, attitude formation, mass movements, leader-follower relationships, and psychobiography.

418 [174] Mass Media and American Politics (3.0). Prerequisites, junior-senior standing and POLI 100. Examination of the role, behavior, and influence on the mass media in American politics.

419 [171] Race, Poverty, and Politics (3.0). Definitions of poverty and their policy implications; the composition and causation of poverty; an examination of public policies directed at the alleviation, reduction, and elimination of poverty.

419H [171H] Race, Poverty, and Politics (3.0). Definitions of poverty and their policy implications; the composition and causation of poverty; an examination of public policies directed at the alleviation, reduction, and elimination of poverty.

420 [178] Legislative Politics (3.0). Examines the politics of the U.S. Congress. Emphasis on representation, the legislative process, and policymaking.

430 [128] European Politics (3.0). Prerequisite, POLI 239. Active participation of students in a research project on career motives and ethical principles in European countries.

430H [128H] European Politics (3.0). Prerequisite, POLI 239. Active participation of students in a research project on career motives and ethical principles in European countries

432 [113] Tolerance in Liberal States (3.0). Prerequisites, POLI 100, POLI 239. This course will examine the theory and practice of comaparative tolerance in the United States and Europe, with particular attention to Great Britain and France.

433 [115] Politics of the European Union (INTS 433) (3.0). Prerequisite, two prior courses in political science or international studies. Examines the politics and political economy of institutional change and policy making in the European Union in comparative perspective.

434 [116] Politics of Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean (3.0). Prerequisite, POLI 238 or permission of instructor. The analysis of politics in Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.

435 [127] Democracy and Development in Latin America (3.0). Prerequisite, POLI 238 or permission of instructor. The analysis of central issues of democracy and development in Latin America.

435H [127H] (Democracy and Development in Latin America (3.0). Prerequisite, POLI 238 or permission of instructor. The analysis of central issues of democracy and development in Latin America.3.0).

436 [127S] Democracy and Development in Latin America (Spanish) (3.0). Prerequisites, POLI 238 and SPAN 101-SPAN 204 or equivalent intermediate-level language knowledge; or permission of instructor. The analysis of central issues of democracy and development in Latin America.

437 [126] African Politics and SocietyPolitics and Society in Africa (3.0). Prerequisite, POLI 241131 or POLI 131241, or AFRI 101. Comparative analysis of state-society relations in selected post-colonial African countries.

438 [121] Democracy and International Institutions in an Undivided Europe (INTS 438) (3.0). Explores the collapse of communist rule in 1989, and the reaction of international institutions to the challenges of democratization, economic transition, ethnic conflict and European integration in an Undivided Europe.

439 [114] Comparative European Societies (SOCI 439) (3.0). Examination of commonalities and differences of European societies and of the tensions and difficulties attending the European integration process.

440 [123] Government and Politics in Japan (ASIA 440) (3.0). Examines the Japanese political process in the period since World War II with emphasis on popular culture and behavior, and on governmental policy making in both domestic and foreign affairs. Previous course work on East Asia recommended but not required.

442 [140] International Political Economy (3.0). Prerequisites, POLI 150 and ECON 101. Theories of international political economy; major trends in international economic relations; selected contemporary policy issues.

443 [144] American Foreign Policy: Formulation and Conduct (PWAD 443) (3.0). Prerequisite, POLI 150 or permission of the instructor. The role of Congress, the press, public opinion, the President, the Secretary and the Department of State, the military, and the intelligence community in making American foreign policy. Emphasis is placed on the impact of the bureaucratic process on the content of foreign policy.

446 [149] Defense Policy and National Security (AERO 446, PWAD 446) (3.0). Prerequisite, POLI 150 or permission of instructor. A study of national defense policy as affected by the constitutional and political setting, as well as its relation to foreign policy. Some attention to strategic doctrine.

447 [150] Theory of War (PWAD 447) (3.0). Examines the nature, purposes, and conduct of war. Emphasizes interaction between political and military phenomena; introduces the study of strategy and its relationship to domestic and international politics.

449 [141] Human Rights and International Criminal Law (3.0). This course examines international efforts to punish genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The evolution of international criminal law, jurisdiction, remedies, problems, alternatives, and recent case studies is included.

450 [147] Contemporary Inter-American Relations (PWAD 450) (3.0). Prerequisite, POLI 238 and/or POLI 231/ or PWAD 231. A comprehensive analysis of hemispheric international relations and foreign policies of individual Latin American nations.

450H [147H] Contemporary Inter-American Relations (PWAD 450) (3.0). Prerequisite, POLI 238 and/or POLI 231 or PWAD 231. A comprehensive analysis of hemispheric international relations and foreign policies of individual Latin American nations.

451 [146] International Communications and Comparative Journalism (3.0). Prerequisites, six semester hours of upper-division courses in international relations or recent European history.

456 [145] Contemporary International Relations of the United States (3.0). Prerequisite, POLI 150 or permission of instructor. A study of selected United States foreign policy problems since World War II; analysis of the process of policy formulation, and the impact of the external environment and domestic policies on the White House and Department of State.

457 [142] International Conflict Processes (3.0). Prerequisite, POLI 150 or permission of instructor. Analysis of international conflict and the causal mechanisms that drive or prevent conflict. Emphasis is on the conditions and processes of conflict and cooperation between nations.

459 [122] The United States and Russia (3.0). A comparative inquiry into contrasting cultures, values, attitudes, and behavior patterns: Why can't and why don't the Russians want to be like Americans.

470 [161] Social and Political Philosophy (3.0). An examination of the logic of social and political thought with an analysis of such concepts as society, state, power, authority, freedom, social and political obligation, law, rights.

471 [166] Recent Contemporary Political Thought (3.0). Survey of the historical foundations, central tenets, and political consequences of prominent twentieth century political theories. Topics include: contemporary liberalism and Marxism, fascism, theories of development populism, feminism.

471H [166] Recent Contemporary Political Thought. (3.0). Survey of the historical foundations, central tenets, and political consequences of prominent twentieth century political theories. Topics include: contemporary liberalism and Marxism, fascism, theories of development populism, feminism.

472 [165] Problems of Modern Democratic Theory (3.0). Major problem areas in democratic theory including definitions, presuppositions, and justifications of democracy, liberty, equality, minority rights, public interest, participation, dissent and civil disobedience.

475 [163] Marxism and Socialism (3.0). A consideration of the political thought of major Marxist and socialist schools, including Marxism, Leninism, contemporary Democratic and Revolutionary socialism - with reference to Utopian socialism, and recent controversies on the left.

477 [164] Advanced Feminist Political Theory (WMST 477) (3.0). Prerequisites POLI/WMST 265. Examines in greater depth and complexity current issues in feminist political theory. Topics: theories of subjectivity and solidarity; feminist poststructuralist and post Marxist thinking; gender in the public sphere.

691 [091] Honors Course (3.0). Permission of instructor required. Required of all students in the Honors Program in Political Science.

692 [092] Honors Course (3.0). Permission of instructor required. Required of all students in the Honors Program in Political Science.

697 [094B] Theory and Practice of Representative Government (3.0). Theories of representative government with special emphasis upon those derived from modern social choice theory.

Back to Top