Departmental Honors

Students on Summer 2023, Fall 2023, or Spring 2024 requirements POLS-HON

The Department of Political Science offers an honors program for outstanding undergraduate students majoring in Political Science who wish to undertake original research and writing under the direction of a faculty sponsor. This program is designed to guide students in advanced scholarly work, culminating in a thesis project that must be orally defended before two faculty members.

This program requires special admission. Please see the admission requirements section below.

Requirements

Thesis.
1. Two (2) enrollments for a total of at least four (4) credit hours (3 credit hours in the fall and at least 1 credit hour in the spring), both with a grade of B+ or higher:
  - POLS-Y 499 Honors Thesis
  POLS-Y 499 Honors Thesis
  
  Credits
  1–12 credit hours
  Prerequisites
  Consent of instructor and departmental honors director
  Description
  None
  Repeatability
  May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credit hours.
2. The thesis project must be approved by all thesis committee members.
Major GPA. A Political Science major grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.500 is required.
College GPA. A College grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.300 is required.

Exceptions to and substitutions for honors requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.

Students can apply for admission at the end of their sophomore or junior year. The first three items require consultation with an academic advisor who will verify coursework and GPA requirements for admission purposes.

Political Analysis. One (1) course with a grade of B or higher:
- POLS-Y 205 Analyzing Politics
POLS-Y 205 Analyzing Politics
Credits
3
Prerequisites
None
Description
Introduces the approaches and techniques used to study politics. Includes an introduction to social science language, concepts, and critical research skills. Overview of political science research approaches, including case study, surveys, and model-building. Emphasizes skills such as interpreting the presentation of data in charts, graphs, and tables, and elementary analysis of qualitative and quantitative data.
- Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
Political Science Courses.
1. Advanced Course. At least three (3) credit hours:
  - POLS-P 301 Health Policy and Politics in the United States
  - POLS-P 302 The Politics of Economic Crisis and Reform
  - POLS-P 303 Challenges of Democracy
  - POLS-Y 300 Topics in Current Politics and Governance
  - POLS-Y 301 Political Parties and Interest Groups
  - POLS-Y 302 Public Bureaucracy in Modern Society
  - POLS-Y 303 Formation of Public Policy in the United States
  - POLS-Y 304 Constitutional Law
  - POLS-Y 305 Constitutional Rights and Liberties
  - POLS-Y 306 State Politics in the United States
  - POLS-Y 307 Indiana State Government and Politics
  - POLS-Y 308 Urban Politics
  - POLS-Y 311 Democracy and National Security
  - POLS-Y 313 Environmental Policy
  - POLS-Y 315 Political Psychology and Socialization
  - POLS-Y 316 Public Opinion and Political Participation
  - POLS-Y 317 Voting, Elections, and Public Opinion
  - POLS-Y 318 The American Presidency
  - POLS-Y 319 The United States Congress
  - POLS-Y 320 Judicial Politics
  - POLS-Y 321 The Media and Politics
  - POLS-Y 324 Gender and Politics
  - POLS-Y 325 African American Politics
  - POLS-Y 326 American Social Welfare Policy
  - POLS-Y 329 Racial and Ethnic Politics in the United States
  - POLS-Y 332 Russian Politics
  - POLS-Y 333 Chinese Politics
  - POLS-Y 334 Japanese Politics
  - POLS-Y 335 Western European Politics
  - POLS-Y 336 South East Asian Political Systems
  - POLS-Y 337 Latin American Politics
  - POLS-Y 338 African Politics
  - POLS-Y 339 Middle Eastern Politics
  - POLS-Y 340 East European Politics
  - POLS-Y 341 Authoritarian Regimes
  - POLS-Y 342 Human Rights and State Repression
  - POLS-Y 343 The Politics of International Development
  - POLS-Y 344 Civil Wars
  - POLS-Y 345 Comparative Revolutions
  - POLS-Y 346 Politics in the Developing World
  - POLS-Y 347 German Politics
  - POLS-Y 348 The Politics of Genocide
  - POLS-Y 349 Policy Making Around the Globe
  - POLS-Y 350 Politics of the European Union
  - POLS-Y 351 Political Simulations
  - POLS-Y 352 The Holocaust and Politics
  - POLS-Y 353 The Politics of Gender and Sexuality
  - POLS-Y 356 South Asian Politics
  - POLS-Y 360 United States Foreign Policy
  - POLS-Y 361 Contemporary Theories of International Politics
  - POLS-Y 362 International Politics of Selected Regions
  - POLS-Y 363 Comparative Foreign Policy
  - POLS-Y 364 International Organization: Political and Security Aspects
  - POLS-Y 366 Current Foreign Policy Problems
  - POLS-Y 367 International Law
  - POLS-Y 368 Russian and Soviet Foreign Policy
  - POLS-Y 372 The Analysis of International Politics
  - POLS-Y 374 International Organization
  - POLS-Y 375 War and International Conflict
  - POLS-Y 376 International Political Economy
  - POLS-Y 379 Ethics and Public Policy
  - POLS-Y 381 Classical Political Thought
  - POLS-Y 382 Modern Political Thought
  - POLS-Y 383 Foundations of American Political Thought
  - POLS-Y 384 Developments in American Political Thought
  - POLS-Y 386 African American Political Thought
  - POLS-Y 388 Marxist Theory
  - POLS-Y 394 Public Policy Analysis
  - POLS-Y 395 Quantitative Political Analysis
  - POLS-Y 399 Politics of the United Nations
  POLS-P 301 Health Policy and Politics in the United States
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  The United States is unique among developed countries in not having a national health service. What we have instead are several health care sectors that vary according to which services are provided, by whom, to which beneficiaries, at whose expense. Each sector exhibits a distinctive pattern of politics. In this course we will compare and contrast the patterns of politics that surround different sectors of health policy.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-P 302 The Politics of Economic Crisis and Reform
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Explores the politics of crisis and reform from a comparative and international political economy perspective. In addition to learning general theories of crisis and reform, students will study in-depth case studies of important crisis episodes in the era of industrial capitalism, and seek to understand both the causes and consequences of crisis events.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-P 303 Challenges of Democracy
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Examines the global challenges faced by democracy, including the difficulties encountered in the effort to build them and the hallowing of mature democracies through challenges posed by the forces of populism, nationalism, and authoritarianism.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 300 Topics in Current Politics and Governance
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  What's happening in current politics and governance? This course focuses on a contemporary issue or political event or process, covered at a more advanced level than POLS-Y 200. Topics vary from semester to semester and are listed in the online schedule of classes.
  Repeatability
  May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 301 Political Parties and Interest Groups
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Theories of American party activity; behavior of political parties, interest groups, and social movements; membership in groups; organization and structure; evaluation and relationship to the process of representation.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 302 Public Bureaucracy in Modern Society
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Examines public bureaucracy, with special emphasis upon the United States, as a political phenomenon engaging in policy-making and in the definition of the terms of policy issues. Considers the role of bureaucratic instruments in promoting social change, and in responding to it.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 303 Formation of Public Policy in the United States
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Processes and institutions involved in the formation of public policy in American society.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 304 Constitutional Law
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  American political powers and structures; selected Supreme Court decisions interpreting American constitutional system.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 305 Constitutional Rights and Liberties
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Extent and limits of constitutional rights; selected Supreme Court decisions interpreting American constitutional system.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 306 State Politics in the United States
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Comparative study of politics in the American states. Special emphasis on the impact of political culture, party systems, legislatures, and bureaucracies on public policies.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 307 Indiana State Government and Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Constitutional foundations, political development, organizational and functional process and growth, and current problems of Indiana government. Readings, case studies, problems.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 308 Urban Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Political behavior in modern American communities; emphasizes the impact of municipal organization, city officials and bureaucracies, social and economic notables, political parties, interest groups, the general public, and protest organizations on urban policy outcomes.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 311 Democracy and National Security
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Analysis of fundamental tensions between democratic values and the requirements of national security. Topics include homeland security and civil liberties in an age of terror, civil-military relations, oversight of intelligence operations, effects of interventions and wars on democracy abroad and at home, and debates over the morality of United States security policies.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 313 Environmental Policy
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Examines the processes of social decision reconciling human demands on the natural world with the ability of nature to sustain life and living standards. Analyzes the implications for public policies in complex sequential interactions among technical, economic, social, and political systems and considers the consequences of alternative courses of action.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 315 Political Psychology and Socialization
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Analysis of the relationship between personality and politics. Use of major psychological theories and concepts to understand the attitudes and behavior of mass publics and political elites.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 316 Public Opinion and Political Participation
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  The nature of public opinion on major domestic and foreign policy issues; mass political ideology; voting behavior and other forms of political participation; political culture; and the impact of public opinion on political systems.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 317 Voting, Elections, and Public Opinion
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Determinants of voting behavior in elections. The nature of public opinion regarding major domestic and foreign policy issues; development of political ideology; other influences on the voting choices of individuals and the outcomes of elections; relationships among public opinion, elections, and the development of public policy.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 318 The American Presidency
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Examination of the American presidency both in historical setting and in contemporary context. Topics such as presidential elections, roles and resources of the president, structures and processes of the presidency, presidential leadership and behavior, relationships of the presidency and other participants in policy making.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 319 The United States Congress
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  This course offers students the opportunity to study the legislative branch of American national government. It includes the structure and process of the Senate and House of Representatives, the roles of parties, interest groups, and lobbyists, the legislative process, and the relations of Congress with the other branches of government.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 320 Judicial Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Examines the American judicial system in the contemporary context. Analysis of the trial and appellate courts with a focus on the United States Supreme Court. Topics include analyses of the structure of the judicial system, the participants in the system, and the policy making processes and capabilities of the legal system. The course concludes with an assessment of the role of courts in a majoritarian democracy.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 321 The Media and Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Examines the contemporary relationship between the media and politics, including use of the media by politicians and public officials, media coverage of governmental activities, and media coverage of campaigns and elections. Course focuses primarily on the United States, but includes comparative perspectives.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 324 Gender and Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Analysis of women in contemporary political systems, domestic or foreign, with emphasis on political roles, participation, and public policy. Normative or empirical examination of how political systems affect women and the impact women have on them. Topics vary semester to semester.
  Repeatability
  May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 325 African American Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Examines the African American political condition, with special emphasis on political thought and behavior. The course analyzes not only how the political system affects African Americans, but also the impact African Americans have on it. Themes for this course may vary.
  Fall 2024CASE DUScourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE DUScourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE DUScourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 326 American Social Welfare Policy
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Values and social welfare policy. Development, current status, politics and proposals for reform of social security and private pensions, income maintenance policy, health care, and housing. The future of the welfare state.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 329 Racial and Ethnic Politics in the United States
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  A survey of minority group politics in the United States. The course examines the socioeconomic position and political history of various demographic groups and highlights key public policy debates central to the future of ethnic politics and race relations in the United States. Compares theories of racial formation in the context of a political system predicated on majority rule.
  Fall 2024CASE DUScourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE DUScourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE DUScourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 332 Russian Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Political process and government structure in the Russian state. Political institutions inherited from tsarist empire and the Soviet state (1917-1991), history of subsequent political reform. Political problems of ethnic conflict, creating democratic institutions, and of transition from socialism to market economy.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 333 Chinese Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Explores contemporary politics and policy issues in the People\'s Republic of China. Influence of revolutionary practice and ideology; analysis of contemporary economic, political and social organizations; examination of policy issues including social reforms, economic growth, and democratization and globalization.
  Fall 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 334 Japanese Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Political development of Japan, with emphasis on changing attitudes toward modernization; cultural and sociological factors affecting the functioning of contemporary political institutions; and the implication of Japanese experience in modernization of other developing societies.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 335 Western European Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Development, structure, and functioning of political systems, primarily in France, Italy, and Germany. Political dynamics of European integration.
  Repeatability
  Credit given for only one of POLS-Y 335 or EURO-W 301.
  Fall 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 336 South East Asian Political Systems
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Covers the governmental organization, and the political behavior and traditions, of countries in the South East Asian region. Addresses regional issues of political and economic development, and international issues regarding the relationship of the region to the rest of the world.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 337 Latin American Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Comparative analysis of political change in major Latin American countries, emphasizing alternative explanations of national and international developments; examination of impact of political parties, the military, labor and peasant movements, Catholic Church, multinational corporations, regional organizations, and United States on politics; public policy processes in democratic and authoritarian regimes.
  Fall 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 338 African Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Explores politics in Sub-Saharan Africa. Examines relevance of "traditional" political systems; impact on colonialism; building new nations and states; authoritarian regimes; process of democratization; management of ethnic, regional, religious and class conflict; political challenges of economic development; role of international actors, including the United States, United Nations, World Bank, and non-governmental organizations; and globalization.
  Fall 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 339 Middle Eastern Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Political culture and change in selected Middle Eastern and North African countries. Topics include political elites, traditional cultures, modern political ideology, institutions of political control, conflict management, and social reform policies.
  Fall 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 340 East European Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Compares political change in the East European states, and emphasizes the legacies of authoritarianism and communism and the post-communist transition to democracy. Topics include the building of political institutions, the inclusion of citizens into the polity, the reform of the economy, the management of ethnic and social conflicts, and integration into the European Union.
  Fall 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 341 Authoritarian Regimes
  
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Comparative study of Fascism, Nazism, and communism as institutional arrangements for governing modern societies. The political process in the one-party "movement regime."
  POLS-Y 342 Human Rights and State Repression
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  A survey of human rights: their content and recognition, protection in national and international laws, and their violation by state and nonstate actors. The effectiveness of political and judicial institutions in curbing these violations is also considered, as is the global diffusion of norms in support of essential human rights.
  Repeatability
  May be repeated once for a total of 6 credit hours.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 343 The Politics of International Development
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Examines the key debates and issues regarding how "poor" countries develop economically and socially. Analyzes the interactions between politics and economics in the development process at the global, national, and local levels. Cases for comparison will include countries from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 344 Civil Wars
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Examines modern civil wars, focusing on their causes, dynamics, and consequences. Introduces theories to explain how civil wars begin and progress, as well as case studies to test those theories in specific contexts. Also considers ways of preventing civil wars and mitigating their consequences.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 345 Comparative Revolutions
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Analysis of major modern revolutions. Focus on the social, economic, and political causes of revolutions; the rise of revolutionary movements; and the strategies for gaining and consolidating power.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 346 Politics in the Developing World
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Focuses on politics in the developing world (Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East). Comparison of political history; experiences of colonialism and post-colonial authoritarian systems; political economy; development and globalization; democratization and management of protest and conflict; and interactions with international actors and transnational social movements.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 347 German Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Survey of the German political system including governmental institutions, the origins and role of political parties, opportunities for citizens to participate in politics, and current political culture. Special attention is paid to the question of how well Germany's democracy functions after experiencing several regime changes.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 348 The Politics of Genocide
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Comparative study of major twentieth-century genocides. Examines the political conditions, ideologies, and movements leading up to mass murder, and the ethnic and global context of genocide. Focuses on the question of responsibility and accountability from the viewpoints of perpetrators, victims, and bystanders in the national and international communities.
  Fall 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 349 Policy Making Around the Globe
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Compares public policies and policy making among both advanced industrial democracies and the developing world. Surveys policy areas such as immigration, health care, education, and workers' rights.
  Fall 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 350 Politics of the European Union
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Study of the politics of the European Union (EU). Assesses past and present dynamics of economic and political integration in Europe, the structure and work of European Union institutions, and EU public policies such as the Single Market, the common currency, common foreign and security policy, and trade.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 351 Political Simulations
  
  Credits
  1–3 credit hours
  Prerequisites
  None
  Notes
  May be taken alone or in conjunction with related political science courses
  Description
  A course tied to simulations of international organizations such as the European Union, the United Nations, or the Organization of American States.
  Repeatability
  May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credit hours.
  POLS-Y 352 The Holocaust and Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Examination of the socioeconomic conditions and political ideologies leading up to the Holocaust, and the political, administrative, and social context for the genocide from the vantage of perpetrators, victims, and bystanders. Focus on the individual, national, and international responses to and responsibilities for the Holocaust. Consideration of the Holocaust's legacies for the postwar world.
  Fall 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 353 The Politics of Gender and Sexuality
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Exploration of how different social, economic, and political practices have influenced the construction of gender and sexuality outside of the United States. Examines the interplay between gender relations and characteristics of public and private institutions.
  Repeatability
  May be repeated with a different topic for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 356 South Asian Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Introduction to the legacy of British colonialism in South Asia, to the development and decay of political institutions, to questions of economic growth, to social movements, and to regional conflicts.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 360 United States Foreign Policy
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Analysis of institutions and processes involved in the formation and implementation of American foreign policy. Emphasis is on post-World War II policies.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 361 Contemporary Theories of International Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Theories used in the study of international politics: systems theory, field theory, conflict theory, alliance and coalition theories, balance-of-power theories, and an introduction to game and bargaining theory.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 362 International Politics of Selected Regions
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  The region studied will vary with the instructor and the year. Current information may be obtained from the Department of Political Science.
  Repeatability
  May be repeated once for credit, with permission of the departmental undergraduate advisor.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 363 Comparative Foreign Policy
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Compares factors that influence foreign policy and the foreign policy process. Focuses on domestic or internal sources of foreign policy behavior, including impact of individual leaders, group decision-making processes, bureaucratic politics, ideology and political culture, historical experience, and type of political system. Classroom simulations are central to the course.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 364 International Organization: Political and Security Aspects
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  International organizations as lateral extensions of the Western state system, exercising influence in accordance with a variety of strategies. Strategies employed by the United Nations in the political and security area.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 366 Current Foreign Policy Problems
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Critique of foreign policy issues: communism, containment, imperialism, and others. Research papers and classroom presentation for critical discussion.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 367 International Law
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Sources and consequences of international law; relationship to international organizations and world order; issues of national sovereignty, human rights, conflict resolution, international property rights, world trade, environmental change, and other topics.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 368 Russian and Soviet Foreign Policy
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Notes
  R: POLS-Y 332
  Description
  Behavior of Russia and U.S.S.R. in world affairs from 1945 to the present. Emphasis on impact of geographic assets and vulnerabilities, historical experience, domestic politics, and the changing international environment.
  Fall 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 372 The Analysis of International Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Notes
  R: POLS-Y 109 or equivalent
  Description
  Introduction to the systematic study of international politics, focusing on the major approaches of decision making (microanalysis) and the international system (macroanalysis) and on a number of specific methodologies, such as game theory, content analysis, simulation, and quantitative/ statistical techniques.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 374 International Organization
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Examines assumptions about the causes, functions, results, and structures of international (intergovernmental) organizations. Theory is combined with case study of the United Nations particularly. The European Community and regional organization examples provide a basis for understanding an evolving phenomenon.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 375 War and International Conflict
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  The nature of war. Theories and evidence on the causes of war. Discussion of the ways in which war has been conceived and perceived across time and of methods employed to study the phenomenon of war.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 376 International Political Economy
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Theories about the interaction between the international economic and political systems are the subject of this course. Works from each of the main traditions -- liberal, Marxist, and statist -- will be assigned. Specific topics covered will include (among others): the politics of trade, aid, foreign investment, and international monetary affairs; theories of dependency and imperialism; the politics of international competition in specific industries; the stability/ instability of international economic regimes.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 379 Ethics and Public Policy
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  This course examines the ethical responsibilities of public officials in democratic societies. It explores such topics as the meaning of moral leadership, the appeal to personal conscious in public decision making, and the problem of "dirty hands" among others. A special concern is how institutional arrangements affect moral choices.
  Fall 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE AHcourse
  POLS-Y 381 Classical Political Thought
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  An exposition and critical analysis of the major political philosophers and philosophical schools from Plato to Machiavelli.
  Fall 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE GCCcourse
  POLS-Y 382 Modern Political Thought
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  An exposition and critical analysis of the major political philosophers and philosophical schools from Machiavelli to the present.
  Fall 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE AHcourse
  POLS-Y 383 Foundations of American Political Thought
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Explores the evolution of American political ideas from colonization through ratification of the Constitution and its implementation.
  Fall 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE AHcourse
  POLS-Y 384 Developments in American Political Thought
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Explores the evolution of American political ideas under the Constitution of the United States, and its promises and problems.
  Fall 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE AHcourse
  POLS-Y 386 African American Political Thought
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Focuses on the various ideologies and strategies informing the African American political struggles in the United States. Readings focus on thinkers and activists from the rebellion against slavery to the contemporary debates about institutional racism and reparations. Features work by African American thinkers associated with a broad range of movements.
  Fall 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE AHcourse
  POLS-Y 388 Marxist Theory
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Origin, content, and development of Marxist system of thought, with particular reference to philosophical and political aspects of Russian Marxism.
  Fall 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE AHcourse
  POLS-Y 394 Public Policy Analysis
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Place of theory and method in examining public policies in relation to programs, institutional arrangements, and constitutional problems. Particular reference to American political experience.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 395 Quantitative Political Analysis
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Introduction to methods and statistics used in political inquiry, including measures of central tendency and dispersion, probability, sampling, statistical inference and hypothesis testing, measures of association, analysis of variance, and regression.
  Repeatability
  Credit given for only one of ANTH-A 306, CJUS-K 300, ECON-E 370, ECON-S 370, MATH-K 300, MATH-K 310, POLS-Y 395, PSY-K 300, PSY-K 310, SOC-S 371, SPEA-K 300, SPH-Q 381, STAT-K 310, STAT-S 300, STAT-S 301, or STAT-S 303.
  Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE NMcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE NMcourse
  POLS-Y 399 Politics of the United Nations
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Origins and evolution of the UN; principal UN bodies, how they operate and what they do; who finances the UN; controversies and voting patterns in the UN; attitudes toward the UN and debates within member countries regarding its role; impact of UN activities and programs (e.g., conflict resolution and mediation, peacekeeping and peace enforcement; nation building, development aid, weapons proliferation, human rights, health, environment).
  Repeatability
  Credit given for only one of NELC-N 398 or POLS-Y 399.
  Fall 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE GCCcourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
2. Additional Courses. At least three (3) credit hours:
  - Additional course from the Advanced Course list
  - POLS-Y 100 American Political Controversies
  - POLS-Y 101 Introduction to Political Science
  - POLS-Y 102 International Political Controversies
  - POLS-Y 103 Introduction to American Politics
  - POLS-Y 104 The Politics of Saving the World
  - POLS-Y 105 Introduction to Political Theory
  - POLS-Y 107 Introduction to Comparative Politics
  - POLS-Y 109 Introduction to International Relations
  - POLS-Y 110 Mathematics and Politics
  - POLS-Y 121 Capitalism and Democracy
  - POLS-Y 200 Contemporary Political Topics
  - POLS-Y 202 Politics and Citizenship in the Information Age
  - POLS-Y 204 Institutional Analysis and Governance
  - POLS-Y 207 The Politics of Business
  - POLS-Y 208 Leadership, Civil Society, and Public Policy
  - POLS-Y 209 Protests in a Global World
  - POLS-Y 210 Honors Seminar
  - POLS-Y 211 Introduction to Law
  - POLS-Y 212 Making Democracy Work
  - POLS-Y 239 US Foreign Policy and the Muslim World
  - POLS-Y 243 Governance and Corruption across the World
  - POLS-Y 249 Religion, Politics, and Public Policy
  - POLS-Y 281 Modern Political Ideologies
  POLS-Y 100 American Political Controversies
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Explores various controversies in American politics, from the motivations of the American Founders to debates about civil rights and liberties and other public disagreements. Examines what types of arguments have been used in public debate about these controversies and how such arguments can be made effectively.
  Fall 2024CASE DUScourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE DUScourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE DUScourse
  
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 101 Introduction to Political Science
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Introductory survey of the discipline of political science: integrates basic elements of American politics, political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. Intended especially for actual or prospective majors.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 102 International Political Controversies
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Introduction to current or past controversial issues in international and comparative politics, presenting multiple sides of complex issues. Topics vary from semester to semester.
  Repeatability
  The course may be repeated once; however, it may be counted only once toward a political science major.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 103 Introduction to American Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Introduction to the nature of government and the dynamics of American politics. Origin and nature of the American federal system and its political party base.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 104 The Politics of Saving the World
  
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Focuses on how science policies are shaped by public opinion, partisan divisions, and political institutions, with specific emphasis on the debate over the cause, consequences, and political responses to climate change. Introduces the evidence and theories that underlie the debate, as well as political science theories that explain the current lack of policy response in the US.
  POLS-Y 105 Introduction to Political Theory
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Perennial problems of political philosophy, including relationships between rulers and ruled, nature of authority, social conflict, character of political knowledge, and objectives of political action.
  Repeatability
  Credit given for only one of POLS-Y 105 or POLS-Y 215.
  Fall 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE AHcourse
  POLS-Y 107 Introduction to Comparative Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Examines countries around the world to investigate fundamental questions about politics. Topics include democratic development, promotion of economic prosperity, maintenance of security, and management of ethnic and religious conflict. Critical thinking skills encouraged. Cases for comparison include advanced industrialized democracies, communist and former communist countries, and developing countries.
  Repeatability
  Credit given for only one of POLS-Y 107 and POLS-Y 217.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 109 Introduction to International Relations
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Causes of war, nature and attributes of the state, imperialism, international law, national sovereignty, arbitration, adjudication, international organization, major international issues.
  Repeatability
  Credit given for only one of POLS-Y 109 or POLS-Y 219.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 110 Mathematics and Politics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Notes
  R: High school algebra
  Description
  Examines the concept of democracy through the lens of collective decision-making. Employs simple mathematical concepts and logical analysis to examine democratic decisions. Introduces an analytical approach to decision-making with broad applicability beyond politics, including any group or organization that incorporates feedback from multiple people to make collective decisions.
  Fall 2024CASE NMcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE NMcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE NMcourse
  POLS-Y 121 Capitalism and Democracy
  
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Examines economics and politics through the lenses of capitalism and democracy. Compares virtues of different economic systems (socialism, communism, capitalism) and political systems (autocracy, democracy) based on efficiency and equality. Discusses relationships between systems with focus on whether the erosion of liberal democratic norms affects how economy functions, and vice-versa.
  Repeatability
  Credit given for only one of POLS-Y 121 or ECON-E 113.
  POLS-Y 200 Contemporary Political Topics
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Extensive analysis of selected contemporary political problems. Topics vary from semester to semester and are listed in the online
  Repeatability
  May be repeated with different topics for 6 credit hours.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 202 Politics and Citizenship in the Information Age
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Introduction to the influence of the news media on citizen preferences and behavior in the information age. Analysis of the forces shaping the media, the relation between the media and politics, and the effect on citizens. Topics include decision making and development of critical skills in response to the information age.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 204 Institutional Analysis and Governance
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Introduces the design and development of political, economic, and social institutions that support democratic governance or its alternatives. Uses theory to understand connections among individual choice, collective action, institutions, and constitutional order. Institutional analysis as a mode of reasoning about contemporary policy problems, law, and public affairs.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 207 The Politics of Business
  
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  How does the government affect business and vice-versa? This class provides an overview of government-business relations from a historical and international perspective with focus on political analysis of private organizations. Topics include US business-government relations, regulatory capture, lobbying and the revolving door, advanced/developing economy comparisons, globalization, offshoring, and multinational corporations.
  
  POLS-Y 208 Leadership, Civil Society, and Public Policy
  
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Explores the relationship between leadership, civil society, and public policy with special focus on the American political scene. Examines challenges posed by hyper-polarization from a variety of viewpoints, including disagreement, free speech, civility, incivility, moderation, and radicalism. Considers how to promote a healthy civil society in a complex, polarized environment
  
  POLS-Y 209 Protests in a Global World
  
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Examines theories that explain protest activity in the age of globalization and social networking, asking (and answering) the critical question: Why do individuals join protest movements even when it challenges their personal safety? Combines discussion, documentaries, debate with in-class assignments and exercises.
  POLS-Y 210 Honors Seminar
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Intensive examination of selected political topics for freshman and sophomore honors students. Emphasis on critical discussion and preparation of brief papers.
  Repeatability
  May be repeated once for credit.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 211 Introduction to Law
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  An introduction to law an aspect of government and politics, and as a means of dealing with major social problems. Students will study legal reasoning, procedures, and materials, and may compare other nation's legal systems. The course usually includes a moot court or other forms of simulation.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 212 Making Democracy Work
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Nature and justifications for democratic politics and the problems confronting democracy today. Demise of liberalism in America; rise of identity politics and its significance; racial inequality and the problems of deliberative democracy; problems of political alienation and participation.
  Fall 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE AHcourse
  POLS-Y 239 US Foreign Policy and the Muslim World
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Introduces salient policy debates that shape contemporary American foreign policy toward the Middle East and the Muslim world. Explores foreign policy decision making and international relations theory. Addresses major policy questions, including US reactions to the crisis in Syria and the Arab Spring.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 243 Governance and Corruption across the World
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Analysis of problems of governance and corruption in developing and/or more developed countries. Examines conditions for effective governance and challenges to economic growth and provision of public goods. Addresses political causes and consequences of corruption. Case studies will vary and may be drawn from Asia, Latin America, Africa, Central and Eastern Europe, and North America.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 249 Religion, Politics, and Public Policy
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Introduction to the effects of religious belief, behavior, and institutions on political processes and public policy. Implications of religion as an alternative source of public legitimacy in contemporary societies. Topics may include controversies or developments in American, comparative, or international politics.
  Fall 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE SHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE SHcourse
  POLS-Y 281 Modern Political Ideologies
  Credits
  3
  Prerequisites
  None
  Description
  Assesses leading political ideologies of the past two centuries, e.g., conservatism, liberalism, socialism, communism, fascism, feminism, environmentalism, anarchism, populism, and various forms of religious fundamentalism. Analyzes those ideologies as forms of thought and as motivators of political agency and organization that have shaped the contours of the modern political world.
  Fall 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Summer 2024CASE AHcourse
  
  Spring 2024CASE AHcourse
GPA Requirements.
1. Political Science GPA. A Political Science major grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.500 is required.
2. College of Arts and Sciences GPA. A College grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.300 is required.
Application Form.
- Students must complete an application form that requires a thesis proposal and a signature from a faculty sponsor.

Departmental Honors

Requirements

Honors requirement exceptions and substitutions