Courses

As well as offering introductory and in-depth instruction in many areas, the Department of Political Science offers a wide range of courses in a variety of specialties.

Autumn Quarter 2008 Courses (Word document)

Autumn Quarter 2008 Courses (PDF document)



Autumn 2008 Courses



Political Science 201A: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY

Days/Time: MWF 10:30-11:20 plus quiz sections 5 credits
Instructor: Di Stefano, C Introductory course
Individual & Society

Description: This course is recommended for students who are exploring the field of political theory for the first time. No prior knowledge of political theory is required, although an interest in the kinds of issues that political theorists study is recommended. Among the recurrent preoccupations of political theorists, questions of justice and legitimacy figure prominently. In this class we will focus on the question of legitimacy. What, if anything, makes some governments worthy of the support of their citizens? Under what conditions do governments forfeit the right to be obeyed by their citizens? Are there conditions under which citizens not only have the right, but the obligation, to disobey their governments? Each of these questions involves the concept of political legitimacy. In this course, we will pursue these and other questions about the legitimacy of governments. We will study a number of different and compelling accounts of legitimacy that have been proposed by some of the major thinkers of Western political theory and American political thought, including Plato, Thomas Jefferson, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Locke, Malcolm X, Emma Goldman, and the Students for a Democratic Society. Several key historical events involving contestations and invocations of political legitimacy—including the American Revolution, the anti-slavery and woman suffrage movements, the civil rights movement and the student movement of the late 1960s—will also be discussed. In addition to learning about major conceptual approaches to legitimacy, students will be encouraged to develop their own thoughtful accounts of political legitimacy, particularly as this bears on contemporary assessments of politics and government in today's world.
Assignments: Reading and writing skills will receive a great workout in this class. In addition to weekly reading
assignments and some quizzes, there will be two exams, one paper (3-5 pages), and occasional short writing assignments.
Texts: Stephen Nathanson, Should We Consent to Be Governed?; Sue Davis, American Political Thought: Four Hundred Years of Ideas and Ideologies; Plato, The Trial and Death of Socrates; Rousseau, Discourse on the Origin of Inequality; Hobbes, Leviathan; Locke, Second Treatise of Government; Benjamin Barber, Jihad vs. McWorld.
Grading: Exams: 50 %; Papers: 25 %; Quizzes: 15%; Other: 10% (Short writing assignments).



Political Science 202A: INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN POLITICS

Days/Time: MWF 12:30-1:20 plus quiz sections 5 credits
Instructor: Smith, M Introductory course
Individual and Society Optional writing link w/Engl 198


Description: This course provides an introduction to the American political system. As a survey course, it strives for breadth more than depth. We will spend time on the major aspects of American politics, such as the Constitution, public opinion, elections, the mass media, political parties, and the governing institutions of the Congress, Presidency, and judiciary. Among the questions considered are: why the U.S. has only two major parties; why Congress tends to move slowly; how the electoral College works; why bureaucratic agencies use lots of formal rules; why the mass media cover certain stories but not others; and why it is hard for presidents to meet public expectations of them.
Assignments: 2 papers,
Texts: Kernell/Jacobson, The Logic of American Politics; Volgy, Politics in the Trenches; Fiorina, Culture War?
Grading: Exams:55 %; Papers: 35 %; Class/quiz participation: 10 %.



Political Science 203A: INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Days/Time: MWF 9:30-10:20 plus quiz sections 5 credits
Instructor: Mercer, J Introductory course
Individual and Society Optional writing link w/English 198

Description: This course introduces students to the major theoretical approaches to international relations—Realism, Liberalism, and Marxism—and uses these approaches to address a variety of issues. For example, we will discuss the rise of the modern state system, the origins of WWI, the Cold War, the Gulf Wars, terrorism, genocide in Rwanda, free trade, North-South relations, the environment, and human rights. The principle aims of the course are to demonstrate how theory influences our explanations; to familiarize students with some important issues in international politics; and most important, to help students evaluate contemporary issues in international politics.
Assignments: There will be three in-class exams.
Texts: Required readings are likely to include Fergal Keane, Season of Blood, a course reader, and a national newspaper.
Grading: Exams: 85 %; Class/quiz participation: 15 %.



Political Science 204A: INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS

Days/Time: MWF 8:30-9:20 plus quiz sections 5 credits
Instructor: Hanson, S Introductory course
Individual and Society Meets W Course Requirement

Description: This course will provide a basic introduction to the theoretical underpinnings and empirical subject matter of the study of comparative politics. The first part of the course will consist of an examination of two of the great theorists who first compared different social orders in a systematic way: Karl Marx and Max Weber. In the second part of the course, we will move on to an examination of what has historically been a key issue in the field of comparative politics, namely: what are the causes and consequences of industrialization whether under liberal capitalist, Leninist, fascist, or nationalist auspices?
Assignments: Course requirements include two 5-6 page papers and a final exam. Class / Quiz participation: + or – .3
Texts: Readings will include selections from Tucker, ed., The Marx-Engels Reader; Weber, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism; and more.
Grading: Exams: 33 %; Papers: 67 %. Final Grade +/- .3 based on level and quality.



Political Science 299A: SPECIAL TOPICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
Topic: American Political Culture

Day/Time: MW 2:30-4:20 5 credits
Instructor: Smith, M Field D
Individual and Society

Description: What is distinctive about how Americans view the political world? From where do American values originate, and how have they changed over time and adapted to new circumstances? Is the United States in the middle of a “culture war” based on fundamental differences over religion and values? How do Americans’ beliefs about politics affect political processes and outcomes? These are among the questions this course will address. After surveying the development and expression of the nation’s core values, we will examine how these values set the context for political debates and public policy.
Assignments: One paper, a midterm exam, and a final exam.
Texts: Tocqueville, Democracy in America; Kingdon, America the Unusual; and a collection of articles and book chapters.
Grading: Exams: 60 %; Papers: 30 %; Class participation: 10 %.



Political Science 303A: PUBLIC POLICY FORMATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Days/Time: MWF 10:30-11:20 5 credits
Instructor: Staff Field B
Individual and Society Meets W-course requirement

Description: No course description is available at this time. Following is the description taken from the UW General Catalog:

Policy decision making with emphasis on: how issues arise, the way they become part of the policy agenda of the executive and the legislature, how these institutions organize to handle policy issues, and the roles of the legislature, the executive, and the bureaucracy. Public policy literature and familiarization with key aspects of policy decision making at the national, state, and local levels.



Political Science 309A: THE WESTERN TRADITION OF POLITICAL THOUGHT - PRE-MODERN

Day/Time: TTH 2:30-4:20 5 credits
Instructor: Staff Field A
Individual and Society Meets W-course requirement


Description: Course description not available at this time. The following is taken from the UW General Catalog:

Continuation of 308, treating materials from the fifteenth through eighteenth centuries, Machiavelli through Rousseau.



POLITICAL SCIENCE 317A: UNITED STATES RACE & ETHN POLITICS

Days/Time: TTH 12:00-1:20 5 credits
Instructor: Barreto, M Field D
Individual & Society

Description: This class will examine the history and contemporary role of racial and ethnic minority groups in the U.S. political system. We will focus on political relationships between Whites, African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, and Native Americans as they relate to political institutions, political parties, voting coalitions, representation and public policy. A research project is required and final paper in lieu of an in-class final exam.
Test: Tate, Katherine. 1998. From Protest To Politics. Harvard University Press; Segura, Gary And Shaun Bowler. 2005. Diversity In Democracy. University Press of Virginia; Nakanishi, Don And James Lai. 2003. Asian American Politics: Law, Participation, And Politics. Rowman And Littlefield; Garcia, John. 2003. Latino Politics In America. Rowman And Littlefield
Grading: Short paper: 15 %; Research Project/Presentation: 20 %; Midterm Exam: 25 %; Final Paper: 40%.



Political Science 318A: AMERICAN POLITICAL THOUGHT

Days/Time: TTH 9:00-10:20 5 credits
Instructor: Turner, J Introductory course
Individual and Society

Description: This course surveys American political thought from the seventeenth century to the Civil War. Topics covered include the meaning and consequences of the first encounters between American Indians and Europeans; Puritan concepts of mission, community, and liberty; the rise of the idea of the “self-made” man; the ideological origins of the American revolution; debates between the Federalists and Anti-Federalists over the Constitution; Jeffersonian republicanism and Jacksonian democracy; the emergence of democratic culture; the question of women’s equality; the conflict over slavery; and the relationship between freedom, equality, the rule of law, and popular sovereignty.
Assignments and Grading: Class will consist largely of lecture, but the instructor will dedicate substantial class time to large-group discussion. Participation is strongly encouraged. Students are expected to complete the assigned reading prior to the class for which it is assigned.
Three papers will be assigned for the course, and each will count for 1/3 of your course grade.



Political Science 325AA: The Arab-Israeli Conflict

Days/Time: MWF 12:30-1:20 plus quiz sections 5 Credits
Instructor: Staff Field C
Individual and Society

Description: Course description unavailable at this time. Following is that taken from the UW General Catalog:

The politics of conflicting ideologies: Zionism and Arab nationalism; formation of the state of Israel; development of Palestinian nationalism; Arab-Israeli wars. Re-emergence of Palestinian activism; domestic sources of foreign policy; the role of the super powers.



Political Science 327A: WOMEN RTS / HUMAN RTS
(Joint w/LSJ 327A)

Day/Time: TTH 1:30-3:20 5 credits
Instructor: Cichowski, R Field C
Individual and Society


Description: This course is an elective course for the comparative legal institutions and human rights track of the Law, Society and Justice Program. It is also a senior seminar. The course is both interdisciplinary and comparative in focus rather than having a United States focus. The purpose of the course is to expose students to the complex issues - social, political, economic and legal - that characterize women’s rights around the globe. Students will be asked to think critically about women’s rights while thinking comparatively about the varying domestic and international settings that can alter the meaning and practical application of these rights. The course will focus on various substantive areas of rights - from reproductive rights to religious rights - at the domestic level. And we will also focus on women’s rights at the international level - in such areas as the issue of rape as a war crime and sex trafficking and international law.
Further, students will be asked to conduct research on a women’s rights topic of their choice and to present their findings to class participants. The course will provide students with an introduction to and assistance in utilizing the web as a tool for conducting research on foreign and international legal and political issues.



Political Science 353A: UNITED STATES CONGRESS: A Simulation

Days/Time: MWF 11:30-12:20 plus quiz sections 5 credits
Instructor: Wilkerson, J Field D
Individual and Society

Description: Congressional decisions are products of two distinct but interrelated political arenas. The first is the election arena. The second is the lawmaking arena. In this course, we learn about both through readings, research, and a full term legislative simulation. In the process, we will come to more fully appreciate the task that legislators face in achieving consensus in light of their obligations to represent very different constituencies, and in light of the frequent tension between getting reelected and serving the interests of constituents.
Recommended preparation: Only students interested in learning more about legislative politics and process through personal involvement in that process should take this class. The simulation requires regular – essentially daily -- student involvement, where much of this activity occurs outside of the classroom on the student’s time.
Grading: To receive a passing grade for this course, regular participation and the completion of all assignments are required.
Assignments: 30% Weekly journal responses, 10% Bill drafting assignment, 10% Committee Report drafting assignment, 30% Final Report assignment (inc. Posters).
Participation: 15% Activity and Quality, 5% Legislative Effectiveness.



Political Science 356A: SOCIETY AND POLITICS
(Joint w/SOC 356A)

Days/Time: MW 8:30-10:20 5 credits
Instructor: Valdez, S Field D
Individual & Society

Description: Course description not available at this time. Following is that taken from the UW General Catalog:

Focus on the causes of political change in democratic countries, including public opinion, social movements, interest group activity, and party organization.



Political Science 360A: INTRODUCTION TO U.S. CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

Day/Time: MW 10:00-11:20 plus quiz section 5 credits
Instructor: Squatrito, T Field D
Individual and Society

Description: This course is the first of a two-quarter introduction to American Constitutional Law. The course examines the constitutional foundations of the American political and legal systems. Participants will examine the political and legal processes that have shaped constitutional development from the founding to the present. The focus of the course is Supreme Court decisions on judicial review, state/federal relations, executive and legislative powers, separation of powers, and economic regulation.
Grading: Midterm Exam 20%; Papers 30%; Final Exam 30%; Quiz Section Participation/Assignments 20%.



Political Science 367A: COMPARATIVE LAW AND COURTS
(Joint w/- LSJ 367A)

Day/Time: TTH 9:00-10:20 plus quiz sections 5 credits
Instructor: Cichowski, R Field C
Individual and Society

Description: Are you interested in why law and courts matter for international and comparative politics and policy? This course, a basic introduction to comparative judicial politics, is targeted at students who are interested in learning about the interaction between law, courts and politics in countries throughout the world. This class is a required pre-requisite course for the Law, Societies and Justice program and consists of both large lectures and smaller quiz sections. We begin by critically examining the (alleged) functions of courts: to provide for “order,” resolve disputes, and to enforce legal norms. We then turn to constitutional politics in democracies, asking how constitutional courts have changed national policies and empowered individuals with new rights. Next we study the development of constitutional courts in new democracies. The final section of the course is devoted to law and courts in supranational and international contexts.
Assignments: Exams and Research Paper
Grading: Midterm Exam: 25 %; Research Paper: 30 %; Final Exam: 30 %; Participation: 15 %.



Political Science 368A: THE POLITICS AND LAW OF INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS
(Joint w/ LSJ 320A)

Days/Time: MWF 11:30-12:20 plus quiz sections 5 credits
Instructor: Mayerfeld, J Field C
Individual and Society

Description: This course examines the emergence and development, since World War II, of an international movement dedicated to the promotion of human rights. We will study the goals of the movement and the global political context in which it operates. Special attention will be given to the legal institutions, national and international, which have influenced its evolution and character. Students taking the course will acquire an enhanced understanding of the role in human rights politics played by the United Nations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, international customary law, treaty law, regional courts, and international tribunals. Students will also be responsible for writing a research paper on some aspect of human rights.
This is a service learning course. Students have the option of fulfilling part of the course requirements by working with a human rights organization. Please note that the service learning option is voluntary.
Assignments: Midterm exam, final exam, research paper, and participation. Service learning students will write their research paper on an issue connected to the work of their organization.
Texts: David Weissbrodt, et al., Selected International Human Rights Instruments; Geoffrey Robertson, Crimes Against Humanity; Jennifer Harbury, Truth, Torture, and the American Way; and a course packet containing relevant articles, cases, and treaties.
Grading: Participation: 15 %; Midterm: 25 %; Final: 35 %; Research Paper: 25 %.



Political Science 382A: STATE GOVERNMENT

Days/Time: MW 1:30-3:20 5 credits
Instructor: Wilkerson, J Field D
Individual and Society

Description: This course introduces students to the study of state government and politics in the U.S. It focuses on the political structures, processes, and policies of state government through a comparative analysis of the 50 states. Particular attention is paid to federalism, electoral politics, parties, interest groups, lobbying, media, the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. The first half of the course focuses on competing theories and understandings of these concepts; the second half applies these concepts and theories to Washington State. Several guest lecturers will be invited to the course, people active in Washington state politics and government.
Texts: Politics in the American States: A Comparative Analysis, 8th Edition, Virginia Gray and Russell L. Hanson; Inside the Statehouse: Lessons from the Speaker, Ralph Wright.
Assignments: Midterm exam and final exam; collaborative class project.
Grading: Exams (70 %) Project: (20 %) Class/quiz participation (10 %).



Political Science 398A: HONOR SEMINAR
Topic: The Ethics & Politics of Recognition

Days/Time: MW 1:30-3:20 5 credits
Instructor: DiStefano, C Departmental Honor Students Only
Individual and Society Entry codes, 215 Smith

Description: Course description not available at this time. Following is that taken from the UW General Catalog:

Intensive and advanced studies in various aspects of political science. Open only to participants in the departmental honors program.



Political Science 401B: SPECIAL TOPICS IN POLITICAL THEORY
Topic: Theorizing Human Rights in the 21st Century
(Joint w/- LSJ 490D)

Days/Time: MW 1:30-3:20 5-10 credits
Instructor: Mayerfeld, J Field A
Individual & Society Meets W Course Requirement

Description: This course looks at theoretical controversies regarding human rights. We will ask whether human rights are universal or culturally bounded, whether there is a human right to democracy, and what kinds of international institutions offer the best protection for human rights.
Texts: The tentative reading list includes selections from the following: William Talbott, Which Rights Should Be Universal?; Costas Douzinas, The End of Human Rights; Hannah Arendt, “The Decline of the Nation-State and the End of the Rights of Man”; Amartya Sen, Development as Freedom; Thomas Pogge, World Poverty and Human Rights; Luis Cabrera, Political Theory of Global Justice; Allen Buchanan, Justice, Legitimacy, and Self-Determination; and Jeremy Rabkin, Law Without Nations?
Recommended Preparation: Previous coursework in political theory or human rights is strongly recommended.
Assignments: Two 7-8 page essays will be assigned. Regular contribution to class discussion is required.
Grading: First essay: 40%. Second Essay: 40%. Participation: 20%.


Political Science 403A: ADVANCED TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Topic: Political Psychology and War

Days/Time: MW 1:30-3:20 5 credits
Instructor: Mercer, J Field C
Individual & Society

Description: This research seminar explores how political scientists use psychology to address questions of war and peace. Deterrence theory frames most discussions of international security and the course begins by reading Thomas Schelling’s classic text, and then comparing “spiral” and “deterrence” models of conflict. An enduring question among deterrence theorists is which type of bias is most important, cold cognitive (or un-motivated) biases or emotional (motivated) biases. We will address both types of bias and then focus on prospect theory, which is primarily a cognitive theory, though motivation is important. We’ll conclude the first part of the course with a discussion of the failure to plan for post-war Iraq. After the mid-term, we focus on the role of perceptions in interpreting victory and defeat in war, and then examine how analogies influence what people believe and the policies they support. We then turn to focus on why individuals become terrorists and discuss different ways of addressing this threat. Essential to understanding terrorists is knowing how they think of “normal” states. We will address the question of how different types of actors assess another’s credibility. The course concludes with an examination of intelligence failures before the Iraq War.
Texts: Assigned readings will include Schelling, Arms and Influence; a course reader; and a national newspaper.
Assignments: two exams, a paper, presentation of readings, presentation of research paper, regular participation.
Grading: Exams: 40 %; Papers: 40 %; Project/presentation: 20 %.



Political Science 407A: INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT

Days/Time: TTH 10:30-11:50 plus quiz sections 5 credits
Instructor: Kier, E Field C
Individual and Society

Description: War is a central feature of international politics. The course begins with an overview of the development of modern warfare, but it focuses on the causes of war. Is war inevitable given the structure of the international system, or can, for example, changes in beliefs or the spread of democracies temper aggressive appetites or eliminate the security dilemma? We will examine these questions by focusing on World War I, World War II , the Persian Gulf War, and the war in Iraq. The course concludes with a discussion of the ethics of war.
Assignments: Midterm, final, paper and section participation.
Texts: Reader; Michael Howard, War in European History, 1976; R. I. Rotberg and T. K. Rabb, eds, The Origin and Prevention of Major Wars, 1989.
Grading: Exams: 55 %; Research Papers: 30 %; Section Participation: 15 %.



Political Science 419A: U.S. CHINA RELATIONS
(Joint w/SISEA 459A)

Days/Time: MW 1:30-3:20 5 credits
Instructor: Bachman, D Field D

Description: Course description not available at this time. The following is taken from the UW General Catalog:

Surveys the history of United States-China relations and examines the evolution of bilateral relations, particularly since 1949. Focus on the period since 1972 and the major issues as they have evolved since that time, including trade, human rights, security, and Taiwan.



Political Science 424A: JAPAN IN THE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM
(Joint w/- SISEA 437A & SISEA 537A)

Days/Time: MW 1:30-3:20 5 credits
Instructor: Pekkanen, S Field C
Individual and Society

Description: Course description unavailable at this time. Following is that taken from the UW General Catalog:

Comprehensive examination of Japan's international relations. Covers issues such as trade, security, environment, aid, and human rights. Investigates Japan's participation in international organizations, including the UN, World Bank, IMF, and WTO. Examines Japan's relations with the United States, the European Union, Asia, Latin America, Africa, and other regions.



Political Science 442A: GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF CHINA
(Joint w/ SISEA 449A)

Days/Time: TTH 1:30-3:20 5 credits
Instructor: Whiting, S Field B
Individual and Society

Description: Is China the next capitalist wonderland or the next evil empire? Following the U.S. media, it's easy to get confused. This course will help you get beneath media rhetoric about the Middle Kingdom by taking a closer look at the Chinese polity, society, and economy. We will address a number of important issues, including 1) the roots of the revolution that led to the establishment of the People's Republic, 2) the human and institutional legacies of a planned economy and Leninist political system, 3) the nature of the transition to a more market-oriented economy, 4) the potential for democratization in a more open polity, 5) the impact of the reforms on the global environment, population growth, labor conditions, and gender relations, and, last but certainly not least, 6) Chinese nationalism, China-Taiwan relations, and US-China relations at the beginning of the twenty-first century.
Assignments: Course requirements include completion of assigned readings and attendance at class and participation in class exercises, as well as mid-term and final exams, and a term paper of the 10-15 pages in length.
Texts: Readings will include, among others, Perry, Challenging the Mandate of Heaven: Social Protest and State Power in China; Saich, Governance and Politics of China; Goldman and MacFarquhar, The Paradox of China’s Post-Mao Reforms; and a reader of some of the most current and insightful articles on contemporary China.
Grading: Exams: 50 %; Papers: 25 %; Class/quiz participation: 25 %.



Political Science 448A: EUROPEAN COMMUNITY

Days/Time: MW 2:30-4:20 5 credits
Instructor: Squatrito, T Field B
Individual and Society

Description: In this course, students will learn about the European Union in two aspects—the EU as a process of international or regional integration and the EU as a polity or political system with its own institutions, policies, and policy processes. The study of the European Union borders between international relations and comparative politics, and the course draws from both fields of political science. The course is arranged in four parts: (1) the political history of European integration in the post-war era, and the theories on why integration occurs; (2) the political system of the EU, including its core institutions and its legislative, executive and judicial politics; (3) core EU policies, including the European internal market, the single currency, and social policy; and (4) the key challenges facing the EU in the coming years, including enlargement, “Europeanization” of domestic politics, European social identity, a “Constitution” for Europe, and the “democratic deficit.”
Grading: Midterm Exam 20%; Paper 30%; Final Exam 30%; Weekly Assignments 20%.



Political Science 452A: MASS MEDIA PUBLIC OPINION
(Joint w/COM 414A)

Days/Time: MW 11:30-1:20 5 credits
Instructor: Moy, P Field D

Description: This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of public opinion. It examines the role of public opinion in a democracy; the relationship between mass media and public opinion; theories of public opinion and attitude change; and contemporary uses of public opinion.



Political Science 461A: MASS MEDIA LAW
(Joint w/COM 440B)

Days/Time: TTH 11:30-1:20 plus quiz section 5 credits
Instructor: Simmons, C Field C
Individual and Society

Description: In Mass Media Law, students will learn about the First Amendment and laws journalists must know about. Heavy emphasis on freedom of the press, libel and the right to report. We will also cover censorship, obscenity and broadcast regulation. This course is essential for those who want to practice journalism. It's also a good introduction to constitutional law for those considering law school. This is a heavy reading course. Students should be able to dedicate several hours to reading in preparation for each class. Some instruction by Socratic method. Possible moot court participation.



Political Science 469A: LAW & DVPT E ASIA
(Joint w/- LSJ 469A / SISEA 469A)

Days/Time: MW 1:30-3:20 5 credits
Instructor: Whiting, S Field D

Description: Is the rule of law necessary for capitalist economic development? What is the role of law in transitions from authoritarian government? What is the role of law in overall governance of developing countries? This course examines the role of law and courts in economic and political change in the developing world. Topics include economic development, property rights, dispute resolution, democratization, and human rights. The course will also address the ways in which various legal traditions and institutions affect outcomes in each of these issue areas. The empirical materials will focus mainly on China and East Asia with some comparisons to other cases.



Political Science 479A: Contemporary Central Asian Politics
(Joint w/ SISRE 579A)

Days/ Time: TTH 11:30-1:20 5 credits
Instructor: Faculty Field C

Description: No course description available at this time. Following is that taken from the UW General Catalog:

Examines the politics of contemporary post-Soviet Central Asia. Analyzes issues relevant to the region in comparative perspective, including democratization, religion, terrorism, civil society, economic reform, ethnic identity, and international influences. Uses theory to shed light on current policy debates.



Political Science 488A: HONORS SENIOR THESIS

Days/Times: ARR 5 Credits
Meets W/- course requirement Contract and Entry code, 215 Smith

Description: Registration is limited to students currently enrolled in the Political Science Honors Program. A contract must be completed and signed prior to obtaining an entry code for POL S 488. See your adviser for the contract and entry code.
Students individually arrange for faculty supervision of their senior honors research project. Students meet periodically as a group to discuss research in progress.



Political Science 489A: HONORS SENIOR THESIS

Days/Times: ARR 5 credits
Meets Writing Course Requirement Contract and Entry code, 215 Smith


Description: Registration is limited to students currently enrolled in the Political Science Honors Program. An updated contract must be on file prior to obtaining an entry code for Pol S 489. See your adviser for the contract and entry code.
Students individually arrange for faculty supervision of their senior honors research project. Students meet periodically as a group to discuss research in progress.



Political Science 496A & B: UNDERGRADUATE INTERNSHIP

Day & Time: ARR 5 Credits, Max. 15
Instructor: ARR Application and Entry Code, 215 Smith

Description: Local, state, national and international internship opportunities are posted at www.polisci.washington.edu/under/internships.asp. More detailed information is available for some placements and is kept in a notebook in the Political Science Advising Office in Smith 215. Students wanting internship experience should consult the listings and then make contact with the agency coordinators at the placements that interest them.
After obtaining placement, the student should find a faculty sponsor (see a Political Science adviser if help is needed), then bring a letter to Political Science Advising detailing the hours to be worked, specific job responsibilities, the agency supervisor, etc. An adviser will then issue a learning contract to take to the faculty sponsor. The student and faculty sponsor together define the academic components of the internship.
When the learning contract is completed and returned to Political Science Advising, an adviser will issue an entry code. However, arrangements should be made well in advance because no entry codes will be given out after the first week of the quarter.
Political Science 496 does not count toward the major requirements in political science. Pol S 496A is decimal graded; Pol S 496B is graded credit/no credit.



Political Science 499A&B: INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCE AND RESEARCH

Days/Time: ARR 2-5 Credits,
Instructor: ARR Application and Entry code, 215 Smith

Description: Intensive study with faculty supervision. A contract must be fully completed and signed by a faculty sponsor prior to obtaining an entry code for POL S 499. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IN POL S 499 IS THE END OF THE SECOND WEEK OF THE ACADEMIC QUARTER WITHOUT EXCEPTION; students are encouraged to complete arrangements prior to the beginning of the quarter.
Contracts are available in Smith 215. See an adviser if you have questions. No more than one registration in POL S 499 with the same instructor is permitted. POL S 499 does not count toward the major requirements in political science. POL S 499A is decimal graded; POL S 499B is credit/no credit.
Prerequisites: Junior standing or above and permission of the instructor.



Political Science 499C: INDIVIDUAL CONFERENCE AND RESEARCH
Optional Senior Thesis

Days/Time: ARR 2-5 credits
Instructor: ARR Application and Entry code, 215 Smith


Description: The senior thesis is a new option available to some undergraduate seniors majoring in Political Science. Qualifying seniors will be granted 10 credits - 5 in winter quarter, 5 in spring - for completing an independent research paper. Students are expected to choose both their research topic and supervisory committee (consisting of two members, at least one of whom must be a department faculty member, while the other may be a faculty member or teaching assistant). Successful completion of the first quarter requires submission of an acceptable thesis prospectus (a short proposal). Successful completion of the second quarter requires submission of a research paper at least 40 pages in length by the end of the eighth week of spring quarter. Professor George Lovell will serve as general advisor for all seniors participating in this program.
To qualify, students must have completed a minimum of 135 credits and maintained a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.3. Student applications must be approved by the department before an entry code will be issued. Students may direct questions about the program to the Political Science Advising Office.



Political Science 500A: POLITICAL RESEARCH DESIGN AND ANALYSIS

Days/Time: W 1:30-4:20 5 credits
Instructor: Gill, A Graduate students only

Description: This course addresses issues of research design and empirical analysis in political science. Topics will include attention to the pragmatic aspects of design (e.g., case selection, sampling), the fundamentals of data analysis, and the logic of statistical inference. This is a “hands on” course aimed at enhancing student ability to design and conduct empirical research. Students will be required to draft a research proposal by the end of the quarter and are encouraged to have a substantive topic of investigation in mind before starting the class.
Assignments: A set of analytic exercises, a mid-term, and a final exam.
Texts: Texts include Frankfort-Nachmias and Nachmias, Research Methods in Social Science (Fifth edition); King, Keohane and Verba, Designing Social Inquiry; Locke, Spirduso and Silverman, Proposals That Work; and a supplementary packet of photocopied readings. Students are encouraged, but not required, to purchase Vogt’s Dictionary of Statistics and Methodology.
Grading: Exams: 65 %; Project/presentation: 15 %; Other: 20 %.



Political Science 505A: COMPARATIVE POLITICS

Days/Time: M 1:30-4:20 5 credits
Instructor: Goldberg, E Graduate students only

Description: This seminar is the core course required of all graduate students intending to take comparative politics as an examination field. The course provides a general introduction to the scope and methods of the field. One important problem in the field is to understand the emergence, consolidation and extension of democracy as a political system and this seminar will have a substantive focus on democracy. It will consider alternate theoretical approaches including those of historical sociology, rational choice, political culture and institutionalism. Readings for the course will be drawn from the assigned list of readings for the field examination. Participation in the course should therefore help students prepare for the examination..
Assignments: Students will write a precis of each week’s reading to be submitted at the beginning of the class period; they will also write two 8-10 page essays, a take-home final examination and have a brief oral examination.
Texts: Readings will include The Great Transformation, Capitalist Development and Democracy, Social Origins of Dictatorship and Democracy, and Development as Freedom. In addition students will be asked to review the published reviews of books.
Grading: Exams: 10 % (Oral examination); Papers: 80 % (Papers, 50%; Final, 30%); Class/quiz participation: 10 %.



Political Science 514A: SELECTED TOPICS IN POLITICAL THEORY
Topic: Critical Race Studies

Days/ Time: M 1:30-4:20 5 credits
Instructor: Turner, J Graduate students only

Description: The last half-century has seen an explosion in scholarly literature critically examining race in the United States. This course surveys flash points in that literature, in the hope of equipping students to delve deeper into the field. The first half of the course focuses on innovative historical approaches; readings will include Roy Harvey Pearce’s SAVAGISM AND CIVILIZATION, Orlando Patterson’s SLAVERY AND SOCIAL DEATH, David R. Roediger’s WAGES OF WHITENESS, and Mae M. Ngai’s IMPOSSIBLE SUBJECTS. The second half of the course focuses on critical theoretical approaches; readings will include Charles W. Mills’s THE RACIAL CONTRACT, Robin Dale Jacobson’s THE NEW NATIVISM, Patricia J. Williams’s ALCHEMY OF RACE AND RIGHTS, and classic articles in critical race theory. Emphasis will be placed on the need for transdisciplinary thinking in both the humanistic and the social scientific study of race.
Assignments: REQUIREMENTS FOR ENROLLED STUDENTS:
1. Complete each week’s reading prior to seminar.
2. Give two ten-minute presentations critically interpreting or evaluating an assigned text or set of texts.
3. Write either: (a) two twelve-page papers â the first focusing on material from the first half of the course, the second on material from the second half; or (b) one twenty-five-page interpretive essay or research paper on a theme or topic related to the course. If you elect (a), the deadlines are as follows:
Paper 1: No later than TBD Paper 2: No later than TBD If you elect (b), submit the paper no later than TBD.
All paper topics should be designed in consultation with me. Submit all papers by email attachment to jturner3@u.washington.edu.
Grading: Quality of Participation: 15% Quality of Presentations: 15% Writing Assignment(s): 70% (If you elect the two-paper option, each paper will count for 35%).



Political Science 527A: SPECIAL TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS RESEARCH
Topic: Good and Evil in World Politics

Days/Time: T 1:30-4:20 5 credits
Instructor: Kier, E Graduate students only

Description: No course description available at this time. Following is that taken from the UW General Catalog:

Examination of current topics in the theory and practice of world politics. Content varies according to recent developments in the field and research interests of the instructor.



Political Science 527B: SPECIAL TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS RESEARCH
Topic: NGO Politics

Days/Time: TH 1:30-4:20 5 credits
Instructor: Prakash, A Graduate students only


Description: Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have emerged as important actors in local, national, and international politics. As units of collective action, they advocate policy positions and seek to influence policy outcomes. In doing so, they compete with governments and firms, and sometimes with one another for membership base, external funding, and media attention. NGOs also supply collective goods that citizens want. Several literatures study the advocacy and public good provision by NGOs. These are: the NGO politics literature, the non-profit literature, and the social movement literature. This doctoral seminar will investigate key theoretical and empirical issues raised in these literatures pertaining to NGO goals, strategy, politics, and efficacy.
Grading: No exam. A series of short assignments and paper proposal towards to end of the quarter.



Political Science 555A: AMERICAN POL TOPICS
Topic: Political Participation

Days/Time: T 2:30-5:20 5 credits
Instructor: Barreto, M Graduate students only

Description: Course description not available at this time. The following is taken from the UW General Catalog:

Examination of current topics on the theory and practice of political methodology. Course content varies according to recent developments in the field and the research interests of the instructor.



Political Science 573A: TOPICS IN PUBLIC POLICY
Topic: Implementation and Bureaucratic Politics

Day/Time: TH 1:30-4:20 3 credits
Instructor: May, P Graduate students only

Description: This is a topical seminar that addresses policy implementation and bureaucratic politics. We will attempt to come to grips with the resurgence of research on these topics in recent years. Particular attention will be paid to consideration of the relationship between policy design and implementation, intergovernmental implementation, street level bureaucracy, bureaucratic control, and bureaucratic influences on policy processes. We will ground the discussion with consideration of how these issues play out in various policy areas. The course should be especially relevant to students in American politics and policy processes, but also has applications to those with interests in comparative politics.
Assignments: Participants are required to develop two analytic essays and a synthesis paper along with share in leading seminar discussions.
Texts: Articles plus relevant books to be decided.
Grading: Papers: 80 %; Participation: 20 %.



Political Science 579A: CENT ASIAN POLITICS
(Joint w/ SISRE 479A)

Days/Time: TTH 11:30-1:20 5 credits
Instructor: Faculty Graduate students only

Description: Course description not available at this time. The following is taken from the UW General Catalog:

Examines the politics of contemporary post-Soviet Central Asia. Analyzes issues relevant to the region in comparative perspective, including democratization, religion, terrorism, civil society, economic reform, ethnic identity, and international influences. Uses theory to shed light on current policy debates.



Political Science 588A: Special Topics in Comparative Political Economy
Topic: Rule of Law

Days/Time: M 1:30-4:20 5 credits
Instructor: Levi, M Graduate Students Only

Description: The focus of this seminar is on political economic analysis of the emergence of the rule of law and how to institutionalize it. This involves questions of state building, including the development of a staff competent to carry out the laws in a reasonably fair and equitable manner. It also raises questions of achieving sufficient legitimacy so that law enforcement can rest on quasi-voluntary compliance as well as coercion. The role played by leadership is also explored.
Text: Maravall & Przeworski, eds. DEmocracy and the Rule of Law Levi, Consent, Dissent and Patriotism Ginsburg and Moustafa, eds. Rule by Law (optional) Widner, Building the Rule of Law (optional). There will be a class packet of readings.
Grading: The seminar will read the equivalent of a book per week, which will be the primary subject of the class discussion. The major requirement is a seminar paper.


Political Science 595A: TEACHING POLITICAL SCIENCE

Days/Time: F 1:30-3:20 1 credit
Instructor: Cushnie, L Graduate students only

Description: No course description available at this time. Following is that drawn from the UW General Catalog:

College teaching of Political Science.



Political Science 597A: DIRECTED READINGS

Days/Time: ARR 1 - 10 credits
Graduate Students Only Entry code, 215 Smith

Description: Intensive reading in the literatures of political science, directed by the chair of the doctoral supervisory
committee.



Political Science 598A: INDEPENDENT WRITING I
(MA Essay of Distinction)

Days/Time: ARR 1 – 5 Credits
Graduate students only Contract and Entry code, 215 Smith

Description: Supervised research and writing for graduate students completing the M.A. Essay of Distinction. Intended to provide students with the opportunity to undertake for-credit research and writing leading to the required Essay of Distinction for the department.



Political Science 600 A/B: INDEPENDENT STUDY OR RESEARCH

Days/Time: ARR 1 -10 credits
Graduate Students Only Contract and Entry Code, 215 Smith

Description: A contract must be completed and signed by the faculty supervisor and the Graduate Program Coordinator prior to obtaining an entry code for POL S 600. POL S 600A is decimal graded; POL S 600B is credit / no credit.



Political Science 800 A: DOCTORAL DISSERTATION

Days/Time: ARR 1 – 10 credits
Graduate students only Entry code, 215 Smith
Credit / No Credit Only

Description: Registration in POL S 800 is limited to doctoral candidates.