Master of Arts in Political Science


Department of Political Science
Chair Statement Faculty Directory GA Directory Faculty Office Hours GA Office Hours Advising B.A. in Political Science M.A. in Political Science M.A. in Ethics and Policy Studies Ph.D. in Political Science Internships Independent Studies Department Forms Syllabi News & Events Assessments Links Photo Album	The Department of Political Science offers a general Master of Arts degree. Students tailor their programs with the assistance of the department’s graduate coordinator. Programs are flexible, and students may take advantage of individualized instruction. Advisory committees will approve programs that provide an appropriate degree of specialization in two of the fields of political science with supporting studies in others. Students can pursue graduate education in the areas of comparative politics, international relations, American politics, political theory, public law, and public policy. Students can normally expect to complete the program in from one-and-a-half to two years. The department offers a number of graduate assistantships as well as internship opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels, where students can obtain on-the-job experience. The graduate program in political science is designed to prepare graduate students for doctoral studies, teaching positions at secondary schools and community colleges, or employment by government agencies, research centers, or private industry. Our graduates have gone on to executive positions in national, state, and local governments and to doctoral programs at top schools throughout the country. Admission Requirements Applicants to the MA program should click _here_ for an important message. Admission to the department is competitive, with only the strongest applicants gaining admission in any given year. Applicants must complete the Graduate College online application . The following department application materials must be uploaded into the online application Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores. Two letters of recommendation by recommendation provider. A personal statement explaining why you want to enter the master's program. Applicants for admission must have earned: a. A baccalaureate from an accredited college or university. b. A grade point average of at least 3.00. c. Satisfactory scores on the GRE General Test. Minimum scores are 500 (153)on the verbal and 500 (144) on the quantitative sections of the exam; we also consider the analytical writing score. In unusual circumstances, students who do not meet the above criteria may still be admitted. Note: Official transcripts must be submitted to the Graduate College. * GRE Revised Test Scores Handbook for Graduate Students in MA Program in Political Science click here Degree Requirements The candidate for the Master of Arts degree must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours under Plan A or 33 credit hours under Plan B in courses designated for graduate study in political science and related disciplines. Candidates must designate two fields as their major fields. They must successfully complete three courses in each field. Eighteen credits must be taken in graduate seminar work. Students may complete a maximum of 6 graduate credits in related areas outside political science. To be counted toward the M.A. degree, all courses must be pre-approved by the graduate coordinator. The candidate must maintain a minimum B average during the semester in order to remain in good standing. Only those courses in which a student receives a grade of B or better may be used for graduate credit. The candidate, in conjunction with the graduate coordinator, will select either Plan A or Plan B. All graduate students are required to take PSC 701 (Research Design and Methodology) among their first 12 credit hours. Other seminars may have prerequisite requirements; for example, PSC 701 must be taken before PSC 729. Internship credits do not count toward a degree program. Plan A (Thesis Option) Students must complete 24 credit hours of course work in at least two areas of political science plus 6 credit hours of thesis. Completion of the thesis consists of an oral examination administered by the advisory committee Plan B (Comprehensive Examination Option) Students must complete 33 credit hours of course work in at least two areas of political science, including PSC 795 (Directed Readings in Political Science). PSC 795 encompasses preparation for, and taking of, written and oral examinations administered by the advisory committee. PSC 701 3 credits Research Design and Methodology Exposes graduate students to a body of literature and a set of ideas about doing sound social science research, either applied or non-applied. Emphasis on injecting scientific and theoretical rigor into the investigation of political phenomena. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 702 3 credits Advanced Quantitative Methods Review of basic statistical techniques and in-depth treatment of bivariate and multivariate regression analysis, including regression diagnostics and remedies for assumption violations. Also introduces advanced statistical estimation techniques including robust regression, time-series analysis, and maximum likelihood estimation. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PSC 701 or equivalent. PSC 710r 3 credits Proseminar in American Politics Concepts, methods, and theories in American politics. Particular attention is devoted to the presentation and analysis of classic books and articles in the field so as to provide students with the requisite foundation for more advanced study. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 712 3 credits Intergovernmental Relations Covers political, constitutional, fiscal, and regulatory aspects of the federal, state, and local governments. Emphasis on relations of state and local governments to the federal government. Satisfies Nevada Constitutional requirement. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 713 (formerly PSC 710) 3 credits American National Government: Principles Addresses the theoretical principles underlying - and disputed within - the American political regime since the Founding. Readings include writings by American statesmen, political philosophers, and scholars representative of key perspectives in the liberal-constitutional tradition. Satisfies U.S. Constitution requirement. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 714 (formerly PSC 711) 3 credits American National Government: Structure and Processes American political institutions, public opinion, voting behavior, and public policy making. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 719 3 credits Advanced Studies in American Politics Selected topics in American politics. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Students advised to take PSC 710r before this course. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PSC 701. PSC 721 3 credits Public Policy Process (Same as EPS 747.) Examines the roles of the legislative and executive branches of government in public policy formation and implementation. Surveys empirical techniques used in the field, assesses the impact of ethical theories on the public policy process, and explores selected policy issues in detail. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 722 3 credits Environmental Resource Policy Condition of the global environment, a topic which has risen from relative obscurity after World War II to a topic high on the national and global agenda. Considers the socio-political aspects related to the environment and natural resources, familiarizing students with the policy process and institutions predominant in this area. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 723 3 credits Policy Analysis (Same as EPS 710.) Aims to enable students to understand and evaluate a range of methods used by professional policy analysts, and to present some of the ethical issues surrounding this practice. Each student is required to locate and critique some examples of policy analysis in his or her own area of interest. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 724 3 credits Intelligence Policy Focuses primarily on the U.S. intelligence community as it has evolved since WW II. Emphasis on analysis, overt action and counter-intelligence. Congressional and judicial controls examined. Attention also given to Soviet and other intelligence agencies. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 725 (formerly PSC 720) 3 credits Policy Formation: The Problem of Legitimacy (Same as EPS 743.) What makes a policy legitimate? Analyzes the public policy making process in terms of such ethical considerations as public vs. private good, legality vs. morality, accountability of policy makers, enforcement of decisions, and evaluation of programs. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 726 3 credits National Security Policy Focuses on national security issues confronting the U.S. including the conduct of conventional warfare, nuclear strategy, deterrence, arms control, Strategic Defense Initiative, alliance formation, and other topics. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 729 3 credits Advanced Studies in Public Policy (Same as EPS 750.) Selected topics in public policy. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PSC 701. PSC 731 3 credits Civil Rights and Liberties Analysis of the substance and literature on the topic of civil rights and civil liberties in the United States. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 732 (formerly PSC 730) 3 credits Constitutional Law Study of the U.S. Constitution with emphasis on its interpretation, the power of the Judiciary, Congress and Executive. Attention also devoted to federal-state relations and the Commerce Clause. Satisfies the U.S. Constitution requirement. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 733 3 credits Public Law and Public Policy (Same as EPS 745.) Focuses on the role of the courts in shaping the different policy areas in the American political system. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 735 3 credits Jurisprudence (Same as EPS 746.) Study of the role of morality in the historical and recent debates over the nature of law including: Is a conceptual separation of law and morality desirable?; legal validity; the justification of the judicial decision; finally, the importance of jurisprudence in helping to resolve public policy disputes. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 739 3 credits Advanced Studies in Public Law Selected topics in public law. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Students advised to take PSC 710r before this course. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PSC 701. PSC 740 3 credits Proseminar in International Relations Concepts, methods and theories in international relations. Appplication of these tools to contemporary issues in international politics and economics. Conflict and peace studies, the North-South d ialogue, and futurology. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 741 3 credits U.S. Foreign Policy Examines the dynamics of the foreign policy decision-making process, surveys the historical evolution of American foreign policy, and addresses its contemporary issues. Impacts of the changing faces of Communism, third-world nationalism, and global economic and political interdependencies on U.S. foreign policy studied in detail. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 746 3 credits Middle East in World Affairs Develops a framework for the study of international relations of the Middle East; examines domestic, regional and global determinants of external politics in the region; analyzes its great powers' interests and policies (strategic, military, economic, etc.) in this area; and studies intraregional problems including the Arab-Israeli imbroglio, inter-Arab conflicts, and turmoil in Lebanon. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 747 3 credits Pacific Rim in World Affairs Examines international relations of the Pacific Rim, a key region in contemporary international politics. Analyzes diplomatic/political, military/security, and economic/trade issues in the region, and assesses the dynamics and interdependence of the region and the region's significance to international politics in the twenty-first century. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 751 3 credits International Political Economy Examines the concepts, methods, and theories used in the study of the politics of international economic relations. Major theories of international political economy are examined and applied to the study of international trade, international capital flows, economic development, globalization, regional integration, labor, and the environment. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 754 3 credits Global Governance Examines the theoretical foundations for world order with attention to international organizations, collective security, regional and global integration, transnational capital, social movements, human security, and states. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 755 3 credits International Security This course will examine contemporary threats to international security and peace (e.g., terrorism, conflict) in order to explore the different methods of preventing, managing, and resolving them. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 759 (formerly PSC 749) 3 credits Advanced Studies in International Relations Selected topics in international relations. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Students advised to take PSC 740 before this course. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PSC 701. PSC 760r (formerly PSC 750) 3 credits Proseminar in Comparative Politics Concepts, methods and theories in comparative politics . Topics such as political development, ethnicity, leadership, and political economy. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 761 (formerly PSC 760) 3 credits Middle Eastern and North African Politics Provides students with in-depth analysis of the political institutions, processes, and policies in the Middle East and North Africa. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 762 3 credits African Politics This course surveys the broad themes and debates in the study of the politics of sub-Saharan Africa. The historical and geographic forces that have shaped the African state are explored. The nature and performance of the post-colonial state and the attempts at economic and political reform are examined. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 764 3 credits Latin American Politics Provides students with an understanding of regime change, party systems, conventional participation, and social movements. Includes coverage of advanced theories of comparative politics as applied to the region. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 767 3 credits Comparative Democratization This course explores the phenomenon of democratization, with a particular focus on the cases of democratization that have occurred since the start of the third wave of democratization in the mid-1970s. The different theoretical approaches to explaining both the transition to and consolidation of democracy will be examined. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 775 3 credits Comparative Political Behavior This course offers an in-depth examination of the antecedents and consequences of public opinion and political behavior from a comparative perspective, with emphasis given to democratic regimes. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 779r (formerly PSC 769) 3 credits Advanced Studies in Comparative Politics Selected topics in comparative politics. Students advised to take PSC 760r before taking this course. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PSC 701. PSC 780r (formerly PSC 771) 3 credits Proseminar in Political Theory Concepts and issues in political theory, with emphasis on major texts in the history of political philosophy. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 781 3 credits Political Theory Before 1500 Readings from works by selected political theorists of the ancient and medieval periods. Authors may include Thucydides, Xenophon, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Al-Farabi, Maimonides, and Thomas Aquinas. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 782 3 credits Political Theory From 1500 - 1900 Readings from works by selected political theorists of the early and late modern periods. Authors may include Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, J. S. Mill, Marx, and Nietzsche. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 783 3 credits Political Theory Since 1900 Readings from works by selected political theorists since 1900. Authors may include Dewey and Heidegger. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 789r (formerly PSC 779) 3 credits Advanced Studies in Political Theory Selected topics in political theory. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Students advised to take PSC 780r before this course. Prerequisite : Graduate standing PSC 790 3 credits Studies in Political Science Analysis of the research and literature on a selected topic in political science. Specific topic announced each semester. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 791 1-3 credits M.A. Independent Study in Political Science Program of independent reading and research in political science for M.A. students, to be selected in consultation with an instructor before registration. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits with consent of instructor. PSC 792 Ph.D. 1-3 credits Ph.D. Independent Study in Political Science Program of independent reading and research in political science for Ph.D. students, to be selected in consultation with an instructor before registration. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits with consent of instructor. PSC 793 1-3 credits (formerly PSC 780) Internship in Political Science Graduate students have a work assignment in an executive, legislative, or judicial setting, political party, or interest group institution at the national, state or local governmental level and make regular reports on work activities and assigned readings. Substantial written work required. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits with consent of instructor. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. PSC 795 (formerly PSC 782) 3 credits Directed Readings in Political Science Program of assigned reading in preparation for comprehensive examinations. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and departmental approval. PSC 796 (formerly PSC 789) 3-6 credits Thesis May be repeated but only six credits applied to the student's program. S/F grading only. Prerequisite: Departmental approval. PSC 799 3-6 credits Dissertation May be repeated but only 12 credits may be applied toward degree. Prerequisites: Passing grade on comprehensive examinations. Chair Tuman, John (2001), Associate Professor; B.A., University of California, Berkeley; M.A., University of Chicago; Ph.D., University of California, Los Angeles. Graduate Coordinator Pirages, Dennis (2009), Professor; B.A., State University of Iowa; Ph.D., Stanford University. Graduate Faculty Bowers, Michael (1984), Professor; B.A., Cameron University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Arizona. Damore, David (2000), Associate Professor; B.A., University of California, San Diego, M.A., University of Georgia; Ph.D., University of California, Davis. Fernandez, Kenneth (2004), Assistant Professor; B.A., University of California, San Diego; M.A., Ph.D., University of California, Riverside. Fott, David S. (1992), Associate Professor; B.A., Vanderbilt University; A.M., Ph.D., Harvard University. Gill, Rebecca (2008), Assistant Professor; B.A., James Madison College at Michigan State University; Ph.D., Michigan State University. Howard, Tiffiany (2008), Assistant Professor; B.A., Florida A&M University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. Jelen, Ted G. (1997), Professor; B.A., Knox College; M.A., Ph.D., Ohio State University. Kuenzi, Michele (2004), Associate Professor; B.A., Grinnell College; M.P.A., Wayne State University; Ph.D., Michigan State University. Lutz, Mark (2006), Assistant Professor; B.A., University of Chicago; M.A., Ph.D., University of Toronto. Parker, Steven (1979), Associate Professor; B.A., Assumption College; M.A., Ph.D., State University of New York, Albany. Strand, Jonathan (2001), Associate Professor; B.S., University of Wisconsin- Platteville; M.A., Ph.D., University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Tamadonfar, Mehran (1987), Associate Professor; B.A., M.A., University of Tehran; Ph.D., University of Colorado, Boulder.

The Department of Political Science offers a general
Master of Arts degree. Students tailor their programs with
the assistance of the department’s graduate coordinator.
Programs are flexible, and students may take advantage of
individualized instruction. Advisory committees will approve
programs that provide an appropriate degree of specialization
in two of the fields of political science with supporting studies
in others.
Students can pursue graduate education in the areas of
comparative politics, international relations, American
politics, political theory, public law, and public policy.
Students can normally expect to complete the program in
from one-and-a-half to two years. The department offers a
number of graduate assistantships as well as internship
opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels, where
students can obtain on-the-job experience.
The graduate program in political science is designed to
prepare graduate students for doctoral studies, teaching
positions at secondary schools and community colleges, or
employment by government agencies, research centers, or
private industry. Our graduates have gone on to executive
positions in national, state, and local governments and to
doctoral programs at top schools throughout the country.

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the MA program should click _here_ for an important
message.

Admission to the department is competitive, with only the strongest
applicants gaining admission in any given year. Applicants must
complete the Graduate College online application . The following
department application materials must be uploaded into the online
application

Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test scores.
Two letters of recommendation by recommendation provider.
A personal statement explaining why you want to enter the
master's program.
Applicants for admission must have earned:
a. A baccalaureate from an accredited college or university.
b. A grade point average of at least 3.00.
c. Satisfactory scores on the GRE General Test. Minimum scores
are 500 (153**)on the verbal and 500 (144**) on the quantitative
sections of the exam; we also consider the analytical writing score.
In unusual circumstances, students who do not meet the above
criteria may still be admitted.

*Note: Official transcripts must be submitted to the Graduate College.
** GRE Revised Test Scores

Handbook for Graduate Students in MA Program in Political Science
click here

Degree Requirements

The candidate for the Master of Arts degree must complete a minimum
of 30 credit hours under Plan A or 33 credit hours under Plan B in courses
designated for graduate study in political science and related disciplines.
Candidates must designate two fields as their major fields. They must
successfully complete three courses in each field. Eighteen credits must
be taken in graduate seminar work. Students may complete a maximum
of 6 graduate credits in related areas outside political science.
To be counted toward the M.A. degree, all courses must be
pre-approved by the graduate coordinator. The candidate must
maintain a minimum B average during the semester in order to
remain in good standing. Only those courses in which a student
receives a grade of B or better may be used for graduate credit.
The candidate, in conjunction with the graduate coordinator, will
select either Plan A or Plan B. All graduate students are required
to take PSC 701 (Research Design and Methodology) among their
first 12 credit hours. Other seminars may have prerequisite
requirements; for example, PSC 701 must be taken before PSC 729.
Internship credits do not count toward a degree program.

Plan A (Thesis Option)

Students must complete 24 credit hours of course work
in at least two areas of political science
plus 6 credit hours of thesis. Completion of the thesis consists
of an oral examination administered by the advisory committee

Plan B (Comprehensive Examination Option)

Students must complete 33 credit hours of course work
in at least two areas of political science, including PSC 795
(Directed Readings in Political Science). PSC 795 encompasses
preparation for, and taking of, written and oral examinations
administered by the advisory committee.

PSC 701 3 credits
Research Design and Methodology
Exposes graduate students to a body of literature and a set
of ideas about doing sound social science research, either
applied or non-applied. Emphasis on injecting scientific and
theoretical rigor into the investigation of political
phenomena. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 702 3 credits
Advanced Quantitative Methods
Review of basic statistical techniques and in-depth treatment
of bivariate and multivariate regression analysis, including
regression diagnostics and remedies for assumption
violations. Also introduces advanced statistical estimation
techniques including robust regression, time-series analysis,
and maximum likelihood estimation. Prerequisites: Graduate
standing and PSC 701 or equivalent.

PSC 710r 3 credits
Proseminar in American Politics
Concepts, methods, and theories in American politics.
Particular attention is devoted to the presentation and
analysis of classic books and articles in the field so as to
provide students with the requisite foundation for more
advanced study. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 712 3 credits
Intergovernmental Relations
Covers political, constitutional, fiscal, and regulatory aspects
of the federal, state, and local governments. Emphasis on
relations of state and local governments to the federal
government. Satisfies Nevada Constitutional requirement.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 713 (formerly PSC 710) 3 credits
American National Government: Principles
Addresses the theoretical principles underlying - and
disputed within - the American political regime since the
Founding. Readings include writings by American
statesmen, political philosophers, and scholars representative
of key perspectives in the liberal-constitutional tradition.
Satisfies U.S. Constitution requirement. Prerequisite:
Graduate standing.

PSC 714 (formerly PSC 711) 3 credits
American National Government: Structure and Processes
American political institutions, public opinion, voting behavior,
and public policy making. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 719 3 credits
Advanced Studies in American Politics
Selected topics in American politics. May be repeated to
a maximum of six credits. Students advised to take PSC 710r
before this course. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PSC 701.

PSC 721 3 credits
Public Policy Process
(Same as EPS 747.) Examines the roles of the legislative
and executive branches of government in public policy
formation and implementation. Surveys empirical techniques
used in the field, assesses the impact of ethical theories on
the public policy process, and explores selected policy issues
in detail. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 722 3 credits
Environmental Resource Policy
Condition of the global environment, a topic which has risen
from relative obscurity after World War II to a topic high on
the national and global agenda. Considers the socio-political
aspects related to the environment and natural resources,
familiarizing students with the policy process and institutions
predominant in this area. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 723 3 credits
Policy Analysis
(Same as EPS 710.) Aims to enable students to understand
and evaluate a range of methods used by professional policy
analysts, and to present some of the ethical issues
surrounding this practice. Each student is required to locate
and critique some examples of policy analysis in his or her
own area of interest. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 724 3 credits
Intelligence Policy
Focuses primarily on the U.S. intelligence community as it
has evolved since WW II. Emphasis on analysis, overt action
and counter-intelligence. Congressional and judicial controls
examined. Attention also given to Soviet and other
intelligence agencies. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 725 (formerly PSC 720) 3 credits
Policy Formation: The Problem of Legitimacy
(Same as EPS 743.) What makes a policy legitimate?
Analyzes the public policy making process in terms of such
ethical considerations as public vs. private good, legality
vs. morality, accountability of policy makers, enforcement
of decisions, and evaluation of programs. Prerequisite:
Graduate standing.

PSC 726 3 credits
National Security Policy
Focuses on national security issues confronting the U.S.
including the conduct of conventional warfare, nuclear
strategy, deterrence, arms control, Strategic Defense
Initiative, alliance formation, and other topics. Prerequisite:
Graduate standing.

PSC 729 3 credits
Advanced Studies in Public Policy
(Same as EPS 750.)
Selected topics in public policy. May
be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisites:
Graduate standing and PSC 701.

PSC 731 3 credits
Civil Rights and Liberties
Analysis of the substance and literature on the topic of civil
rights and civil liberties in the United States. Prerequisite:
Graduate standing.

PSC 732 (formerly PSC 730) 3 credits
Constitutional Law
Study of the U.S. Constitution with emphasis on its
interpretation, the power of the Judiciary, Congress and
Executive. Attention also devoted to federal-state relations
and the Commerce Clause. Satisfies the U.S. Constitution
requirement. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 733 3 credits
Public Law and Public Policy
(Same as EPS 745.) Focuses on the role of the courts in
shaping the different policy areas in the American political
system. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 735 3 credits
Jurisprudence
(Same as EPS 746.) Study of the role of morality in the
historical and recent debates over the nature of law including:
Is a conceptual separation of law and morality desirable?;
legal validity; the justification of the judicial decision; finally,
the importance of jurisprudence in helping to resolve public
policy disputes. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 739 3 credits
Advanced Studies in Public Law
Selected topics in public law. May be repeated to a
maximum of six credits. Students advised to take PSC 710r
before this course. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PSC 701.

PSC 740 3 credits
Proseminar in International Relations
Concepts, methods and theories in international relations.
Appplication of these tools to contemporary issues in
international politics and economics. Conflict and peace
studies, the North-South d ialogue, and futurology.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 741 3 credits
U.S. Foreign Policy
Examines the dynamics of the foreign policy decision-making
process, surveys the historical evolution of American foreign
policy, and addresses its contemporary issues. Impacts of the
changing faces of Communism, third-world nationalism, and
global economic and political interdependencies on U.S.
foreign policy studied in detail. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 746 3 credits
Middle East in World Affairs
Develops a framework for the study of international relations
of the Middle East; examines domestic, regional and global
determinants of external politics in the region; analyzes its
great powers' interests and policies (strategic, military,
economic, etc.) in this area; and studies intraregional problems
including the Arab-Israeli imbroglio, inter-Arab conflicts, and
turmoil in Lebanon. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 747 3 credits
Pacific Rim in World Affairs
Examines international relations of the Pacific Rim, a key
region in contemporary international politics. Analyzes
diplomatic/political, military/security, and economic/trade
issues in the region, and assesses the dynamics and
interdependence of the region and the region's significance to
international politics in the twenty-first century. Prerequisite:
Graduate standing.

PSC 751 3 credits
International Political Economy
Examines the concepts, methods, and theories used in the
study of the politics of international economic relations.
Major theories of international political economy are examined
and applied to the study of international trade, international
capital flows, economic development, globalization, regional
integration, labor, and the environment. Prerequisite: Graduate
standing.

PSC 754 3 credits
Global Governance
Examines the theoretical foundations for world order with
attention to international organizations, collective security,
regional and global integration, transnational capital, social
movements, human security, and states. Prerequisite: Graduate
standing.

PSC 755 3 credits
International Security
This course will examine contemporary threats to international
security and peace (e.g., terrorism, conflict) in order to explore
the different methods of preventing, managing, and resolving them.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 759 (formerly PSC 749) 3 credits
Advanced Studies in International Relations
Selected topics in international relations. May be repeated
to a maximum of six credits. Students advised to take PSC 740
before this course. Prerequisites: Graduate standing and PSC 701.

PSC 760r (formerly PSC 750) 3 credits
Proseminar in Comparative Politics
Concepts, methods and theories in comparative politics .
Topics such as political development, ethnicity, leadership,
and political economy. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 761 (formerly PSC 760) 3 credits
Middle Eastern and North African Politics
Provides students with in-depth analysis of the political
institutions, processes, and policies in the Middle East and
North Africa. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 762 3 credits
African Politics
This course surveys the broad themes and debates in the
study of the politics of sub-Saharan Africa. The historical
and geographic forces that have shaped the African state are
explored. The nature and performance of the post-colonial
state and the attempts at economic and political reform are
examined. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 764 3 credits
Latin American Politics
Provides students with an understanding of regime change,
party systems, conventional participation, and social movements.
Includes coverage of advanced theories of comparative politics as
applied to the region. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 767 3 credits
Comparative Democratization
This course explores the phenomenon of democratization,
with a particular focus on the cases of democratization that
have occurred since the start of the third wave of democratization
in the mid-1970s. The different theoretical approaches to
explaining both the transition to and consolidation of democracy
will be examined. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 775 3 credits
Comparative Political Behavior
This course offers an in-depth examination of the antecedents
and consequences of public opinion and political behavior from
a comparative perspective, with emphasis given to democratic
regimes. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 779r (formerly PSC 769) 3 credits
Advanced Studies in Comparative Politics
Selected topics in comparative politics. Students advised
to take PSC 760r before taking this course. May be repeated
to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisites: Graduate standing
and PSC 701.

PSC 780r (formerly PSC 771) 3 credits
Proseminar in Political Theory
Concepts and issues in political theory, with emphasis on
major texts in the history of political philosophy.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 781 3 credits
Political Theory Before 1500
Readings from works by selected political theorists of the
ancient and medieval periods. Authors may include Thucydides,
Xenophon, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Al-Farabi, Maimonides, and
Thomas Aquinas. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 782 3 credits
Political Theory From 1500 - 1900
Readings from works by selected political theorists of the early
and late modern periods. Authors may include Machiavelli,
Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Hegel, J. S. Mill, Marx, and
Nietzsche. Prerequisite: Graduate standing.

PSC 783 3 credits
Political Theory Since 1900
Readings from works by selected political theorists since 1900.
Authors may include Dewey and Heidegger. Prerequisite: Graduate
standing.

PSC 789r (formerly PSC 779) 3 credits
Advanced Studies in Political Theory
Selected topics in political theory. May be repeated to a
maximum of six credits. Students advised to take PSC 780r
before this course. Prerequisite : Graduate standing

PSC 790 3 credits
Studies in Political Science
Analysis of the research and literature on a selected topic in
political science. Specific topic announced each semester.
May be repeated to a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite:
Graduate standing.

PSC 791 1-3 credits
M.A. Independent Study in Political Science
Program of independent reading and research in political science
for M.A. students, to be selected in consultation with an instructor
before registration. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits
with consent of instructor.

PSC 792 Ph.D. 1-3 credits
Ph.D. Independent Study in Political Science
Program of independent reading and research in political science
for Ph.D. students, to be selected in consultation with an instructor
before registration. May be repeated to a maximum of six credits
with consent of instructor.

PSC 793 1-3 credits (formerly PSC 780)
Internship in Political Science
Graduate students have a work assignment in an executive,
legislative, or judicial setting, political party, or interest group
institution at the national, state or local governmental level
and make regular reports on work activities and assigned
readings. Substantial written work required. May be repeated
to a maximum of six credits with consent of instructor. Prerequisite:
Graduate standing.

PSC 795 (formerly PSC 782) 3 credits
Directed Readings in Political Science
Program of assigned reading in preparation for
comprehensive examinations. Prerequisites: Graduate
standing and departmental approval.

PSC 796 (formerly PSC 789) 3-6 credits
Thesis
May be repeated but only six credits applied to the student's
program. S/F grading only. Prerequisite: Departmental
approval.

PSC 799 3-6 credits
Dissertation
May be repeated but only 12 credits may be applied toward degree.
Prerequisites: Passing grade on comprehensive
examinations.

Chair

Tuman, John (2001), Associate Professor; B.A., University of California,
Berkeley; M.A., University of Chicago; Ph.D., University of California,
Los Angeles.

Graduate Coordinator

Pirages, Dennis (2009), Professor; B.A., State
University of Iowa; Ph.D., Stanford University.

Graduate Faculty

Bowers, Michael (1984), Professor; B.A., Cameron University; M.A.,
Ph.D., University of Arizona.
Damore, David (2000), Associate Professor; B.A., University of California,
San Diego, M.A., University of Georgia; Ph.D., University of California,
Davis.
Fernandez, Kenneth (2004), Assistant Professor; B.A., University
of California, San Diego; M.A., Ph.D., University of California,
Riverside.
Fott, David S. (1992), Associate Professor; B.A., Vanderbilt University;
A.M., Ph.D., Harvard University.
Gill, Rebecca (2008), Assistant Professor; B.A., James Madison College at
Michigan State University; Ph.D., Michigan State University.
Howard, Tiffiany (2008), Assistant Professor; B.A., Florida A&M University;
M.A., Ph.D., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.
Jelen, Ted G. (1997), Professor; B.A., Knox College; M.A., Ph.D., Ohio
State University.
Kuenzi, Michele (2004), Associate Professor; B.A., Grinnell College;
M.P.A., Wayne State University; Ph.D., Michigan State University.
Lutz, Mark (2006), Assistant Professor; B.A., University of Chicago; M.A.,
Ph.D., University of Toronto.
Parker, Steven (1979), Associate Professor; B.A., Assumption College;
M.A., Ph.D., State University of New York, Albany.
Strand, Jonathan (2001), Associate Professor; B.S., University of Wisconsin-
Platteville; M.A., Ph.D., University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
Tamadonfar, Mehran (1987), Associate Professor; B.A., M.A., University
of Tehran; Ph.D., University of Colorado, Boulder.