PS 300

Fall 2012 Part of Term 1

Part of Term 1
Aug 27-Dec 12

Special Topics

Credit: 3 hours.

Selected readings and research in political science. See Class Schedule for current topics.

Prerequisite: May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours if topic varies. Prerequisite: Six hours of political science, or consent of instructor.

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PS 300 class schedule data for fall 2012
CRN	Type	Section	Time	Day	Location	Instructor	Section Details
56249	Lecture-Discussion	A	2:00PM -3:20PM	TR	David Kinley Hall	Sin, G	Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 08/27/12-12/12/12 Credit: 3 hours Section Title: Politics of Organization Section Info: Topic: Politics of Organizations: This course is an introduction to the study of public organizations, with a focus on formal political organizations including parties, legislatures, and bureaucracies. It offers an in depth analysis of two of the main problems confronted by organizations: collective action problems and delegation problems. Students will acquire an understanding of these problems as well as different ways in which they can be addressed. A strong emphasis is also placed on developing the analytical skills necessary for informed analysis of political interactions involving formal organizations. The most prominent characteristic that organizations have in common is the delegation of authority from the individuals to whom power to take action was originally endowed, the principal, to one or more agents. In effect, delegation is key to overcome the problems of collective action. Throughout the development of the course, we will answer questions like (1) Can we assume that subordinates do what's in the superior's best interests? Why? Why not? (2) Is the structure of an organization important? (3) What does the structure of an organization reflect? Restriction(s): Not intended for students with Freshman class standing.
56252	Lecture-Discussion	CW	2:00PM -3:20PM	MW	David Kinley Hall	Wong, C	Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 08/27/12-12/12/12 Credit: 3 hours Section Title: Pol of Racial Ethnic Diversity Section Info: Politics of Racial and Ethnic Diversity This research seminar addresses 4 main questions: (1) How do people react to diversity? (2) How do states deal with diversity? (3) How do people react to policies that states develop to deal with diversity? and (4) What is the relationship between diversity and the provision of social welfare? Some of the topics covered in the course include multicultural policies, representation, segregation, social capital, the public opinion and political participation of majority and minority groups in society, and intergroup contact, conflict, and cooperation. Restriction(s): Not intended for students with Freshman class standing.
56259	Lecture-Discussion	FM	9:30AM -10:50AM	TR	David Kinley Hall	Malekafzali, F	Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 08/27/12-12/12/12 Credit: 3 hours Section Title: Human Rights Section Info: This course will be an exploration of the meaning, basis, historical roots, and practical significance of human rights, with special attention given to the questions of the universality of human rights. The course is divided into four parts: Part one sets up the context and the background within which the role of human rights in international relations must be understood. Part two examines and compares human rights in contemporary Global North and Global South with special focus on the relationship between poverty and democracy. Part three will deal with war crimes and crimes against humanity. The meaning of aggressive war and ethnic cleansing will be analyzed in depth and the importance of the International Criminal Court is examined. In part four the course will deal with rights of people under military occupation and the responsibilities of the occupying power under international law. Specific cases will be used to better understand the significance of these four areas of inquiry. These include South Africa, Yugoslavia, Rwanda, the Palestinian territories, Chile, Iran, EU, and the United States. Restricted to political science and global studies majors until April 17. Restriction(s): Not intended for students with Freshman class standing.
56260	Lecture-Discussion	GS1	3:30PM -4:50PM	TR	David Kinley Hall	Sin, G	Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 08/27/12-12/12/12 Credit: 3 hours Section Title: Bureacratic Politics Section Info: Topic: Bureaucratic Politics. This course examines the origin of public agencies, the nature of public management, the behavior of individual bureaucrats and the procedures used by the U.S. Federal bureaucracy. It also lays a theoretical foundation for why politicians delegate authority to bureaucracies and why bureaucratic actions may diverge from politicians? expectations. Restricted to Political Science majors until April 17. Restriction(s): Not intended for students with Freshman class standing.