Online Syllabi
UW-Milwaukee Undergraduate Catalog
UW-Milwaukee Graduate School Bulletin
Prior to each new semester, the Political Science Department distributes a list of course descriptions providing information about the courses that its faculty members will be teaching. These descriptions are more extensive and should be of real help to students as they go about choosing the courses they will be taking.
Pol Sci 104, Introduction to American Government and Politics
-211, Kathleen Dolan, Online
-252, Kathleen Dolan, Online
This course explores the fundamental questions about American government and politics. How does the political system work? Why does it work the ways it does? What are the consequences for ordinary citizens of the government functioning as it does? In seeking answers to these questions, we will explore the impact of the Constitution, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, and elections on decision-making by Congress, the President and the judiciary.
Pol Sci 175, Introduction to International Relations
-211, Uk Heo, Online
-292, Uk Heo, Online
This course examines some of the major theories and issues in the study of international relations for a better understanding of international political phenomena. These include approaches (traditional and scientific) and perspectives in international relations (idealism and realism), actors in international system (nation-state, sub-state and non-state actors, such as IGO and NGO), power and measurement of power, international conflict (Balance of Power, Alliance, Bargaining, cause of war, conflicts of interest, means of leverage), (general, immediate, and extended) deterrence, Post WWII (American) foreign policy, international political economy (Mercantilism, Liberalism, Marxism, International Trade and Monetary Regime, North-South Relations etc.), international law and organization, environment issues, the political economy of defense (arms race, arms control, the impact of defense spending on economic performance, conversion, etc.), international integration and international development. Due to the lack of the textbook which covers all these topics, lectures may be drawn from various sources.
Pol Sci 215, Ethnicity, Religion, and Race in American Politics
-311, Donald Pienkos, MW, 6:30-9:50
This course provides a clear overview of the social forces of race, religion, and ethnicity that help shape American politics, representative government, and public policy. Further, it looks at the attempts by organized groups to advance the political agendas of American, based on their racial group identifications, religious affiliations, and national or ethnic origins. This course meets UWM's general education and cultural diversity requirement. It also satisfies the American politics requirement of the Political Science Major at UW-Milwaukee.
Pol Sci 452, Administrative Law
-001, Marc Ethridge, TR, 4:30-7:50
The primary purpose of this course is to explore the most important legal and Constitutional principles relating to the administrative process. Essentially, Administrative Law pertains to the powers and procedures of administrative agencies and how their decisions are reviewed by courts. The law thus has implications for the development and exercise of administrative rule-making powers, for the steps agencies must take to observe the rights of Due Process, for the availability and scope of judicial review, for limits on agency investigations, and for the vulnerability of administrators and government agents to lawsuits. In general, administrative law is an effort to forge a compromise between what must be done to protect the rights of those who are regulated by agencies, and what must be done to preserve the efficiency and energy of administrative agencies themselves.
Pol Sci 423, Conduct of American Foreign Affairs
-211, Steven Redd, Online
-292, Steven Redd, Online
This course will examine U.S. foreign policy in detail. Specifically, we will be focusing on contemporary issues that face the United States and how the participants in the foreign policy process actually conduct foreign policy. To do so, we will briefly review key concepts that influence U.S. foreign policy such as the structure of the international system, power and capabilities, relevant actors, models of foreign policy decision making, perceptions, and historical perspectives or themes such as the Cold War. We will then concentrate on how U.S. foreign policy varies by region as well as what current regional issues are of most concern to U.S. policy makers. We will also discuss "hot topics" such as economic foreign policy, nuclear proliferation, human rights, terrorism, etc. The objective of this course is to help you understand how a knowledge of the past, the current actors, the environment, the decision process as well as the type of issue under consideration all help to determine how U.S. foreign policy will be carried out in the contemporary world arena and how U.S. foreign policy ultimately affects you.
Pol Sci 471, Problems in Law Studies "Civil Liberties in a Time of Crisis"
-292, Sara Pashak, Online
This course deals with the larger topic of civil liberties in times of crises but uses as a special case the reaction of the U.S. government to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. We will cover historical suspensions of civil rights during times of war as well as current changes in civil liberties law resulting from 9/11 including the USA PATRIOT Act and court rulings involving those detained after 9/11. By the end of this course, I hope students will be able to do the following:
Prior to each new semester, the Political Science Department distributes a list of course descriptions providing information about the courses that its faculty members will be teaching. These descriptions are more extensive and should be of real help to students as they go about choosing the courses they will be taking.
Pol Sci 103, Introduction to Political Science
-401, Justin Clardie, MW, 10:00-10:50
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic issues and concepts of politics and government in the United States and elsewhere. A major portion of the course is devoted to the study of political behavior in the forms of voting, public opinion, political parties and interest groups, and the main institutions of government as well.
Pol Sci 104, Introduction to American Government and Politics
-001, Carrie Cihasky, T, 4:30-7:10
-402, Kathleen Dolan, MW 12:00-12:50
This course explores the fundamental questions about American government and politics. How does the political system work? Why does it work the ways it does? What are the consequences for ordinary citizens of the government functioning as it does? In seeking answers to these questions, we will explore the impact of the Constitution, public opinion, interest groups, political parties, and elections on decision-making by Congress, the President and the judiciary.
Pol Sci 105, State Politics
-001, TBA, W 4:30-7:10
-203, John Bohte, Online
The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of state and local political institutions. Emphasis will be placed on learning why political institutions and political cultures differ across the American states. We will also spend some time reviewing political institutions and political behavior in Wisconsin.
Grades will be determined based on performance on 3 multiple chose/short answer exams, a short paper, and attendance in discussion.
Pol Sci 106, Politics of the World's Nations
-401, Kristin Trenholm, TR 1:00-1:50
Politics of the World's Nations is designed to help students better understand politics and political systems in other parts of the world and, hopefully, to increase our understanding of American politics. After establishing concepts and models that allow us to compare differing political systems, we devote the rest of the semester to examining the politics of Britain, France China and Russia. Particular emphasis sis placed on the socioeconomic and cultural basis of politics as well as the major political institutions and forms of political behavior.
Pol Sci 175, Introduction to International Relations
-001, Jung-Yeop Woo, R, 4:30-7:10
-402, Steven Redd, TR, 10:00-10:50
This course will provide you with both a broad and detailed introduction to international relations. You will be presented with theoretical concepts and empirical information that will allow you to critically examine world issues and events. Specifically, you will learn about such topics as perspectives in international relations (idealism and realism), actors in the international system, international conflict, foreign policy, power, international political economy and international trade, development, the environment, international law, and the new world order as well as many other related topics. The objective of this course is to ensure that you understand why, how, and in what ways nation-states and other international actors interact in the world arena and how this affects you both directly and indirectly.
Pol Sci 193, Freshman Seminar: You Be Perry Mason
-001, Brad Bloch, M, 6:30-9:10
Pol Sci 203, Introduction to Political Science Research
-001, Steven Redd, TR, 2:00-3:15
This course serves as an introduction to the philosophy and practice of political science including the basic methods of research in political science. We will explore what is meant by "science" and the scientific method, and the various subfields of political science. We will also cover the various stages of the research process, as well as the basics of political analysis. By the end of the course, students should develop:
Pol Sci 215, Ethnicity, Religion and Race in American Politics
-001, Don Pienkos, TR, 9:30-10:45
This course provides a clear overview of the social forces of race, religion, and ethnicity that help shape American politics, representative government, and public policy. Further, it looks at the attempts by organized groups to advance the political agendas of American, based on their racial group identifications, religious affiliations, and national or ethnic origins. This course meets UWM's general education and cultural diversity requirement. It also satisfies the American politics requirement of the Political Science Major at UW-Milwaukee.
Pol Sci 243, Public Administration
-001, Dennis Hatch, MW, 11:00-12:15
This course is intended to provide students with an introduction to the field of Public Administration. During more so the semester, we will examine the politics and administration of public policies and the various institutions which are responsible for the implementation of those public polices, whether they are at federal, state or local level of government. We will also examine the roles and responsibilities of public sector administrators. We will look at the various theories and management techniques employed in the field of Public Administration and their impact on the decision-making process. During the later part of the semester, we will provide a more in-depth focus on local government administration, and the issues and policies which affect us directly.
Pol Sci 250, Law and Society
-001, Erin Olsen, MW, 2:00-3:15
This course provides a broad overview of American legal traditions, institutions, and processes. Topics examined in the course include: the nature and organization of law, the nature of legal reasoning, the role of courts and the legal profession, legal education, the adversary process, the role of juries, and the relationship between law and social change.
Pol Sci 255, Great Issues of Politics
-001, Ted Meckstroth, TR, 2:00-3:15
This course discusses major problems in political thought, such as war and peace, justice and power, liberty and authority, identity and alienation, and stability and change.
Pol Sci 268, Practicum in Mock Trial I
-001, Brad Bloch, R, 6:30-9:10
Pol Sci 297, Study Abroad
Re-takable with Topic change. Prereq: Acceptance for Study Abroad Program; Study Abroad requires acceptance in UWM - Sponsored program. Contact the L&S Center for International Education, Pearse 166, 229-5182.
Pol Sci 300, Western European Politics
-001, Jennifer Smith, MW, 11:00-12:15
This course provides a general introduction to contemporary politics in Western Europe. Topics include elections and the formation of governments, political parties, the European political economy, and the politics of the welfare state. We will close with two topics critical to the future of Europe: the development of the European Union and the consequences of the increasing ethnic and religious diversity of European states.
Pol Sci 310, Politics of the Soviet Union and Its Successor States
-001, Don Pienkos, TR, 12:30-1:45
This course offers a comprehensive overview of the Russian and Soviet political experience with emphasis on developments over the past ninety years. Attention is given to the fall of Russian tsarism, the achievements and failures of Soviet rule (1917-1991), and the causes of the downfall of Soviet communism. Problems facing the successor states that have emerged out of the Soviet Union are covered, and with them the obstacles that were facing the birth of democratic politics. Foreign policy and international relations are also discussed.
Pol Sci 316, International Law
-001, Robert Beck, R, 9:30-10:45
This course has two objectives. First, it seeks to convey the essential rules of positive "public international law," situating those rules within international political and international normative contexts. Second, it strives to improve the critical and analytical skills of the student through a modified form of the "case method" employed in law schools. Among the course's substantive themes: the nature, scope, and status of international law; the subjects of international law; sovereignty over territory; international agreements; jurisdiction; and state responsibility.
Pol Sci 337, International Organization and the United Nations
-201, Shale Horowitz, Online
This course discusses collective security as an approach to international peace. With the emphasis on the changing nature of the United Nations, its major problems, and the current national and bloc policies by member states.
Pol Sci 339, European Integration
-001, Jenifer Smith, MW, 2:00-3:15
This course reviews the development of the European Union in the light of recurring questions about the EU as a political community: How does EU government work? What are we to make of a polity that is less than a state but- seemingly - more than a mere association of governments? Particular attention will be paid to contemporary themes including EU expansion eastward, the problem of the "democratic deficit," and the state of transatlantic relations.
Pol Sci 343, Asian International Relations
-201, Uk Heo, Online
The general objective of this course is to develop a clear understanding of how changes in the post-WW II international political system have influenced the strategic, political, and economic situations in East Asia. Since the development of East Asia from being economic backwater to export powerhouses has certainly not escaped the attention of social scientists. The recent financial crisis even increased global attention to Asia. Thus, this course examines political, economic, and military systems in China, Japan and Korea to study political, economic and security issues. In addition, we explore international relations among these countries as well as the role of the United States in the region.
Pol Sci 346, U.S.-Latin America Relations
-001, Natasha Sugiyama, TR, 9:30-10:45
Pol Sci 365, Theories and Methods in International Politics
-001, Kristin Trenholm, TR, 9:30-10:45
Pol Sci 370, International Conflict
-001 Kristin Trenholm, F, 9:00-11:40
Pol Sci 380, Honors Seminar
-001, Marc Ethridge, TR 12:30-1:20
Pol Sci 385, American Political Thought
-001, Ted Meckstroth, W, 6:30-9:10
Analysis of the central principles that underlie the major political controversies concerning democracy, rights, freedom, property, etc. in the United States, past and present. Theories involved in the founding of the American system to be discussed include those of John Locke, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison. Contemporary perspectives will include modern classics by Robert Dahl, Milton Friedman and C. Wright Mills.
Pol Sci 408, The American Presidency
-001, Carrie Cihasky, TR, 12:30-1:45
Pol Sci 411, Constitutional Law: Government Powers and Federalism
-001, Erin Kaheny, MW, 11:00-12:15
In this course, we will explore constitutional developments in defining the nature and scope of judicial, congressional, and executive power. The course will also address the enduring constitutional debates surrounding the appropriate balance of power between the national and state governments. In this setting, students will be introduced to basic legal terminology and alternative theories of constitutional interpretation. In addition, students will be challenged to consider the Supreme Court in light of the larger political context in which it operates.
Pol Sci 412, Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties
-001, Amy Wochos, MW, 5:30-6:45
Pol Sci 421, Party Politics in America
-201, Michael Tofias, Online
The U.S. party system and its role in binding electoral, legislative and executive institutions together in American politics. An emphasis on historical development with special attention given to the 2008 election.
Pol Sci 467, Elections and Voting Behavior
-001, Tom Holbrook, TR, 11:00-12:15
Pol Sci 468, Practicum in Mock Trial II
-001, Brad Bloch, R, 6:30-9:10
Pol Sci 471, Problems in Law Studies
-201, Sara Pashak, Online
Pol Sci 489, Internship in Political Science
One credit earned for 40 hrs work. Re-takable to 6 cr. Max. Prereq: Junior Standing; 300-level or above course in Political Science; 2.75 GPA; consent supervising faculty member.
Pol Sci 497, Study Abroad
Re-takable with topic change. Prereq: Acceptance for study abroad program; study abroad requires acceptance in UWM-sponsored program.
Pol Sci 500, Capstone Course in Political Science
-001, Marc Ethridge, MW, 9:30-10:45
This course is designed for Political Science Majors in their senior year. Students in the class will therefore have taken courses in research methodology and in a number of specialized subjects in political science. The Capstone is intended (a) to give each student an opportunity to design and carry out a research project on a topic in which he or she is particularly interested, and (b) to strengthen his/her understanding of the basic issues and problems encountered in the study of politics and government.
Pol Sci 630, Budgeting and Finance in the Public Sector
-001, John Bohte, M 6:00-8:40
This course provides an overview of the processes, techniques, and politics of public budgeting. The purpose of this course is to provide a foundation for understanding the nature of public budgeting, primarily at the local level. Special emphasis will be placed on applied budgeting techniques. Topics covered include budget design, forecasting techniques, local economic development strategies, introductory fund accounting, and municipal bonds, among others. Grades will be based on two exams, in-class exercises, and a paper assignment.
Pol Sci 699, Independent Reading
Students with superior grade-point averages and special aptitudes may be given permission to earn up to 6 credits toward the major by writing a thesis or doing directed research or reading.
Pol Sci 700, Scope and Methods of Political Science I
-001, Kathleen Dolan, W 4:30-7:10
Pol Sci 701, Techniques of Political Science Research
-001, Tom Holbrook, T, 4:30-7:10
This course is designed to introduce graduate students to the fundamentals of data analysis in political science. By the end of the semester, students should be able to read and have a basic understanding of a typical quantitative political science article or book. Students will also have acquired enough knowledge of statistics and computing to be able to conduct their own quantitative research project.
Pol Sci 749, Seminar in American Political Institutions
-001, Michael Tofias, M, 4:30-7:10
An introduction and a survey of the institutions literature. We will study foundational materials and some theoretical underpinnings of constitutions, markets, elections, parties, the presidency, Congress, courts, the bureaucracy, interest groups and more. Prereq: grad st.
Pol Sci 763, Scope and Dynamics of Public Administration
-001, Doug Ihrke, W, 7:00-9:40
This seminar is on the interaction between political environment and public agency decision making. The seminar introduces analytic tools to political science and other students emphasizing public administration.
Pol Sci 783, Theory and Role of Nonprofit Organizations
-001, Mordecai Lee, R, 4:30-7:10
Pol Sci 792, Decision Making for Nonprofit and Public Organizations
-002, John Bohte, R, 5:00-7:40
This course provides an introduction to some basic research tools useful to public and nonprofit managers. The first part of the class will focus on measurement and research design issues. The second part of the course will provide an overview of statistical and decision making tools. Topics discussed will include hypothesis testing, statistical inference, contingency tables, and regression analysis. The emphasis here will be on how to use statistics to make better management decisions. A portion of the course will also be devoted to qualitative research methods techniques.
Pol Sci 793, Law of Nonprofit Organizations
-001, Jacqueline Boynton, T, 7:00-9:40
This class covers the legal concepts and issues relevant to the formations and operations of nonprofit organizations, while complying with applicable federal and state statutes and regulations.
Pol Sci 818, Theories of International Political Economy
-001, Shale Horowitz, M, 4:30-7:10
After a brief introduction to basic theory on property rights and the rule of law, and on international trade and finance, the course is divided into two main parts. The first part examines the historical development of the international economy from the late 19th century through the present. The second part focuses on foreign economic policy in the developing world since World War II.
Pol Sci 888, Candidate for Degree
Pol Sci 990, Research and Thesis
Pol Sci 999, Independent Work
Individual work directed by a member of the Graduate Faculty.
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Last Updated: April 28, 2008