Political Science
Department of Political Science
Vincent Wang, Chair
Professors Carapico, Palazzolo, E. West, Whelan
Associate Professors Erkulwater, Kandeh, Mayes, Simpson, Wang
Assistant Professors Labonte, Pribble, Roof, Simon, Sznajder
The Political Science Major
Note: The grade point average of the coursework in political science comprising the major, including required courses and prerequisites, must be 2.00 or above with no course grade below C- (1.7).
10 units, including
PLSC 220 Introduction to American Government
Two courses, chosen from
- PLSC 240 Introduction to Comparative Politics
- PLSC 250 Introduction to International Relations
- PLSC 260 Introduction to Public Policy
One unit, chosen from
- PLSC 311 Political Theory: Plato to Locke
- PLSC 312 Modern Political Theory
- PLSC 315 American Political Theory
One unit, chosen from
- PLSC 372 Methods for Public Opinion Research
- PLSC 373 Methods for Public Policy Research
- PLSC 374 Methods for Cross-National Research
PLSC 400 Senior Seminar
Four elective units at the 300 level, three of which must be in political science.
Note: Students may elect to take one department-approved course outside of the major related to political science; a regularly maintained list of such courses will be available on the department's Web site.
In addition to the 10 units in political science, MATH 119 (preferred) or BUAD 201 and 301, or PSYC 200, or equivalent is required as a prerequisite for PLSC 372, 373, or 374 but does not count toward the political science major.
The major must include a minimum of six units of University of Richmond political science courses. No more than two units of credit toward the major can be given for courses, including cross-listed courses, offered by other departments or schools at the University.
Study abroad and internships also are encouraged. Students who have an interest in attending law school should consult with the pre-law advisor; students interested in attending graduate school should consult with the department chair about undergraduate courses that they should consider taking.
Honors Program
The political science honors program recognizes the most distinguished majors, who complete an advanced course of study, culminating in an honor's thesis. In order to be eligible, students must have completed 22 units of course work overall and at least six units in political science (including research methods) by end of junior year, with an overall and political science grade point average of 3.7 or above, and must be recommended by at least one full-time member of the Department of Political Science. Accepted honors students complete four units of designated honors coursework, including 11 units of political science courses. Honors course work may include honors seminars, standard elective courses with special work above and beyond the norm, or honors independent study courses, though at least two units must be from honors independent study (PLSC 491 and PLSC 492) devoted to proposing, researching, and writing an honors thesis in the senior year. A prospectus for the honors thesis topic must be approved before the end of the second semester junior year, at which time the candidate must identify a thesis advisor and a second reader. The thesis will fulfill the senior capstone requirement for the major; honors students are exempt from taking PLSC 400. Honors students must successfully defend their thesis before a committee of at least two readers, including the thesis advisor, and present their research at the School of Arts & Sciences Student Symposium in April of the senior year.
Courses
PLSC
220 Introduction to American Government
Basic roles, structures, and functions of American political institutions and introduction to American political process.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
240 Introduction to Comparative Politics
Concepts, approaches, classifications, and models useful in comparing political structures and processes. Political systems characteristic of countries with different cultures and levels of economic development.
General Education Requirement: (FSSA)
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
250 Introduction to International Relations
Framework for analyzing contemporary international system: goals of nation-states and other actors; how such actors attempt to achieve their goals; and some forces that help or hinder attainment of goals.
General Education Requirement: (FSSA)
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
260 Introduction to Public Policy
Contemporary social and economic problems in America, public policies adopted or proposed to deal with them, and ways of analyzing those problems and policies.
General Education Requirement: (FSSA)
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
279 Special Topics
May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
Prerequisite(s): Varies depending on topic.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
290 Mock Trial
Designed for those students who choose to participate in intercollegiate mock trial activities. Graded pass/fail. One half unit per semester may be earned. Units do not count toward completion of the major.
Prerequisite(s): Spring sections will require departmental approval.
Unit(s): .5
PLSC
303 Metropolitan Problems and Politics
Analysis of and practical involvement with major issues affecting metropolitan governments.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
304 Virginia Government and Politics
Virginia government at state, county, municipal, and special district levels. Emphasis on legislative, executive, and judicial organization; state politics; and intergovernmental relations.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
310 Statesmanship
(See Leadership Studies 378.)
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
311 Political Theory: Plato to Locke
Enduring basic issues in political theory studied through writings of Western civilization's great philosophers.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
312 Modern Political Theory
Ideas of major political philosophers of late 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries, such as Rousseau, Burke, Hegel, Marx, J.S. Millae, and Tocqueville.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
315 American Political Theory
Political thought in America from colonial times to present with an emphasis on issues relating to liberty, equality, federalism, community, and national purpose.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
316 Reason, Rhetoric and Leadership
(See Leadership Studies 379.)
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
320 Power, Space and Territory: Geographies of Political Change
(See Geography 320; same as International Studies 320.)
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
321 Interest Groups and Social Movements
A broad look at the role of social movements and interest groups in American politics and political science. Examines the place of interest groups in democratic theory, how groups and social movements are started and maintained, and their roles in politics including their impact on elections and the public policy-making process. Looks at a number of organized interests including the civil rights movement, organized labor, business, and Christian conservatives.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
322 Public Opinion and Public Policy
Examines relationship between public opinion and public policy by identifying democratic values, public preferences, and interactions between elected officials and people they govern.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
323 Money, Politics and Prisons
The connections between the economy, politics, and the prison system in the United States are important for understanding concepts of justice in a democracy. Explores links between privatization of prisons, political incentives, and theories of justice.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
325 Racial Politics
Comparative examination of the history, problems and political role of minority groups in the U.S., with a concentration on the African-American political experience.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
326 Legislative Process
Organization and functions of American Congress.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
327 The American Presidency
Political leadership in American political system from perspective of chief executive. Particular attention to expansion and use of presidential power.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
328 American National Government
Research seminar on national policy-making process. For advanced political science students.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
329 Campaigns and Elections
Analysis of institutions and process of American electoral system and behavior of American electorate.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
330 Creation of the American Republic
(See Leadership Studies 308.)
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
331 Constitutional Law
Role of United States Supreme Court in American politics studied through examination of landmark constitutional decisions pertaining to distribution of governmental powers.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
333 Civil Rights/Liberties
Analysis of contemporary legal status and interpretation of constitutional rights and liberties. Emphasis on landmark Supreme Court decisions involving various provisions of the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
336 American Constitutional History
Background, adoption, and development of the Constitution, with emphasis on role of Supreme Court and judicial review in American history and on changing interpretations of key provisions in the Constitution.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 or History 120 or 121.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
337 The American Legal System
Analysis of structure, processes, and personnel of American legal system. Emphasis on decision making of private parties, judges, juries, and attorneys in context of civil litigation and criminal prosecution.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
339 Jurisprudence in Contemporary American Politics
Explores basic questions about the nature and function of law as an instrument of state power that are deeply interconnected with a wide range of political and legal problems.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
340 Islam in Politics
Broadly comparative survey of contemporary Islamist political parties, ideologies and legal philosophies in Asia, Africa, Europe, and America.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 240 or International Studies 290.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
341 Great Britain, France and Germany
Geographical and historical settings, political cultures, political parties and elections, executives, legislatures, bureaucracies, and legal systems in three major Western European countries. Comparisons of public policies and responses to challenges of welfare state.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 and 240 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
342 Transitions from Communism in Europe and Eurasia
An overview of developments in the postcommunist region while focusing on the politics of simultaneous triple transition from communist rule: political, economic, and social. Pays particular attention to the determinants of diverse trajectories followed by countries in the postcommunist world as it examines new EU member states, Russia, and the other members of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). (Same as International Studies 342.)
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 240 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
343 Politics of Asia
Study of historical, cultural, and social forces shaping contemporary politics of Asia. Comparative survey of major political systems and critical examination of key issues. Attempts to link Asian studies with mainstream political science.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 240 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
344 Europe Today
Political, social, ethnic, and economic developments in Western Europe since WWII. Formation of European institutions such as European Union, Council of Europe, and NATO. Cooperation and conflict among European states, parties, and interest groups.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 240 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
345 Politics of China, Hong Kong and Taiwan
Study of contemporary political history of China; analysis of political systems of the People's Republic of China, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the Republic of China on Taiwan; and discussion of key political, economic, and military issues.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 240 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
346 Politics of Cultural Pluralism
Comparative examination of politicization of race, ethnicity, religion, and caste in contemporary world.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220, 240, or 250 or International Studies 290 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
347 Politics of Developing Nations
Comparative analysis of political, social, and economic development or modernization of nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Topics include influence of ideology, revolution and reform, national integration, neo-imperialism and dependency, and economic growth and equality.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 240 or 250 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
348 Politics of Africa
Comparative study of state formation, nation-building, political economy, social structure/movements, selected regions and countries in Africa.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 240 or 250 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
349 Politics of Latin America and the Caribbean
Influence of historical, social, and cultural forces on contemporary politics of Latin America and the Caribbean. Effects of social structure and underdevelopment on processes of democratization, institution building, national integration, and economic development. Case studies of selected countries illustrate major themes and issues explored.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 240 or 250 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
350 American Foreign Policy
Analyzes the traditions, processes, substance, and goals of American foreign policy, in addition to exploring national security and defense policy, foreign economic policy, international diplomacy, and foreign policy ethics.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 or 250 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
351 Globalization
Analysis of the political, economic, and socio-cultural dimensions of globalization. Considers how globalization has affected the nation state, interstate relations, and the democratization and development of countries around the world. Students will evaluate different definitions of globalization; analyze to what extent globalization limits the autonomy of national governments; and consider whether the effects of globalization vary across different regions of the world. (Same as International Studies 351.)
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 240 or 250 or International Studies 210.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
352 International Law and Organization
Development, processes and functions of contemporary international law and organization. Emphasis on conflict management, promotion of economic and social welfare, and development of community.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 250 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
355 Middle East Security
International relations of West Asia and North Africa with emphasis on issues related to war, peace, and power. Particular attention is devoted to the Arab-Israeli conflict, American involvement in Iraq and the Persian Gulf, terrorism and counter-terrorism, and other "flash points."
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 250.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
356 International Political Economy
Politics, processes, and institutions underlying contemporary global economic interdependence, with special focus on international trade, finance, and assistance; alternative theoretical models for understanding these events, processes, and institutions.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 250 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
357 International Relations of East Asia
Study of interactions among the major powers in the Asia-Pacific region during and after the Cold War. Examines crucial country cases and thematic issues (with focus on identity, security, and economic interdependence) by drawing perspectives from dominant international relations theories (e.g., realism, neorealism, liberal-idealism, liberal institutionalism, Marxism, and constructivism).
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 240 or 250.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
358 The United States and the Pacific Rim
Study of changing U.S. role in the Asia-Pacific region; U.S. relations with the major powers in the region; and salient regional and bilateral political, security, and economic issues.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
360 International Development Policy
Assistance policies of wealthy nations and multilateral organizations, development policies and problems of poor or underdeveloped nations, and dynamics of economic, political, environmental, and cultural transactions.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 250 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
361 The Politics of Social Welfare
Study of the development and effectiveness of programs in the United States that seek to promote economic equality and alleviate need. A focus on programs for both the poor and the middle class.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 or permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
362 Environmental Law and Policy
Examines legal aspects, both regulations and case law, of environmental policy. Central issues are whether legal responses (1) effectively address the needs of the parties most affected; (2) properly weigh such facts as economic efficiency, protection of nonhuman species, and the possibility of unintended consequences; and (3) are diluted by the political process. (Same as Environmental Studies 362.)
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 260 or Environmental Studies 201.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
363 Global Health, Infectious Disease, and Human Rights
Examines what makes us sick, what keeps us healthy, and what it would take to give good health the upper hand in developing countries. Over the past 150 years, major breakthroughs in public health have enabled humans to live longer, healthier, and more productive lives. The benefits of public health have yet to be extended to many of the poorest nations. In the past two decades, infectious diseases that had nearly been conquered have come surging back, while devastating new diseases have emerged.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
364 Mental Health and Policy
Integrates the study of mental health care and policy in the United States from the early 20th century to the present and the etiology of major mental health problems and their treatments. The policy portion of the course will focus on the effects that changes in financing programs and health insurance have had in shaping mental health policy, the types and patterns of treatment, the expansion of concepts of mental illness, and the changing nature of mental health advocacy and ideology. The clinical portion of the course will be based on a biopsychosocial model of mental health and will thus encourage students to think critically about how biological, psychological, and contextual factors interact to produce mental disorders and how different treatment approaches must then address these complex causal factors.
Prerequisite(s): (PSYC 100 and PSYC 200) or PLSC 260
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
365 U.S. Healthcare Policy and Politics
Examination of political and economic evolution of the American healthcare system: doctors, hospitals, managed care, Medicare, Medicaid, health insurance, public health, epidemiology, mental health, pediatric health, tort reform, and psychopharmacology, among other topics. Includes comparative analysis of other countries' healthcare systems.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
372 Methods for Public Opinion Research
Core topics related to research methodology with a specific focus on survey methodology and introduction to a wider range of methods for ascertaining public opinion.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 and Mathematics 119 or Business Statistics 301 or Psychology 200 with a grade of C- or better.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
373 Methods for Public Policy Research
Core topics related to research methodology with a specific focus on policy analysis and program evaluation, including various methodological techniques utilized for the quantitative and qualitative assessment of public policy.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 or 260 and Mathematics 119 or Business Statistics 301 or Psychology 200 with a grade of C- or better.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
374 Methods for Cross-National Research
Core topics related to research methodology with a specific focus on issues and techniques in the collection, interpretation, comparison, and modeling of cross-national and cross-cultural data.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 240 or 250 and Mathematics 119 or Business Statistics 301 or Psychology 200 with a grade of C- or better.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
379 Selected Topics
Examples include comparative public-policy, constitutional politics, political terrorism, and public policy decision making. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
388 Individual Internship
No more than 1.5 units of internship in any one department and 3.5 units of internship overall may be counted toward required degree units.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department chair.
Unit(s): .5-1
Additional Information: Students planning to enroll in an internship through the Department of Political Science are required to complete the
internship contract and return it to the
department office.
PLSC
390 Independent Study
Prerequisite(s): Permission of department chair.
Unit(s): .5-1
Additional Information: Students planning to enroll in an independent study through the Department of Political Science are required to complete the
independent study form and return it to the
department office.
PLSC
393 Seminar
Selected topics of special interest to advanced students.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
395 Legislative Internship
Combines weekly seminar on the state legislative process with work as assistant to a state legislator, government agency, interest group, or press during session of the Virginia General Assembly.
Prerequisite(s): Political Science 220 and permission of instructor.
Unit(s): 2
PLSC
400 Senior Seminar
Reading and research focusing on important topics in political science. Both topics and instructors change from semester to semester.
Prerequisite(s): Senior status and completion of seven units in political science, including 372, 373, or 374.
Unit(s): 1
PLSC
491-492 Honors Independent Research and Writing
Reading and research toward an honors thesis.
Prerequisite(s): See honors program description.
Unit(s): 1-1
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