Political Science
PS 100X 3
Credits
Political Economy (s)
(Cross-listed with ECON 100X)
Evolution and operation of the American domestic political
economy with consideration of market failures and government responses. Review
of major issues in political economy such as inflation, poverty and budget
deficits. Exploration of linkages between American and global systems. Also
available via Independent Learning. (3 + 0) Offered Fall, Spring
PS 101 3
Credits
Introduction to American Government and Politics (s)
Principles, institutions and practices of American national
government; the Constitution, federalism, interest groups, parties, public opinion
and elections. Also available via Independent Learning. (3 + 0)
Offered Fall, Spring
PS 201 3
Credits
Comparative Politics (s)
Introduction to the systematic study of government and
politics in countries other than the U. S. Students will explore such questions
as why some countries are democracies and other countries dictatorships; why
some remain stable and peaceful, while others seem in constant turmoil. This is
a prerequisite for other courses in comparative politics. (3 + 0)
Offered Fall
PS 202 3
Credits
Democracy and Global Society (s)
Examination of the various definitions and types of democracy
and the global contexts within which they develop. Cases used draw from a wide
range of states, societies and world-historical contexts, and allow comparisons
among developed and developing countries. (Next offered: 2007-08.)
(3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 203 3
Credits
Peace, War and Security (s)
Introduction to the major challenges of maintaining a
peaceful and secure world. What are the major threats to our security and how
are they met? The course analyzes political, cultural, moral and legal norms
surrounding war and terrorism and different means of organizing for peace and
security. (Recommended: ENGL 111X.) (Next offered: 2008-09) (3 + 0)
Offered Alternate Fall
PS 205 3
Credits
Leadership, Citizenship and Choice
(Cross-listed with NORS 205)
History of democratic principles in America and how people
can contribute to political and community life in the local, state and national
arenas, as leaders and citizens. Examines ethical dilemmas of leadership, and
political and social issues facing Alaska and American societies. Course
includes an experiential learning component. (3 + 0) Offered Spring
PS 212 3
Credits
Introduction to Public Administration (s)
Theories and practice of public administration, especially as
applied to federal agencies. Study of organization, planning and decision making
in implementing public policy. (3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants
PS 222 3
Credits
Political Science Research Methods (s)
Familiarizes students with the research methods that have
been used to produce political knowledge about significant political phenomena.
Includes both qualitative and quantitative research methods. (Prerequisite: PS
101; must be completed before a student advances to senior standing in the
discipline. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
PS 263 3
Credits
Alaska Native Politics (s)
Political development, organization, interests and activities
of Alaska Natives; treatment of ethnic leadership issues, history of federal Indian
policy, evolution of Native leadership, village and regional government, land
claims, and community politics from the Alaska Native brotherhood to ANCSA to
the Alaska Native Coalition. Compares Alaska Native political developments to
those of other circumpolar Northern Native communities. (Next offered:
2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 300X 3
Credits
Ethics and Society (h)
What is the right thing to do? A presentation of important
theories of values, morality and ethics. Application of theories to dilemmas of
choice in the public world, such as euthanasia, abortion, animal rights, sexual
morality and environmental ethics. Also available via Independent Learning.
(Prerequisites: Junior standing. Recommended but not required: Two courses in
the Perspectives on the Human Condition baccalaureate core.) (3 + 0)
Offered Fall, Spring
PS 301 3
Credits
American Presidency (s)
The institution of the presidency in the American political
system. (Prerequisite: PS 101 or permission of instructor. Next offered:
2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
PS 302 3
Credits
Congress and Public Policy (s)
The American Congress in the political system. (Prerequisite:
PS 101. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 303 3
Credits
Politics and the Judicial Process
The role of federal courts as political institutions. The
politics of judicial selection, the nature of judicial decision-making and intracourt
politics, litigations as a policy making device, changes in the nature and
scope of judicial power, governmental attorneys, the legal bureaucracy, and
judicial agenda setting. (Prerequisite: PS 101.) (3 + 0) Offered Fall
PS 314W 3
Credits
Political Ideologies (s)
An examination of the purpose of ideology as an orienting set
of political ideas with mass appeal. Analysis of 20th century ideologies, including
anarchism, communism, liberalism, socialism, environmentalism and feminism.
(Prerequisite: ENGL 111X; ENGL& 211X or ENGL 213X; PS 101, or
permission of instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered
Alternate Fall
PS 315 3
Credits
American Political Thought (s)
Political ideas in the U. S. from colonial times to the
present: Puritanism, revolutionary ideas, Constitutionalism, nature of the Union,
Progressive movement and pragmatism. (Prerequisite: PS 101 or permission of
instructor. HIST 131 and 132 strongly recommended. Next offered: 2008-09.)
(3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 321 3
Credits
International Politics (s)
Introduction to the problems, literature and terminology of
international relations. Provides a basis for understanding current international
affairs. Examines relations between nations, regions and groups, as well as
ideas of conflict, security, trade, technology, negotiation, cooperation,
revolution, modernization and community. (3 + 0) Offered Fall
PS 322O 3
Credits
International Law and Organization (s)
Case studies in international law (rights and duties of
states, jurisdiction and sovereignty, treaties, use of force and adjudication
processes); development of regional organizations and integration; the United
Nations. (Prerequisite: COMM 131X or 141X, PS 321 or permission of instructor.
Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 323 3
Credits
International Political Economy (s)
Exploration of the manner in which political and economic
forces interact to affect international flows of goods, money, investments and
technology. International political economic relations are examined in several
contexts. (Prerequisite: PS 100X. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0)
Offered Alternate Spring
PS 325 3
Credits
Native Self-Government (s)
(Cross-listed with ANS 325)
Indigenous political systems, customary law and justice in
Alaska emphasizing the organization of Native governance, federal Indian Law
and Alaska state chartered local government. Comparisons between Alaska Native
political development and those of tribes in the contiguous 48 states and
northern hemisphere tribal people. (Prerequisites: HIST 100X, PS 263.)
(3 + 0) Offered As Demand Warrants
PS 340 3
Credits
Women and Politics (s)
(Cross-listed with WMS 340)
In-depth examination of the relevance of gender in political
thought and action. Topics will vary and may include: an historical perspective
of political ideas on the nature and status of women; women's involvement in
national and/or international political movements and organizations; feminist
approaches to the social sciences; feminism as a political ideology.
(Prerequisite: One political science course or permission of instructor;
Recommended: WMS 201. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate
Spring
PS 401W 3
Credits
Political Behavior (s)
Attitudes, opinions and beliefs of the American electorate
and the impact of these factors on political behavior; role of political organizations
(parties and interest groups) in modern American politics. (Prerequisite: ENGL
111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0)
Offered Alternate Spring
PS 404 3
Credits
Introduction to Legal Research and Writing
(Cross-listed with JUST 404)
Methods of legal research and preparation of legal materials.
Introduction to the resources of law libraries and the techniques of presenting
issues in legal form. (Prerequisites: PS 101 or JUST 110.) (3 + 0)
Offered Spring
PS 411W, O 3
Credits
Classical Political Theory (h)
(Cross-listed with PHIL 411W, O)
Political ideas from ancient Greece, Rome and the
Judaeo-Christian tradition. Theories of Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine and
Aquinas. (Prerequisites: COMM 131X or 141X; ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or
ENGL 213X; PS 101; PHIL 102; or permission of instructor.)
(3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
PS 412W 3
Credits
Modern Political Theory (s)
(Cross-listed with PHIL 412W)
Political ideas from the Renaissance to the modern world.
Theories of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Marx and Lenin. (Prerequisites:
ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X; PS 101, PHIL 102, or permission of
instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 425 3
Credits
Federal Indian Law and Alaska Natives (s)
(Cross-listed with ANS 425)
The "special relationship" between the federal government and
Native Americans based on land transactions and recognition of tribal
sovereignty. Federal Indian law and policy evolving from this relationship.
Legal rights and status of Alaska Natives. (Prerequisites: PS 101 and HIST
100X; or permission of instructor; PS 263 is recommended. Next offered:
2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
PS 435W 3
Credits
Constitutional Law I: Federalism (s)
Constitutional doctrines and historical evolution of
federalism and the separation of powers in the United States. Emphasis on the
court's role in arbitrating intergovernmental and interbranch disputes, the
constitutional status of the administrative bureaucracy, and the control of war
power and foreign policy. (Prerequisites: ENGL 111X, ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X,
PS 101, or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
PS 436W 3
Credits
Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Liberties (s)
Origin and development of civil rights and civil liberties in
the U. S. Emphasis on the social, political and philosophical justifications of
rights as expressed in judicial decision and constitutional doctrine.
(Prerequisites: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X; PS 101, or
permission of instructor. Recommended: PS 303.) (3 + 0) Offered
Alternate Spring
PS 437 3
Credits
United States Foreign Policy (s)
U.S. foreign policy in the postwar and post cold war period ,
including development of policy (domestic and foreign influences),
administration of political, economic and military policies, and evaluation of
policy effectiveness. Analyzes the historical background of the U.S. role in
the world today and leading personalities and events that are a part of it.
(Prerequisites: PS 321 or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered
Alternate Spring
PS 447 3
Credits
U.S. Environmental Politics
(Stacked with NORS 647)
Examination of U.S. political institutions as they relate to
making policies for protecting the quality the natural environment. The
politics of nuclear waste, endangered species, air and water pollution, and
wilderness preservation. Analysis of the National Environmental Policy Act,
sustainable development, limits to growth and other topics. Course is also
available online. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing or permission of
instructor. Recommended: PS 101.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 448 3
Credits
Environmental Politics of the Circumpolar North
(Stacked with NORS 648)
Overview of how environmental politics and policy as a field
of study relates to the Arctic region. Analysis of various threats to the northern
environment, focusing on the policy making institutions at selected Arctic Rim
nations, as well as strategies to deal with environmental problems in an
international context. Course is also available online. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or
permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 452 3
Credits
International Relations of the North
(Stacked with NORS 652)
Examination of the international strategies of circumpolar
states. Consideration of theoretical and practical elements of strategy formation
in major issue areas such as national security, the political economy, human
rights and scientific exchange. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission
of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 450 3
Credits
Comparative Aboriginal Rights and Policies (s)
(Cross-listed with ANS 450)
A case-study approach in assessing Aboriginal rights and
policies in different nation-state systems. Seven Aboriginal situations
examined for factors promoting or limiting self-determination. (Prerequisites:
Upper-division standing or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered
As Demand Warrants
PS 454 3
Credits
International Law and the Environment (s)
(Stacked with NORS 654)
International environmental law. Includes international case
law regulating the sea, airspace, outer space and the polar regions; comprehensive
international regulatory and legal instruments to protect the environment (e.g.
the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change), and the doctrines, principles
and rules of international law that are basic to an understanding of
international legal regimes and the environment. Course is also available
online. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing and permission of instructor. Recommended:
Undergraduate course in international law, organization or politics.)
(3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
PS 455O 3
Credits
Political Economy of the Global Environment (s)
(Stacked with NORS 655)
Interactions between basic aspects of the global economy
(international trade, investment and development) and the natural environment.
Topics include the economic impact of global environmental agreements and the
environmental impact of global markets, transnational corporations and
development assistance by organizations such as the World Bank. (Prerequisite:
COMM 131X or 141X, Graduate standing and permission of instructor.)
(3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
PS 456O 3
Credits
Science, Technology and Politics (s)
(Stacked with NORS 656)
Relationship of science, technology and politics. Connections
among scientific knowledge, technology, technological innovations, politics and
power. Includes historical and comparative aspects. Course is also available
online. (Prerequisite: COMM 131X or COMM 141X, Graduate standing or permission
of instructor. Recommended: PS 101.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 458 3
Credits
Comparative Environmental Politics (s)
(Stacked with NORS 658)
Enduring issues of the field of comparative politics and
their relation to global environmental problems. Biodiversity, transboundary pollution
and climate warming. Explores how state-society relations, political
institutions, national political capacity, political processes and
organizations, and international commitments potentially shape the nature and
dynamics of global environmental politics and vice versa. Course is also
available online. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing or permission of instructor.
Recommended: PS 201 or equivalent comparative politics course.)
(3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
PS 460W 3
Credits
Government and Politics of Canada (s)
(Stacked with NORS 660)
The Canadian political system, covering the Canadian
constitution, federal structure, parliamentary government and public policy, as
well as contemporary issues concerning Native rights and the Canadian North.
Students will complete a major research paper on specific policy areas.
(Prerequisite: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X, graduate standing or
permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 462 3
Credits
Alaska Government and Politics (s)
(Stacked with NORS 662)
Alaska's government and politics, in the context of American
state and local government, and politics and governments of circumpolar
northern nations. Topics include political history, constitution, political
parties, interest groups, elections, public opinion, governor, legislature,
judiciary, administration and local governments. Compares Alaska to the
contiguous 48 states and subnational governments of the circumpolar North;
examines how government institutions and processes respond to social, environmental
and political changes of northern communities. (Prerequisite: Graduate standing
or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 464W 3
Credits
East Asian Governments and Politics (s)
Modern East Asia (including China, Taiwan, Japan, North and
South Korea) politics and society, including governmental institutions,
political processes and regional and global foreign relations. (Prerequisites:
ENGL 111X, ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X, PS 201, or permission of
instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
PS 467W 3
Credits
Political Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (s)
(Cross-listed with HIST 467W)
Exploration of major issues and concepts in the development
and governances of modern Latin America and the Caribbean region, including the
legacies of colonialism, revolution, military rule, economic challenges and the
quest for democratic stability. Includes historical overview of the region and
cases drawn from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America.
(Prerequisite: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X; PS 201 or HIST 102;
or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
PS 468W 3
Credits
Government and Politics of Russia (s)
(Stacked with NORS 668)
Current developments in Russia from a number of perspectives.
The effect of history and geography on political change; the nature of Russian
government and society; the legacies of Lenin, Stalin, Gorbachev and the
ideological nature of regimes and leadership. Economic forces and the political
struggle in governance; revolution, democracy and reform; and the international
role of Russia, particularly in relation to the former Soviet republics,
Eastern Europe and other border areas. (Prerequisites: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or
ENGL 213X, PS 201 or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered
Alternate Spring
PS 472 3
Credits
Ethics in International Affairs (h)
(Cross-listed with PHIL 472)
Examination of questions including: What is in the interest
of the nation-state according to the logic of statecraft? How does the national
interest relate to the broader human interest? How does morality relate to the
international legal order? Examination is through theory and case studies.
(Prerequisite: PHIL 322X or equivalent; or PHIL 436; or PS 321; or permission
of instructor. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate
Spring
PS 475 3
Credits
Internship in Public Affairs
Individual study of public agencies or organizations through
actual experience. (Admission by permission of instructor.) (3 + 0)
Offered Fall, Spring
PS 603 3
Credits
Public Policy
(Cross-listed with NORS 603)
Major policy models used in contemporary political science
and application of these models to environmental sustainability and other social
policy issues. (Prerequisites: Graduate standing. Next offered: 2007-08.)
(3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 647 3
Credits
U.S. Environmental Politics
(Stacked with PS 447 and cross-listed with NORS 647)
U.S. political institutions as they relate to making policies
for protecting quality of the natural environment. The politics of nuclear
waste, endangered species, air and water pollution, and wilderness
preservation. Analysis of the National Environmental Policy Act, sustainable
development, limits to growth and other topics. Course is also available
online. (Prerequisites: Upper-division standing. Recommended: PS 101.)
(3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 648 3
Credits
Environmental Politics of the Circumpolar North
(Stacked with PS 448 and cross-listed with NORS 648)
Overview of how environmental politics and policy as a field
of study relates to the Arctic region. Analysis of various threats to the northern
environment, focusing on the policy-making institutions of selected Arctic Rim
nations, as well as strategies to deal with environmental problems in an
international context. Course is also available online. (Next offered:
2008-09) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 652 3
Credits
International Relations of the North
(Stacked with PS 452 and cross-listed with NORS 652)
Examination of the international strategies of circumpolar
states. Consideration of theoretical and practical elements of strategy formation
in major issue areas such as national security, the political economy, human
rights and scientific exchange. (Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0)
Offered Alternate Spring
PS 654 3
Credits
International Law and the Environment (s)
(Stacked with PS 454 and cross-listed with NORS 654)
International environmental law. Includes international case
law regulating the sea, airspace, outer space and the polar regions. Includes comprehensive
international regulatory and legal instruments to protect the environment (e.g.
the U. N. Framework Convention on Climate Change), and the doctrines,
principles and rules of international law that are basic to an understanding of
international legal regimes and the environment. Course is also available
online. (Prerequisite: Upper-division standing and permission of instructor.
Recommended: Undergraduate course in international law, organization or
politics. Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
PS 655 3
Credits
Political Economy of the Global Environment (s)
(Stacked with PS 455O and cross-listed with NORS 655)
Interactions between basic aspects of the global economy
(international trade, investment and development) and the natural environment.
Topics include the economic impact of global environmental agreements and the
environmental impact of global markets, transnational corporations, and
development assistance by organizations such as the World Bank. (Prerequisite:
COMM 131X or 141X, upper-division standing. Next offered: 2008-09.)
(3 + 0) Offered Alternate Fall
PS 656 3
Credits
Science, Technology and Politics (s)
(Stacked with PS 456O and cross-listed with NORS 656)
Relationship of science, technology and politics. Connections
among scientific knowledge, technology, technological innovations, politics and
power. Includes historical and comparative aspects. Course is also available
online. (Prerequisite: COMM 131X or 141X, Senior standing. Recommended: PS
101.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 658 3
Credits
Comparative Environmental Politics (s)
(Stacked with PS 458 and cross-listed with NORS 658)
Enduring issues of the field of comparative politics and
their relation to global environmental problems. Biodiversity, transboundary pollution
and climate warming. Explores how state-society relations, political
institutions, national political capacity, political processes and
organizations, and international commitments potentially shape the nature and
dynamics of global environmental politics and vice versa. Course is also
available online. (Prerequisite: Upper-division standing. Recommended: PS 201
or equivalent comparative politics course.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate
Fall
PS 660 3
Credits
Government and Politics of Canada (s)
(Stacked with PS 460W and cross-listed with NORS 660)
The Canadian political system, covering the Canadian
constitution, federal structure,
parliamentary government and public policy, as well as contemporary issues
concerning Native rights and the Canadian North. Students will complete a major
research paper on specific policy areas (language, education, health care,
environment, natural resources, foreign relations). (Prerequisites: ENGL 111X,
ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X, PS 201, or permission of instructor. Next
offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 662 3
Credits
Alaska Government and Politics (s)
(Stacked with PS 462 and cross-listed with NORS 662)
Alaska's government and politics, in the context of American
state and local government, and politics and governments of circumpolar
northern nations. Topics include political history, constitution, political
parties, interest groups, elections, public opinion, governor, legislature,
judiciary, administration and local governments. Compares Alaska to the
contiguous 48 states and subnational governments of the circumpolar North;
examines how government institutions and processes respond to social, environmental
and political changes of Northern communities. (Prerequisite: junior standing.
Next offered: 2008-09.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring
PS 668 3
Credits
Government and Politics of Russia (s)
(Stacked with PS 468W and cross-listed with NORS 668)
Current developments in Russia from a number of perspectives. The effect of
history and geography on political change; the nature of Russian government and society; the legacies of Lenin, Stalin, Gorbachev and the ideological nature of regimes and leadership. Economic forces and the political struggle in governance; revolution, democracy and reform; andthe international role of Russia, particularly in relation to the former Soviet republics, Eastern Europe and other border areas.(Prerequisites: ENGL 111X; ENGL 211X or ENGL 213X; PS 201, or permission of instructor.) (3 + 0) Offered Alternate Spring