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1996-97 UAF Catalog

Course Descriptions


Degrees and Programs Index


Political Science Courses


PS 100X (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Political Economy (3+0) s
(Same as ECON 100X)

Survey of the 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.


PS 101 (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Introduction to American Government and Politics (3+0) s

Principles, institutions, and practices of American national government; the Constitution, federalism, interest groups, parties, public opinion and elections. Also available via Independent Learning.


PS 110 (1 Credit) As Demand Warrants
Parliamentary Procedures (1+0)
(Same as ANS 110)

Rules and principles of parliamentary procedures and application to group decision-making processes.


PS 201 (3 Credits) Fall
Comparative Politics (3+0) s

Introduction to the systematic study of government and politics in countries other than the United States. Through lecture and discussion, 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.


PS 202 (3 Credits) Spring
Cases in Comparative Politics (3+0) s

In-depth examination of various types of governments as they appear in different regions of the world. Particular countries will be chosen as subjects for lecture, group discussions, and individual research projects. Cases may be drawn from Western, Eastern or Central Europe, Latin America, Asia or Africa. Recommended as preparation for 300 and 400 level courses in comparative politics. (Prerequisite: PS 201 or consent of instructor.)


PS 210 (3 Credits) Spring
Alaska Government and Politics (3+0) s

A comprehensive introduction to Alaska's government and politics, in the context of American state and local government and politics. 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 examines how government institutions and processes respond to social, environmental, and political changes of Northern communities.


PS 212 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Introduction to Public Administration (3+0) s

Theories and practice of public administration, especially as applied to federal agencies. Study of organization, planning, and decision making in implementing public policy. (Next offered: 1997-98.)


PS 222 (3 Credits) Fall
Political Science Research Methods (3+0) s

Familiarizes students with the research methods that have been used to produce knowledge about significant political phenomena. Includes both qualitative and quantitative research methods. (Prerequisite: PS 101; must be completed before a student advances to junior standing in the discipline.)


PS 263 (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Alaska Native Politics (3+0) 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.


PS 300X (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Values and Choice (3+0) h

What is the right thing to do? A presentation of important theories of values, morality, and ethics to answer this question. Application of theories to dilemmas of choice in the public world -- such as euthanasia, abortion, animal rights, sexual morality, and environmental ethics. (Prerequisites: At least two lower-division courses in "Perspectives on the Human Condition" or equivalent (PS/ECON 100X, HIST 100X, ANTH/SOC 100X, ART/MUS/THR 200X, ENGL/FL 200X) and junior standing.)


PS 301 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
American Presidency (3+0) s

The institution of the presidency in the American political system. (Prerequisite: PS 101 or consent of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


PS 302W,O (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Congress and Public Policy (3+0) s

The American Congress in the political system. (Prerequisite: PS 101. Next offered: 1997-98.)


PS 303 (3 Credits) Fall
Politics and the Judicial Process (3+0)

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 policymaking device, changes in the nature and scope of judicial power, governmental attorneys, the legal bureaucracy, and judicial agenda setting. (Prerequisite: PS 101.)


PS 311W (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Government and Politics of Russia and the Periphery (3+0) s

An examination of 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: PS 201 or consent of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


PS 312 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
East Asian Governments and Politics (3+0) 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. (Prerequisite: PS 201 or consent of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


PS 314W (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Political Ideologies (3+0) s

An examination of the purpose of ideology as an orienting set of political ideas with mass appeal. Analysis of twentieth century ideologies, including anarchism, communism, liberalism, socialism, environmentalism and feminism. (Prerequisite: PS 101 or consent of instructor. Next offered: 1996-97.)


PS 315 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
American Political Thought (3+0) s

Political ideas in the United States from colonial times to the present: Puritanism, revolutionary ideas, Constitutionalism, nature of the Union, Progressive movement, pragmatism. (Prerequisite: PS 101 or consent of instructor. HIST 131 and 132 strongly recommended. Next offered: 1997-98.)


PS 321W (3 Credits) Fall
International Politics (3+0) 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.


PS 322 (3 Credits)Alternate Spring
International Law and Organization (3+0) 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: PS 321 or consent of instructor. Next offered: 1996-97.)


PS 323 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Issues of International Political Economy (3+0) 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: 1997-98.)


PS 325 (3 Credits) Spring
Native Self- Government (3+0) s
(Same as 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 100, PS 263.)


PS 330O (3 Credits) Spring
Law, Justice and Society (3+0) s

Examines legal reasoning and major legal theories through lecture, debate and discussion. Recommended as preparation for PS 435 and 436 (Constitutional Law I and II) and for pre-law students. (Prerequisites: PS 101.)


PS 340 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Women and Politics (3+0) s
(Same as 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; HIST 101, HIST 103, WMS 201 recommended.)


PS 401W (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Political Behavior (3+0) s

Attitudes, opinions, 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.


PS 403W (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Public Policy (3+0) s

Discussion of how policy process works and how policy analysis is conducted. Examples of policy issues from recent cases, especially in Alaska. (Prerequisites: PS 101 or consent of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


PS 404 (3 Credits) Spring
Introduction to Legal Research and Writing (3+0)
(Same as 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.)


PS 411W,O (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Classical Political Theory (3+0) h

Political ideas from ancient Greece, Rome, and the Judaeo-Christian tradition. Theories of Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, and Aquinas. (Prerequisites: PS 101 or consent of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


PS 412W,O (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Modern Political Theory (3+0) s

Political ideas from the Renaissance to the modern world. Theories of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Marx, and Lenin. (Prerequisites: PS 101 or consent of instructor; PS 411 strongly recommended. Next offered: 1997-98.)


PS 415 (3 Credits) As Demand Warrants
Contemporary Political Theory (3+0) s

An examination of contemporary theories about "What is democracy?" including theoretical investigation of the nature of existing "democracies." Theory is used to provide an account of the process of determination of policy in democratic capitalist systems. Evaluation of existing "democratic" systems by comparing their nature with the realizable democratic ideals. (Prerequisite: PS 101 or consent of instructor.)


PS 420 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Environmental Politics (3+0) s

Examination of politics of federal environmental policy decisions focusing on the environmental movement as a force reshaping American society. Topics include limits to growth thesis, impact assessment policy, and wilderness politics. (Prerequisite: PS 101 or consent of instructor. Next offered: 1996-97.)


PS 425 (3 Credits) Fall
Federal Indian Law and Alaska Natives (3+0) s
(Same as 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 100; or consent of instructor; PS 263 is recommended.)


PS 435W (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Constitutional Law I: Institutions and Governmental Powers (3+0) s

Constitutional doctrines and historical evolution of federalism and the separation of powers in the United States. Emphasis on the courts role in arbitering intergovernmental and interbranch disputes, the constitutional status of the administrative bureaucracy, and the control of the war power and foreign policy. (Prerequisite: PS 101 or consent of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


PS 436W (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (3+0) s

Origin and development of civil rights and civil liberties in the United States. Emphasis on the social, political and philosophical justifications of rights as expressed in judicial decision and constitutional doctrine. (Prerequisite: PS 101 or consent of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


PS 437 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
American Foreign Policy (3+0) 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 consent of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


PS 438 (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Peace and National Security (3+0) s

Analysis of requirements for the reduction of global tensions in relation to national security needs, with a focus on the politics of war and conflict, ideas of peace and order, obstacles to national protection, new strategic beliefs, and methods of assessing national security policies. (Prerequisite: PS 321 or consent of instructor. Next offered: 1996-97.)


PS 450 (3 Credits)Alternate Spring
Comparative Aboriginal Rights and Policies (3+0) s
(Same as 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 consent of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


PS 460W (3 Credits) Alternate Fall
Government and Politics of Canada (3+0) s

A detailed examination of the Canadian political system, covering the Canadian constitution, the 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). (Prerequisite: PS 201 or consent of instructor. Next offered: 1997-98.)


PS 461W (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Government and Politics of Latin American (3+0) s

Exploration of major issues and concepts in the development and governances of modern Latin America, including the legacies of colonialism, revolution, the military in government, economic development and the quest for stable democratic government. Includes an overview of the region and cases drawn from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America. (Prerequisite: PS 201 or consent of instructor. Next offered: 1996-97.)


PS 475 (3 Credits) Fall, Spring
Internship in Public Affairs (3+0)

Individual study of public agencies or organizations through actual experience. (Admission by consent of the instructor.)


PS 492 (3 Credits) Spring
Senior Seminar in Political Science (3+0) s

Provides scope and depth to the study of political science. Exploration of new literature in the field and interdisciplinary perspectives. Requirements include a major research paper. (Prerequisite: Junior standing.)


PS 648 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Environmental Politics of the Circumpolar North (3+0)
(Same as 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. (Prerequisite: admission to the Northern Studies graduate program or permission of the instructor.)


PS 650 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Comparative Government and Politics in the Circumpolar North (3+0)
(Same as NORS 650)

Comprehensive survey of political systems in the circumpolar north. Focus on differences in governmental structures in northern countries and on northern politics, especially interest group development and partisan and ideological conflicts. Examination of northern policy issues in such areas as economic development, subsistence protection, environmental regulations, education, and social welfare.


PS 651 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
Law, Justice and Society in the Circumpolar North (3+0)
(Same as NORS 651)

This course analyzes the legal systems and constitutional frameworks of circumpolar countries, with special attention to the status of Native peoples. Questions of individual and collective rights, as well as cultural, environmental, and resource conflicts, will be considered in the context of institutions, policymaking, and legal theory.


PS 652 (3 Credits) Alternate Spring
International Relations of the North (3+0)
(Same as 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.