POL-SCI 210      American Government
American government and politics, with special reference to the U.S. Constitution. This course meets the state requirement for study of the U.S. and Missouri Constitutions. Prerequisite: None. Offered: Every semester.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 220      Introduction To Comparative Politics
An analysis of the way political institutions, processes and policies vary from country to country. Emphasis on politics in Europe, with attention to other nations when making comparisons. Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 300      Interdisciplinary Studies:Cluster Course
Provides an overview of the interrelationships of the humanities and social sciences. Offered in conjunction with other departments.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 301      Western Political Philosophy
An examination of the major theories of politics from Plato to today.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 302      Political Research And Analysis
This class focuses on methods of analysis used in political science research. This course also covers research plans used to gather information about politics and effective ways of utilizing that information. As advances in computing technology expand the availability of politically-driven data, it is possible to bring an increasing amount of information to bear on more questions.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 303      Political Behavior
This course will survey research on conventional and unconventional forms of mass political behavior. Topics to be discussed include campaign participation, voting behavior, public opinion, the media, and participation in protests and revolutions. This course will also cover the methodological approaches to the study of political behavior.Offered: Spring
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 304      Politics Of The Developing Nations
An analysis of the evolving political systems of the new nations in Africa, Asia and Latin America. Social, cultural and economic influences on political processes and policies are explored.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 305      Survey Research And Analysis
Students will learn the process of research design and how one designs and implements surveys. The students will also learn how one analyzes survey data. Prerequisite: None Offered: Annually
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 306      International Relations
An analysis of relations among nations, with emphasis on structures of international power, causes of war, and approaches to peace.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 307      The United Nations: Politics And Economics
This interdisciplinary course covers many facets of the United Nations, acquainting students with its structure, its operations and its involvement in international events, past and present. It merges politics, economics issues and the history of the UN in an effort to understand more fully the UN's role in international diplomacy. Students in this course will have an opportunity to participate in various Model UN conferences during the year. Offered: Fall Semester
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 308      Politics, Parties And Pressure Groups
This course is an introduction to parties and interest groups, and their important role in the political process. We will examine the formation, organization, activities, and impact of political parties and interest groups in the US and in comparative perspective.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 309      Public Opinion And Voting Behavior
A study of the formation, distribution and expression of public opinion and partisanship in the American political system.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 310      African Americans and the American Political Process
This course will analyze political culture, socialization, and mobilization with a focus on trends in the interaction between African Americans and institutions, processes, policies, and other actors that comprise the American system of politics and governance.Offered: Every other semester
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 311      Comparative Politics: Techniques Of Social Control
An analysis of techniques used by regimes to perpetuate themselves in office and the effects of these techniques upon constitutional continuity, ideology, and social and economic change.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 312      Mass Media And American Politics
An examination of the role of mass media in American electoral and policy processes.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 313      Politics In The American States
A study of the structures, functions, and politics of the institutions of American state governments and an assessment of their role in the federal system. This course is particularly interested in the extent to which political economy and political culture, broadly defined, influence public policy within the states. Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 314      Politics of Kansas City Metro
This course will provide an understanding of politics in urban America through a study of metropolitan Kansas City. It will discuss the relationships between local governments, their decision making process, city-county consolidation, structure of regional council of governments, forming political alliances and current political issues affecting the metropolitan area. The course will discuss the politics of issues like transportation, sports facilities, environment and economic competitiveness.Offered: Winter
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 316      Terrorism And Political Violence
This course explores terrorism and armed struggle from theoretical and historical perspectives, and analyzes a number of violent movements with nationalist, ideological, and religious motiviations. Offered: As Needed
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 317      Revolutionary Origins Of The Modern State
An examination of the radical changes in economics, the social order, institutions and ideologies since the French Revolution which have led to the rise of totalitarianism and unstable democratic political systems in the advanced industrial nations.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 318      Political Psychology
The field of political psychology is an interdisciplinary field that draws on both psychology and political science to address topics in the political world. This course will focus on a variety of topics including inter-group conflict, stereotyping and prejudice, political socialization, attitude formation and change, political communication, decision heuristics and biases , public opinion, and the future of political psychology.
Credits: 3 hours
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