POL-SCI 359      Latin American Politics
In this course we will focus on the major periods in Latin American political history since the Great Depression. This includes the pot-War period of optimism in which democratic governments promoted rapid economic development, the period of pessimism and authoritarianism from the 1960s to the 1980s, and a new democratic renewal beginning in the 1990s. We will examine the consolidating democracies that emerged in the 1990s in depth.We will also examine case studies of recently failed democracy, Venezuela, and ask why this democracy failed.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 360      Labor, Politics and Society
This course explores many aspects of unions and the labor movement in society and the vital role organized labor plays as a pillar of democratic society. Unions impact the economy, growth, and the distribution of wealth, and the impact racial and gender equality, social security health and job safety, energy and the environment, and even foreign relations. As a social movement, labor has had a major impact on American history. This course covers these topics from a labor perspective. It examines current obstacles for union organizing, recent union campaigns, labor's political role, and the relationship between labor and the media, This course is part of the Certificate Program in Labor Studies and is offered on the University of Missouri Interactive Video Network at UMKC, UMSL, and UMC.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 361      Global Issues in a Changing World
Threats to national and international securing were once dominated by military force and interstate warfare. Threats are now seen in a much broader context. Non-state, transnational actors now pose a threat to transnational business, states, and even civilizations. Issues like global climate change and HIV/AIDS are seen as threats to national survival well beyond any single nation's ability to contain. For some, the deep phenomenon of globalization is seen as a threat to national sovereignty and, indeed, a threat to the international system of states. In this course, challenges and opportunities replace threat as the organizing principle, and the role of international institutions takes center stage. Offered: Annually.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 362      Latin America and International Relations
This course we will survey the relations between Latin American states and between Latin America and the world. Taking the Latin American states as the key actors, we examine the history of US-Latin American relations, including current issues such as drug trafficking, immigration and terrorism. We will also study the region as a player on the international stage, examining Latin America's changing role in the world arena related to trade, development, and the environment. Finally we examine the emergence of new leadership in Latin America. Offered: Every other semester.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 369      Politics Of The Middle East
This course explores the formation of the modern Middle East; the role of Islam in shaping its political cultures; the post-colonial transformations that shaped its current political systems; the economic and democratic reforms that challenge existing regimes; and the pivotal states and conflicts that stir regional politics. Offered: As needed
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 370      Labor Law
In this course, participants will examine the role of government in the regulation of labor-management relations in the United States. While the focus of the course will be on federal laws regulating private sector labor relations, parallel issues addressed in the Railway Labor Act and state public sector labor relations law will also be covered. Specific topics include the legal framework for the organization of workers, definition of prohibited or unfair labor practices of employers and unions, legal regulation of the collective bargaining process, regulation of the use of economic weapons in labor disputes, enforcement of collective bargaining agreements and the regulation of internal trade union activities. Prerequisites: None.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 380      Political Science And Politics
Offered as a special course in the individual faculty member's area of research specialization. The course may be repeated for credit when the topic varies. The topic and instructor will be announced in advance. Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor or advanced standing.
Credits: 1,6 hours
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POL-SCI 381      Mock Trial
A study of the trial process in the U.S. judicial system focusing on the structure and rules of trials, including the role of attorneys. Combination of student performance with in-class lecture and discussion.Restrictions: Consent of instructor
Credits: 1 hours
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POL-SCI 403      Political Ideology
A critical examination of contemporary political ideologies including democratic and authoritarian theories.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 405      American Constitutional Thought
An analysis of the development of American constitutional doctrine, with emphasis on the historical and intellectual context within which the Supreme Court changes its attitudes toward economic and political issues.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 406      Presidential Politics
This course will examine the American presidency as an institution, and will analyze its role in the American political system. It will also consider the administrations of the various presidents.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 407      Congressional Politics
A study of legislative institutions, procedures and behavior (with emphasis on the U.S. Congress) in the context of theories of political representation.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 408      Judicial Politics
An examination of the judiciary in the American political process, emphasizing the role of judges, lawyers and the Supreme Court.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 409      Bureaucratic Politics
A study of political processes that create and operate within bureaucracies in the American pluralist system. Close attention is given to the tension between representation and rationality when making decisions.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 418      International Security
The course examines competing theories and concepts of national and international security, selected security issues, and the responses of several countries to different security environments.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 424      Urban Politics and Community Power Structures
This course surveys and analyzes the literature covering urban politics. Students will gain both a theoretical understanding of and empirical grounding in the politics of urban America. An array of important political, social and economic problems that impact urban politics will be examined.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 425      Comparative Politics
Aspects of politics in various countries as viewed through the language and thought processes of contemporary approaches to political science.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 427      Presidential Power: foundations, Growth, Issues
An intense examination of the growth of presidential power, from its constitutional foundations; the necessity of a strong presidency, but the potential for abuse. Appropriate for the general student, as well as for majors in political science.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 428      Political Culture And Political Behavior
This course will examine the concept of political culture and its use in the empirical analyses of political behavior in advanced political systems. Emphasis will be placed on the U.S system with comparisons drawn from Western Europe. The student will be expected to complete an empirically documented research paper.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 429      Courts And Public Policy
An analysis of how courts influence policy in selected political arenas.
Credits: 3 hours
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