Political Science
Department Overview
The Department of Political Science offers a major in political science and minors in political science and in law and society. The department also offers graduate-level political science courses in the Arctic and Northern studies M.A. program and the interdisciplinary studies Ph.D. program.
The political science discipline educates students on politics, policy and citizenship in a changing world. As the study of power, political science explains who gets what, when, where and how. It examines the struggles over claims to authority that shape our lives and our world. As the study of values, it examines why citizens obey or rebel, the nature of just societies and the ways individuals reconcile personal liberty with political authority. As the science of political behavior, it analyzes the actions of interest groups, political parties and public officials. Politics is an omnipresent force, not only in governments but in families, social organizations, schools and decision-making bodies of all types — from student councils to international institutions. A solid understanding of local, state, national and international politics will benefit all students throughout their careers.
Courses are offered in the political science fields of American politics, public policy and law, comparative politics, international politics and political theory. The department also offers specialized classes in environmental policy and politics, Indigenous studies and Arctic and Northern studies. In addition to course offerings and faculty expertise, the department presents real-world opportunities for students to apply their learning. Those include numerous internship and scholarship opportunities in Alaska and the rest of the United States. Students can participate in the Model United Nations and Model Arctic Council, join the Political Science Department honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha, aid faculty as research assistants or create their own research projects, and take part in numerous other department projects such as bringing speakers to campus or hosting roundtables on important issues. Graduate students may also serve as teaching or research assistants.
B.A., Political Science
The political science B.A. has led students to graduate work in the social sciences; employment in the media and public relations; teaching at high school and university levels; and careers in business corporations and nonprofits at the state and national levels. Political science provides a broad understanding of the formation, application and change of the law, as well as research techniques and standards of argumentation essential to legal practice. Political science is the premier major for students desiring to go to law school and also prepares students for work in various fields of government. Alaska offers job prospects for political science graduates as managers in state and local governments and as legislators and legislative staff members. Graduates are also qualified to work outside of Alaska in numerous public and private sector jobs.
Minimum Requirements for Political Science Bachelor's Degree: 120 credits
Learn more about the bachelor’s degree in political science, including an overview of the program, career opportunities and more.
Courses
Political Science (PS)
PS F100X Political Economy (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
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.
Prerequisites: Placement in WRTG F111X.
Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F101X Introduction to American Government and Politics (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
This is a broad survey course that exposes students to the key theories, methods and data used to describe and explain the U.S. political system. We examine the principles of governance, institutions and practices of American national government; the Constitution, federalism, interest groups, parties, public opinion and elections.
Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F201X Comparative Politics (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
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.
Special Notes: This is a prerequisite for other courses in comparative politics.
Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F202 Democracy and Global Society (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
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.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F205 Leadership, Citizenship and Choice
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
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.
Cross-listed with ACNS F205.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F212 Introduction to Public Administration (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Theories and practice of public administration, especially as applied to federal agencies. Study of organization, planning and decision making in implementing public policy.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F221X International Politics (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
Introduction to international relations: problems, literature, theory and terminology. Provides basis for understanding current international events and introduces the three subfields of international relations: security, political economy, organization. Examines relations between nations, regions and groups, as well as ideas of conflict, security, trade, technology, negotiation, cooperation, revolution, modernization and community.
Attributes: UAF GER Social Sciences Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F222 Political Science Research Methods (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall
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.
Prerequisites: PS F101X; must be completed before a student advances to senior standing in the discipline.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F263 Alaska Native Politics (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course addresses the 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.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F300X Ethics and Society (h)
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
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.
Prerequisites: Placement in WRTG F111X; junior standing.
Attributes: UAF GER Ethics Req
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F301 American Presidency (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall Even-numbered Years
The institution of the presidency in the American political system.
Prerequisites: PS F101X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F302 Congress and Public Policy (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
The American Congress in the political system.
Prerequisites: PS F101X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F303 Politics and the Judicial Process (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
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.
Prerequisites: PS F101X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F304 International Security (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
Introduction to the major challenges of maintaining a peaceful and secure world. Considers the major threats to our security and how they are managed. Analyzes political, institutional, cultural, moral and legal norms surrounding war and other security concerns and different means of organizing for peace and security.
Prerequisites: PS F221X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F314 Political Ideologies (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
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.
Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; PS F101X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F315 American Political Thought (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Political ideas in the U.S. from colonial times to the present: Puritanism, revolutionary ideas, Constitutionalism, nature of the Union, Progressive movement and pragmatism.
Prerequisites: PS F101X.
Recommended: HIST F131; HIST F132X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F322 International Law and Organization (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
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.
Prerequisites: COM F131X or COM F141X; PS F221X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F323 International Political Economy (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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.
Prerequisites: PS F100X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F325 Alaska Native and Comparative Tribal Self-Government (an, s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Indigenous political systems, customary law and justice in Alaska emphasizing the organization of Alaska Native governance under 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: ANS F111X, PS F263, TG F201.
Cross-listed with ANS F325.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F340 Gender, Sex and Politics (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
In-depth examination of the relevance of gender in political thought and action. Topics vary and may include: 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.
Prerequisites: One political science course.
Recommended: WGS F201X.
Cross-listed with WGS F340.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F401 Political Behavior (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
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.
Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F403 Public Policy (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
The processes of policy development, implementation and change are analyzed with major policy frameworks and models used in contemporary political science. These frameworks and models will be applied to environmental sustainability and other social policy issues. Students develop expertise in specific policy area, completing oral presentations related their policy interests.
Prerequisites: PS F101X, upper division standing.
Stacked with PS F603; ACNS F603.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F411 Classical Political Theory (h)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Political ideas from ancient Greece, Rome and the Judaeo-Christian tradition. Theories of Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine and Aquinas.
Prerequisites: COM F131X or COM F141X; PHIL F102X; PS F101X; WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X.
Cross-listed with PHIL F411.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F412 Modern Political Theory (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Political ideas from the Renaissance to the modern world. Theories of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Marx and Lenin.
Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; PHIL F102X; PS F101X.
Cross-listed with PHIL F412.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F414 Contemporary Political Philosophy
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course takes stock of recent currents in contemporary political thought, including readings from Carl Schmitt, Hannah Arendt, Frantz Fanon, John Rawls, Leo Strauss, Michel Foucault, and Theodor Adorno. We ask how these canonical thinkers influence feminist, environmental, postcolonial, anti-essentialist, democratic and post-human political theory today.
Prerequisites: PS F101X, upper division standing.
Cross-listed with PHIL F414.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F425 Federal Indian Law and Alaska Natives (an, s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
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 F101X, TG F112, TG F201 or HIST F110X.
Recommended: PS F263.
Cross-listed with ANS F425.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F435 Constitutional Law I: Federalism (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
Constitutional doctrines and historical evolution of federalism and the separation of powers in the United States. Emphasis on the court's role in arbitering intergovernmental and interbranch disputes, the constitutional status of the administrative bureaucracy, and the control of war power and foreign policy.
Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; PS F101X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F436 Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Liberties (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; PS F101X.
Recommended: PS F303.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F437 United States Foreign Policy (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
This course addresses U.S. foreign policy in the post-World War II, post-Cold War, and post-9/11 periods; the U.S. presence and influence in the world; the development, administration, institutions, instruments, and evaluation of U.S. foreign policy; and key people in U.S. foreign policy.
Prerequisites: PS F221X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F447 U.S. Environmental Politics (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring
U.S. political institutions as they relate to making policies for protecting the 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.
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing.
Recommended: PS F101X.
Stacked with ACNS F647; PS F647.
Special Notes: Course is also available online.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F450 Comparative Indigenous Rights and Policies (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
Comparative approach to analyzing Indigenous rights and policies in different nation-state systems. Multiple countries and specific policy developments examined for factors promoting or limiting self-determination.
Prerequisites: Upper division standing.
Cross-listed with ANS F450.
Stacked with PS F650; ACNS F657.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F452 International Relations of the North (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
This course examines the international relations of Arctic states and topics related to the circumpolar north. It covers environmental changes and their effects on human security and Indigenous lives, energy exploration and development, northern security and emerging shipping routes. It also addresses national Arctic strategies and the Arctic Council.
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing.
Stacked with ACNS F652.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F454 International Law and the Environment (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course addresses international case law regulating the sea, airspace, outer space and the polar regions; comprehensive international regulatory and legal instruments to protect the environment; and the doctrines, principles, and rules of international law that are basic to an understanding of international legal regimes and the environment.
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing.
Recommended: Undergraduate course in international law, organization, or politics.
Stacked with ACNS F654; PS F654.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F455 Political Economy of the Global Environment (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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.
Prerequisites: COM F131X or COM F141X; upper-division standing.
Stacked with ACNS F655; PS F655.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F456 Science, Technology and Politics (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Relationship of science, technology and politics. Connections among scientific knowledge, technology, technological innovations, politics and power. Gender roles and the influence of Western science. Both historical and comparative aspects are included. Course is also available online.
Prerequisites: COM F131X or COM F141X; upper-division standing.
Recommended: PS F101X.
Stacked with ACNS F656; PS F656.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F458 Comparative Environmental Politics (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
Enduring issues of the field of comparative politics and their relation to global environmental problems. Biodiversity, transboundary pollution capacity, political processes and organizations, and international commitments all potentially shape the nature and dynamics of global environmental politics and vice versa. Course is also available online.
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing.
Recommended: PS F201X.
Stacked with ACNS F658; PS F658.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F460 Government and Politics of Canada (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
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: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; PS F201X; upper-division standing.
Stacked with ACNS F660; PS F660.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F462 Alaska Government and Politics (s)
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
This course examines Alaska's government and politics, as a case of American state and local government, and governance in the circumpolar North. It covers topics such as the state’s political history, constitution, political parties, interest groups, elections, governorship, legislature, judiciary, bureaucracy and local governments.
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing.
Stacked with ACNS F662; PS F662.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F464 East Asian Governments and Politics (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
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: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; PS F201X.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F466 African Politics (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course provides students with an introduction to contemporary African politics. In doing so, this class addresses a number of core interrelated themes related to politics across the African continent including: state-building, political order and violence, democratization, economic development and African's evolving relationship with the international system.
Prerequisites: PS F100X, PS F201X, PS F202.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F467 Political Development in Latin America and the Caribbean (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Exploration of major issues and concepts in development and governances of modern Latin America and the Caribbean region, including legacies of colonialism, revolution, military rule, economic challenges and the quest for democratic stability. Includes a historical overview of region and cases drawn from the Caribbean, Mexico, Central and South America.
Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; HIST F275.
Cross-listed with HIST F467.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F468 Government and Politics of Russia (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course examines the history, politics, economics and geography of Russia, with focus on changes in Russian government, society, and domestic and foreign policy over time. Students will learn the nature of the evolving Russian regime, leadership, economic forces and the political struggles in governance and democracy.
Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X, WRTG F212X, WRTG F213X or WRTG F214X; PS F201X.
Stacked with ACNS F668; PS F668.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F469 Arctic Politics and Governance
3 Credits
Offered Fall
This course traces current developments in Arctic politics and governance from multiple perspectives, including exploring interests, processes, and behaviors of Arctic governments and non-state actors, individually and collectively. The course surveys the formal and informal institutions that govern resource development, pollution, shipping, state-indigenous relations and security.
Prerequisites: Junior-level standing.
Recommended: PS F221X; PS F450 or ANS F450.
Stacked with PS F669, ACNS F669.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F472 Ethics in International Affairs (h)
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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 broader human interest? How does morality relate to the international legal order? Examination is through theory and case studies.
Prerequisites: PHIL F322X or PS F221X.
Cross-listed with PHIL F472.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F473 Politics and Film (s)
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Engage film with a critical political perspective. Concepts related to political power, society, and nature are surveyed through political science literature and politics-themed films. Quests for political power, difficulties of governance, politics of campaigns and elections, privacy and government surveillance, and political violence are concepts explored in this course.
Prerequisites: PS F101X.
Cross-listed with FLPA F473.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F475 Internship in Public Affairs (s)
3 Credits
Offered Fall, Spring and Summer
Study of public agencies or organizations through actual experience.
Prerequisites: Upper-division standing; permission of instructor.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 10
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 12 credits
PS F499 Senior Thesis
3 Credits
Thesis will draw from the literature in at least two sub-fields of political science (U.S. government/politics, political theory, public law, comparative politics, international relations) in its analysis.
Prerequisites: WRTG F111X; WRTG F211X or WRTG F213X; PS F101X; PS F222; senior standing; permission of instructor.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1.5 + 0 + 7.5
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F603 Public Policy
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
The processes of policy development, implementation and change are analyzed with major policy frameworks and models used in contemporary political science. These frameworks and models will be applied to environmental sustainability and other social policy issues. Students develop expertise in specific policy area, completing oral presentations related their policy interests.
Prerequisites: Graduate Standing.
Cross-listed with ACNS F603.
Stacked with PS F403.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F647 U.S. Environmental Politics
3 Credits
Offered Spring
U.S. political institutions as they relate to making policies for protecting the 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.
Prerequisites: Graduate Standing.
Cross-listed with ACNS F647.
Stacked with: PS F447.
Special Notes: Course is also available online.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F650 Comparative Indigenous Rights and Policies
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
Comparative approach to analyzing Indigenous rights and policies in different nation-state systems. Multiple countries and specific policy developments examined for factors promoting or limiting self-determination.
Prerequisites: Graduate Standing.
Cross-listed with ACNS F657.
Stacked with PS F450; ANS F450.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F652 International Relations of the North
3 Credits
Offered Fall Odd-numbered Years
This course examines the international relations of Arctic states and topics related to the circumpolar north. It covers environmental changes and their effects on human security and Indigenous lives, energy exploration and development, northern security and emerging shipping routes. It also addresses national Arctic strategies and the Arctic Council.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Cross-listed with ACNS F652.
Stacked with PS F452.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F654 International Law and the Environment
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course addresses international case law regulating the sea, airspace, outer space and the polar regions; comprehensive international regulatory and legal instruments to protect the environment; and the doctrines, principles, and rules of international law that are basic to an understanding of international legal regimes and the environment.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Recommended: Undergraduate course in international law, organization or politics.
Cross-listed with ACNS F654.
Stacked with PS F454.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F655 Political Economy of the Global Environment
3 Credits
Offered Spring Odd-numbered Years
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.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Cross-listed with ACNS F655.
Stacked with PS F455.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F656 Science, Technology and Politics
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Relationship of science, technology and politics. Connections among scientific knowledge, technology, technological innovations, politics and power. Gender roles and the influence of Western science. Both historical and comparative aspects are included. Course is also available online.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Recommended: PS F101X.
Cross-listed with ACNS F656.
Stacked with PS F456.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F658 Comparative Environmental Politics
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
Enduring issues of the field of comparative politics and their relation to global environmental problems. Biodiversity, transboundary pollution capacity, political processes and organizations, and international commitments all potentially shape the nature and dynamics of global environmental politics and vice versa. Course is also available online.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Recommended: PS F201X.
Cross-listed with ACNS F658.
Stacked with PS F458.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F660 Government and Politics of Canada
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
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: PS F201X; graduate standing.
Cross-listed with ACNS F660.
Stacked with PS F460.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F662 Alaska Government and Politics
3 Credits
Offered Spring Even-numbered Years
This course examines Alaska's government and politics, as a case of American state and local government, and governance in the circumpolar North. It covers topics such as the state’s political history, constitution, political parties, interest groups, elections, governorship, legislature, judiciary, bureaucracy and local governments.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing.
Cross-listed with ACNS F662.
Stacked with PS F462.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F668 Government and Politics of Russia
3 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
This course examines the history, politics, economics and geography of Russia, with focus on changes in Russian government, society, and domestic and foreign policy over time. Students will learn the nature of the evolving Russian regime, leadership, economic forces and the political struggles in governance and democracy.
Prerequisites: PS F201X; graduate standing.
Cross-listed with ACNS F668.
Stacked with PS F468.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F669 Arctic Politics and Governance
3 Credits
Offered Fall
This course traces current developments in Arctic politics and governance from multiple perspectives, including exploring interests, processes, and behaviors of Arctic governments and non-state actors, individually and collectively. The course surveys the formal and informal institutions that govern resource development, pollution, shipping, state-indigenous relations and security. A background in comparative politics and/or international relations is also recommended.
Prerequisites: PS F450, PS F452 or PS F454; graduate standing.
Cross-listed with ACNS F669.
Stacked with PS F469.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 3 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
PS F692 Graduate Seminar
1-6 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Intensive study of selected topics in the discipline.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-6 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Letter Grades with option of Plus/Minus
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
PS F692P Graduate Seminar
1-6 Credits
Offered As Demand Warrants
Intensive study of selected topics in the discipline.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 1-6 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken unlimited times for up to 99 credits
PS F699 MA Thesis
1-9 Credits
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
Lecture + Lab + Other: 0 + 0 + 0
Grading System: Pass/Fail Grades
Faculty
Brandon Boylan, Ph.D.
Department Chair
Professor of Political Sciencebmboylan@alaska.edu
907-474-6503
GRUE 613B
Troth Yeddha' Campus
Carol Gray, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Political Science
cjgray5@alaska.edu
907-474-5881
GRUE 603A
Troth Yeddha' Campus
Alex Hirsch, Ph.D.
Professor of Political Science
arhirsh@alaska.edu
907-799-7276
GRUE 603
Troth Yeddha' Campus
Amy L. Lovecraft, Ph.D.
Professor of Political Science
allovecraft@alaska.edu
907-474-2688
GRUE 602B
Troth Yeddha' Campus
Russell Luke, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Political Science
GRUE 601B
Troth Yeddha' Campus
Chanda L. Meek, Ph.D.
Professor of Political Science
clmeek@alaska.edu
907-474-5115
GRUE 604B
Troth Yeddha' Campus
Jeremy Speight, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Political Science
jspeight@alaska.edu
907-474-6505
GRUE 602A
Troth Yeddha' Campus
