Political Science (PS)

College of Liberal Arts
Political Science Department
907-474-7609

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