PDF version - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Social Science
PS304 Political and Social Thought I 4 credits
This course is devoted to an interdisciplinary examination of fundamental questions regarding the
nature of man, politics and social relations. Values, ideas and practice as gleaned from the theories and
writings of major thinkers from the 14th through early 20th centuries are explored. Special focus is
directed toward ideas of Khadun, Machiavelli, Locke, and Durkheim. Other theorists such as Marx, Weber
and Gandhi are also considered. Also offered as S304. Prerequisite: either PS102 or S110.
PS305 Political and Social Thought II 4 credits
This course is devoted to an interdisciplinary examination of fundamental questions regarding the
nature of man, politics and social relations. Values, ideas, and priorities as gleaned from the theories and
writings of major thinkers from the late 19th and 20th centuries are explored. Special focus is directed
toward ideas from the Federalists, Economic Interventionist and Social Elitists. Other topics are selected
based on student and instructor interests. Also offered as S305.
PS306-312 Topics in Political Theory
3 credits
Courses in this section are devoted to a thorough review, analysis, and evaluation of topics and methods
that are relevant to the current study of political theory. Topics may include but are not limited to the
following: American political thought, critical theory, feminist theory, post-modern, and deconstruction.
PS313 International Politics 3 credits
This course examines the basic structures of the international system including: 1) states, nations,
transnationals, international organizations, diplomacy, etc.; 2) global issues including: war/peace,
deterrence, arms control, political economy, trade, human rights, peace-keeping, etc.; and, 3) global
ideas: sovereignty, nationalism, modernization, etc. This course deals extensively with the contemporary
international system and the issues arising from the limitations of power in international affairs.
Students apply this knowledge in a United Nations simulation.
PS314 American Foreign Policy 3 credits
This course studies the ideas, institutions and individuals responsible for American foreign policy, the
mechanics of its determination and implementation, with emphasis on current problems, policies and
objectives in foreign policy.
PS315-319 Topics in International Relations
3 credits
Courses in this section are devoted to a thorough review, analysis, and evaluation of topics and methods
that are relevant to the study of international relations and politics. Topics may include but are not
limited to the following: war and peace, international political economy, international organizations,
non-state actors in world politics, comparative foreign policy, trade and aid in the international system,
global issues, regionalism in international relations, and other topics.
PS320 Comparative Politics 3 credits
This course examines how different types of countries, i.e. established democracies, transitioning
nations, and non-democracies, are governed. The course examines first the broader trends and concepts
about political systems and then engages in more in-depth case studies on a number of countries
representing different regions, colonial and post-colonial experiences, levels of economic development,
and government types.
PS321-329 Topics in Comparative Government
3 credits
Courses in this series are devoted to a thorough review, analysis, and evaluation of topics and
methods that are relevant to the current study of comparative politics and government. Topics may
include but are not limited to the following: Asian politics and governments; Latin American politics
and government; European politics and governments; comparative political leadership; political and
economic development; comparative revolutionary movements; regimes, movements, and ideologies;
and other topics.
197 197