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208
Course Descriptions
PS 331
World Politics
This course explores the changes to
the International system associated
with the end of the Cold War, including
the increase of violence at the end
of the 20 th century and the rejection
of existing definitions of the nation
state by many ethnic and sub-national
groups. The course examines the
changing concept of the nation state
as many ethnic groups reject the
multi-ethnic nation states created as
the Colonial powers withdrew from
parts of Africa, Asia and the Middle
East. Changing approaches to warfare,
and controversies about intervention
in internal ethnic conflicts
will also be studied. Students completing
the course will acquire an
understanding of the origin of numerous
international problems and an
awareness of the policy and military
challenges such conflicts pose to the
United States. (3-0-3) (S) (C)
PS 332
Politics of Science and Technology
Explores the complex interrelationships
among science, technology and
politics, with emphasis on the political
issues created by contemporary scientific
advances. Gives roughly equal
attention to the politics of scientific
discovery; the development of government
organization for science and scientific
advice to government; the
impact of industrialized science and
advanced technology on the economy
and society; and the growing debate
over the social implications of science
and technology and how they can be
predicted, measured and controlled.
Same as SOC 304. (3-0-3) (S) (C)
PS 333
National Defense Policy
Examines the formulation and implementation
of national security and
military policy in the United States.
Surveys the emergence and growth
of military strategy and the defense
establishment, with primary emphasis
on contemporary issues, institutions
and policies, and prospects for
the future. Emphasizes the impact of
nuclear weapons on military strategy
and security and the post Cold war
struggle over forces and missions.
(3-0-3) (S) (C)
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Copyright & Disclaimer Information: Copyright © 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007. CollegeSource®, Inc. and Career Guidance Foundation. CollegeSource® digital catalogs are derivative works owned and copyrighted by CollegeSource®, Inc. and Career Guidance Foundation. Catalog content is owned and copyrighted by the appropriate school. While CollegeSource®, Inc. and Career Guidance Foundation provides information as a service to the public, copyright is retained on all digital catalogs.
PS 334
Post Colonial Politics
Post Colonial Politics examines political
developments in those parts of
the world which had been under colonial
domination during the period of
European Colonialism. Areas covered
include movements of liberation and
how they produced different forms of
postcolonial states, the role of ethnicity
and religion in providing both
unifying as well as divisive factors in
the stability and instability of the
post colonial state. The course also
introduces students to recent political
developments in a variety of post
colonial states and the impact of
recent developments on the United
States. This is a comparative course.
From year to year, the post colonial
nations examined in detail will vary,
but often include Algeria, Sudan,
Rwanda, Iran, and Vietnam. (3-0-3)
(S) (C)
PS 338
Energy and Environmental Policy
Places energy and environmental
policy in domestic and global contexts.
Traces the economic and political
implications of dependence on fossil
fuels and the attempt to develop
alternate energy sources and promote
conservation. Assesses the environmental
effects of resource consumption
and the effort to control
these effects by increased efficiency
and regulation of pollution. Explores
such problems as nuclear waste, acid
rain, global warming and deforestation.
Examines national and international
attempts at economic, political
and technological solutions. (3-0-3)
(S) (C)
PS 339
Nuclear Energy and Society
Explores the relationship between
nuclear energy—science, technology,
and products, and society—national,
local, and global. Gives detailed attention
to the discovery of nuclear fission
and its exploitation during World War
II and after, culminating in the global
nuclear arms race. Examines the
emergence and growth of nuclear
power and the rise of the controversy
over its safety, security, and economy.
Considers the risks of continued proliferation,
the prospects for arms con-
IIT Undergraduate Bulletin 2006–2008
trol and the “peaceful atom,” and the
chances for survival in a nuclear
world. Uses films, case studies, guest
lectures, and simulations where
appropriate. (3-0-3) (S) (C)
PS 340
Social Organization and Control
This course surveys theories explaining
the organization and structure of
complex societies. The problem of
social control, or the capacity of society
to formally or informally regulate
itself according to its desired principles,
is viewed as a central problem
of social organization. Prerequisite: A
200-level or higher social science
course. Same as SOC 340. (3-0-3) (S)
(C)
PS 345
The American Presidency
Surveys the evolution of the office and
powers of the presidency as a result
of historical forces, institutional factors,
and the actions of those who have
served as president. Studies the relationships
of presidents with political
parties, Congress, the bureaucracy,
media, and the public, emphasizing
both domestic and foreign policy. Gives
major attention to changes in the presidential
selection process and their
implications for those who run and win
the office. Examines the alleged crisis
of the contemporary presidency
and the proposals for overcoming it.
(3-0-3) (S) (C)
PS 346
Citizenship and State: American Politics Since 1945
This course will investigate the
unfolding of politics in the United
States since the Second World War.
The central focus of the course will
be political changes and ideas from
the tumultuous sixties as well as the
reactions to the ideas and events of
the sixties which remain with us to
this day. Though the rhetoric was
often revolutionary, for the most part
the goals were consistent with the
ideas of the founders: equality of
opportunity and a commitment to
democracy and the rights of citizens.
Though the sixties will be central
focus of the course the antecedents of
the politics of the 60s and the impact
of these ideas on subsequent politics
will be explored in depth. The class