Political Science (PS)
PS 110 American National Government 3 Hours
The essentials of the political system and processes, particularly at the national level, in the United States. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-SB | SB
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023
PS 200 Latin American Society: Past and Present 3 Hours
A broad interdisciplinary introduction to the study of Latin America, emphasizing its regions, peoples, and cultures. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Equivalent(s): HIST 200, ANTH 200, SPAN 200, GEOG 200
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 201 Concepts of Political Science 3 Hours
Examines the linkage between politics and political thought in modern societies. Students apply a variety of theoretical concepts to specific policy areas.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022
PS 220 Judicial Process 3 Hours
An introduction to the American legal system, the process of legal reasoning and legal resolution of value conflicts. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023
PS 250 International Politics 3 Hours
An introductory course in international relations which is designed to acquaint the student with basic theories, terminology, motivations, inter-relationships and problems on an international scale. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-SB | SB
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023
PS 260 Introduction to Comparative Politics 3 Hours
This course examines various characteristics of different political systems around the world. It introduces contending theories which seek to explain differences and similarities in governments and politics. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code E-SB | SB
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; summer 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023
PS 275 Introduction to Citizenship 3 Hours
Examines what it means to be a citizen of a community, nation, and world; designed to introduce students to the basic theories, concepts and issues of citizenship.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023
PS 299 Contemporary Topics in Political Science 1-3 Hours
Examination of significant current issues in political science not covered in regular departmental offerings.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023
PS 300 Model Assembly (Seminar) 1 Hour (repeatable max of 3 hrs)
Explores the workings of a major international organization (e.g., NATO, OAU, Arab League, or UN). Students portray delegates to the organization at a simulation involving university students from around the country. The country being portrayed, the organization being simulated, and cost to student vary year by year.
Prerequisite(s): PS 250
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 301 Using Statistics in Political Science 3 Hours
Understanding and application of statistics for the analysis of political phenomena and behavior. Uses statistical software to conduct statistical analysis of quantitative data.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; summer 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023
PS 302 Research Design in Political Science 3 Hours
Use of the scientific method as applied to political and social issues. Development of appropriate strategy and design to test research questions. Explores development of research questions, research ethics, research design, and collection of data.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023
PS 303 Politics and Film 3 Hours
Explores the relationship between politics and film. Demonstrates how film serves as a political archive and agent of social change and how film affects political views and representations of reality.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022
PS 304 State Government 3 Hours
Political features of the American states and their governments. Explores similarities and differences among the states' constitutions and key governmental institutions. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2021; fall 2021; winter 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; summer 2023; fall 2023
PS 310 The American Presidency 3 Hours
An examination of the American presidency as a political institution; and the development of the presidential office, its powers and functions.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023
PS 311 Public Policy 3 Hours
Examines how issues get on the government agenda; how policy decisions are made; who implements policy and how well. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; summer 2021; spring 2022; summer 2022; spring 2023
PS 316 The Legislative Process 3 Hours
A study of legislatures and their role in the American government system. The emphasis is on the U.S. Congress but other legislative bodies are also studied.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022
PS 320 American Studies I 3 Hours
This course is designed to examine the diverse origins and the decisive elements in the development of American culture. It should also provide a wide appreciation and a greater understanding of the mainstream of American thought. These goals are accomplished through the coordinated application of numerous viewpoints drawn from the contributing disciplines of English, Political Science and History. Note: Permission of instructor. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Equivalent(s): HIST 320
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022
PS 321 American Studies II 3 Hours
This course is designed to examine the diverse origins and the decisive elements in the development of American culture. It should also provide a wide appreciation and a greater understanding of the mainstream of American thought. These goals are accomplished through the coordinated application of numerous viewpoints drawn from the contributing disciplines of English, Political Science and History. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 324 Mock Trial I 1.5-3 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)
Introductory study of trial techniques used by lawyers in the courtroom. Students gain an appreciation for courtroom procedure, legal issues and public speaking by taking on the roles of attorneys and witnesses in a fictitious courtroom trial. Note: Permission of instructor.
Prerequisite(s): PS 110
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; fall 2021; fall 2022
PS 325 Mock Trial II 1.5-3 Hours (repeatable max of 3 hrs)
Continuation of study of trial techniques used by lawyers in the courtroom. Students will concentrate on trial strategy, examination of witnesses and the presentation of arguments by taking on the roles of attorneys in a fictitious courtroom trial. Note: Permission of instructor.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023
PS 326 Constitutional Law 3 Hours
Study and analysis of leading constitutional decisions dealing with judicial review, government powers over domestic and foreign affairs, federalism and the relationships between the functional branches of government.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
PS 327 Civil Liberties 3 Hours
Study and analysis of leading constitutional decisions and other materials concerning individual liberties in the U.S.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022
PS 328 Criminal Justice Procedures 3 Hours
A study of constitutional criminal procedure, principally under the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, Ninth, and Fourteenth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2023
PS 330 Introduction to Political Theory 3 Hours
A survey of the great thinkers and issues of politics which have shaped western civilization. Note: Three hours of Political Science courses or permission of instructor.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
PS 331 Politics Outside the Box 3 Hours
Provides insight in the social construction of power by investigating political symbols, characters and argument in popular culture and public policy.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022
PS 338 Government and Ethics 3 Hours
Course examines ethical issues and controversies emerging from the behavior and decisions of public officials within the American political system. A variety of pedagogical techniques are employed to stimulate and develop ethical thinking, moral reasoning and written and oral communication skills. Note: Permission of instructor.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021
PS 340 Principals of Public Administration 3 Hours (repeatable max of 9 hrs)
An exploration of theoretical and practical issues related to the administration of public programs, policies and organizations. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2023
PS 350 Political Terrorism 3 Hours
A survey of terrorism, recent trends, organizational structure, negotiations, role of the media, counter terrorism, and the impact on modern democracies.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2023
PS 352 International Relations of the Middle East 3 Hours
Introduction to international relations of Middle East and North Africa from historical, theoretical and contemporary perspectives. Focuses on interstate, regional and transnational relations. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY
Prerequisite(s): PS 250 and 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 355 International Organization and Law 3 Hours
Explores how the behavior of nominally sovereign countries is constrained or otherwise influenced by international law and other efforts to "organize" international relations. International institutions such as the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe are examined. Note: Permission of instructor.
Prerequisite(s): PS 250
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2023
PS 357 U S Foreign Policy 3 Hours
Analysis of the pattern and process of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in the contemporary era. Includes study of the major internal and external factors, which shape foreign policy decisions. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG
Prerequisite(s): PS 110 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2021; spring 2021; summer 2021; winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023
PS 359 Politics of North Korea 3 Hours
Explores the politics and society of North Korea through a blend of scholarly work, news reports, art, propaganda, first-hand accounts, and documentaries.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022
PS 360 Government and Politics of Britain and Canada 3 Hours
A comparative analysis of the political cultures, institutions and processes of Britain and Canada. Course includes a comprehensive study of the parliamentary executive system and reference to major topical problems. Note: Permission of instructor.
Prerequisite(s): PS 260
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 361 Government and Politics of Western Europe 3 Hours
Structured comparative analysis of various Western European states. Includes an examination of political cultures, institutional organizations, and the policy processes in selected states. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022
PS 362 Latin American Government and Politics 3 Hours
Basic governmental and political processes in Latin America. Emphasis on social and economic problems, political development, leadership recruitment, political instability and change. Note: Permission of instructor.
Prerequisite(s): PS 260
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2023
PS 363 Politics of Developing Nations 3 Hours
A study of the political culture, processes and problems of nations that have become independent since World War II.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 364 Chinese Politics 3 Hours
Exploration of China's domestic and international politics through academic and news sources, first-hand accounts, and documentaries.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2023
PS 365 Government and Politics of the Middle East 3 Hours
A comparative analysis of the political culture, institutions and processes of key Middle Eastern states. Focuses on issues of international and geostrategic significance of the region. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2023; summer 2023
PS 366 Government and Politics in East Asia 3 Hours
An analysis of political development in selected east Asian nations, including Japan, Korea, China, Singapore and Thailand. Includes study of the interrelationship between politics, economics and culture primarily in the post-World War II period.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
PS 367 Government and Politics of Russia and Eastern Europe 3 Hours
An analysis of government and politics of Russia and Eastern European countries with emphasis on political processes and institutions, political and economic reforms, and the prospects for democratic government. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2023
PS 368 African Government and Politics 3 Hours
Examines sub-Saharan African political and economic development. Focuses on several selected countries and explores the common political and economic problems and opportunities confronting African states. Note: Permission of instructor.
Prerequisite(s): PS 250 and PS 260
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 369 Central European Politics 3 Hours
A comparative analysis of the political culture, institutions and processes of Central European states and an examination of the impact of religion, empire and ideology on the political development of that region. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-LG
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022
PS 370 American Political Parties and Interest Groups 3 Hours
Explores the role that political parties and interest groups play in American politics. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SY
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2023
PS 371 Public Opinion and Electoral Behavior 3 Hours
A study of the formation and expression of public opinion, of the attitudes and experiences which influence voting, and of the manner in which public policy is related to opinion and elections.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022
PS 372 Politics and the Mass Media 3 Hours
A study of the impact of television, newspapers, news magazines, and radio on national political institutions and political processes.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 373 Minority Politics 3 Hours
A study of the contemporary status and efforts made by African Americans, Hispanics and other minority groups to organize for political action; discusses political and socioeconomic constraints on the development of that power. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022
PS 374 Women and Politics 3 Hours
An examination of the political, economic and social status of American women from an historical and contemporary perspective; explores issues of concern to women in a political context. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023
PS 375 Fundamentals of Political Campaign Management 3 Hours
Provides students with an orientation to the basic systems and interrelated roles, which must be managed in order to produce electoral victory.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022
PS 376 Political Management 3 Hours
Appplied course with focus on developing skills related to political management including fundraising, issue advocacy and media strategy.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 377 Politics of the American South 3 Hours
Examination of politics in the American South from the pre-Civil War era to the present. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2021; spring 2022
PS 400 Selected Topics in American Government 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Course provides advanced students with an opportunity to analyze important substantive problems and current issues not presently covered by departmental offerings. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; summer 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023
PS 403 Field Studies in Politics 3 Hours
Course is designed to involve students in practical problems of political research. Students are directed through the design and execution of a major field study.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023
PS 405 Washington Internship and Academic Seminars 3-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
An individualized internship and/or seminar experience in Washington, D.C. tailored to the student's area of interest. Placement is determined by the department academic advisor in collaboration with Washington professionals. May not be repeated toward major or minor credit.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2022; fall 2023
PS 407 Directed Studies in Government 3 Hours
Allows students to work independently with a specific instructor on an approved topic, issue or political concept/theme. Note: 3.0 grade point average required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2021; spring 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023
PS 412 Kentucky Government and Politics 3 Hours
A general survey course tracing the government and political development of the state from its constitutional beginning to the present. Primary focus will be on the major factors and issues in the state's political development within the context of the national governmental setting. The course will trace the role and influence of various political and social institutions in the state's political development and their implications for the current political and governmental situation. Note: Permission of instructor.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022
PS 420 Selected Topics in Public Law 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Course provides students with the opportunity to analyze important legal questions and current issues related to the field of public law. Note: Permission of instructor.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021
PS 424 Administrative Law 3 Hours
A study of the development of and trends in administrative law with emphasis on the problems caused by the exercise of quasi legislative and quasi judicial powers by administrative agencies, including the rights, duties and liabilities of public officials, relief against administrative action, jurisdiction, conclusiveness and judicial control. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 430 Selected Topics in Political Theory 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Examination of specialized topics in political theory not covered in regular departmental offerings.
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2023
PS 435 American Political Thought 3 Hours
A study of American political theory from the American Revolution to the present, including issues such as slavery, civil rights, and the meaning of political and economic freedom. Note: Three hours of Political Science courses or Permission of Instructor is required.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; spring 2022
PS 449 International Political Economy 3 Hours
Explores the role of governments, corporations, non-governmental entities and multilateral institutions in the global economy. Discusses issues of free trade and protectionism, both tariffs and non-tariff barriers to trade. Examines issues of monetary policy in national and international contexts. Note: Permission of instructor.
Prerequisite(s): PS 250 and PS 260
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2022
PS 450 Selected Topics in International Relations 3 Hours
Based in a seminar setting, this course facilitates an extensive exploration of particular aspects of international relations in the contemporary world.
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2022; summer 2023
PS 457 Theories of War and Peace in International Relations 3 Hours
Explores the various theories of the outbreak, conduct and causes of war and theories of war termination and international peace. Note: Permission of instructor. Colonnade/Statewide General Education Code K-SC
Prerequisite(s): 21 hours of Foundations and Explorations Courses, or junior status
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; fall 2023
PS 460 Selected Topics in Comparative Politics 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Based on a seminar setting, this course facilitates an extensive exploration of particular aspects of comparative politics in the contemporary world.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; summer 2022; winter 2023; summer 2023
PS 480 Selected Topics in Public Policy 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Seminar on special topics in public policy and public administration. Note: Permission of Instructor required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 488 Seminar in Political Communication 3 Hours
The role, processes, and effects of communication within the context of politics. This course is required of all Political Communication Certificate students. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman, Junior or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 490 Internship in State Government 6 Hours
Evaluation by the academic coordinator and agency supervisors of the intern's performance of assigned agency functions. Interns are full-time employees (40 hr/wk) for the duration of their internship program. Job assignments are made with the mutual consultation and consent of the intern, the agency and the academic coordinator.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 491 Research in State Government 3 Hours
Submission of a major research paper by the intern to an academic coordinator. Research is supervised by the academic coordinator in conjunction with the agency supervisor. May deal with assigned agency research function or may be independent of intern's role, but related to the agency need.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 492 Kentucky Legislative Processes 3 Hours
Focuses on contemporary problems and processes of the state legislative process. Discusses and analyzes state legislative affairs through discussion of issues by key state government personnel as well as through textbook materials. Note: Acceptance into the Kentucky Legislative Intern Program is required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 493 Issues in Human Resource Management 3 Hours
Focuses on Kentucky public personnel practices; examines the Kentucky merit system in theoretical and applied context; extensive emphasis on practical knowledge and use of State personnel for class lectures and projects.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 497 Senior Seminar in International Affairs 3 Hours
A capstone seminar that strengthens students' research, written and oral communication skills in international affairs and engages students and faculty in sustained consideration of significant international issues/questions. Note: Permission of instructor may be required.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman, Junior or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022; fall 2023
PS 498 Internship in Public Administration 3 Hours
Designed to provide the student with work experience in a public sector or non-profit agency combined with faculty direction. Note: Permission of the instructor is required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PS 499 Senior Seminar in Government 3 Hours
Integrates concepts and approaches learned during study of government. Engages students and faculty in sustained consideration of significant political issues/questions. Note: Permission of instructor is required.
Restriction(s): Students with a semester level of Academy Junior, Academy Senior, Freshman, Junior or Sophomore may not enroll.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2021; fall 2021; spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023