First Session

PLSC 300: The Arab World, Islam and U.S. Foreign Policy

permission required: Dr. Schraeder

 

This special summer study travel course (June 8—June 28) offers a unique experiential understanding of the Arab world, Islam, and U.S. foreign policy through the case study of Tunisia, an Arab country in North Africa that serves as the present-day embodiment of the Carthaginian Empire. A unique combination of site visits, lectures by group leader Professor Peter J. Schraeder, and guest presentations by renowned Tunisian scholars will focus on the politics of democratization in the Arab world, the role of women in Muslim societies, Arab perceptions of U.S. foreign policy, U.S. perceptions of Tunisia's role in the global war on terrorism, and the history of Islam and the Roman Empire in North Africa. We will spend the first 5 days in Tunisia's capital, Tunis, where, in addition to visiting sites throughout the city, you will take part in joint sessions with English-speaking Tunisian students from the University of Tunis and attend presentations at the U.S. Embassy. The vast majority of this 21-day trip, however, will be spent visiting sites of political, religious, historical and social significance throughout all regions of Tunisia, ranging from the Great Mosque of Kairouan and the Roman Coliseum in El Jem, to an overnight camping experience in the Sahara Desert, complete with a camel trek, in Southern Tunisia.

PLSC 312: Feminist Theory
Ms. Sherri Replogle
MW 6:00pm / LSC

This course provides an overview of the fundamental debates marking feminist theories today. Students will engage in a critical examination of influential works, using theory to understand concrete issues that mobilize concepts of sex, gender, race, and nation. Readings and discussions will focus on a series of themes and issues organized around the following general topics: (1) The role of women in traditional political thought and the emergence of modern feminist theories. (2) Considerations and contestations of identity. (3) A reexamination and a "rethinking" of basic political concepts and relationships and (4) global challenges.

PLSC 325: American Foreign Policy
Dr. Williams
TTh 6:00pm / LSC

This course examines the process of American foreign policy making, as well as some of the examples of these policies.  We will discuss American foreign policy as it has evolved since the Second World War as well as the various patterns and sources of policy.  We conclude with a projection of American policy in the future.  Throughout the course, we will consider the ethical (and practical) implications of foreign policy choices and their alternatives.  Students will be encouraged to form their own judgment on these issues as the gain an appreciation of the background that shapes American policies and the constraints faced by policymakers as they attempt to define and promote the national interest.  Electronic mail and electronic newsgroup will be integral parts of the course and students will become familiar with resources available on the internet.

PLSC 386: American Parties and Elections

Professor Flowers

MTWTh 10:00am-11:40 / LSC

 

Do you want to know who is going to be the next president?  We will explore the unfolding 2008 presidential election within the context of the ever evolving American systems of Political Parties and Elections.  In general, we will arrive at an understanding of why the 2008 election started in December of 2006 and why the major candidates are expected to raise 100 million dollars this year.  We will also explore questions about the role of third party candidates and the role of the media.

PLSC 370: Internship

permission required: Dr. Katz
 

This program allows students to earn course credit while gaining valuable professional experience as an intern in the Chicago area. Internship possibilities include positions with U.S. Congressmen and Senators, Illinois Legislators, political campaigns, international organizations, policy think-tanks, and city, state, and federal government agencies. Interns earn 3 or 6 credit hours by working in an internship position that is jointly agreed upon by the student and the internship coordinator. The intern is also required to take part in a special internship seminar that will meet several times during the semester and write a paper related to the internship experience. Students need the permission of the internship coordinator in order to register and must submit an application form. You may contact the internship coordinator at (773) 508-3068 or ckatz@luc.edu.

PLSC 396: Directed Readings

permission required: Dr. Katz

 

A special readings course designed for students with particular topics in mind. Interested students should discuss the proposed topic with a faculty member prior to the beginning of the session.

PLSC 499: Directed Readings

permission required: Dr. Sanchez

 

Directed reading for students in Graduate programs.

 

Second Session

 

PLSC 101: American Politics

Professor Alan Gitelson  

MW  6:00pm / LSC

This course provides an overview of the working and non-workings of the American political system. In the lecture-seminar format of the class we will explore the institutions, processes, and behaviors of American Government and politics. Topics include the Constitution, federalism, political culture and socialization, political parties, campaigns and elections, the media and politics, interest groups, Congress, the executive branch, the judiciary and other themes related to the current events of t he semester. We will try to separate myth from reality in our exploration of the American political system. This course is an option in the "Societal and Cultural Knowledge" section of the core curriculum.  

PLSC 102: International Politics

Dr. Grigorescu

TTh 6:00pm / LSC
 

This course is designed to introduce students to the major concepts and approaches in the study of international politics.  It will discuss different theoretical approaches used in study of international politics, as well as the assumptions and consequences involved in the use of such approaches.  In order to illustrate various concepts and theories, the course will use examples from different areas of the world and from different moments in history.  It will especially rely on examples from events that are still unfolding.  This course is an option in the "Societal and Cultural Knowledge" section of the core curriculum.

PLSC 337: Terrorism

Dr. Mayer

MTWTh 10:00am / LSC

Whether perpetrated by state or nonstate actors, terrorism always deliberately targets noncombatants. It attacks not soldiers but civilians in order to induce some collection of people to behave differently. The aim of this course is to determine when and why groups of various sorts turn to terror as a political tactic and how this tactic can be countered effectively.  Case studies from across the globe will be analyzed.  This is a Comparative Politics course.

PLSC 396: Directed Readings
permission required: Dr. Katz

A special readings course designed for students with particular topics in mind. Interested students should discuss the proposed topic with a faculty member prior to the beginning of the session.

PLSC 499: Directed Readings

permission required: Dr. Sanchez

 

Directed reading for students in Graduate programs.