Political Science
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
CPO 2001 Comparative Politics
Credits: 3.
The classification of political systems according to institutional and developmental characteristics. Causes and costs of political stability and instability. Comparison will relate to contemporary political institutions and processes in specific countries. (S, N)
CPO 3103 Western European Politics
Credits: 3; Prereq: CPO 2001.
A comparative analysis of the government and politics of the major Western European countries. Special emphasis will be given to party systems and the social bases of politics in industrialized societies. (N, S)
CPO 3151 French Politics and Society in the Fifth Republic (1958-present)
Credits: 3; Prereq: CPO 2001.
Course examines the main socio-political developments in the Post-war era, including the role of the state, constitutional arrangements, the semi-presidential system of government, national institutions, political parties, interest groups.
CPO 3204 African Politics
Credits: 3; Prereq: CPO 2001.
African nationalism, political movements and governments in the African states. (N, S) (WR)
CPO 3303 Introduction to Latin American Politics
Credits: 3.
An introduction to and overview of political patterns and political behavior in Latin America within comparative and developmental perspectives. Emphasis on the social, economic and political factors shaping contemporary political structures and processes. (N, S)
CPO 3403 Politics of the Middle East
Credits: 3; Prereq: CPO 2001.
Focuses on key political and social processes in the modern Middle East. Variable themes in comparative politics will be addressed such as nationalism, state formation, women and politics, religious resurgence, feminism and law. (N, S)
CPO 3614 Eastern European Politics
Credits: 3; Prereq: CPO 2001 or POT 4414.
A comparative analysis of the formal structures of government and politics of Eastern European countries; the actual operation of their political systems and the factors that influenced their transitions to democracy and market-based economies. (N, S)
CPO 3633 Politics in Russia
Credits: 3; Prereq: CPO 2001 or POT 4414.
An analysis of the formal structures of government and politics in Russia, the actual operation of its political system and the factors that influenced the transition to democracy and a market-based economy. (N, S)
CPO 3713 Women and Politics in the Modern Middle East
Credits: 3.
Examines women and gender in the politics of the modern Middle East, from the late 19th century through the 1990s.
CPO 4000 Selected Studies in Comparative Politics
Credits: 3.
Selected topics in comparative politics; precise course content will be announced in advance. (N, S)
CPO 4034 Politics in Developing Nations
Credits: 3; Prereq: CPO 2001.
A general introduction to politics in third world states, an examination of common problems and the various strategies for dealing with them.
CPO 4042 Politics in Post-Industrial Societies
Credits: 3.
Comparative analysis of advanced industrial states with emphasis on diverse patterns of economic, social and political development as determinants of current political structures and policies.
CPO 4053 Politics Under Authoritarianism
Credits: 3; Prereq: CPO 2001.
Investigates the sources of durable authoritarianism in Asia and around the world and contrasts the survival of dictatorships with successful democratic transitions.
CPO 4104 The Politics and Institutions of the European Union
Credits: 3; Prereq: CPO 2001 or the equivalent.
Examines the history institutions and theoretical interpretations of the European Union from its origins to the present including some general European history and background of the 15 member states. (WR)
CPO 4121 The Politics of Ethnic Conflict
Credits: 3; Prereq: CPO 2001.
An introduction to the systematic study of communal violence, to the major concepts in conflict studies, to the main approaches to studying conflict and to many of the major episodes of communal violence in contemporary Asia and beyond.
CPO 4133 Canadian Politics
Credits: 3; Prereq: CPO 2001.
Survey of the political culture, constitutional foundations, public opinion and participation, and political institutions in Canada. Focus on the challenges to constitutional foundations, Canadian nationalism, federalism, parliamentary supremacy, and the party system. (S)
CPO 4144 Turkish Government and Politics
Credits: 3; Prereq: Permission of the instructor.
An introduction of key debates and themes in Turkey, both past and contemporary, to allow students to see Turkish politics in both a comparative as well as EU context. Historical legacies left by the country’s Ottoman past will be considered, but the primary focus will be from the establishment of the republican regime in 1923, the passage into multiparty politics after World War II, and inclusive of the contemporary period.
CPO 4145 Irish Government and Politics
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
Intensive analysis of the contemporary history, politics and government of Ireland. The course examines the foundations of the state and society from an historical and political-cultural perspective.
CPO 4306 Contemporary Problems in Latin American Politics
Credits: 3; Prereq: CPO 3303 or the equivalent experience.
The analysis of major themes and issues in the study of Latin American politics: democratic transitions, economic restructuring, social movements, civil-military relations and political violence. (WR)
CPO 4401 Arab-Israeli Conflict
Credits: 3.
Introduces the student to the Arab-Israeli Conflict from the 19th century through the 1990s and into the current century.
CPO 4414 Religion, Law and Politics: Israel in Comparative Perspective
Credits: 3.
Intersection of religion, law and politics in modern states through an analysis of Israel in comparative perspective.
CPO 4731 Democratization in Global Perspective
Credits: 3; Prereq: CPO 2001.
Introduction to literature on democratization. The course will familiarize students with important theoretical and conceptual issues and will acquaint them with empirical data on major regions of the world.
CPO 4772 Latin American and Caribbean Migration to the United States
Credits: 3; Prereq: sophomore status or above.
Provides a clearer understanding and appreciation of Latin American and Caribbean migration to the United States. After a general introduction to some of the key theoretical concepts and the historical processes underlying immigration to the U.S., the course focuses in depth on selected immigrant groups from Latin America and the Caribbean.
CPO 4793 Environmental Politics in the Global South
Credits: 3; Prereq: sophomore standing.
Examines the politics of environmental degradation in countries of the global south, a.k.a. the developing world, through case studies of topics including Amazonian deforestation in Brazil, international development projects in India, and oil drilling in the Niger Delta.
INR 2001 Introduction to International Relations
Credits: 3.
Examines philosophical, theoretical and methodological approaches to the student of international relations, the interaction of major global actors in the post-World War II and post-Cold War eras, the structure of the global economy, and various issues such as arms proliferation and conflict associated with ethnicity and nationalism. (S, N)
INR 3034 Politics of the World Economy
Credits: 3; Prereq: INR 2001.
International trade, finance, and investment issues in the global political economy and their importance for advanced industrial and less-developed countries.
INR 3084 Culture and World Politics
Credits: 3; Prereq: INR 2001.
Contending conceptualizations of culture and its relations to international politics. Examination of several questions on the relationship between national/group identity and international politics: Do diplomatic alliances reflect cultural/ideological affinity among allies? What is the relationship between the self-image of the West and Western imperialism?
INR 3102 The U.S. and World Affairs
Credits: 3; Prereq: INR 2001, or instructor permission.
The tradition and development of American foreign policy; contemporary foreign policy problems. (S, N)
INR 3333 Introduction to International Security
Credits: 3; Prereq: INR 2001.
Provides an examination and application of the major theoretical and methodological approaches to international security. Students will analyze the impact of domestic, state, regional and global system factors in international security. Students need familiarity with the basic concepts of world politics, particularly the dominant actors, issues and paradigms.
INR 3502 International Institutions
Credits: 3; Prereq: INR 2001 and junior or senior standing.
Analysis of the political and functional aspects of international organization and cooperation with emphasis on both formal organizations, as the United Nations or the European Union, and less formal institutions and arrangements. (S, N) (WR)
INR 3603 Theories of International Relations
Credits: 3; Prereq: INR 2001.
Examination of a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of international relations.
INR 4035 Rich and Poor Nations in the International System
Credits: 3; Prereq: INR 2001.
Explores the economic, social and political linkages between less developed and advanced industrial countries in the global system predominantly from the former's perspective. Considers the historical sources of underdevelopment, theoretical and substantive aspects of world poverty, and regional and international efforts to redress the problems of developing countries.
INR 4083 War and Peace in World Politics
Credits: 3.
Provides an examination and application of the major theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of international conflict. Students will analyze the impact of domestic, state, regional, and global factors in explicating international war. Assumes some familiarity with the basic concepts of world politics, particularly the dominant actors, issues, and paradigms informing analyses in the field, with special emphasis on quantitative analyses of war.
INR 4204 Comparative Foreign Policy
Credits: 3; Prereq: INR 2001 and junior or senior standing.
Various theoretical approaches to explaining foreign policy, with special attention to the foreign policies of selected countries other than the United States.
INR 4244 International Politics of Latin America
Credits: 3; Prereq: INR 2001 or advanced standing in Latin American studies.
An analysis of the international politics of Latin America, includes relations with the United States and non-hemispheric powers as well as the foreign policies of Latin American states vis-à-vis each other. (WR)
INR 4303 The Making of American Foreign Policy
Credits: 3; Prereq: INR 2001, or instructor permission.
Examination of the principal factors influencing the formulation of U.S. foreign policy, including the international environment, information processing, personality factors, political culture, decision makers and decision making. Consideration is also given to the institutional setting, including the President, Congress and public opinion. (S)
INR 4350 International Environmental Relations
Credits: 3; Prereq: INR 2001.
Considers the special problems posed by environmental collective action for international policymakers; some of the primary actors and organizations involved in addressing environmental problems; and selected international environmental issues such as global warming, ozone depletion, and rain forest destruction.
INR 4531 Politics of the European Union
Credits: 3; Prereq: INR 2001.
Examines the primary structures, actors and processes of policy making in the European Union. Salient policy areas such as the single market, monetary union, agricultural policy and the potential for a common foreign and security policy are investigated.
PAD 3003 Introduction to Public Administration
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
The role of administrative agencies in the formulation and implementation of public policy. Emphasis on the politics of administration. Problems in administration management. (S)
PAD 4034 Problems of Public Administration and Policy
Credits: 3; Prereq: PAD 3003 and junior or senior standing.
A treatment of the political-administrative dimensions of government programs.
PAD 4940 Court Internship
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041, instructor permission.
Preapproved internship with the Alachua County Clerk of Court. Interns will work a minimum of 150 hours per semester, complete readings and a 5-10 page paper. Only three hours of POS/PAD 4940 credit may be counted toward the Political Science major. Must be taken S/U. (S-U)
POS 2041 American Federal Government
Credits: 3.
Basic principles of the Federal Constitution and Civil Rights. Political parties and the electoral process. The structure and machinery of the federal government, including Congress, President and Judiciary. (S)
POS 2112 American State and Local Government
Credits: 3.
State constitutions, political parties and politics. State legislatures, courts and chief executives. The functions of state, city and county government. (S)
POS 3122 State Politics
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
An investigation of major problems and issues in American State Politics. The emphasis is on the political institutions and organizations, political behavior in state politics and the impact of state politics on policy making at national, state and local levels.
POS 3142 Urban Politics
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
An examination of urban problems, institutions and policies. Includes an overview of urban history and a look at metropolitan issues. (S) (WR)
POS 3173 Southern Politics
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
The changing politics of the South; two party development, urbanism, traditionalism, racism. (S) (WR)
POS 3204 Political Behavior
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
An examination of institutional, social and psychological influences on mass political behavior, political sophistication, political participation, voter choice, partisanship, ideology and values. (S) (WR)
POS 3233 Politics and Public Opinion
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
Study of the definition and measurement of political opinion by polls and surveys, developmental character of opinions. Variables in opinion formation, experiments in opinion measurement and the relation of political opinion to public policy. (S) (WR)
POS 3263 Policy, Ethics and Public Leadership
Credits: 3.
Public leaders bear a special responsibility to make ethical decisions based on the enduring values of our democracy. The purpose of this course is to develop awareness of leadership and ethical issues in the public sector. (S) (WR)
POS 3603 American Constitutional Law
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041 and junior or senior standing.
A complete study and analysis of the Federal Constitution, with study and briefing of leading cases in constitutional law. (WR)
POS 3606 American Civil Liberties
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
Discussion of statutes and court decisions emphasizing First Amendment freedoms, equal protection of the law, due process and rights of defendants, implied rights, and the rights of women, juveniles, students, prisoners and the mentally ill. (WR)
POS 4074 Latino Politics and Policy
Credits: 3; Prereq: sophomore standing or above.
Examines the political behavior of Hispanic Americans in the United States. Students will discuss many political and public policy issues that impact Hispanic/Latino communities, such as affirmative action, the Chicano movement, English-only movements, immigration, the presidency, racial profiling and urban politics.
POS 4077 African American Politics and Policy
Credits: 3; Prereq: sophomore standing or above.
Examines the political behavior of African Americans in the United States. The course discusses issues such as the civil rights movement, the black power movement, black political thought (conservatism, liberalism and nationalism), blacks and the court system, the role of blacks in political parties, blacks and the presidency, and contemporary issues in African American politics.
POS 4202 Asian American Politics
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
In the Asian American politics course, we will examine the political behavior, attitudes, and mobilization of Asian Americans in America by examining a variety of topics such as the racial stereotypes which plague them, their electoral behavior, the mobilizations tactics utilized in their communities, their response to violent crimes against members of their group and crime within their communities, Asian American conservatism, their views on affirmative action, and the politics of Asian American women.
POS 4258 Politics in Fiction and Film
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
This course uses make-believe stories told in popular novels and Hollywood motion pictures to provide insights into the nature of real-life politics in the United States. (WR)
POS 4275 Modern Political Campaigns
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
Explores major issues associated with modern political campaigns. Presidential campaigns are a primary, but not exclusive, focus. The emphasis of the course is to investigate why modern campaigns take the forms they do, and to place them in broader American and political contexts. This is not a course on how to run campaigns; it is a course on understanding campaign politics.
POS 4291 Religion and Politics in the United States
Credits: 3; Prereq: refer to the department.
Investigates the role of religious institutions, values and communities in contemporary American political life. (WR)
POS 4413 The Presidency
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
The central role of the American Presidency in the political process. Emphasis on the contemporary institutional nature of that office and the behavior of its occupants. (S)
POS 4424 Legislative Politics
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041 and junior or senior standing.
The politics of the legislative process. Recruitment of legislators. Formal and informal rules of behavior. Legislative-executive relations. The committee system. The impact of political parties, interest groups, and constituents on the legislative process. (S)
POS 4443 Political Parties and Elections
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
The composition, organization and structure of political parties and their role and relationships in the political process. (S) (WR)
POS 4463 Interest Group Politics
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041
Examines the theoretical foundations, historical context, and current activities of interest groups in the United States.
POS 4624 Race, Law and the Constitution
Credits: 3.
Surveys the historical and contemporary response of the law enforcement, civil/criminal justice, and corrections systems to minority/ethnic groups in the United States. (WR)
POS 4674 Political Change and Legal Development
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
Introduces the role of law in political and social development by providing a background in social theory and the history of legal systems, beginning with Roman law.
POS 4734 Research Methods in Political Science
Credits: 3.
An introduction to the theory and method of contemporary political analysis. Emphasis on alternative analytical frameworks, concepts, research design, variables, measurement, and quantitative analysis of political data. This course is required for students pursuing the Department Honors Program. (WR)
POS 4905 Individual Work
Credits: 2 to 3; can be taken only once.
Readings and discussion in advanced topics of political science; requires department permission.
POS 4931 Special Topics
Credits: 3.
Selected topics in political science; precise course content will be announced in advance.
POS 4934 Honors Preparation
Credits: 1; Prereq: UF upper-division GPA of 3.5. This course is required for students pursuing the department honors program.
Must be taken in conjunction with other political science courses at the 3000 or 4000 level. Open to majors with upper-division GPA of 3.5. Students must secure instructor permission of the course to which they wish to add this credit.
POS 4936 Senior Colloquium
Credits: 3; Prereq: senior standing in political science and instructor permission.
Special topics in political science on a colloquium basis for seniors.
POS 4940 Political Internship
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041, instructor permission.
Internship in government and politics. Internships are available at all levels-local, state, and federal- and in every branch of government-executive, legislative, and judicial. Other internships are available with political parties, interest groups, lobbying organizations, international organizations, and private companies engaged in governmental relations and issue research. Readings and paper required. Only three hours of POS /PAD 4940 credit may be counted toward the major. (S-U).
POS 4956 Overseas Studies
Credits: 1 to 15; can be repeated with change in topic up to 15 credits. Prereq: Permission of undergraduate adviser.
This revolving topics course provides a mechanism by which course work taken abroad as part of an approved student program can be recorded on the transcript and counted toward UF graduation.
POS 4970 Senior Thesis
Credits: 2 to 4.
One of three required courses for students who are writing an honors thesis. The student works under the supervision of his or her thesis adviser. This course is taken typically in the second semester of the one-year thesis process. Students receive a letter grade for their work.
POT 2002 Introduction to Political Theory
Credits: 3.
Basic principles of political thought. Examination of the nature of the state and of the relationship between the individual and the state. Covers topics such as authority, consent, freedom and obligation. (H)
POT 3302 Political Ideologies
Credits: 3.
Seeks understanding of the contemporary spectrum of political beliefs from liberal democracy to the ideological ideas of the far right. Examines the effects of ethical, historical, political and psychological perspectives on these belief systems.
POT 3503 Environmental Ethics and Politics
Credits: 3.
An intensive investigation into the history and theory of environmental ethical and political thought.
POT 3504 Normative Issues in Political Science
Credits: 3.
Examines the relationship of ethics to politics through an analyses of key historical texts and current moral debates that impact the political world.
POT 4013 Great Political Thinkers: Ancient and Medieval
Credits: 3.
Major early political theorists including Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas. Emphasis on the principles of a just political order: natural law, civic virtue, constitutionalism. Analysis of church-state struggles and the emergence of the modern state. (H)
POT 4053 Great Political Thinkers: Machiavelli to Marx
Credits: 3.
Study of selected political theorists from Machiavelli to Marx. Emphasis on the ideas of authority and freedom, obligation and consent in the writing of Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, etc. Liberalism, conservatism, utilitarianism, idealism. (H) (WR)
POT 4311 Problems of Democracy
Credits: 3; Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
The theory and practice of democracy, especially ideas that define a democratic order. Study of selected topics ranging from equality and majority rule to technology and the globalization of democracy. (WR)
POT 4414 Marxist Theory and Practice
Credits: 3; Prereq: junior or senior standing; CPO 2001 or INR 2001 recommended, but not required.
Emphasis on the interrelationship of theory and practice in the evolution of Marxist-Leninist theory and developments in various communist political systems. The appeals of communism. Cadre training. The development of the international communist system.
PUP 3002 Current Controversies in Public Policy
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
The course presents a framework to understand the formation, adoption, budgeting, implementation and evaluation of public policy. This framework provides a basis for detailed discussions and debates about current policy issues. (S)
PUP 3204 Politics and Ecology
Credits: 3.
Problems of conservation, pollution. Group pressures and interaction for and against development. (S) (WR)
PUP 3323 Women in Politics
Credits: 3.
An analysis of the roles women play in American politics including political behavior and public policy issues.
PUP 3623 Politics of Poverty
Credits: 3.
Investigates the issues of poverty, public attitudes toward the poor, public policies dealing with poverty, and forms of mobilization of the poor. (S) (WR)
PUP 4008 Analyzing Public Policy
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
Provides an understanding of various political and economic approaches used to solve public policy problems such as environmental quality, public education, business regulation, health care, and welfare.
PUP 4021 Law, Politics, and Regulation
Credits: 3; Prereq: POS 2041.
Regulation in America is introduced as state activity mediating the forces of the market and the demands of democracy within the context of federalism. This mediation occurs through legislative, administrative, and judicial politics and is bounded by our constitutional understanding of private property and public power. (S)
PUP 4224 Florida Environmental Politics
Credits: 3; Prereq: sophomore status or above.
Examines the politics of environmental transformation in Florida, including issues of water supply, growth management and Everglades restoration. This course supplements the department's offerings in environmental politics. It can be used to satisfy requirements for the major or minor in political science, but it is also intended for (and accessible to) interested students in any major.
PUP 4313 Minorities and Change in American Politics
Credits: 3.
An analysis of the political problems and strategies employed by various racial, gender and ethnic minorities in the United States. (WR)
PUP 4316 Gay and Lesbian Politics
Credits: 3.
Examines the history of gay and lesbian politics in America and their current political activism.
PUP 4404 Politics of Education
Credits: 3; Prereq: junior or senior standing, or instructor permission.
The interrelationship of American political and educational systems; educational policymaking as political process; analysis of contemporary educational problems. (S) (WR)
PUP 4712 Problems of Markets and Governments
Credits: 3.
Examines the role government should play in a market economy. Among other topics, the course will examine how the electoral system, interest groups, and the bureaucracy affect the design and implementation of public policy.
General Education Categories
Consult Schedule of Courses for specific information.
- Biological Sciences (B)
- Composition (C)
- Diversity (D)*
- Humanities (H)
- International (N)*
- Mathematics (M)
- Physical Sciences (P)
- Social and Behavioral Sciences (S)
* Students who entered UF prior to Summer B 2007 and/or whose catalog year is not 2007-08: Current students who have not completed six hours of international/diversity (I) credits can do so now by taking D and N courses.
Symbols Used in Course Descriptions
- (WR): the course satisfies the writing requirement.
- (MR): the course satisfies the math requirement.
- (S-U): the course may be taken on a satisfactory-unsatisfactory basis.
- Refer to the Schedule of Courses for specific information.