Undergraduate Course Descriptions

Political Science (PSC)

PSC 2301 Comparative Political Systems 3(3-0)
Pre-requisite: ENG 1302

Organizational structure, policy formulation and policy implementation within a political system are examined in this course. Case studies of selected countries for comparative purposes is an aspect of the course.

This is a University Core Curriculum Course for the BBA, BAIS, BACS, BSHRD, BSGE, BSCSC, BSEMS

PSC 2302 Political Theory 3(3-0)
Pre-requisite: PSC 2301

The course serves as an introduction to the subject of political theory and philosophy. The course will provide a survey of all the major political theorists, philosophers and ideas from the classical period through to the twentieth century. The ideas and writings of Plato, Augustine, Hobbes, Locke and Machiavelli will, amongst others, be considered and debated.

This is a required course in the Political Science Concentration for the BAIS

PSC 2310 The American Political System 3(3-0)
Pre-requisite: PSC 2301

This course serves as an introduction to the structure of government in the United States. The constitution and the various institutions of American government will be studied from a historical and political perspective. Other crucial components of the American system such as political parties, federalism, interest groups, voting, social divisions, and the economic system will also be discussed and analyzed in light of the historical process of change and structural evolution to cope with altered circumstances.

This is a required course in the American Studies Concentration for the BAIS

PSC 3301 International Politics 3(3-0)
Pre-requisite: Junior Classification

It deals with the relationships between states and ‘blocks’ (of states), especially during the 20th century. The changing role of the United Nations after the end of the ‘cold war,’ the relationships between ‘North’ and ‘South,’ and the revival of nationalisms and ‘ethnicisms’ will receive special
attention.

This is an optional course in the Political Science Concentration for the BAIS

PSC 3304 State and Society in Europe 3(3-0)
Pre-requisite: PSC 2301

This course examines the main features of the political and social systems in Western Europe. The following elements will be studied: European social structure, cultural traditions, social movements, parties and party systems, groups and interest intermediation, governments and public administrations. The description of the different forms of political and social systems across the continent goes along with the analysis of the current process of Europeanization. The European economies, civil societies and governments are challenged by the integration process and the end of the Cold War division of the continent. The traditional model of nationstate politics is being substituted by new forms of collective governance that will receive particular attention in the course. The course will conclude by considering the political and governmental development in the formerly communist states of central and Eastern Europe.

This is an optional course in the Political Science Concentration for the BAIS
This is an optional course in the European Studies Concentration for the BAIS

PSC 3305 Introduction to Political Economy 3(3-0)
Pre-requisite: INS 3301

The course introduces students to the basic ideas and debates of political economy; defined as both the politics of economics and the application of economic principles to politics. The course will present the main schools of thinking in political economy as well as the main current debates. Classical and neo-classical, Marxist and neo-Marxist, liberal and neo-liberal schools of thought will be discussed. The role of the state in the economy and democratization will also be examined.

This is an optional course in the Political Science Concentration for the BAIS
This is an optional course in the International Cooperation and Development Concentration for the BAIS

PSC 3310 North African Government and Politics 3(3-0)
Pre-requisite: PSC 2301

This course examines the government, politics and international relations of the states of the central Maghreb: Tunisia, Algeria and Morocco. It covers issues such as the impact of history, post-independence state-building, the role of political parties, progress towards economic and political liberalization and relations between the states and with the wider world. Students are expected by the end of the semester to demonstrate an understanding of developments and issues within individual countries and be able to compare thematically across the three states.

This is an optional course in the Political Science Concentration for the BAIS
This is an optional course in the North African and Middle Eastern Studies Concentration for the BAIS

PSC 3311 Politics in the Developing World 3(3-0)
Pre-requisite: PSC 2301

The course examines political development and the forms of government and political interaction in the states of the developing world. Themes addressed will include the legacy and impact of colonialism, the roles played by political parties and the military, the issue of development and the pressures for political change and liberalization.

This is an optional course in the Political Science Concentration for the BAIS

PSC 3312 Middle Eastern Politics 3(3-0)
Pre-requisite: PSC 2301

The course will examine the politics and international relations of the modern Middle Eastern region. The first half of the course will look at state forms - including the emergence of state socialism under Nasser in Egypt, Ba'athism in Syria and Iraq, the monarchical systems of the Gulf and the Islamic Republic in Iran - and issues in domestic politics such as the politics of ethnicity, Islamism and political liberalization. The second half of the course will look at the international politics of the region and will focus primarily on inter-Arab politics, the Arab-Israeli dispute and Gulf conflict and security.

This is an optional course in the Political Science Concentration for the BAIS
This is an optional course in the North African and Middle Eastern Studies Concentration for the BAIS

PSC 3320 The European Union: An Introduction 3(3-0)
Pre-requisite: PSC 2301

This course aims to introduce students to the basic workings and institutions of the European Union. The origins of the EU will be examined along with its progressive growth as an institution, its expansion to include new members and its transition through being the EEC and the EC in pursuit of further integration. Students will also study the making and objectives of EU foreign and economic policy.

This is a required course in the European Studies Concentration for the BAIS

PSC 3399 Special Topics in Political Science 3(3-0)

Specially scheduled courses on significant issues or topics relevant to the study of Political Science.

This is an optional course in the Political Science Concentration for the BAIS

PSC 4301 European Union Foreign Policy 3(3-0)
Pre-requisite: PSC 3320

As an analysis of the history, mechanisms and issues in European foreign policy, the course will look at the evolution of external relations issues during the periods of the EEC, the European Community and the European Union itself. The growth in importance of political and security issues vis-à-vis economic and trade issues will be examined as will the key and important issues of membership expansion, the Barcelona Accords and relations with the USA.

This is an optional course in the European Studies Concentration for the BAIS