200
This course is an introduction to various aspects of the legal profession combined with LSAT preparation. The course features lectures by attorneys, law clerks, and judges, supplemented by films and field trips. PO 201 is recommended for those with sophomore standing, at minimum.
This course is an examination of the political thinkers from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment through detailed study of selected writings of Machiavelli, Bacon, Descartes, Hobbes, Locke, and selected writings of the American Founders. The goal of this course is to gain a better understanding of the intellectual roots of modern politics and to examine early modern opinions concerning human nature, good governance, and justice within and among nations. Particular attention will be devoted to the dominant ideology of the modern world, liberalism.
This general survey course is an introduction to some of the key Supreme Court decisions in the development of constitutional law in the United States. Through analysis and briefing of cases, students will be able to develop their thinking and writing skills while they learn how constitutional doctrine emerges and changes in areas such as separation of powers, federalism and civil liberties as the ongoing struggle to interpret the meaning of our Constitution continues.
This introductory course surveys the central issues of American political thought from the founding of the Republic to the present. The focus will be on selected critical periods in American history characterized by heightened conflict over America's operative ideals, including revolutionary America and the struggle over the Constitution, the Civil War, Depression and New Deal, and the Vietnam era.
An examination of the changing international perspectives, policy instruments, and processes of decision making underlying American foreign policy since 1945. Major objectives of the course include an appreciation of the complexity of interests that shape foreign policy and the development of an analytical capacity to evaluate the ways in which U.S. power has been projected abroad.
This course examines the portrayal of American politics and culture in film. We will evaluate how films address themes in American politics, comparative politics and international relations. We will also evaluate how films depict American culture and values, and how American culture can be influenced by film. Students will be expected to demonstrate their understanding of the role of film in politics and culture through examinations, written assignments and active participation in classroom discussions.
An introductory analysis of Montana state politics and political institutions. The course will explore federalism, Montana political history, and contemporary policy issues.
Democracy has been described as "the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time" (Winston Churchill, in Hansard, HC Deb 11 November 1947 vol. 444 cc203-321). In this class we discuss definitions of and alternatives to democracy, debate the pros and cons, and examine why democratic political regimes have emerged and spread.
We live in a world of nation-states. But what is a state, what is a nation, and how did these forms of political organization come to dominate the lives of people around the world?
Politics establishes the conditions for economic development. We study political and economic decisions and rules in order to understand why some people and some parts of the world are so rich, and why others are so poor.
An introduction to controversies in American politics. The problems and issues examined will reflect dominant national concerns such as campaign finance, the economy, and social welfare.
An undergraduate course that focuses on health politics and policy in the United States which will survey the major health programs in the United States, how the Affordable Care Act has changed the provision of health care and insurance, the evolution of health policy in the United States, and contemporary challenges in health care in contemporary America.
Special Topics courses include ad-hoc courses on various selected topics that are not part of the regular curriculum, however they may still fulfill certain curricular requirements. Special topics courses are offered at the discretion of each department and will be published as part of the semester course schedule - view available sections for more information. Questions about special topics classes can be directed to the instructor or department chair.