Political Science/International Relations
Ann V. Collins, Ph.D.., Assistant Professor of Political Science;
avcollins@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6897; PAC 203
Joseph Blasdel, M.A., Instructor of Political Science,
Director of the Forensics Program;
jeblasdel@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6815; Clark Hall 301
Brian Frederking, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science;
bfrederk@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6913, Piper Academic Center 204
The Political Science Department offers a major in political science and an interdisciplinary
major in international relations. The department teaches courses that present
competing perspectives on politics. Given the pervasive influence of politics on the
daily lives of all citizens, it is indispensable for well-educated persons to gain an understanding
of politics to enable them to critically analyze the world around them and to
more effectively exercise their civic responsibilities.
Both the political science and international relations majors include introductory
courses in each of the subfields of political science. Upper level courses build on the
theory and framework provided by the 100 and 200-level courses. The major in international
relations is interdisciplinary, requiring courses in a variety of disciplines. Both
majors culminate with a capstone experience which provides students with the opportunity
to do extensive research and present their findings in a seminar setting.
Degrees in political science and international relations are a strong foundation for
careers in a number of areas, including local, state or national government, law,
transnational governmental or non-governmental organizations, labor and industrial
relations, city management and urban planning, political consulting and campaign
management, interest groups and social interest lobbying, and journalism.
The majors in political science and international relations require a minimum of
36 credit hours. At least 18 credit hours must be at the 300 level or higher. At least 18
credit hours must be taken at McKendree College. Only grades better than D in a major
course will be accepted. The interdisciplinary requirements for the international
relations major must include courses from at least two different departments.
The minor in political science requires a minimum of 21 credit hours, including
three of the following: PSI 101, PSI 210, PSI 220, and PSI 230. At least 12 credit hours
must be at the 300 level or higher. At least 12 credit hours must be taken at McKendree
College. Only grades better than D in a minor course will be accepted.
POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJOR REQUIREMENTS 36 crs.
PSI 200 RESEARCH METHODS (3)
PSI 490 SENIOR SEMINAR (3)
At least 9 credits from the following:
PSI 101 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (3)
PSI 210 INTRODUCTION TO WORLD POLITICS (3)
PSI 220 INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS (3)
PSI 230 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY (3)
At least 12 credits from among the following:
PSI 102 STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (3)
PSI 300 CONGRESS (3)
PSI 301 PRESIDENCY (3)
PSI 305 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (3)
PSI 307 CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS (3)
PSI 308 PARTIES AND INTEREST GROUPS (3)
PSI 309 PUBLIC POLICY (3)
PSI 310 TOPICS IN AMERICAN POLITICS (3)
PSI 331 SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY (3)
PSI 339 TOPICS IN POLITICAL THEORY (3)
At least 9 credits from among the following:
PSI 311 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (3)
PSI 312 INTERNATIONAL LAW (3)
PSI 313 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY (3)
PSI 314 UNITED STATES FOREIGN POLICY (3)
PSI 315 GENDER AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3)
PSI 319 TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3)
PSI 329 TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS (3)
Supplementary requirements
FOREIGN LANGUAGE (8)
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS MAJOR REQUIREMENTS 36 crs.
PSI 200 RESEARCH METHODS (3)
PSI 490 SENIOR SEMINAR (3)
At least 9 credits from the following:
PSI 101 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT (3)
PSI 210 INTRODUCTION TO WORLD POLITICS (3)
PSI 220 INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS (3)
PSI 230 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY (3)
At least 12 credits from among the following:
PSI 311 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (3)
PSI 312 INTERNATIONAL LAW (3)
PSI 313 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY (3)
PSI 314 UNITED STATES FOREIGN POLICY (3)
PSI 315 GENDER AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3)
PSI 319 TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3)
PSI 329 TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS (3)
At least 9 credits in two different departments from among the following:
ENG 253 LITERATURE OF POST-COLONIAL CULTURES (3)
ENG 310 WORLD LITERATURE II (3)
HIS 329 HISTORY OF THE VIETNAM WAR (3)
HIS 343 HISTORY OF LATIN AMERICA (3)
HIS 363 HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE LEAST (3)
MGT 340 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS (3)
REL 320 RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD (3)
SPC 353 INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION (3)
Supplementary requirements
FOREIGN LANGUAGE (8)
PSI 101 AMERICAN POLITICS (3)
A survey course focusing on the development, organization and dynamics of American political processes and institutions. This course examines how the public, interest groups, the media, political parties and the constitutional branches of government work together to produce public policies. Each semester.
PSI 102 STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (3)
Introductory course providing an understanding of the way in which state and local governments
function and their place within the American political system. Annually, Spring.
PSI 200 RESEARCH METHODS (3)
This course provides an introduction to how political scientists study political phenomena. The course
examines the philosophy of social science as well as a variety of qualitative and quantitative research
methods, including single and comparative case studies, statistical analysis and survey research. This
course is not intended as a substitute for MTH 310. Annually, Fall.
PSI 201 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE (3)
A comprehensive introduction to the discipline of political science, including political theory, American
politics, comparative politics and international relations. Recommended for Social Science Education
majors. Alternate years, Spring ‘09.
PSI 210 INTRODUCTION TO WORLDS POLITICS (3)
A study of the dynamics of the modern nation state in its relationships with other members of the international community. Annually, Fall.
PSI 220 INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS (3)
A comparative study of the organization and operation of both Western and non-Western governments.
Alternate Years, Spring ‘09.
PSI 230 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY (3)
An introduction to the classical theorists, including Plato, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Mill and Marx.
Alternate Years, Spring ‘08.
PSI 300 CONGRESS (W) (3)
A study of the organizational structure of Congress, the nature of its processes, and the behavior of its
members. Specific topics include Constitutional powers, the role and importance of the committee and
party systems, congressional decision making, and Congressional interaction with other parts of the
political system. Prerequisite: PSI 101.Alternate years, Fall ‘07.
PSI 301 THE PRESIDENCY (W) (3)
This course examines the historical development, organizational structure, and function of the
Presidency. Specific topics include presidential leadership in foreign and domestic policy and the relationship between the President and other political actors, including the public, the media, Congress and the bureaucracy. Prerequisite: PSI 101. Alternate years, Spring ‘08.
PSI 305 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (3)
Analyzes the role of the judiciary by examining constitutional decisions about civil rights, civil liberties,
federalism, contracts, property, and the relative power of the executive and legislative branches.
Prerequisite: PSI 101. Alternate years, Fall ‘08.
PSI 307 CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS (3)
This course examines the American electoral process for both Congress and the Presidency. Topics covered include voting behavior, public opinion, the nomination and general election process, and the role of interest groups, the media, and political parties in modern elections. Prerequisite: PSI 101. Alternate years, Fall ‘08.
PSI 308 POLITICAL PARTIES AND INTEREST GROUPS (3)
This course focuses on the origin, organization, and function of political parties and interest groups in
American politics. The course will review the dynamics of their development, theories of party identifi-
cation and interest group membership, and each actor’s role in influencing elections and policy outcomes. Prerequisite: PSI 101. Alternate years, Fall ‘07.
PSI 309 PUBLIC POLICY (3)
Analyzes how American public policy is formulated and how public policies can be evaluated. Includes
a series of case studies to show how the policy process works and to develop a fuller understanding of
contemporary public policy issues. Examples of policy areas include the federal budget process, social
security reform, welfare reform, education reform, environmental policies and criminal justice policies.
Prerequisite: PSI 101. Alternate Years, Spring ‘09.
PSI 310 TOPICS IN AMERICAN POLITICS (3)
Offers specialized topics not covered in standing courses. As needed. Prerequisite: PSI 101.
PSI 311 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (W) (3)
A study of the attempt to construct “global governance” through international organizations. Focuses on
the United Nations, the European Union, and non-governmental organizations. Prerequisite: PSI
210.Alternate years, Spring ‘08.
PSI 312 INTERNATIONAL LAW (3)
An analysis of contemporary international law. Specific topics include the laws of war, arms control
treaties, human rights law, environmental law, and the global commons. Prerequisite: PSI 210. Alternate
years, Fall ‘07.
PSI 313 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY (W) (3)
Analyzes the relationship between states and markets, the nature of capitalism and globalization, international trade and finance regimes, international development and the problem of global inequality.
Prerequisite: PSI 210.Alternate Years, Spring ‘09.
PSI 314 UNITED STATES FOREIGN POLICY (3)
An analysis of post-World War II United States foreign policy from a variety of perspectives, including
international relations theory, domestic politics, and group decision making. Prerequisites: PSI
101.Alternate years, Fall ‘08.
PSI 315 GENDER AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3)
An analysis of feminist understandings of the major areas of international relations, including war and
conflict resolution, globalization, development, and human rights. . Prerequisite: PSI 210. Alternate
years, Fall ‘07.
PSI 319 TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3)
Offers specialized topics not offered in standing courses.. Prerequisite: PSI 210. As needed.
PSI 329 TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS (3)
Offers regional concentrations. Topics vary from Middle East Politics, African Politics, Latin American
Politics, European Politics, etc. As needed. Prerequisite: PSI 220.
PSI 331 SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY (W) (3)
Same as PHI 331. Alternate years, Fall ‘07.
PSI 339 TOPICS IN POLITICAL THEORY (3)
Offers topics not covered in standing courses. Topics include American Political Thought, Contemporary
Political Theory, and Critical/Postmodern Theory. Prerequisite: PSI 230. As needed.
PSI 470 INTERNSHIP IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (W) (3-8)
PSI 480 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (W) (1-4)
PSI 490 SEMINAR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (W) (3)
Selected topics to change yearly. Provides students with the capstone opportunity to do extensive
research and present their findings in a seminar setting. Annually, Spring. Prerequisite: PSI 200.
C o u r s e s o f S t u d y • POLITICAL SCIENCE / INTL. RELATIONS 177