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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2017-2018
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PS 361 Politics in China and Japan (1)
An examination of the current political systems of the two countries with focuses on
political culture, elites and masses, political institutions and processes, current issues, and
political change. (Also listed as HON 361.) Prerequisite: GCS 100 or PS 238.
PS 366 Politics of Mexico and Central America (1)
An exploration of the political culture and institutions of Mexico and Central America,
focusing on the effects of globalization, economic integration, regime type, political
change, and the role of the United States. The region’s vast diversity and complexities are
examined but with an emphasis on the interdependent nature of country relationships.
Prerequisite: GCS 100, PS 238, or PS 240.
PS 368 Political Violence (1)
An examination of the sources, evolution, and outcomes of political violence and
revolution, emphasizing the reasons, justifications, and rationalizations for violence in its
various manifestations within nation-states. The intersection between violence, religion,
and politics will be explored, as well as sources and types of terrorism. Prerequisites:
GCS 100 or PS 238; and at least junior standing.
PS 370 Environmental Hazards and Urban Social Risks (1)
An examination of environmental hazards (tectonic-earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes,
extreme weather, hydrological events, disease epidemics) and urban social risks (poverty,
war, starvation, crime) utilizing analytical perspectives from both the physical and social
sciences. The social and political construction of risks and hazards and mitigation
strategies are examined, and resources from local, national, and international
governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in risk reduction are utilized.
The course may include fieldwork and/or travel. (Also listed as GCS 370 and UES 370.)
Prerequisite: at least sophomore standing.
PS 400 International Political Economy (1)
An advanced seminar course that surveys the relationships between international politics
and economics. Contending theoretical approaches to explaining a variety of IPE
phenomena, from mainstream to radical, will be considered and critically examined.
Topically, this course covers issues ranging from trade, debt, aid, and development to the
role of states, multinational corporations, and international institutions. An emphasis will
be placed upon threats to political and economic stability in developing countries.
Prerequisites: GCS 100, PS 235, or PS 238; and at least junior standing.
PS 434 Introduction to International Human Rights Law (1)
A seminar course on international law with an emphasis on human rights. Concepts and
principles, functions and processes associated with international law are applied to
general categories of human rights—for example, political, economic, social and cultural
rights. Special attention is paid to the International Criminal Court, war crimes, genocide,
children’s rights, human trafficking, modern slavery, workers’ rights, gender and health
issues, the environment, indigenous rights, torture, and punishment. Student engagement