POLS 130 Comparative Politics
Professors Lin and Johnson
Cr. 3
Comparative study of Western and non-Western Political systems. Includes examination of conceptual frameworks for comparative analysis.

POLS 313/513  Study Abroad: Field Research
Cr. 3
Students participating in Valparaiso University sponsored study-abroad programs can receive additional credit by doing research and writing a paper utilizing the resources available in the areas where they are located.
All research must be approved in advance by the Chair of the Department.

POLS 330 Politics of Industrialized States
Professor Atchison
Cr. 3
A study of political systems in the industrialized world.
Prerequisite: POLS 130 or consent of the Chair of the Department.

POLS 331 Politics of Developing States
Professor Atchison
Cr. 3
A study of governments and political problems within and across developing states found in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central and East Asia, North and Sub-Sahara Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. 
Prerequisite: POLS 130 or 230 or consent of the Chair of the Department.

POLS 332/532  Politics of China and East Asia
Professor Lin
Cr. 3
Examines the politics of contemporary China and East Asia.  It traces the cultural and historical legacies affecting political life and the political processes through which nation-state, citizen-subjects, and the organizations and institutions of governance are constructed and interact.
Prerequisite: POLS 130 or consent of Chair of the Department.

POLS 333/533  Politics of Africa
Professors vary
Cr. 3
Explores the economic, social, and political challenges facing Africa today, and places them in historical and global contexts. Key themes include democratization, the origins of conflict, and political and economic development.
Prerequisite: POLS 130 or consent of Chair of the Department.

POLS 334/534 Politics of the Middle East
Professors vary
Cr. 3
The course explores the contemporary politics of the Arab world. It focuses on the political development and dynamics of these countries, and their relationships with each other and the rest of the world. 
Prerequisite: POLS 130 or consent of Chair of the Department.

POLS 336/536  Politics of Latin America
Professor Johnson
Cr. 3
This course examines the politics of Latin America with a focus on democracy and economic development. The course includes a brief historical overview, an examination of the fight for democracy, an exploration of citizens' political views, and debate regarding major issues facing the region.
Prerequisite: POLS 130 or consent of Chair of the Department.

POLS 400/500 Comparative Public Policy
Professors Atchison and Johnson
Cr. 3
Examines how public policies in other countries differ from those in the United States. The course focuses on the policies coming from both advanced industrialized nations such as Britain, the U.S., Japan, and Sweden, as well as from developing states such as Brazil, China, India, and South Africa.
Prerequisite: POLS 130 or consent of Chair of the Department.

POLS 401/501 Gender and Public Policy in Global Perspective
Professor Atchison
Cr. 3
Introduce students to the role of gender and politics in different countries throughout the world. The course examines the role of women as political actors and their activities in formal and grassroots politics, and analyzes gender as a variable in public policy in different countries.
Prerequisite: POLS 130 or consent of Chair of the Department.