Political Science (PLSC)

William Schreckhise
Department Chair
428 Old Main
479-575-3356
Email: schreckw@uark.edu

Geoboo Song
Graduate Coordinator and Vice Chair
321 Old Main
479-575-6433
gbsong@uark.edu

Degrees Conferred:
M.A. (PLSC)
J.D./M.A. (Dual Degree)
M.P.A. in Public Administration and Nonprofit Studies (PADM)
J.D./M.P.A. (Dual Degree)

Graduate Certificates Offered (non-degree):
Cross-Sector Alliances. See also the Cross-Sector Alliance website.

M.A. Areas of Study: American politics and political theory, comparative politics and international relations, and public administration.

Primary Areas of Faculty Research: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, public administration.

Political Science (PLSC)

Program Description: The M.A. degree in Political Science is designed to give students further training in selected areas of concentration within the discipline and to prepare them for careers in academe or public service.

M.A. in Political Science

Admission Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree Program: Applicants for graduate study in political science must be admitted to the Graduate School and also meet the following requirements: submission of 1) undergraduate/graduate transcripts, 2) a statement of purpose, 3) a writing sample and 4) three letters of recommendation from persons competent to judge the applicant’s potential for graduate studies. Students from all academic backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Students who have had few political science courses at the undergraduate level may be required to enroll in undergraduate courses to begin their graduate studies.

Requirements for the Master of Arts Degree: The M.A. degree is a 36-semester hour program. Completion of the program is contingent upon passing a comprehensive examination or writing and defending a thesis.

Core (18 hours)
Take the following (9 hours):
PLSC 51603	Public Policy	3
PLSC 59103	Research Methods in Political Science	3
PLSC 59403	Advanced Research Methods in Political Science	3
Take three of the following (9 hours):		9
PLSC 52003	Seminar in American Political Institutions
PLSC 52103	Seminar in American Political Behavior
PLSC 55003	Comparative Political Analysis
PLSC 58003	Seminar in International Politics

Courses are offered in three areas of study: American politics, comparative politics, and international relations, and public administration and policy. From these offerings, students must select a primary area of study. A minimum of 12 hours from the primary area of study must be completed, of which six hours will be accepted from the core. A secondary field of no less than six hours will complement the choices in the primary field, of which three hours will be accepted from the core. Selection of the areas of study should be commensurate with the professional or career goals of the student. A minimum of 27 hours must be fulfilled by 5000-level classes. Students must take a minimum of 30 of their 36 course hours in the Department of Political Science. The remaining hours may be taken in other departments.

Courses at the 4000 level may be taken with the graduate adviser's consent. Under special circumstances, students may arrange to take graduate-level directed readings or independent research courses. Such courses require an application that must be approved by the student's graduate adviser in concert with the professor from whom the course is to be taken. The student must apply for such a course before the semester in which the course is to be taken.

Students should also be aware of Graduate School requirements with regard to master's degrees.

Thesis Option: Students must take 30 hours of coursework and six hours of thesis credit. Under this option, the student’s comprehensive examination will be a defense of the thesis. All M.A. candidates in this option are required to develop a prospectus for their thesis. They must then write and orally defend an acceptable thesis.

Non-thesis Option: Students must take 36 semester hours of coursework. Under this option, students must take a comprehensive examination in their primary field of study.

J.D./M.A. Program

Degrees Conferred:
J.D./M.A. (Dual Degree)

fulbright.uark.edu/departments/political-science/graduate-studies/jdma-dual-degree-program/index.php

The Department of Political Science, the Graduate School, and the School of Law cooperate in offering a dual degree program that allows a student to pursue the M.A. in Political Science and the J.D. degrees concurrently.

The program described below requires 36 hours as follows: the student selects a) courses from comparative politics or international relations seminars in political science or equivalent courses in other departments approved by the graduate adviser in political science (total of 18 hours: 3 hours methods and 15 hours from a combination of international relations and comparative politics seminars); b) six additional hours of PLSC classes approved by the program's graduate director or six hours of thesis credit; and c) twelve hours of elective courses taken in the law school in an area of concentration approved by the director of the M.A. program.

Students must be admitted to the M.A. program and the School of Law. If a student seeks to enter the dual degree program after enrolling in either the law school or the M.A. program, he or she must obtain admission to the other degree program during the first year of study.

The School of Law accepts 9 semester hours of M.A. courses to satisfy requirements for the J.D. degree, which can be chosen from the following courses:

PLSC 52003	Seminar in American Political Institutions	3
PLSC 52103	Seminar in American Political Behavior	3
PLSC 52503	Politics of Race and Ethnicity	3
PLSC 55003	Comparative Political Analysis	3
PLSC 58003	Seminar in International Politics	3
PLSC 58303	International Political Economy	3

The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs of the School of Law may approve new or alternative courses proposed to satisfy the requirements of the program for J.D. credit.

Students admitted to the dual degree program may commence their studies in either the law school or the M.A. program but must complete first year course requirements before taking courses in the other degree program. If they do not maintain the academic or ethical standards of either degree program, students may be terminated from the dual degree program. Students in good standing in one degree program but not in the other may be allowed to continue in the other program in which they have good standing and must meet the degree requirements of that program. If for any reason a student admitted to the dual degree program does not complete the M.A. degree, he or she cannot count nine hours of M.A. courses toward the J.D. degree. Likewise, M.A. students may not be able to count certain law courses if they decide to discontinue their studies in the law school. The J.D. will be awarded upon completion of all degree requirements; the M.A. will be awarded upon completion of the comprehensive examination and all required coursework, as well as the successful defense of a master’s thesis, if applicable.

Mandatory Comprehensive Exam: All students will be required to take a written comprehensive examination covering their M.A. program or a six-hour thesis. The comprehensive exam will be graded by at least a three-person faculty committee selected by the M.A. Program Director. Students pursuing the thesis option are not required to take a written examination. Successful defense of their thesis satisfies this requirement. In addition to the successful completion of all course requirements and a passing grade on the written comprehensive examination (if taken), each student must present a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.00.

Thesis Option: Students pursuing the thesis option should consult the graduate coordinator of the political science department. The thesis committee must be composed of faculty members from both the School of Law and the Department of Political Science. Thesis credit is 6 hours.

Internship Option: Students may pursue an internship. Internship credit is variable and depends on the number of hours worked. Students in this option must consult with their J.D. and M.A. advisers. An internship work plan and expected academic work products will be developed.

Graduate Faculty

Adam, Thomas, Ph.D., M.A. (University of Leipzig), Professor, 2020, 2022.
Baptist, Najja K., Ph.D. (Howard University), M.A. (Jackson State University), B.A. (North Carolina Central University), Assistant Professor, 2020.
Bayram, A. Burcu, Ph.D. (Ohio State University), M.I.S. (North Carolina State University), B.A. (Middle East Technical University), Associate Professor, 2016, 2021.
Button, Eric, Ph.D., M.A, B.A. (University of Arkansas), Teaching Assistant Professor, 2023.
Choi, Heasun, Ph.D. (University at Albany, State University of New York) M.P.A., B.A. (Yonsei University), Assistant Professor, 2023.
Conge, Patrick J., Ph.D. (University of Texas at Austin), M.A., B.S. (Arizona State University), Associate Professor, 1995, 2002.
Crawford, Cory, J.D. (University of Arkansas), Lecturer, 2019.
Diallo, Anne B., Ph.D., M.P.A., B.A. (University of Arkansas), Lecturer, 2012.
Dowdle, Andrew J., Ph.D. (Miami University), M.A. (University of Iowa), B.A. (University of Tennessee), Professor, 2003, 2015.
Ghadbian, Najib, Ph.D. (City University of New York), M.A. (City University of New York), M.A. (Rutgers University), B.Sc. (United Arab Emirates University), Associate Professor, 1999, 2005.
Hunt, Valerie H., Ph.D., J.D., B.A. (University of Arkansas), Associate Professor, 2005, 2014.
Kerr, Brinck, Ph.D. (Texas A&M University), B.A. (University of Texas at Austin), University Professor, 1994, 2021.
Mailhot, Cameron, Ph.D., M.A. (Cornell University), B.A. (University of Minnesota, Twin Cities), Assistant Professor, 2023.
Maxwell, Angie, Ph.D., M.A. (University of Texas at Austin), B.A. (University of Arkansas), Professor, Diane D. Blair Professor of Southern Studies, 2008, 2022.
Mitchell, Joshua Lee, Ph.D. (Southern Illinois University), M.P.A., B.S. (Murray State University), Associate Professor, 2010, 2019.
Parry, Janine A., Ph.D., M.A. (Washington State University), B.A. (Western Washington University), University Professor, 1998, 2021.
Ryan, Jeffrey J., Ph.D., M.A. (Rice University), B.A. (Colorado State University), Associate Professor, 1990, 1996.
Saeidi, Shirin, Ph.D. (University of Cambridge, United Kingdom), M.A. (George Mason University), B.A. (University of Maryland-College Park), Assistant Professor, 2018.
Schreckhise, William D., Ph.D., M.A., B.A. (Washington State University), Professor, 1998, 2020.
Sebold, Karen Denice, Ph.D., M.A. (University of Arkansas), B.S. (Campbell College), B.S. (Rogers State University), Assistant Professor, 2011, 2020.
Song, Geoboo, Ph.D. (University of Oklahoma), B.A. (Korea University), B.A. (Hanyang University), Associate Professor, 2012, 2019.
Stewart, Patrick A., Ph.D., (Northern Illinois University), M.A., B.A. (University of Central Florida), Professor, 2008, 2021.
Tumlison, Creed, Ph.D., M.A. (University of Arkansas), B.S. (Arkansas State University), Visiting Assistant Professor, 2020.
Zeng, Ka, Ph.D. (University of Virginia), M.A. (Virginia Polytech Institute and State University), B.A. (Foreign Affairs College, Beijing), Distinguished Professor, 2000, 2022.

Courses

PLSC 5000V. Special Topics. 1-3 Hour.

Topics in political science not usually covered in other courses. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both PLSC 4000V and PLSC 5000V. (Typically offered: Irregular) May be repeated for degree credit.

PLSC 50503. Creating Democracies. 3 Hours.

Analyses of the creation of democracies in Europe, South America, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, East Europe, and the former Soviet Union. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both PLSC 45103 and PLSC 50503. Prerequisite: PLSC 20103. (Typically offered: Fall Even Years)

PLSC 50803. The Middle East in World Affairs. 3 Hours.

An analysis of geo-political and socio-economic characteristics of Middle Eastern societies and their impact on world economic and political order. Special attention to such issues as the Arab-Israeli conflict, the promotion of lasting peace in the region, impact of oil on world politics, the involvement of superpowers, rehabilitation of Palestinian refugees and the role of the United Nations. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 51003. Human Behavior in Complex Organizations. 3 Hours.

Review of the fundamental literature and a systematic analysis of various theories and research focusing on organization and behavior in public administration, including the discussion of organizational development, human motivation, leadership, rationality, efficiency and conflict management in public organizations. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years; Summer)

PLSC 51103. Seminar in Human Resource Management. 3 Hours.

Intensive study of public personnel policies and practices, including legal foundations, classification and compensation plans, recruitment and selection processes, training, employment policies and morale, employee relations and organization. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 51203. Public Budgeting and Finance. 3 Hours.

Focuses on the budgeting process and governmental fiscal policy formulation, adoption, and execution. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 51403. Administrative Law. 3 Hours.

A seminar which examines the constitutional and statutory basis and authority of public organizations. Special attention focuses on the nature of the rule-making and adjudicatory powers of public agencies and on executive, legislative, and judicial restraints on such activities. Also considered are the role, scope, and place of public regulatory activities. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 51603. Public Policy. 3 Hours.

Seminar examining the study of public policy making in complex organizations. Attention given to different theories and frameworks explaining public policy making. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 51703. Community Development. 3 Hours.

Community development encompasses the political, social, and economic issues that shape contemporary communities. The seminar examines substantive issues in community development, related theories, and techniques. A major focus of the course will be on low-income and minority neighborhoods and efforts to create more inclusive communities in the U.S. and abroad. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 51903. Seminar in Public Administration. 3 Hours.

Introduction to and synthesis of public administration theory, functions, history, public accountability and management concerns, economic impact of administrative decisions, current problems, and issues in the public sector. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 52003. Seminar in American Political Institutions. 3 Hours.

Research seminar dealing with selected aspects of the major governmental institutions in the United States. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 52103. Seminar in American Political Behavior. 3 Hours.

Reading seminar surveying major works on representative processes in American national politics, including political opinion, political leadership, political participation, voting behavior, political parties, and interest groups. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 52503. Politics of Race and Ethnicity. 3 Hours.

Reviews identity, political action and concepts of political activity by minority groups, focusing on contemporary political behavior, the incorporation of minority groups into the U.S. political system. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 52803. Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations. 3 Hours.

Analysis of changes in intergovernmental relations in the American federal system. Discussions will focus on political, economic/fiscal and administrative aspects of policy changes of the pre-and post-Reagan eras. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both PLSC 42803 and PLSC 52803. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

PLSC 53303. Southern Politics. 3 Hours.

Evaluates the significance of the southern region of the United States within the national political scene, as well as discusses the unique political history and workings of the region. Explores the various groups within the region that continue to fight for political influence and power. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 53703. Political Communication. 3 Hours.

Study of the nature and function of the communication process as it operates in the political environment. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both PLSC 43703 and PLSC 53703. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

PLSC 55003. Comparative Political Analysis. 3 Hours.

A selection of topics to provide the theoretical, conceptual and methodological and foundation for the analysis of contemporary political systems. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 55103. Seminar in Politics of the Middle East. 3 Hours.

Explores the major lines of inquiry on the politics of the state and society in the context of endogenous and exogenous forces that have influenced conceptions of power, legitimacy, and identity. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 55603. Government and Politics of Russia. 3 Hours.

Study of Russian and Soviet politics after 1917 and of the democratization of Russia and the other successor states. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both PLSC 45603 and PLSC 55603. Prerequisite: PLSC 20003 or PLSC 20103. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

PLSC 55803. Political Economy of East Asia. 3 Hours.

Development strategies and policies of major economies in East Asia. Topics include theories for East Asia's economic growth, dynamics and process of East Asian political and economic developments, strengths and limits of the East Asian development model, Asian values and their implications for Asian-style democracy, and dynamics of regional cooperation. Graduate degree credit will not be given for both PLSC 45803 and PLSC 55803. (Typically offered: Spring)

PLSC 58003. Seminar in International Politics. 3 Hours.

Research seminar providing intensive coverage of selected topics in theories of international relations, the comparative study of foreign policy making, and international organizations. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 58203. Qualitative Methods in Political Science. 3 Hours.

Develops expertise in qualitative research methods, including when such methods are appropriate, the benefits and drawbacks, and how to distinguish between strong and weak research questions. (Typically offered: Spring Even Years)

PLSC 58303. International Political Economy. 3 Hours.

Seminar with concentrated reading in selected and specialized areas of contemporary international relations. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 58403. International Legal Order. 3 Hours.

Analysis of distinctive characteristics of contemporary international law. Topics include role of legal order in controlling the use of force in international relations and the impact of social and political environment on growth of international law and relations among international political systems. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 58603. Political Psychology and International Relations. 3 Hours.

Examines psychological approaches to international relations and examines how these perspectives advance the study of world politics. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 58803. Politics of International Law. 3 Hours.

This course examines the interaction between law and politics in the international system, focusing on international law. (Typically offered: Irregular)

PLSC 5900V. Directed Readings in Political Science. 1-3 Hour.

Directed readings in Political Science. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PLSC 59103. Research Methods in Political Science. 3 Hours.

Methods relevant to research in the various fields of political science. Required of all graduate students in political science. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 5920V. Internship in Political Science. 1-6 Hour.

Internship in a local, state, regional, or federal agency. Paper required on a significant aspect of internship experience. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer)

PLSC 59403. Advanced Research Methods in Political Science. 3 Hours.

Provides a firm theoretical foundation in, and an ability to apply, various multivariate statistical methods that are most commonly used for empirical analysis of politics and policy. Prerequisite: PLSC 59103 or equivalent. (Typically offered: Fall)

PLSC 5950V. Research Problems in Political Science. 1-3 Hour.

Research problems in Political Science. Prerequisite: Graduate standing. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for up to 6 hours of degree credit.

PLSC 59903. African American Political Ideology. 3 Hours.

A survey course designed to identify and examine characteristics and functions of several variants of black political ideology/thought. (Typically offered: Spring Odd Years)

PLSC 6000V. Master's Thesis. 1-6 Hour.

Master's Thesis. (Typically offered: Fall, Spring and Summer) May be repeated for degree credit.

PLSC 69603. Visualizing Critical Race Theory. 3 Hours.

An examination of critical theoretical approaches to the concepts of race and racism. Students will examine the ways in which these constructs perform a critical function in the construction of race(s) and racism(s) and their relevance to visual culture. (Typically offered: Fall and Spring)
This course is cross-listed with ARED 69603, AAST 69603.