| LAS-Liberal Arts and Sciences-Social Science |
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| LAS105 |
Introduction to Sociology |
| An introduction to concepts and theories of sociology with emphasis on social structure, culture, stratification, minority status, social institutions, and the tools of sociology. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS110 |
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology |
| Overview of anthropology with emphasis on the concept of culture, family and kinship systems, language, belief systems, political organization, patterns of subsistence and economic systems. Non-Western cultures. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS115 |
Introduction to Economics |
| Survey of the principles of economics of the individual, the business firm, and the nation with emphasis on supply and demand, national income analysis, and the circular flow of the economy. Both theory and practical applications are integral parts of the course. Ideas of great economists, past and present, are explored. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS118 |
Introduction to Politics |
| This survey course focuses on the institutions and procedures of political systems. Topics covered include political institutions, political issues and ideas, decision-making processes, global politics, elections and electoral systems, political parties and party systems, bureaucracy and branches of government. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS120 |
Introduction to American Politics |
| Survey of American national political institutions and values: the design of our Constitution; political parties; interest groups, lobbying, and campaign finance; Congress and the presidency; the political role of the media; and the role of the courts in protecting liberty and defining rights. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS125 |
Consumer Economics |
| This course will analyze economics for consumers. Emphasis will be placed on rational economic behavior, including but not limited to managing personal income, interest rates options, finance options, stock market operations, credit cards, health care options, insurance and banking. Prerequisite: LAM110 or equivalent. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS130 |
Internet for Economics |
| This course introduces students to the internet or the Information Superhighway. Students will learn how to use telecommunications to access information that is useful for making informed and reasoned decisions regarding economic issues. Emphasis will be placed on learning where and how to access and use economic information effectively and efficiently from consumer, industrial, and government resources. Counts in the Humanities or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS200 |
United States History and Culture: 1492-1828 |
| Survey of colonialism and the roots of American political and economic institutions and values, slavery and racial values, the Revolution, and issues of early nationhood. Counts in the Humanities or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS201 |
United States History and Culture: 1828-1898 |
| Survey of the period leading up to and following the American Civil War: continental expansion; slavery, sectionalism and the Civil War; the effects of industrialization, urbanization, and immigration; populism and Social Darwinism. Counts in the Humanities or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS203 |
United States History and Culture: 1898 to the present |
| Survey of significant domestic and foreign policy developments of the twentieth century: Progressivism; the emergence of the U.S. as a global power; World War I and II; immigration and labor issues; the Depression; the civil rights movement and the urban crisis. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS220 |
State and Local Government |
| This course focuses on state and local governments within the context of the American federal system. Special emphasis is placed on federalism, the constitutional/legal relationships between state and local governments and the institutions, organizational forms and political processes in American state and local government. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS240 |
Human Origins |
| Introduction to major topics in physical anthropology and archeology, including theories and processes of biological and cultural evolution of the human species and the theories and methods of uncovering evolutionary processes. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS250 |
Macroeconomics |
| This course is an analysis and study of the economy in the aggregate or total sense û all markets taken together. Emphasis will be on contemporary issues such as unemployment, inflation, the business cycle, fiscal and monetary policy, the role of money, financial institutions, government operations, the stock market, gross domestic product, national income and the corporate world. Prerequisite: LAM110 or equivalent. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS253 |
Urban Economics |
| This course provides an understanding of local governments, for example, municipalities, school districts, city and suburban library boards, and park district boards. It looks at different ways these governments influence economic life by taxing, spending, and regulating. Students will learn how each of these activities affects various groups in the population and how people's perception and evaluation of local governments is shaped by the way public officials and members of the media communicate information about them. Prerequisite: None. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS255 |
Microeconomics |
| This course is an analysis and study of economic behavior of the individual unit, i.e., the firm and the rational consumer. Microeconomics principles addressed include decision making of the firm, the household, labor, international trade, education and poverty. Special emphasis will be placed on the theory of supply and demand. Prerequisite: LAM110 or equivalent. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS300 |
Contemporary World Cultures |
| Comparative cross-cultural study of three selected nations representing different areas of the world. Investigation of varying ideological, political, social, and economic factors. At least two of three nations covered are non-Western. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS301 |
Western History and Culture to 1650 |
| Pre-Western inheritance from the Near Eastern cultures and Greco-Roman world; the transition to the Middle Ages; the development of the medieval institutions and values and their decline during the periods of the Renaissance and Reformation. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. Counts in the Humanities or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS302 |
Asian History and Cultures |
| Early history, Western impact , and contemporary affairs in eastern and southern Asia; Chinese culture and its diffusion; modernization of Japan; nationalisms of the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent; twentieth-century South East Asia. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. Counts in the Humanities or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS302A |
Asian History and Cultures A |
| This course focuses on the nationalism of the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent and twentieth-century South East Asia. Counts as either Social Science or Humanities General Education Requirement. 2 quarter hours/3 quarter hours |
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| LAS302B |
Asian History and Cultures B |
| This course examines the early history, Western impact, and contemporary affairs in eastern and southern Asia; Chinese culture and its diffusion; modernization of Japan. Counts as either Social Science or Humanities General Education Requirement. 2 quarter hours |
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| LAS303 |
Sub-Saharan African Cultures |
| Historical and contemporary affairs in Africa south of the Sahara, indigenous culture areas, types of colonialism and acculturation, economic and political development, independence movements. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. Counts in the Humanities or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS304 |
Middle and South American Cultures |
| Backgrounds in contemporary affairs in Middle South America, pre-Columbian culture area, colonialism, varieties of peoples, political and socioeconomic trends. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. Counts in the Humanities or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS305 |
Western History and Culture since 1650 |
| Impact of Renaissance and Reformation and the emergence of modern European institutions and values to the present. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. Counts in the Humanities or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS306 |
Marriage and Family |
| Different family organizations around the world, marriage patterns of the past and present, diverse life styles, changing sex roles, husband and wife relationships, family planning, divorce. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS307 |
History of Economic Thought |
| In this course students will explore the history of economics from the early to contemporary times. Emphasis will be placed on the ideas of Adam Smith, Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes and Milton Freedman. Inquiry into the past will help students understand present forms of economic organization. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or consent of department. Counts in the Humanities or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS308 |
Methods of Political Science |
| This course is an introduction to the methods used in political science research. The primary goal of the course is to provide students with the tools that will help them to answer political and social science research questions. The course focuses on applying quantitative, qualitative, and formal methods, and considering the appropriate applications, strengths, and limitations of different methods. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS310 |
International Relations |
| Introduction to current international topics with focus on the problem of war, conflict in the Middle East, national security and United States-Soviet relations, and the United States' role as a world economic power; the emerging global society and changing role of the United States in the international system. Emphasis on the skills and knowledge of the "globally literate" citizen. Prerequisite: 100-level social science course. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS311 |
Racial and Ethnic History and Culture |
| The cultural complexity of the city; the old immigration; rural, racial and non-European groups; adjustments to the urban setting; social segregation and discrimination. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. Counts in the Humanities or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS313 |
The Metropolitan Community |
| The nature and development of cities; social and political history of Chicago's ethnic groups; theories of urban relationships; suburban development; social stratification and power; social morality; bureaucratic organization; machine politics, community control and community organizing. Prerequisite: 100-level social science course. Counts in the Humanities or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS315 |
World Economics |
| This course presents a comprehensive, up-to-date, and clear view of the theory and practical principles of world economics that are essential for understanding, evaluating and suggesting workable solutions to the important economic problems and contemporary issues facing the United States and the rest of the world. Prerequisites: LAS250 or LAS255 or equivalent. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS316 |
Comparative Political and Social Systems |
| This course is an introduction to the comparative study of governments and politics of countries throughout the world. Students will gain a clear understanding of the similarities and differences of various political systems and gain a deeper understanding of the political system of the United States. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS317 |
European Union |
| This course focuses on the European Union as an emerging and developing political and economic body. Topics covered include the single market and the Euro currency, the political institutions of the European Parliament, Council of Ministers, European Commission, and European Central Bank, the development of the European Union as a military power, and the opportunities and challenges posed by the growth in the number of member states as it pertains to the variety of social and economic policies of the European Union. Counts in the Humanities or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS319 |
Elections and Electoral Behavior |
| This course focuses on elections, electoral behavior, and the electoral processes at the federal and state levels in the United States. Special emphasis is placed on campaign financing, voter turnout, and the various primary and general elections that take place in the United States including presidential, congressional, and state and local elections. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS320 |
Illinois and U.S. Constitution |
| Designed as a review of the Illinois and U.S. constitutions. The course will review the history of each constitution, the principles and basic concepts including articles and amendments and modern applications and issues as they relate to the constitution. The student will have three opportunities to pass a test and demonstrate the competencies for each constitution. Prerequisite: Introductory social science course. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 1 quarter hour |
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| LAS321 |
American Political and Social Ideas |
| This course explores the broad range of American political ideas that have influenced the form and practices of government in the United States today. Understanding these ideas helps us evaluate how the American political system operates today, and consider the strengths and limitations of the many proposals that exist for bringing about change in American politics. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS325 |
Economic Forecasting |
| This course focuses on the application of the most commonly used quantitative and nonquantitative models for developing economic forecasts and dealing with current, real-world forecasting issues and problems. Topics include the uses, importance, limits, and problems of statistical models and intuition in economic forecasting. Prerequisites: LAM216 or LAS350 and LAS250 or LAS255. Counts in Quantitative Reasoning or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS330 |
Cultural Influences in the Workplace |
| This course examines the relationship between culture and the world of work. Specifically, students will examine the concepts of race and ethnicity and how the United States, especially in the area of work, has been shaped by the values and life experiences of different ethnic groups and nationalities. Prerequisite: Department or program consent. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements.. 4 quarter hours |
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| LAS331 |
Dynamics of Group Behavior |
| This course is a study of group behavior and the effect group functioning has upon organizational effectiveness. Emphasis is placed on the basics of group behavior, principles of group dynamics, problem solving, decision making, diagnosing and resolving conflict in groups, and managing and facilitating meetings. Prerequisite: Department or program consent. 4 quarter hours |
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| LAS335 |
Applied Econometrics |
| This course focuses on the systematic development of operational tools, techniques, and application of econometrics that are critical to conducting, evaluating, or understanding real-world econometric studies. Topics include the theory, methods, and application of mathematical and statistical analysis to economic issues. Prerequisites: LAM216 or LAS350 and LAS250 or LAS255. Counts in Quantitative Reasoning or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS340 |
Native Americans |
| Introduction to historical, ethnographic and contemporary perspectives on native cultures in North America, including aspects of traditional culture, impact of contact with Europeans, and the cultural and social issues facing Native Americans today. Prerequisite: 100-200 level anthropology course. Counts in the Humanities or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS341 |
Comparative Ethnographies |
| Anthropological studies representing diverse cultures and theoretical viewpoints are compared to gain a broad understanding of the nature of the field experience and the ways in which anthropologists' own beliefs and feelings influence ethnographic research and the presentation of their field studies. Prerequisite: 100-200 level anthropology course. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS342 |
Folklore |
| Surveys theories of folklore and methods of folkloristics, with emphasis on comparing folklore cross-culturally in the oral and literary traditions of both preindustrial and contemporary societies; examines folklore genres, including myths, legends, fables, proverbs, jokes, riddles, folk speech, verbal art, and folk songs. Prerequisite: 100-200 level anthropology course. Counts in the Humanities or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS345 |
Labor Economics |
| An analysis of the history, structure and functions of American labor. The rise and decline of unionism and the evolution of unions from legislative and judicial perspectives. The rise of the global economy and its implications for labor relations world-wide. Prerequisites: LAS250 or LAS255 or equivalent. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS350 |
Statistics for Economics |
| This course provides students with practical and versatile statistical tools and methods necessary to make rational decisions in the context of substantive, up-to-date, real world economic issues and problems. Topics include basic and more advanced statistical methods to measure and understand economic behavior and changes over time. Prerequisites: LAM216 and LAS250 or LAS255. Counts in the Quantitative Reasoning or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS405 |
Social Problems |
| Through a multidisciplinary approach using concepts drawn from sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, psychology, and history, students will explore the dimensions and interconnectedness of social problems primarily in the United States. Ways to remedy these problems will be addressed. Prerequisite: Recommended introductory Social Science course. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS410 |
Internship in Applied Economics |
| This course provides practical experience with a nonprofit, corporate, or government organization relevant to a student's career goals in the field of applied economics. Students apply what they have learned in their courses, with the guidance of a faculty-sponsor, to develop a plan for solving an economic problem or capitalizing on an economic opportunity for their clients. Prerequisites: Senior standing in major or consent of department. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS415 |
Issues in Quantitative Economics |
| This course provides students with an opportunity to reflect systematically about the appropriateness and the limitations of quantitative economic analysis and reasoning methods for the understanding of current socio-economic issues and problems. Topics include the practical and theoretical limits of economic models for understanding the complexities of actual human behavior and an exploration of alternative approaches. Prerequisites: Junior standing in Applied Economics major. Counts in the Quantitative Reasoning or Social Sciences Areas of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS420 |
Social Theory |
| This course is a survey of the development of social theory from the classic tradition to post-modernism. The legacy of the Enlightenment, the emergence of the scientific study of society, the classic tradition and contemporary social theories will be examined. Theories of social structure and social agency extending from class, ideology, division of labor and bureaucracy to phenomenological insights of knowledge will be studied. Prerequisites: 100-200 level Social Science course. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS420A |
Social Theory A |
| This course is a survey of the development of social theory from the classic tradition to early modernism. The Enlightenment, the emergence of the scientific study of society, and the classic tradition of social theory will be examined. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 3 quarter hours |
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| LAS420B |
Social Theory B |
| This course surveys theories of social structure and social agency extending from class, ideology, division of labor and bureaucracy to phenomenological insights of knowledge from the perspectives of contemporary social theories and postmodernism. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 2 quarter hours |
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| LAS426 |
Multicultural Dimensions |
| Cultural diversity as it affects issues, policies and the quality of life. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS430 |
Economic Issues in Global Perspective |
| Students examine economic concepts and apply them to issues in global economies. Prerequisites: Previous courses in the Applied Behavioral Sciences sequence. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS431 |
Managerial and Supervisory Behavior |
| In this course students will explore various aspects of managerial and supervisory behavior as it relates to everyday life. Emphasis is placed on practical applications of behavioral science research findings in the areas of motivation, decision making, problem solving and employee development. Prerequisite: Admission to the Applied Behavioral Sciences Program. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS435 |
Senior Seminar: Integrating the Applied Behavioral Sciences |
| Students review and reflect on key concepts learned throughout the program, integrating these concepts for future personal and professional applications. 2 quarter hours |
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| LAS440 |
Anthropological Linguistics |
| Survey of the concepts, methods, and historical foundations of anthropological linguistics, with an emphasis on language, culture and cognition; language variation: dialects, nonstandard forms of language and code switching; speech acts and the ethnography of communication; interethnic communication; discourse strategies; and literacy. Prerequisite: 100-200 level anthropology course. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS441 |
Urban Anthropology |
| Cross-cultural perspectives on the evolution of urban life, the nature of the city, and the ways in which anthropological concepts of cultural diversity and ethnicity, ecology, adaptation and change, and folklore are applied to modern society. Prerequisite: 100-200 level anthropology course. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS442 |
Anthropology of Gender Roles |
| Comparative perspectives on the nature and meanings of gender in a range of human societies, including perceptions of biological differences and sexual inequality; economic, political, symbolic and aesthetic aspects of culture and gender. Prerequisite: 100-200 level anthropology course. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS445 |
Evolution of the American Economy |
| An analysis of the evolution of the American economy with emphasis on structure and performance from 1492 to present. Analysis will include demographic, technical, social and economic changes. Selected themes, periods and economic systems will be explored including colonialism, slavery, civil war, unionism, the Great Depression, industrial revolution, corporate and global capitalism. Prerequisites: LAS250 or LAS255 or equivalent. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
| LAS449 |
Cross-Cultural Fieldwork |
| Survey of the techniques and procedures cultural anthropologists use in gathering and presenting ethnographic data and their perceptions of the fieldwork experience. Prerequisite: 100-200 level anthropology course. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS450 |
Political Theory |
| Political theory is concerned with fundamental questions of public life such as, What is justice? Is there an ideal form of government? Can we conceive of, and constitute, the best political order? The answers to many of the most important political questions still remain essentially contested today. Major topics in this course include justice, freedom, equality, political ideology, liberalism, socialism, libertarianism, and conservatism. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS452 |
Political Geography |
| This course emphasizes the spatial structure of political behavior including the effects of the economic globalization process, the unexpected eruption of separatist movements among national minorities, the failure of attempts to transplant the European nation-state system to parts of the colonial world and the importance of geopolitics to the formation of new political orders. Territorial features of states such as frontiers, boundaries, secondary divisions, ethnic/national groupings, and the historical/social-economic factors that affect the form, organization and operation of the state and groupings of states will be examined. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS454 |
Urban Politics |
| This course focuses on the distribution of power and the tensions that drive modern cities and public officials, while considering racial and ethnic divides, the relationships between government (and public purposes) and private economic interests, and the various needs and goals of elected officials and public sector managers. Theoretical and policy issues as they related to urban government will be examined. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS455 |
Advanced Topics in American Government |
| This course focuses on theoretical controversies and their practical implications surrounding the fundamental questions of how American politics and governmental institutions function. Special emphasis is placed on proposals for institutional reform. Prerequisite(s): Introduction to American Politics course and two additional political science courses or consent of the department. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 2-5 quarter hours |
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| LAS456 |
National Security |
| This course focuses on the various means by which states seek to achieve their national security. Special attention is focused on successful and unsuccessful national security strategies, and on the threats posed by terrorism, conditions that encourage terrorism, and different options available to states to counter these threats. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS458 |
Public and Social Policy in the Legislative Process |
| This course focuses on the theory and practice of public policy in the United States. Topics emphasized include how different levels of government formulate, implement, and evaluate public policies addressing such issues as interest groups, education, business, the economy, human services, health care, the environment, urban growth and development, and the arts. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS459 |
Public Finance |
| Public finance focuses on the activities of government and the means of financing government activities. This course examines the role of the government in the economy, and the influence of government expenditures, regulations, taxes, and borrowing on the use of resources in society and the well-being of its citizens. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS460 |
Political Science Internship I |
| The political science internship provides students experience in governmental and related institutions such as interest groups and community organizations involved in public policy and political processes. Internships enable students to integrate classroom learning with practice and understand how decisions are made within the constraints of governmental and non-governmental institutions. Placements are individualized according to student interests and needs. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS461 |
Political Science Internship II |
| Continuation of Political Science Internship I. This internship expands the experiences gained in Political Science Internship I. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS462 |
Political Science Internship III |
| Continuation of Political Science Internship II. This internship expands the experiences gained in Political Science Internship II. Counts in the Social Sciences Area of General Education Requirements. 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS490 |
Social Science Independent Study |
| An opportunity for students in the social science concentration to engage in independent research and writing on specialized topics with the approval of the faculty. Prerequisite: advanced standing. 2-5 quarter hours |
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| LAS495 |
Social Science Special Topic |
| A social science offering of special interest to be studied in depth. May be registered for more than once, since topic varies each term. 2-5 quarter hours |
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| LAS499 |
Social Science Seminar |
| Varying in content each term. Open to qualified students in a social science concentration and to other students upon consent of department. Prerequisite: advanced standing. 3-5 quarter hours |
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| LAS500 |
Foundations of Public Policy |
| Advanced analysis of the theory and practice of public policy in the United States. Emphasis is on federal, state, and local government formulation, implementation, and evaluation of diverse public policies. This course enables students to develop a set of conceptual and practical tools to understand and evaluate American public policy, and think critically and constructively about which policies should be adopted. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS505 |
Urban Policy Development |
| A historical overview and analysis of urban development policies including community-based strategies, transportation and housing, location and planning initiatives, and cultural forms of urban regeneration. This course enables students to develop a set of conceptual and practical tools to understand and evaluate a variety of urban development initiatives within distinct historical, economic, political and sociological frameworks. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisite(s) for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS510 |
Social Inequality and Public Policy |
| Analysis of how economic inequality, segregation, poverty, changing family structure, immigration, race and labor market segmentation and educational inequality are addressed by public policy. Advanced study of public policy responses to social problems, through historical and comparative studies of inequality, are examined including welfare, immigration, affirmative action, and environmental equity. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS515 |
Leadership and Organizational Change |
| This course provides strategies for leading changes in government and nonprofit organizations. Organizations must adapt to outside changes, to the changing demand of their stakeholders, and improve their performance and efficiency. The focus will be on how to lead changes in such organizations in a way that aligns the design of such changes with organizational purposes. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS520 |
Comparative Public Policy |
| This course compares the public policies of countries throughout the world. Primary emphasis is on the public policies of advanced industrial democracies in order to gain a clear understanding of the possible public policy alternatives for the United States. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS525 |
Community Development Planning and Policy |
| This course examines the policies aimed at community development and their outcomes. It will show how planning can be used to improve the quality of life of neighborhood residents and the need for planning and policy to be integrated. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS530 |
Immigration Policy |
| Enables students to understand how immigration influences the economy and society of the United States. Focus on the changes in immigration policies due to the September 11, 2001 events and its consequences for the United States. Analysis of the distinction between illegal and legal immigrants and between skilled and unskilled immigrants is made in order to isolate the effects of various types of immigration. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS535 |
Education and Public Policy |
| This course will critically evaluate educational policies and their outcomes. The focus will be on how to improve student learning through the application of effective public policies, and on how to use available resources in the most efficient way. It will evaluate past experiences in public policies as well as contemporary ones such as school vouchers and charter schools. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS540 |
Bureaucracy and Policymaking |
| This course examines the environment in which the decision- making process within bureaucracies takes place and the risks associated with it. It discusses incentives that bureaucrats face and their effects on policymaking. The primary goal is to introduce theories and practical mechanisms that will allow the policymaker (or policy analyst) to be successful in improving the development and implementation of effective public policies in various types of environments. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS545 |
Technology and Public Policy |
| This course will cover two main aspects of the relationship between technology and public policy. The first is how governments can influence the development and commercialization of technology via sponsorship, and direct involvement in research activities and programs that affect market demand. The second is how governments' performance can be enhanced via utilization of new technologies. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS550 |
Public Policy and the Environment |
| This course focuses on public policies aimed at protecting the environment. The main objective is to learn about government regulation, government voluntary programs, and environmental laws. A combination of theory and case studies will be used to examine the effectiveness of various environmental public policies, possible improvements, and costs associated with such policies. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or departmental approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS555 |
The Politics of Policymaking |
| This course is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the political process involved in policymaking, especially with regards to the legislative process. Students will learn how public policies are amended, modified, and approved during the political process. This will make them aware of the differences between a proposed policy and its final version. Students will learn that the legislative approval process is an integral part of policymaking. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS560 |
Advanced Public Finance |
| This course is an advanced analysis of taxation, government spending, and cost-benefit analysis applied to a variety of public projects. The focus is on determining the optimal role of government in market economies, and the measuring government efficiency and inefficiency. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS565 |
Research Design and Methodology |
| This course is designed to prepare students to do research related to policy issues. The primary goal of the course is to provide students with the tools needed to investigate and effectively find solutions to public policy problems. The course focuses on the application of quantitative, qualitative, and formal methods to research, and considers how to determine the appropriate applications of such methods. Prerequisite(s): No prerequisites for graduate credit. For undergraduate credit, senior standing with at least six prior social science courses, or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS570 |
Policy Data Analysis and Planning |
| This course explores data analysis and how it can be applied to policy planning. The primary goal of the course is to provide students with the statistical tools necessary to quantitatively analyze public policies, and to apply these tools in order to set up effective planning strategies for public policies. Prerequisite(s): LAS565 - Research Design and Methodology or department approval. 3 semester hours or 5 quarter hours |
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| LAS590 |
Public Policy Internship |
| The public policy internship provides students with advanced experience in governmental and related institutions such as community organizations and nonprofit institutions involved in an aspect of public policy in which they are interested. Internships enable students to integrate classroom learning with practice and understand how public policies are implemented at the local, state, or national levels. Placements are individualized according to student interests and needs. Prerequisite(s): 15 semester hours completed in the M.A. in Public Policy Program; consent of internship supervisor and academic supervisor. 3 semester hours |
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| LAS593 |
Public Policy Seminar |
| The Public Policy Seminar will allow students to integrate public policy theory with specific cases according to student interest. Special emphasis will be placed on formulating proposals for solving actual public policy problems. Each student will be encouraged to think through a specific problem related to public policy, and try to solve this problem throughout the semester with the support of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): To have completed at least eight courses (24SH) in the M.A. in Public Policy, or department approval. 3 semester hours |
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| LAS599 |
Master Thesis |
| The thesis is a formal written document which investigates a public policy theory, a particular public policy case study, or the relationship between a public policy theory and a case study as the result of disciplined inquiry, under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): To have completed at least eight courses (24SH) in the M.A. in Public Policy, or department approval. 3 semester hours |
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