Academic Programs Catalog

James Madison College


James Madison College

Cameron G. Thies, DEAN

Established in 1967, James Madison College is a residential learning community dedicated to innovative and inclusive undergraduate teaching, research and engagement in public affairs. The college is dedicated to the highest standards of excellence, both for the students and the faculty and staff. The curriculum and individual courses are multidisciplinary, cultivating in our students’ skills of rigorous thought, lucid prose writing and articulate speech. The residential environment nurtures a living-learning environment that promotes exchange and collaboration between students, faculty, staff and the broader MSU community. 

The College has graduated numerous Rhodes Scholars, Truman Scholars, Marshall Scholars, Fulbright Scholars, National Science Foundation Fellows, Mitchell Scholars and regularly represents a high percentage of Michigan State University's Phi Beta Kappa class.

Its undergraduate program leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree in one of four majors: Comparative Cultures and Politics, International Relations, Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy, and Social Relations and Policy. This rigorous program features serious attention to written work, analytical writing, critical thinking, lively and respectful class discussion, and collaborative work. Competency in writing is strongly emphasized for all students in James Madison College, and research papers and other writing assignments have been incorporated into the requirements for each of the majors and all the College courses.

The faculty of James Madison College have been recruited from several academic disciplines, such as American studies, economics, history, sociology, political science and political theory. The college emphasizes teaching excellence, individualized attention to students and scholarly research in public and international affairs. Faculty members devote a substantial amount of time to individual student advisement; as a result, programs of study are designed to satisfy the academic needs, intellectual curiosity and career goals of each student. 

The College’s courses are conducted as either lecture-discussion or collaborative classes in which student participation is encouraged and often expected. A typical class might focus on such issues as how globalization affects civil society, or how theories of justice evolve into systems of laws, or how a society's cultural and social values influence its economic development. In short, the emphasis throughout the program is on the dynamics of public and international affairs and public decision making.

Included in the James Madison College program is a concentrated junior or senior year field experience where students work for an agency of government, private enterprise, non-profit and community organizations, media, and many other institutions. The full-time internship is intended to provide students with the opportunity to connect their education to the realm of practice. Placements are available throughout the United States and internationally. 

The college is an excellent choice for students pursuing careers in government, politics, administration, non-governmental organizations, community service organizations, business and foreign service. It is also appropriate for those considering post-Baccalaureate studies in law, social sciences, business, public administration and many other fields.

Total enrollment is limited to maintain a small college environment within Michigan State University. In addition, the College is housed in Case Hall, which includes not only the residence hall rooms of its on-campus students, but also faculty offices, classrooms, dining facilities and seminar rooms.

In the evenings, cultural programs, speakers, presentations and other extracurricular events are regularly scheduled. At the same time, the college's students are full members of the Michigan State University student body. They take approximately half their courses in other units of the university and enjoy all benefits of living on a large, beautiful campus.

Students admitted to Michigan State University are also admissible to James Madison College. Enrollments in the college are, however, limited. Prospective first year and transfer students should notify the Michigan State Office of Admissions as early as possible of their desire to enroll in the college. Limited numbers of currently enrolled MSU students may also be eligible to transfer into the college; such students are encouraged to contact the Recruitment Coordinator in the college early in the fall semester. Subject to space availability, students may transfer into the college until their junior year without delaying completion of their degrees.

ADDITIONAL MAJORS. Students who elect to pursue additional majors should notify the James Madison College Assistant Dean or their advisor as early as possible in order to plan their academic program. For additional information, see the Additional Major entry in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog.


Requirements for the Bachelor of Arts Degree in James Madison College

  1. The University requirements for bachelor's degrees as described in the Undergraduate Education section of this catalog; 120 credits, including general elective credits, are required for the Bachelor of Arts degree in James Madison College.

    The completion of the Freshman Writing Program (James Madison College 111) referenced in requirement 2. a. below satisfies the University's Tier I writing requirement. 

    The University's Tier II writing requirements for the James Madison College majors are met by completing courses as specified below:

    Comparative Cultures and Politics: James Madison College 493 and any two of the following courses: James Madison College 320, 325, 361, 366, 372, 377, 385, 386, 387, or 390. Those courses are referenced in item 1. in the statement on Comparative Cultures and Politics below.

    International Relations:  James Madison College 492 and any of the two elective courses required in International Relations.  Those courses are referenced in items 1.a. and  1. c. in the statement on International Relations below.

    Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy:  James Madison College 370, 371, and 497.  Those courses are referenced in item 1. a. in the statement on the Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy below.

    Social Relations and Policy:  James Madison College 380 and 498 and any two of the following courses:  James Madison College 375, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 390.  Those courses are referenced in items 1. a. and 1. b. in the statement on Social Relations and Policy below.

    The completion of the introductory public affairs course sequence (James Madison College 201 and 202) referenced in requirement 2. a. below satisfies the University's Integrative Studies requirement in the Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences. The completion of James Madison College 201 and 202 also satisfies the requirements specified in item 2. under the heading Integrative Studies in the Undergraduate Education section of the catalog. James Madison College 201 emphasizes both national diversity and international and multicultural diversity, and James Madison College 202 emphasizes international and multicultural diversity.
  2. The following requirements of James Madison College for the Bachelor of Arts degree. All of the courses that are used to satisfy University and College requirements must be graded on the numerical or Pass–No Grade system with the following exception:  first–year courses in Russian, Japanese, or Chinese or in an African language may be graded on the Credit–No Credit system.
    a. Required Courses:
    MC 111 Identity and Community:  An Approach to Writing I 4
    MC 201 Introduction to the Study of Public Affairs I 4
    MC 202 Introduction to the Study of Public Affairs II 4
    EC 201 Introduction to Microeconomics 3
    EC 202 Introduction to Macroeconomics 3
    The James Madison College courses listed above serve as a foundation for the College's curriculum.  Students should complete these courses during the first year of study.
    Economics 201 and 202 provide a foundation for study in the major. Students should complete these courses during the first two years of study.
    Students who are admitted to James Madison College with fewer than 4 credits that count toward the University's Integrative Studies requirement in the Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences must complete James Madison College 201 and 202.  Students who are admitted to James Madison College with at least 4, but fewer than 8, credits that count toward the University's Integrative Studies requirement in the Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences must complete either James Madison College 201 or 202.
    b. Language Requirement.  Second year competency in a foreign language.  This requirement may be satisfied by placing into a 300–level foreign language course based on a MSU placement test.  Students are encouraged to complete a third year of study in the same language that is used to satisfy this requirement.
    c. Field Experience.  Students meet this requirement by completing James Madison College 400 (5 to 9 credits) and 401 (3 credits).  With the approval of the College, this requirement may be met by completing an alternative option.
    d. Major. One of the four approved majors described below.  Each major combines courses in James Madison College and other units of the University.   Students' programs of study must be approved by their academic advisors.
    e. James Madison College credit requirement:  A minimum of 51 credits in James Madison College courses is required for students who enroll in the College as first–semester freshmen.  A minimum of 41 credits in James Madison College courses is required for all other students; i.e., students who enroll in the College as transfer students from other colleges and universities, or who enroll in the College after having been enrolled in other programs at MSU. Students who have been admitted to the teacher certification program are required to complete a minimum of 41 credits in James Madison College courses.
    f. Students may elect to complete a cognate in business. The requirements for the cognate are met by completing:
    MC 341 Politics and Markets 4
    Four of the following courses (12 credits):
    ACC 230 Survey of Accounting Concepts 3
    FI 320 Introduction to Finance 3
    GBL 323 Introduction to Business Law 3
    MGT 325 Management Skills and Processes 3
    MKT 327 Introduction to Marketing 3
    Students may substitute Accounting 201 and 202 for Accounting 230.

Comparative Cultures and Politics Major

1. The student must complete (41 to 44 credits):
a. All of the following courses (13 credits):
MC 230 Cultures and Politics in Comparative Perspective 4
MC 231 Cultures and Politics in Transnational Perspective 4
MC 493 Senior Seminar in Comparative Cultures and Politics (W) 5
b. Four courses with at least one from each group (16 credits):
COMPARATIVE STUDIES
MC 320 Politics, Society and Economy in the Third World 4
MC 325 State and Society in Comparative Perspective 4
MC 331 Encounters with Post-Communism 4
MC 332 Literature and Politics in a Comparative Perspective 4
MC 333 Performance, Politics, and Nation 4
MC 334 Rights, Advocacy and Activism 4
MC 335 Israeli Politics, Cultures and Society 4
MC 338 Environmental Justice and Global Change 4
MC 361 Political Economy and Comparative Public Policymaking 4
MC 366 Film, History and Nation 4
MC 367 Global Cities and Urbanism 4
MC 369 Global Issues in Citizenship (W) 4
MC 372 Comparative Black Political Thought 4
MC 382 Social Movements 4
MC 385 Comparative Race and Ethnic Relations 4
MC 386 Women and Power in Comparative Perspective 4
MC 387 Jews and Anti-Semitism 4
MC 390 Advanced Topics in Public Affairs 4
MC 395 Cultural Dimensions of Public Affairs 4
MC 441 Islam and World Politics 4
MC 482 Gender and Violent Conflict 4
James Madison College 390 and 395 can be used in fulfillment of the requirement when the topic is relevant to comparative studies in cultures and politics.
TRANSNATIONAL STUDIES
MC 319 Asian American History 4
MC 321 The Cold War: Culture, Politics and Foreign Policy 4
MC 331 Encounters with Post-Communism 4
MC 334 Rights, Advocacy and Activism 4
MC 337 Global Public Health 4
MC 338 Environmental Justice and Global Change 4
MC 350 Evolution and Society 4
MC 366 Film, History and Nation 4
MC 376 Modern Political Thought in the Muslim World 4
MC 377 Culture, Politics, and Post-Colonialism 4
MC 390 Advanced Topics in Public Affairs 4
MC 395 Cultural Dimensions of Public Affairs 4
MC 430 Applied International Development 4
MC 441 Islam and World Politics 4
MC 482 Gender and Violent Conflict 4
James Madison College 390 and 395 can be used in fulfillment of the requirement when the topic is relevant to transnational studies in cultures and politics.
c. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
ANP 429 Ethnographic Field Methods 4
HST 201 Historical Methods and Skills 3
MC 295 Research Design and Quantitative Analysis in Public Policy 4
MC 364 Policy Evaluation 4
PLS 201 Introduction to Methods of Political Analysis 4
SOC 281 Social Research Methods 4
WRA 360 Design of Print and Digital Documents 4
d. Complete 6 to 9 credits from two or three courses at the 300-level or above, selected in consultation with an academic advisor. All credits must focus on a particular region of the world or social group. Students may also propose their own thematically focused related area for advisor approval.

International Relations Major

1. The student must complete (44 to 48 credits):
a. All of the following courses (13 credits):
MC 220 International Relations I:  World Politics and International Security 4
MC 221 International Relations II: The Politics of International Economic Relations 4
MC 492 Senior Seminar in International Relations (W) 5
b. One of the following courses (3 credits):
EC 340 Survey of International Economics 3
EC 440 International Trade (W) 3
EC 441 International Finance (W) 3
c. Four courses with at least one course from Groups (1), (2), and (3) (16 credits):
(1) SECURITY STUDIES AND FOREIGN POLICY ANALYSIS
MC 318 Chinese Foreign Policy 4
MC 321 The Cold War: Culture, Politics and Foreign Policy 4
MC 322 International Security 4
MC 323 Japanese Foreign Policy 4
MC 326 U.S. Foreign Policy 4
MC 327 The Comparative Analysis of Foreign Policy 4
MC 328 Russian Foreign Policy 4
MC 329 European Security: Challenges and Strategies 4
MC 390 Advanced Topics in Public Affairs 4
MC 391 Selected Topics in Public Affairs 3 or 4
MC 395 Cultural Dimensions of Public Affairs 4
MC 441 Islam and World Politics 4
MC 482 Gender and Violent Conflict 4
(2) INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY AND GLOBAL GOVERNANCE
FW 445 Biodiversity Conservation Policy and Practice 3
MC 320 Politics, Society and Economy in the Third World 4
MC 324E Regional Politics, Cooperation and Conflict in Europe 4
MC 361 Political, Economy and Comparative Public Policymaking 4
MC 362 Public International Law 4
MC 363 Global Governance 4
MC 390 Advanced Topics in Public Affairs 4
MC 391 Selected Topics in Public Affairs 3 or 4
MC 395 Cultural Dimensions of Public Affairs 4
MC 446 International Energy Policy (W) 3
MC 450 International Environmental Law and Policy 3
(3) COMPARATIVE, REGIONAL AND CULTURAL STUDIES
MC 320 Politics, Society and Economy in the Third World 4
MC 321 The Cold War: Culture, Politics and Foreign Policy 4
MC 324A Regional Politics, Cooperation and Conflict in the Middle East 4
MC 324B Regional Politics, Cooperation and Conflict Sub-Saharan Africa 4
MC 324C Regional Politics, Cooperation and Conflict in Latin American and the Caribbean 4
MC 324D Regional Politics, Cooperation and Conflict  in Asia 4
MC 325 State and Society in Comparative Perspective 4
MC 331 Encounters with Post-Communism 4
MC 332 Literature and Politics in a Comparative Perspective 4
MC 335 Israeli Politics, Cultures and Society 4
MC 368 The Civil Rights Movement and its Legacies 4
MC 377 Culture, Politics and Post-Colonialism 4
MC 385 Comparative Race and Ethnic Relations 4
MC 386 Women and Power in Comparative Perspective 4
MC 387 Jews and Anti-Semitism 4
MC 390 Advanced Topics in Public Affairs 4
MC 391 Selected Topics in Public Affairs 3 or 4
MC 395 Cultural Dimensions of Public Affairs 4
MC 441 Islam and World Politics 4
MC 482 Gender and Violent Conflict 4
PLS 358 Politics of the U.S.S.R. and Its Successor States 3
(4) NEW PERSPECTIVES IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
FW 481 Global Issues in Fisheries and Wildlife 3
MC 272 Political Theory and Political Issues 4
MC 369 Global Issues in Citizenship (W) 4
MC 372 Comparative Black Political Thought 4
MC 376 Modern Political Thought in the Muslim World 4
MC 390 Advanced Topics in Public Affairs 4
MC 391 Selected Topics in Public Affairs 3 or 4
MC 395 Cultural Dimensions of Public Affairs 4
James Madison College 272 may be counted toward requirement 1.c. only when the topic deals with Marxist Theories of Revolution.
James Madison College 390, 391, and 395 may be counted toward requirement 1.c. only when the topic deals with international relations.
d. Complete two courses from one of the following ten groups of courses. Students must complete one course from Course A, which should be completed prior to the junior year, and one course from Course B, which should be completed prior to taking James Madison College 492. (6 to 8 credits)
(1) Course A
MC 295 Research Design and Quantitative Analysis in Public Policy 4
Course B
MC 293 Methods for Strategic Analysis in Public Affairs 4
MC 364 Policy Evaluation 4
PHL 330 Formal Reasoning 4
STT 441 Probability and Statistics I: Probability 3
(2) Course A
SOC 281 Social Research Methods 4
Course B
MC 293 Methods for Strategic Analysis in Public Affairs 4
MC 364 Policy Evaluation 4
PHL 330 Formal Reasoning 4
SOC 282 Quantitative Analysis for Social Research 4
STT 441 Probability and Statistics I: Probability 3
(3) Course A
STT 421 Statistics I 3
Course B
EC 420 Introduction to Econometric Methods 3
MC 293 Methods for Strategic Analysis in Public Affairs 4
MC 364 Policy Evaluation 4
PHL 330 Formal Reasoning 4
STT 422 Statistics II 3
(4) Course A
STT 441 Probability and Statistics I: Probability 3
Course B
MC 293 Methods for Strategic Analysis in Public Affairs 4
MC 364 Policy Evaluation 4
PHL 330 Formal Reasoning 4
STT 442 Statistics II 3
(5) Course A
PLS 201 Introduction to Methods of Political Analysis 4
Course B
MC 293 Methods for Strategic Analysis in Public Affairs 4
MC 364 Policy Evaluation 4
PHL 330 Formal Reasoning 4
(6) Course A
STT 200 Statistical Methods 3
STT 201 Statistical Methods 4
Course B
MC 293 Methods for Strategic Analysis in Public Affairs 4
MC 364 Policy Evaluation 4
PHL 330 Formal Reasoning 4
(7) Course A
EC 420 Introduction to Econometric Methods 3
Course B
MC 293 Methods for Strategic Analysis in Public Affairs 4
MC 364 Policy Evaluation 4
PHL 330 Formal Reasoning 4
STT 441 Probability and Statistics I: Probability 3
(8) Course A
STT 315 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Business 3
Course B
EC 420 Introduction to Econometric Methods 3
MC 293 Methods for Strategic Analysis in Public Affairs 4
MC 364 Policy Evaluation 4
PHL 330 Formal Reasoning 4
(9) Course A
MC 293 Methods for Strategic Analysis in Public Affairs 4
Course B
MC 295 Research Design and Quantitative Analysis in Public Policy 4
PHL 330 Formal Reasoning 4
PLS 201 Introduction to Methods of Political Analysis 4
SOC 281 Social Research Methods 4
STT 421 Statistics I 3
STT 441 Probability and Statistics I: Probability 3
e. Two related courses from one of the following four groups (6 to 8 credits):
(1) HISTORY
HST 205 The Ancient Mediterranean and the Medieval World 4
HST 206 European History since 1500 4
HST 325 United States Foreign Relations to 1914 3
HST 326 United States Foreign Relations since 1914 3
HST 337 European Power, Culture, and Thought: Renaissance to the Enlightenment 4 
HST 338 European Power, Culture, and Thought: The Modern Era 4 
HST 390 History of International Relations 3
(2) ECONOMICS
EC 302 Intermediate Macroeconomics  3
EC 306 Comparative Economic Systems  3
EC 406 Economic Analysis of Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (W) 3
EC 410 Issues in the Economics of Developing Countries (W) 3
EC 412 Economic Analysis of Latin America (W) 3
EC 413 Economic Analysis of Asia (W) 3
EC 414 Economic Analysis of Sub–Saharan Africa (W) 3
MC 341 Politics and Markets 4
(3) POLITICAL THEORY
MC 270 Classical Republicanism 4
MC 271 Constitutionalism and Democracy 4
MC 370 Radical Challenges to Liberal Democracy 4
(4) An area and related courses approved by the student's academic advisor. In order to fulfill this requirement, a student may complete 300–400 level courses in a foreign language.  Courses at the 100–200 level in a foreign language may not be used to fulfill this requirement.

Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy Major

1. The student must complete (44 to 49 credits):
a. All of the following courses (21 credits):
MC 270 Classical Republicanism 4
MC 271 Constitutionalism and Democracy 4
MC 370 Radical Challenges to Liberal Democracy 4
MC 371 Beyond Liberal Democracy?  New Directions in Political Theory 4
MC 497 Senior Seminar in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy (W) 5
b. One of the following courses (4 credits):
MC 373A Constitutionalism:  The Supreme Court 4
MC 373B Constitutionalism: The Presidency 4
MC 373C Constitutionalism: Congress 4
MC 375 Contemporary Developments in American Politics 4
MC 378 Law and Social Groups 4
These courses may not be used to fulfill both requirements b. and c.
c. One of the following courses (4 credits):
MC 272 Political Theory and Political Issues 4
MC 325 State and Society in Comparative Perspective 4
MC 326 U.S. Foreign Policy 4
MC 332 Literature and Politics in a Comparative Perspective 4
MC 341 Politics and Markets 4
MC 349 Economics of Legal Relationships in Comparative Perspective 4
MC 350 Evolution and Society 4
MC 351 Science and Social Policy 4
MC 368 The Civil Rights Movement and its Legacies 4
MC 369 Global Issues in Citizenship (W) 4
MC 372 Comparative Black Political Thought 4
MC 377 Culture, Politics and Post-Colonialism 4
MC 373A Constitutionalism: The Supreme Court 4
MC 373B Constitutionalism: The Presidency 4
MC 373C Constitutionalism: Congress 4
MC 375 Contemporary Developments in American Politics 4
MC 376 Modern Political Thought in the Muslim World 4
MC 378 Law and Social Groups 4
MC 381 American Politics and Equality 4
MC 383 African American Politics 4
MC 386 Women and Power in Comparative Perspective 4
MC 387 Jews and Anti–Semitism 4
MC 390 Advanced Topics in Public Affairs 4
MC 391 Selected Topics in Public Affairs 4
MC 395 Cultural Dimensions of Public Affairs 4
MC 482 Gender and Violent Conflict 4
James Madison College 390 and 391 must contain political theory and constitutional democracy content. Students should consult with their advisor prior to enrolling.
d. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
MC 293 Methods for Strategic Analysis in Public Affairs 4
MC 295 Research Design and Quantitative Analysis in Public Policy 4
PHL 330 Formal Reasoning 4
PHL 480 Philosophy of Science 4
PLS 201 Introduction to Methods of Political Analysis 4
STT 421 Statistics I 3
One college–level mathematics course selected from Mathematics 126, 133, 152H, 153H.
e. One of the following two options (12 to 16 credits). Both the option and the related courses must be approved by the student's academic advisor.
(1) Four courses from one of the following disciplines or fields:  anthropology, economics, English, history, international relations, philosophy, political economy, political science, social relations, sociology, or a foreign language. With the approval of the student's academic advisor, another discipline or field may be substituted. At least two of the four courses must be at the 300–level or above with the following exception:  all of the courses in a foreign language must be at the 300–level or above.
(2) Four courses on a historically significant polity in another time and place.  One course must be in History; the other three courses may involve other aspects of life in the polity. Two of the three courses may be in the language of the polity.  Courses at the 300–400 level in the same language that was used to satisfy the College's foreign language requirement, or courses at the 100–200 level in another foreign language, may be counted toward this requirement.

Social Relations and Policy Major

1. The student must complete (38 to 41 credits):
a. All of the following courses (17 credits):
MC 280 Social Theory and Social Relations 4
MC 281 Immigrants, Minorities, and American Pluralism 4
MC 380 Social Policy 4
MC 498 Senior Seminar in Social Relations (W) 5
b. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
ANP 429 Ethnographic Field Methods 4
CJ 292 Methods of Criminal Justice Research 3
COM 300 Methods of Communication Inquiry 4
EC 420 Introduction to Econometric Methods 3
GEO 221 Introduction to Geographic Information 3
MC 295 Research Design and Quantitative Analysis in Public Policy 4
PLS 201 Introduction to Methods of Political Analysis 4
PSY 295 Data Analysis in Psychological Research 3
SOC 281 Social Research Methods 4
STT 200 Statistical Methods 3
STT 201 Statistical Methods 4
STT 315 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Business 3
STT 421 Statistics I 3
Statistics and Probability 200 and 201 may not be used to fulfill both the university mathematics requirement and this requirement.
c. Three courses selected from the following in consultation with an academic advisor (12 credits):
MC 319 Asian American History 4
MC 320 Politics, Society and Economy in the Third World 4
MC 325 State and Society in Comparative Perspective 4
MC 334 Rights, Advocacy, and Activism 4
MC 335 Israeli Politics, Cultures and Society 4
MC 337 Global Public Health 4
MC 338 Environmental Justice and Global Change 4
MC 348 Educational Policy 4
MC 350 Evolution and Society 4
MC 351 Science and Social Policy 4
MC 364 Policy Evaluation 4
MC 367 Global Cities and Urbanism 4
MC 368 The Civil Rights Movement and its Legacies 4
MC 369 Global Issues in Citizenship (W) 4
MC 372 Comparative Black Political Thought 4
MC 375 Contemporary Developments in American Politics 4
MC 377 Culture, Politics, and Post-Colonialism 4
MC 378 Law and Social Groups 4
MC 381 American Politics and Equality 4
MC 382 Social Movements 4
MC 383 African American Politics 4
MC 384 Metropolitan Society 4
MC 385 Comparative Race and Ethnic Relations 4
MC 386 Women and Power in Comparative Perspective 4
MC 387 Jews and Anti-Semitism 4
MC 388 Sexual Politics: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives 4
MC 390 Advanced Topics in Public Affairs 4
MC 391 Selected Topics in Public Affairs 3 or 4
MC 395 Cultural Dimensions of Public Affairs 4
MC 445 Biodiversity Conservation Policy and Practice 3
MC 482 Gender and Violent Conflict 4
James Madison College 390, 391 and 395 may be counted toward requirement  1. b. when the topic deals with Social Relations and Policy.
d. Two courses at the 300–400 level in a related discipline (e.g., anthropology, economics, history, political science, psychology, or sociology) or in an approved related area (e.g., ethnicity and race, gender and women's studies, urban and metropolitan society, or U.S. politics) (6 to 8 credits).

Minor in Muslim Studies

The Minor in Muslim Studies, administered by James Madison College, is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. The minor provides students with the opportunity for sustained study of Muslim societies and Islam in a range of disciplines and topics.

With the approval of the department that administers the student’s degree program, courses that are used to satisfy the requirements of the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor’s degree.

The student’s program of study must be approved by the Muslim Studies coordinator prior to enrollment in any course.

Requirements for the Minor in Muslim Studies

Students must complete the requirements specified below (16 to 32 credits): 

  1. Five courses with Muslim studies or Islamic content selected from the two categories, with at least one from each category. Not more than one IAH or ISS course may count toward the five required  courses. In addition to the three French classes listed below, students may count one foreign language course from Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Urdu, Bahasa Indonesian, Malay, or Swahili in the “Arts and Humanities” category. Students must contact the Muslim Studies Minor coordinator for  an updated list of approved courses prior to enrollment.
    ARTS AND HUMANITIES
    Integrative Studies in Arts and Humanities
    IAH 211B Area Studies and Multicultural Civilizations: Asia (I) 4
    IAH 211C Area Studies and Multicultural Civilizations: The Americas (D) 4
    IAH 211D Area Studies and Multicultural Civilizations: The Middle East (I) 4
    French
    FRN 415 Introduction to French Studies I: Metropolitan France 3
    FRN 416 Introduction to French Studies II: Francophone Cultures 3
    FRN 447 Genre-Based Seminar 3
    History
    HST 201 Historical Methods and Skills 3
    HST 372 The Middle East: Islam and Empires 3
    HST 373 The Modern Middle East: From Empires to Nation States 3
    HST 450 Special Topics in African History 3
    HST 451 Special Topics in Asian History 3
    HST 487 Seminar in Comparative History (W) 3
    Religious Studies
    REL 205 Myth, Self and Religion 3
    REL 232 Islam in America 3
    REL 330 Islam 3
    REL 430 The Qur'an and Its Interpreters (W) 3
    REL 432 Modern Muslim Thought (W)   3
    SOCIAL SCIENCES
    Anthropology
    ANP 417 Introduction to Islam in Africa 3
    ANP 419 Anthropology of the Middle East 3
    ANP 422 Religion and Culture 3
    ANP 426 Urban Anthropology 3
    ANP 491 Topics in Anthropology 2
    Geography
    GEO 339 Geography of the Middle East and North Africa 3
    GEO 340 Geography of Eurasia 3
    Integrative Studies in Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences
    ISS 315 Global Diversity and Interdependence (I) 4
    ISS 330B Asia: Social Science Perspectives (I) 4
    James Madison College
    MC 320 Problems and Paradoxes in Global Development 4
    MC 324A Regional Politics, Cooperation, and Conflict in the Middle East 4
    MC 325 State and Society in Comparative Perspective 4
    MC 376 Modern Political Thought in the Muslim World 4
    MC 390 Advanced Topics in Public Affairs 4
    MC 391 Selected Topics in Public Affairs 4
    MC 441 Islam and World Politics 4
    MC 492 Senior Seminar in International Relations (W) 5
    MC 497 Senior Seminar in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy (W) 5
    Political Science
    PLS 344 Politics in the Third World of Developing Areas 3
    PLS 345 Religion and World Politics 3
    PLS 346 Middle East Politics 3
    PLS 351 African Politics 3
    PLS 358 Politics of the U.S.S.R. and Its Successor States 3
    PLS 441 Islam and World Politics 4
    The following courses do not always contain content relevant to the Minor in Muslim Studies. Before enrolling in any of these, please consult the Muslim Studies Minor coordinator to see if, in the semester in which a student wishes to enroll, the course counts toward the minor: Anthropology 491; French 415, 416, and 447; History 201, 450, 451, and 487; Integrative Studies in Arts and Humanities 211B, 211C, and 211D; Integrative Studies in Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences 315 and 330B; Geography 340; James Madison College 320, 325, 390, 391, 492, and 497; Political Science 344, 345, 346, 351, and 358; Religious Studies 205 and 232.

Minor in Political Economy

The Minor in Political Economy, administered by James Madison College, is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. The minor is intended to instill a fundamental understanding of political economy and to allow students a choice of policy areas for focused study.

To achieve this breadth and depth of knowledge in political economy, students must complete at least 22 credits. Students in anthropology, economics, international relations, or public resource management will find this specialization especially appealing as preparation for graduate study or public-policy positions.

Requirements for the Minor in Political Economy

The student must complete  (22 to 27 credits):
1. Core Courses. One course selected from each of the following areas (10 or 11 credits):
Intermediate Economics
EC 301 Intermediate Microeconomics 3
EC 302 Intermediate Macroeconomics 3
Foundations of Political Economy
MC 341 Politics and Markets 4
Supplemental Political Economy Courses
EC 360 Private Enterprise and Public Policy 3
MC 221 International Relations II: The Politics of International Economic Relations 4 
MC 349 Economics of Legal Relationships in Comparative Perspective 4
MC 361 Political Economy and Comparative Public Policymaking 4
MC 380 Social Policy 4
MC 381 American Politics and Equality 4
MC 430 Applied International Development 4
A student may not count any of the supplemental courses twice in the specialization.
2. Economic Analysis Methodology. One of the following courses (3 or 4 credits):
EC 420 Introduction to Econometric Methods 3
MC 293 Methods for Strategic Analysis in Public Affairs 4
MC 295 Research Design and Quantitative Analysis in Public Policy 4
MC 364 Policy Evaluation 4
STT 315 Introduction to Probability and Statistics for Business 3
3. Policy Areas. Two courses must be completed in one of the following areas, and one additional course completed in a separate area (9 to 12 credits):
Law and Political Economy in Policymaking
EC 335 Taxes, Government Spending and Public Policy 3
EC 360 Private Enterprise and Public Policy 3
EC 425 Law and Economics (W) 3
EC 435 Public Expenditures (W) 3
EC 436 Public Revenues (W) 3
GBL 323 Introduction to Business Law 3
MC 348 Educational Policy 4
MC 349 Economics of Legal Relationships in Comparative Perspective 4
Society and Political Economy in Policymaking 3
EC 380 Labor Relations and Labor Market Policy 3
EC 438 Urban Economics (W) 3
EC 485 Economics of Education (W) 3
EC 495 Economics of Poverty and Income Distribution (W) 3
EC 498 Economics of Health Care (W) 3
EEP 255 Ecological Economics 3
EEP 320 Environmental Economics 3
EEP 404 Public Sector Budgeting and Program Evaluation (W) 3
FW 445 Biodiversity Conservation Policy and Practice 3
GEO 415 Location Theory and Land Use Analysis 3
LB 334 Science, Technology and Public Policy (W) 4
MC 348 Educational Policy 4
MC 367 Global Cities and Urbanism 4
MC 380 Social Policy 4
MC 381 American Politics and Equality 4
MC 384 Metropolitan Society 4
SOC 331 Political Sociology 3
UP 353 Land Use Planning 4
Political Economy in International Relations
ABM 400 Public Policy Issues in the Agri-Food System 3
EC 310 Economics of Developing Countries 3
EC 406 Economic Analysis of Russian and the Commonwealth of Independent States (W) 3
EC 410 Issues in the Economics of Developing Countries (W) 3
EC 412 Economic Analysis of Latin America (W) 3
EC 413 Economic Analysis of Asia (W) 3
EC 414 Economic Analysis of Sub-Saharan Africa (W) 3
MC 221 International Relations II: The Politics of International Economic Relations 4 
MC 320 Politics, Society and Economy in the Third World 4
MC 324A Regional Politics, Cooperation, and Conflict in the Middle East 4
MC 324B Regional Politics, Cooperation, and Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa 4
MC 324C Regional Politics, Cooperation, and Conflict in Latin America and the Caribbean 4 
MC 324D Regional Politics, Cooperation, and Conflict in Asia 4
MC 324E Regional Politics, Cooperation, and Conflict in Europe 4
MC 361 Political Economy and Comparative Public Policymaking 4
MC 430 Applied International Development 4
MC 450 International Environmental Law and Policy 3
Political Economy and Public Affairs in Comparative Perspectives
EC 306 Comparative Economic Systems 3
EC 410 Issues in the Economics of Developing Countries (W) 3
MC 320 Politics, Society and Economy in the Third World 4
MC 324A Regional Politics, Cooperation, and Conflict in the Middle East 4
MC 324B Regional Politics, Cooperation, and Conflict in Sub-Saharan Africa 4
MC 324C Regional Politics, Cooperation, and Conflict in Latin America and the Caribbean 4 
MC 324D Regional Politics, Cooperation, and Conflict in Asia 4
MC 324E Regional Politics, Cooperation, and Conflict in Europe 4
MC 361 Political Economy and Comparative Public Policymaking 4
MC 430 Applied International Development 4
PLS 342 Comparative Political Economy 3
SOC 362 Developing Societies 3


Minor in Science, Technology, Environment and Public Policy

The Minor in Science, Technology, Environment and Public Policy (STEPP) is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor’s degree programs at Michigan State University. The minor will expose students to policy-making processes at the local, state, national and international levels; examine historical trends and analyze social relationships; build a strong understanding of scientific principles used to formulate sound policy initiatives; and facilitate a linkage between policy-making and science, technology and the environment.

Students who are interested in this minor must contact the coordinator for  the Minor in Science, Technology, Environment and Public Policy in James Madison College. The student’s program of study must be approved by the STEPP coordinator prior to enrollment in any courses counted toward the minor. Study abroad programs or internships require prior approval of the coordinator to ensure their relevance to the STEPP curricular goals.

With the approval of the department and college that administer the student’s degree program, courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for a bachelor’s degree.

Requirements for the Minor in Science, Technology, Environment and Public Policy

The student must complete (21 to 27 credits):
Science, Technology, Environment and Public Policy (3 credits):
1. The following course:
FW 181 Introduction to Science, Technology, the Environment and Public Policy 3
History, Philosophy, and Sociology of Science (6 to 8 credits)
1. Two of the following courses:
CSUS 310 History of Environmental Thought and Sustainability 3
EPI 390 Disease in Society: Introduction to Epidemiology
and Public Health 4
FW 211 Introduction to Gender and Environmental Issues 3
HST 425 American and European Health Care Since 1800 4
HST 483 Seminar in Modern European History (W) 3
LB 323A Science in a Global Context - Arts and Humanities (W) 4
LB 323B Science in a Global Context - Social Sciences (W) 4
LB 324A Science and Sex, Gender, Sexuality - Arts and Humanities (W) 4
LB 324B Science and Sex, Gender, Sexuality - Social Sciences (W) 4
LB 325A Science and the Environment - Arts and Humanities (W) 4
LB 325B Science and the Environment - Social Sciences (W) 4
LB 327A Scientific Practice - Arts and Humanities (W) 4
LB 327B Scientific Practice - Social Sciences (W) 4
LB 425 American and European Health Care since 1800 4
MC 350 Evolution and Society 4
MC 351 Science and Social Policy 4
PHL 344 Ethical Issues in Health care 4
PHL 380 Nature of Science 3
SOC 368 Science, Technology and Society 3
SOC 452 Environment and Society 3
Science Applications (6 to 8 credits)
Complete two courses at the 200-level or above which consists primarily of natural science. Integrative Studies courses can not fulfill this requirement. Students should check with the STEPP Coordinator to ensure that the particular course chosen will fulfill this requirement.
Public Policy (6 to 8 credits)
1. Two of the following courses:
ABM 400 Public Policy Issues in the Agri-Food System 3
ABM 427 Global Agri-Food Industries and Markets 3
ANR 250 Global Issues in Agriculture and Natural Resources 3
CSUS 464 Environmental and Natural Resource Policy in Michigan 3
CSUS 465 Environmental and Natural Resource Law 3
EC 310 Economics of Developing Countries 3
FOR 466 Natural Resource Policy 3
FSC 421 Food Laws and Regulation 3
FW 439 Conservation Ethics 3
FW 445 Biodiversity Conservation Policy and Practice 3
FW 481 Global Issues in Fisheries and Wildlife 3
FW 491 Special Topics in Fisheries and Wildlife 1 to 5
LB 321A Science and the Public - Arts and Humanities (W) 4
LB 321B Science and the Public - Social Sciences (W) 4
LB 322A Advances in Science and Technology - Arts and Humanities (W) 4
LB 322B Advances in Science and Technology - Social Sciences (W) 4
LB 326A Medicine and Health - Arts and Humanities (W) 4
LB 326B Medicine and Health - Social Sciences (W) 4
LB 355 Philosophy of Technology (W) 4
MC 348 Education Policy 4
MC 361 Political Economy and Comparative Public Policymaking 4
MC 363 Global Governance 4
MC 364 Policy Evaluation 4
MC 380 Social Policy 4
MC 450 International Environmental Policy 3
MC 469 Applied Public Policy Research Seminar 3 to 5
Capstone Course (3 credits):
The following course:
MC 459 Science, Technology, Environment and Public Policy Capstone 3


Minor in European Studies

The Minor in European Studies, which is administered by James Madison College, is available as an elective to students who are enrolled in bachelor's degree programs at Michigan State University. With the approval of the department and college that administer the student's degree program, the courses that are used to satisfy the requirements for the minor may also be used to satisfy the requirements for the bachelor's degree.

The Minor in European Studies provides an opportunity for students to pursue a significant and coherent body of course work in the culture, history, politics, economics, and geography of Europe.  Some of the courses in the minor focus on individual countries, while other courses are comparative and cross–national.  

A Steering Committee, composed of faculty from the colleges whose courses are included in the Minor in European Studies, oversees the minor.  The student's program of study for the minor must be approved in advance and in writing by the chairperson of the Steering Committee.

Students who elect the Minor in European Studies are encouraged to complete courses that are related to Europe in partial fulfillment of the University Integrative Studies requirement.

Requirements for the Minor in European Studies

The student must meet the requirements specified below:

1. Foreign Language Proficiency:  The student must demonstrate proficiency in a European language at a level equivalent to the completion of four semesters of study at the university level.  The results of the MSU foreign language placement test will be considered in determining whether or not the student has fulfilled this requirement.
2. European Studies Courses:  The student must complete a minimum of three courses totaling at least 12 credits selected from at least three of the following groups of courses:
Classical Studies
CLA 360 Ancient Novel in English Translation (W) 3
CLA 412 Senior Seminar: Greek and Roman Religion (W) 3
Economics
EC 306 Comparative Economic Systems 3
EC 340 Survey of International Economics 3
EC 440 International Trade (W) 3
EC 441 International Finance (W) 3
English
ENG 205 Topics in British Literatures 3
ENG 318 Readings in Shakespeare 3
ENG 426 Seminar in Drama or Performance Studies 3
ENG 457 Seminar in 18th-Century British Literature 3
ENG 458 Seminar in 19th-Century British Literature 3
ENG 460 Seminar in Global and Postcolonial Literature 3
French
FRN 340 Introduction to Reading French Literature (W) 3
FRN 415 Introduction to French Studies I: Metropolitan France 3
FRN 416 Introduction to French Studies II: Francophone Cultures 3
FRN 425 Advanced Studies in French Language 3
FRN 445 Theme-Based Seminar 3
FRN 447 Genre-Based Seminar 3
German
GRM 341 German Literature and Culture before 1918 3
GRM 342 German Literature and Culture since 1918 3
GRM 435 18th and 19th Century German Literary Studies (W) 3
GRM 445 20th Century and Contemporary German Literary Studies (W) 3
GRM 455 Major Themes in German Cultural History (W) 3
GRM 491 Special Topics in German Studies 1 to 4
GRM 492 Capstone Project 1
Geography
GEO 336 Geography of Europe 3
History
HST 332B Europe in the Middle Ages 1000–1300 3
HST 333 Europe in Crisis 1300–1450 3
HST 334A Renaissance and Reformation Europe 3
HST 334B Europe in the Age of Absolutism 3
HST 335 Europe in the Age of Revolution 1700-1870 3
HST 336 Contemporary Europe 1870 to Present 3
HST 337 European Power, Culture, and Thought: Renaissance to Enlightenment 3
HST 338 European Power, Culture and Thought: The Modern Era
HST 340 England and its Culture to 1688 3
HST 341 Modern Britain since 1688 3
HST 347 Modern France 3
HST 348 Modern Germany 3
HST 390 History of International Relations 3
HST 392 History of the Holocaust2 3
HST 412 Women in Modern European History 3
HST 414 World War II: Causes, Conduct and Consequences 3
HST 415 The First World War 3
HST 452 Special Topics in European History 3
HST 482 Seminar in Medieval History (W) 3
HST 483 Seminar in Modern European History (W)1 3
History of Art
HA 101 Western Art from Paleolithic to Medieval Era 3
HA 102 Western Art from the Renaissance to Contemporary 3
HA 209 Ancient Art 3
HA 210 Medieval Art 3
HA 230 Renaissance and Baroque Art 3
HA 240 Modern Art 3
HA 401 Greek Art and Archaeology 4
HA 402 Roman Art and Archaeology 4
HA 410 Selected Topics in Medieval Art 4
HA 430 Baroque Art in Italy and Spain 3
HA 446 Impressionism 4
HA 450 Selected Topics in Modern Art 4
Italian
ITL 330 Italian Culture and Civilization 3
James Madison College
MC 230 Cultures and Politics in Comparative Perspective 4
MC 270 Classical Republicanism 4
MC 271 Constitutionalism and Democracy 4
MC 280 Social Theory and Social Relations  4
MC 321 The Cold War: Culture, Politics and Foreign Policy 4
MC 324E Regional Politics, Cooperation, and Conflict in Europe 4
MC 325 State and Society in Comparative Perspective1 4
MC 327 The Comparative Analysis of Foreign Policy1 4
MC 329 European Security: Challenges and Strategies 4
MC 331 Encounters with Post-Communism 4
MC 370 Radical Challenges to Liberal Democracy 4
MC 371 Beyond Liberal Democracy? New Directions in Political Theory 4
MC 386 Women and Power in Comparative Perspective1  4
MC 387 Jews and Anti–Semitism2 4
MC 388 Sexual Politics: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives1 4
MC 390 Advanced Topics in Public Affairs1 4
MC 492 Senior Seminar in International Relations (W)1 5
MC 493 Senior Seminar in Comparative Cultures and Politics (W)1 5
MC 497 Senior Seminar in Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy (W)1 5
MC 498 Senior Seminar in Social Relations and Policy (W)1
Music 5
MUS 211 History of Western Music to 1750 3
MUS 212 History of Western Music since 1750 3
MUS 420 Music of the 18th Century 2
MUS 421 19th Century European–American Music Literature 2
MUS 422 20th Century European and American Music Literature 2
MUS 423 History of Opera 2
Philosophy
PHL 210 Ancient Greek Philosophy 3
PHL 211 Modern Philosophy 3
PHL 220 Existentialism 3
PHL 357 Philosophy of Karl Marx 3
PHL 411 Aristotle Seminar 4
PHL 413 Seminar in Early Modern Philosophy 4
PHL 416 Hegel Seminar 4
PHL 417 Seminar in 19th Century Philosophy 4
PHL 421 Topics in European and Continental Philosophy 3
Political Science
PLS 342 Comparative Political Economy1 3
PLS 356 Politics of Europe and the European Union 3
PLS 372 Modern Political Philosophy 3
PLS 422 Seminar in Political Science (W) 4
Portuguese
PRT 350 Introduction to Literary Analysis (W) 3
Religious Studies
REL 275 Magic and Mysticism: Western Esoteric Traditions and Practices 3
Spanish
SPN 320 Cultural Readings and Composition (W) 3
SPN 412 Topics in Hispanic Culture 3
SPN 462 Topics in Spanish Literature 3
SPN 491 Special Topics in Spanish 3
3. Supervised Research Paper:  The student must complete one of the following four options:
a. Independent Study.  A research paper on a topic related to Europe completed while enrolled in an independent study course of at least 3 credits.
b. Overseas Study.  A research paper completed while enrolled in a MSU overseas study program in Europe totaling at least 3 credits.
c. Internship.  A research paper on a topic related to Europe completed while enrolled in a field experience or internship course of at least 3 credits.
d. Capstone Course.  A research paper on a topic related to Europe that is completed while enrolled in a capstone course of at least 3 credits.
 
1 To be counted toward the requirements for the Minor in European Studies, the content of this course must be specifically related to or focused on European Studies.
2 A student may receive credit for only one of the following courses, and only one of those courses may be used to satisfy the requirements for the Minor in European Studies:  History 392 or James Madison College 387.

Teacher Certification Options

The following disciplinary majors leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree in James Madison College are available for teacher certification:  comparative cultures and politics, international relations, political theory and constitutional democracy, and social relations and policy.  Students who complete the requirements for one of these disciplinary majors and the requirements for teacher certification are recommended for a teaching certificate in social studies. Persons with teacher certification in social studies are qualified to teach history, political science, geography, and economics.

The James Madison College Social Studies certification, based on one of the four approved James Madison College majors, is available for secondary certification. This is a comprehensive teaching major, requiring 50 or more credits and does not require completion of a teaching minor for secondary certification. Optional teaching minors can be completed in addition to the comprehensive Social Studies major and can include credits already applied to the Social Studies teaching major. James Madison College students pursuing a teaching major in Social Studies, who are interested in earning elementary certification, must complete an additional major or dual degree in Education in order to fulfill the elementary program requirements.

Students with a disciplinary major in Comparative Cultures and Politics; International Relations; Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy; and Social Relations and Policy must complete the following additional disciplinary courses:

               
1. Geography
GEO 204 World Regional Geography 3
GEO 221 Introduction to Geographic Information 3
GEO 330 Geography of the United States and Canada 3
2. History
HST 140 World History to 1500 4
HST 150 World History since 1500 4
HST 201 Historical Methods and Skills 3
HST 202 U.S. History to 1876 4
HST 203 U.S. History since 1876 4
HST 320 History of Michigan 3
Social Relations and Policy majors are not required to complete History 201.

Students who elect one of the disciplinary majors referenced above must contact the James Madison College Director of Academic and Student Affairs.

For additional information, refer to the statements on the disciplinary majors referenced above and to the statement on TEACHER CERTIFICATION in the Department of Teacher Education section of this catalog.


James Madison College 3 + 3 Option

James Madison College, in collaboration with Michigan State University/College of Law, offers an opportunity for selected JMC students to earn a baccalaureate degree after satisfactory completion of a minimum of 91 credits at Michigan State University and a minimum of 29 credits through subsequent enrollment at Michigan State University/College of Law. Only students who matriculate as first-year students at James Madison College may pursue this option. Students interested in this option should consult with their academic advisors during the first year in the college.

Admission to the Michigan State University/College of Law component of this program is limited to a small number of students who complete the specified university and college requirements and who earn a GPA and LSAT score that is acceptable for admission to Michigan State University/College of Law.

All students in this program will complete a minimum of 91 credits at Michigan State University, at least 47 of which (not to include James Madison College 400 and 401) shall be James Madison College credits. The requirements for the program are as follows:

  1. Completion of the all university-level graduation requirements, including integrative studies, mathematics, and writing.
  2. Completion of the all-college required courses, including  James Madison College 111, 112, 201, 202; Economics 201 and 202; and second-year competency in a foreign language.
  3. Completion of the requirements for one of the Madison fields of concentration.
  4. Completion of a minimum of 29 credits at Michigan State University/College of Law.

Upon satisfactory completion of the specified Michigan State University/College of Law credits, students in this program will be awarded the Bachelor of Arts degree.