POLS 497-1: Public Sector Leadership in the 21^st Century

Location/Time: DU 466, MW 3:30-4:45 p.m. for the first five weeks (week of January 12 through week of February 9)

Instructor: Samantha Fisher

Email: samfisher@niu.edu

Course Description:

The purpose of the course is to study the meaning, significance, and innovative models and tactics utilized in public sector leadership. In the public sector being a successful agent of change means adhering to countless stakeholders, both public and private. Using federal, state, local, and non-governmental organization examples of public sector leadership models students will be able to critically analyze the advantages and disadvantages to each approach. If one is going to lead by example, they first must learn the exemplary behavior and ideology they wish to uphold.

POLS 497-2: Understanding Current News and Events

Location/Time: DU 466, MW 3:30-4:45 p.m. for the second five weeks (week of February 16 through week of March 23)

Instructor: Andrea Messing-Mathie

Email: amessing@niu.edu

Course Description:

The purpose of this course is to engage students in reading, analyzing, and discussing current news and events from the perspective of political science. Students will be asked to draw connections between political science and the events of the day. The course is expected to be very lively and timely, offering the opportunity to scrutinize the transition of our national government to a new presidential administration and a new Congress.

POLS 497-3: Political Parties in Southeast Asia

Location/Time: DU 466, MW 3:30-4:45 p.m. for the third five weeks (week of March 30 through week of April 27)

Instructor: Punchada Sirivunnabood

Email: psirivun@niu.edu

Course Description

Political parties are essential to democratic government. Yet, they are a relatively new phenomenon in the political history of Southeast Asia (SEA). Although the ten SEA countries are located in the same geographic region, each country has experienced dissimilar formation, development, and survival of their political parties due to their differences in culture, religion, historical background, and economies. Many parties in these ten countries successfully lead to increased democracy. On the other hand, others fail to advance democratic principles in their country. This course aims to access the origin and development of major political parties in these SEA countries through the lens of major theories on political party and party system development. Thus, the course is designed for students who are interested in political parties, party systems, and Southeast Asian politics. It will be based on discussion seminars and students are expected to come to class prepared.