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• Undergraduate Spring 2010
• Political Science

Undergraduate Political Science

2010 Spring Term

Class Schedule

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (GS)

POLISCI 141

An introductory course covering the history, structure and functioning of American national government and its relation to state and local government.

Class Schedule

ETHNIC POLITICS (DV) (GS)

POLISCI 217

The central concern of this course is to provide the student an awareness of the political development of racial and ethnic minorities in today's political arena. It will compare and contrast the development of the white ethnic communities of the 19th and 20th centuries with our modern day racial and ethnic minorities. (Offered jointly with race & ethnic cultures).

Class Schedule

LAW AND SOCIETY (GS)

POLISCI 240

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the development of law and legal practices from a political science perspective. Special emphasis will be paid to the political factors in our society that shape law. The manner in which law affects the politics of our society will also be stressed.

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INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY (GS)

POLISCI 250

An introduction to Western political thought, the role of ideology in politics, and perennial questions in political philosophy.

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INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS (GS)

POLISCI 255

This course compares the political systems of five or six countries, reflecting the range of political institutions and political behavior around the world. Students will learn to develop explanations for similarities and differences in the political life of countries around the world, e.g. why are some countries democratic and others authoritarian?

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POLITICAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS

POLISCI 301

An introduction to basic research methods in political science. Topics will include various data collection and analysis techniques on the U.S. Presidency, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, political socialization, political parties, interest groups, civil violence, rebellion, and revolution. Students will obtain "hands-on" experience with computer software designed specifically for political science and the social sciences. This is not a statistics course, and no previous knowledge of statistical methods is assumed.

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THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY

POLISCI 318

Analysis and discussion of the various roles of the President regarding his constitutional status and powers, nomination and election, administrative responsibilities, legislative and political leadership, and his role in the conduct of foreign relations.

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AMERICAN INTEREST GROUP POLITICS

POLISCI 321

This course will examine the interest group system in the United States by examining the history, roles, strategies, successes, and failures of interest groups in the American political system.

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PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS

POLISCI 330

A systematic introduction to the study of public policy issues through a public policy/issue analysis and problem solving approach. It will also examine and explore other analytical models and approaches in the study of public problems and policy issues.

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INTERNATIONAL LAW

POLISCI 350

A study of international law, its sources, development and content. Selected readings on theory, and form decisions and opinions of the Permanent Court of International Justice and the International Court of Justice.

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INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

POLISCI 351

An introductory survey of political relations among nation-states, including the topics of war and peace, nationalism, elements of national power, conventional and nuclear weaponry, diplomacy, economic interdependence, the Third World, and international and regional organizations.

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COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT - EUROPE

POLISCI 352

Comparative analysis of politics in contemporary Europe. Topics covered include the political institutions and political cultures of major states in Europe, nationalism and regionalism in Europe, and the institutions of the European Union.

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BLACK POLITICAL AND SOCIAL THOUGHT (DV)

POLISCI 365

This course will utilize a Pan-African approach to provide an organized and systematic pattern of social and political ideologies/thought put forth by Black publicists and theorists concerning the organization of their society. As such, it will survey the principal personalities and major protest movements that have emerged in the Diaspora African Community, as well as pay special attention to selected African ideologies and personalities involved in shaping Black political and social thought.

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CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND THE CONSTITUTION

POLISCI 415

This course examines the role of the major participants in the criminal justice system-defendants, police, prosecutions, courts, and corrections-and the development of constitutional law regulating their behavior.

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THE CONSTITUTION AND CIVIL RIGHTS

POLISCI 416

This course focuses on the development of constitutional law in the area of equal rights protections offered by the Fourteenth Amendment and civil rights protections guaranteed by the national government.

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THE JUDICIAL PROCESS

POLISCI 419

A study of the American judicial system as a part of the larger framework of the political, social and economic systems of the nation. Emphasis will be on topics such as the judicial role, judicial organization and jurisdiction, judicial power, and the decisional process rather than legal cases.

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AMERICAN POLITICAL THOUGHT

POLISCI 420

A study of the fundamental political ideas of America and the political philosophers who espoused them from colonial times to the present.

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THE POLITICS OF GOVERNMENT BUDGETING

POLISCI 440

A course designed to introduce the students to the study of criteria for what services or functions should be undertaken by government and in what amounts; analyzing the effects that government spending and taxes have on the behavior of the private sector of the economy and on the political system, and evaluating the problems and solutions for allocating tax burden equitably among different groups in the society.

Class Schedule

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF AFRICA

POLISCI 461

The course will critically analyze the political events, major problems, processes and trends in Sub-Saharan African politics and society. It will also attempt to examine the prospects for economic development and democracy in contemporary Africa. Some African countries will be selected for special attention.

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SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY

POLISCI 462

Provides students with the analysis and critical understanding of the policy issues surrounding historical and current social welfare programs, of new social welfare issues and of policy decisions that lead to changes in programming. Community organization, as an intervention approach, will be explored.

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SEMINAR IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

POLISCI 489

A study of the complex aspects of administrative organization, behavior and decision-making in the area of public policy through the examination of a variety of pertinent cases.

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TRAVEL STUDY

POLISCI 491

Variable topics. Group activity oriented presentations emphasizing `hands on` and participatory instructional techniques.

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INTERNSHIP IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

POLISCI 493

Study and work with a government unit or in some area of public affairs under the direction of a faculty supervisor. Students will have the opportunity to combine academic learning with practical experience in government and politics. Repeatable for a maximum of 12 credits in major/degree.

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EXCHANGE STUDY

POLISCI 497

Variable topics. See Schedule of Classes.

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INDEPENDENT STUDY

POLISCI 498

Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable for a maximum of 4 credits in major/degree. Department Consent required.

Class Schedule

INDEPENDENT STUDY - UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH

POLISCI 498R

Study of a selected topic or topics under the direction of a faculty member. Repeatable for a maximum of 4 credits in major/degree. Department Consent required.