Jump to Menu

• Undergraduate Spring 2016
• Political Science

Undergraduate Political Science

2016 Spring Term

Class Schedule

INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE

POLISCI 101

Introduction to Political Science introduces students to the specialties within political science, outlines the academic emphases within the major and associated requirements, and explores public and private sector opportunities in the field of political science.

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

ISSUES AND CRISES IN AMERICAN POLITICS (GS)

POLISCI 247

An examination of selected major issues and crises confronting the American political system today. Both domestic and foreign policy issues are analyzed. Attention also will be given the political response to these issues and crises as reflected in recent policies and policy proposals of the national government. Repeatable one time (different topic) for a maximum of 6 credits in major/degree, but not repeatable for general studies credit.

Class Schedule

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.

Class Schedule

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?

Class Schedule

ASIAN AMERICANS IN U.S. POLITICS (DV) (GE)

POLISCI 266

This course explores political issues confronting Asian Americans in the United States. The course makes in-depth analysis of political aspects of Asian Americans as voters, as candidates, as activists and as contributors in the political process.

Class Schedule

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.

Class Schedule

WRITING IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

POLISCI 302

This course will allow students to improve their analytical and writing skills through various writing assignments involving different formats. Some of the assignments will involve multiple drafts, based on peer and instructor feedback.

Class Schedule

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.

Class Schedule

POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT

POLISCI 340

This course focuses on the comparative analysis and contending interpretations of development in the developing countries. Emphasis will be given to the role of the state intervention and the coalitional politics of dominant class factions in capital accumulation and allocation of surplus for development. The analysis also includes the influence of international economic system as exercised through direct foreign investment and commercial lending institutions. Special attention will also be paid to the impact of militarism on the Third World countries and the problems of environment and sustainable development.

Class Schedule

US ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICY

POLISCI 343

This course will explore opportunities and constraints in the development of environmental policy in the United States.

Class Schedule

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.

Class Schedule

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.

Class Schedule

POLITICAL SOCIOLOGY

POLISCI 356

An analysis of the impact of social cleavages and cohesion on the operation of political institutions; the composition and behavior of power elites; the social base of political power; the social functions of electoral behavior.

Class Schedule

ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL POLITICAL THOUGHT: GREEK, ROMAN, CHRISTIAN

POLISCI 410

This course will examine the political thought of the ancient and medieval worlds, focusing on the Greek, Roman and early Christian periods. Through study of texts by Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, and others, this course will highlight how these texts both reflect their own times, and inform political thinking today.

Class Schedule

THE CONSTITUTION AND CIVIL LIBERTIES

POLISCI 414

A course focusing on the constitutional development of of the freedoms of individuals and the limitations upon the powers of government, both state and national.

Class Schedule

LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING

POLISCI 418

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to research and writing in the field of public law. Students will learn how to use a variety of legal resource materials and how to cite the materials appropriately. Students will also demonstrate a mastery of these skills by completing homework assignments and by writing two major papers.

Class Schedule

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.

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.

Class Schedule

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.

Class Schedule

PEACE STUDIES: CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT

POLISCI 463

The course will critically analyze the political events, major problems, processes and trends in international and regional conflicts. It will examine the prospect for peaceful negotiation among states and international organizations to solve international crises.

Class Schedule

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS IN THE MIDDLE EAST

POLISCI 471

An intense investigation of the social, economic, and political conditions of Islamic, Arab and non-Arab countries of the Middle East. Topics include basic tenets of Islam: political culture, formation of nation states, political systems (monarchies and republics), consequences of political development and modernization, and the role of the Middle East in international politics.

Class Schedule

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.

Class Schedule

TRAVEL STUDY

POLISCI 491

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

Class Schedule

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.

Class Schedule

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

SENIOR HONORS THESIS

POLISCI 499

Individual research for majors writing thesis for honors degree; emphasis upon depth, scope and individual research on approved topics under the supervision of a member of the faculty.