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• Political Science

Undergraduate Political Science

2020 Fall 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.

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AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

POLISCI 141

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

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AMERICAN MINORITY POLITICS

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.

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INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

POLISCI 220

A course to introduce students to the concepts and problems of public policy and administration. Emphasis will be given to the role played by individuals and groups in large organizations; theories of organization will be set forth and operations of governmental administrative agencies in the political world will be examined.

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LAW AND SOCIETY

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

POLISCI 250

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

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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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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.

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THE AMERICAN LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

POLISCI 317

The study of the organization and functioning of the legislative bodies, with particular attention to Congress: functions, membership, committee system, executive-legislative relations, pressure groups, lobbying, movement for reform.

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AMERICAN POLITICAL PARTIES AND ELECTIONS

POLISCI 319

This course will examine the development, organization, and functions of political parties and elections in the American political system. Topics include the nature and function of political parties, nominations and elections, political campaigns and campaign finance, voting behavior and party realignment issues, and the role of the party in government policy-making.

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PUBLIC POLICY ANALYSIS AND ADVOCACY

POLISCI 330

A systematic introduction to the study of public policy through an analytical problem-solving approach and the use of that evidence-based approach to advocate for policy change. The course will also examine and explore public problems and policy issues.

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POLITICS OF DEVELOPMENT

POLISCI 340

This course focuses on the comparative analysis and contending interpretations of development in the developing countries. The analysis also includes the influence of the international economic system as exercised through direct foreign investment and commercial lending institutions.

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STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT

POLISCI 344

A study of modern American state and local governments, their evolution from colonial beginnings, their problems and their potential. Topics include constitutional revision, the role of governors, legislatures and courts, forms of urban and rural government, and state-local relations.

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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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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.

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CONSTITUTIONAL LAW

POLISCI 413

A study of judicial review, its meaning and nature. The development of constitutional relationships between the national government and the states as well as among the branches of the national government is considered.

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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.

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FORMATION OF PUBLIC POLICY

POLISCI 430

This course will examine the major public policy problems facing the United States today and the political processes seeking to resolve these problems. Special emphasis to be given to governmental cooperation in seeking to resolve these problems.

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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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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF JAPAN

POLISCI 480

This course will present a historic and thematic overview of political development in contemporary Japan. It consists of analysis of japanese postwar politics, government decision-making stuctures and processes, foreign affairs and political economy.

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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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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.

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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.