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• Undergraduate Spring 2021
• Political Science

Undergraduate Political Science

2021 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.

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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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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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ISSUES AND CRISES IN AMERICAN POLITICS

POLISCI 247

An examination of selected major issues and crises confronting the American political system today. Attention will also be given to the response to these issues and crises as reflected in recent policies and 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.

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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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MEDIA AND AMERICAN POLITICS

POLISCI 314

This course will examine the principles of media and politics, and how the media impacts American public's political attitudes and behaviors. Topics will include campaign advertising, alternative media, public space, bias, and persuasion.

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POLICE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADMINISTRATION

POLISCI 316

This course examines the administrative process within the criminal justice setting. Both administrative theories and principles as well as applications to the criminal justice system will be covered.

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US ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS AND POLICY

POLISCI 343

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

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FEDERALISM

POLISCI 345

This course offers a critical and comparative exploration of orgins, operation, and significance of federalism in a variety of countries.

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INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

POLISCI 348

The course will explore theoretical perspectives as well as the expanding roles of international organizations in the context of global politics. It will provide an overview of the United Nations system, a number of regional organizations, and their contributions to the maintenance of international peace and security.

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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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CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THOUGHT

POLISCI 412

A study in depth of certain selected topics of contemporary importance, such as the resolution of power conflicts, the theory and practice of nonviolence, and the existentialist dilemma.

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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.

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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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PUBLIC PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION

POLISCI 421

A critical study of problems of public personnel, with particular emphasis on the process of recruiting and managing people in the public services.

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GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF LATIN AMERICA

POLISCI 456

This is a survey course of Latin American government and politics. Major concepts and principles of comparative politics are reviewed and applied to the Latin American context. Country studies may include Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Guatemala, and Venezula.

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AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY

POLISCI 457

An analysis of the forces and institutions involved in the establishment of American foreign policies. Emphasis is placed on the effect of the growth of American power and responsibility upon the development of foreign policies.

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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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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.