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• Political Science

Undergraduate Political Science

2025 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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GOVERNMENT IN ACTION: AN INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

POLISCI 220

A course to introduce students to the concepts and problems of public administration with a focus on government in action. The course emphasizes three key themes: the development of and enduring tensions in American public administration; policy tools through which public administration occurs; and contemporary theories and issues in the management of public organizations and personnel.

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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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POLITICS OF TERRORISM AND COUNTERTERRORISM

POLISCI 265

This course examines the definitions, sources, patterns, and ideologies of modern terrorism. It then analyzes the objectives of various terrorist organizations as well as their operations, including strategies, tactics, weaponry, financing and state sponsorship. The course concludes by assessing the various counterterrorist measures, with special emphasis on U.S. counterterrorism policy.

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POLITICS OF URBAN INEQUALITY IN THE U.S.

POLISCI 280

The course offers a sophisticated depiction of systemic urban inequality that constrains the lives of the urban poor. The readings will feature academic books and research articles that describe and analyze the politics and life experiences in inner-city neighborhoods.

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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 POLITICS, GOVERNMENT, AND LAW

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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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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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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PUBLIC OPINION AND POLITICAL BEHAVIOR

POLISCI 357

An examination of public opinion in the United States as it concerns political and social behavior. Major topics are the acquisition of beliefs, leadership and opinion formation, voting behavior, and propaganda.

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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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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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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

This course is designed to provide students with knowledge about the process of social welfare policy formulation and implementation and with policy analysis skills. The effects of social welfare policies and organizations on both clients (especially the poor and minorities) and on social workers will be emphasized.

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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.

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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.