Political Science (POLS)

Associate Professor D. Jenkins-Mullen, (Chair); Professors D.B. Mullen, Gibney,  Sabo; Associate Professor Betsalel;  Assistant Professors Cornett, Subramaniam

The Political Science Department offers diverse and flexible programs designed to help students prepare for meaningful careers in government and international public service, law, journalism, teaching and other related areas.       In the liberal arts tradition, programs and courses are fashioned to help students develop the skills and background necessary to interpret the political world and understand how politics shapes contemporary life. The department's goals are to help students improve their capacity to creatively ask and systematically answer questions, and to improve their skills in communicating their knowledge and insights in both written and oral fashion. Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisors to plan their study and to sample widely from a variety of course offerings. Students must also participate in either community service and/or research activities appropriate to their career goals and interests.

Major in Political Science

I.          Required courses in the major--34-35 hours, including: POLS 220, 281, 450, 460; either 400 or both  390 and 490; and 21 additional hours in   political science (POLS 150 may not be included in these hours).

II.        Required courses outside the major--4 hours: STAT 185.

III.       Senior competency is demonstrated by satisfactory completion of POLS 450, 460; and either 400 or both 390 and 490. Computer competency and oral competency are satisfied by POLS 460.

Political Science with Teacher Licensure

                I.                Required courses in the major--34-35 hours including: POLS 220, 281, 450, 460; and
                                  either 400 or both 390 and 490. (POLS 150 may not be counted in these hours.)

                II.                Required courses outside the major--16-22 hours: ECON 101 or 102; HIST 101, 102;
                                   one course from ANTH 100, SOC 221 or 240; STAT 185. Students who have not received
                                   credit for the Humanities sequence must also complete HIST 151 and 152.

Major in Political Science

I.              Required courses in the major--34-35 hours, including: POLS 220, 281, 450, 460; either 400 or both
    390 and 490; and 21 additional hours in political science (POLS 150 may not be included in these
    hours).

II.            Required courses outside the major--4 hours: STAT 185.

III.           Senior competency is demonstrated by satisfactory completion of POLS 450, 460; and either 400 or
    both 390 and 490. Computer competency and oral competency are satisfied by POLS 460.

Students seeking middle school or secondary school licensure should review requirements found in the Education section of the catalog and see the appropriate licensure advisor for additional information.

Declaration of Major in Political Science

Declaring a major in Political Science requires the student to complete a Declaration of Major form that must be signed by the department chair. Before declaring a major, students must satisfy the LANG 120 requirement.

Minor in Political Science

18 hours in Political Science: POLS 220, 281; nine of the remaining 12 hours must be at the 300 level or above. 

150          Politics for a Changing World (3)

Citizenship for the 21st century requires knowledge and awareness of both domestic politics and international affairs. This course introduces students to the tools they will need in a rapidly changing world to meet that challenge. While themes vary, topics such as the origins of politics, the workings of governments, war and peace, globalization and how politics affects everyday life will be introduced and discussed. Fall and Spring.

220                Principles of American Political Behavior (3)

An introduction to the basic dynamics of American politics, including the forces that shape political behavior and institutions. Fall and Spring.

281                Principles of International Relations (3)

An introduction to the basic concepts, theories and methods dealing with the study of international relations. The course will emphasize the current forces and trends that have shaped and are shaping the international system, including the role of transnational actors. Fall and Spring.

320          The Evolution of American Politics (4)

An analysis of the institutional development of the presidency, legislature, courts and political parties in response to changes in the cultural, economic and social environment of American politics. Odd years Fall.

321          The American Presidency (3)

An analysis of presidential behavior that emphasizes the forces shaping the potential for success. Topics include the nature and exercise of presidential power; the influences of personality, political context, and government structure; and the various meanings of leadership. Prerequisite: POLS 220. Even years Fall.

323                American Electoral Behavior (3)

Detailed examination of influences on the vote decision; electoral strategies, the history and functions of parties, and the present and future shape of American electoral politics. Prerequisite: POLS 220. Even years Fall.

325          Urban Politics (3)

A study of the policy-making process in city government: the role of mayor, the organization of urban government, personnel problems, planning and zoning. Prerequisite: POLS 220.

See department chair.

326          The Legislative Process (3)

Detailed examination of the congressional process. Emphasis on internal workings, relationships with other parts of political system, and their impact on public policy. Prerequisite: POLS 220. Odd years Fall.

327                Constitutional Law (3)

Major issues of contemporary constitutional law using case studies with an overview of context for these issues; the role of the Supreme Court. Prerequisite: POLS 220; or permission of instructor. See department chair.

329          Politics of Religion (3)

A study of the relationship of church and state, political attitudes of individuals identified with religious groups, and the political process of decision making found in religious bodies. Prerequisite: POLS 220. Even years Fall.

330                Individual Rights and Civil Liberties (3)

Examines judicial decisions regarding the relation between the individual and the state. The course covers cases involving individual rights and First Amendment freedoms. Prerequisite: POLS 220; or permission of instructor. See department chair.

331                Immigration and Refugee Law and Policy  (3)

Examines the demographic, economic, and political forces which shape the response of the United States to a major characteristic of globalization. Emphasis is placed on the legal and public policy issues facing the country. Prerequisite: POLS 220. See department chair.

334          Political Foundations of Law (3)

A critical and comparative examination of law and legal institutions in their political contexts. Students are introduced to normative debates surrounding legal theory and practice. See department chair.

335          Law, Ethics and Public Policy (3)

Examines topics such as the "right to privacy" in the context of drug testing and "Meghan's Law," corporate spying, and economic and property rights as they are affected by consumer protection, exclusionary zoning and workers' rights. Emphasis is placed on the role of the judiciary in mediating such disputes, the relationship between duties and obligations, and the rights of the individual in the context of the whole. Even years Spring.

341          The Evolution of African American Politics (3)

Examines how African Americans have responded politically to the social, economic and legal pressures of racism. Special emphasis is placed on federal policies and African American political thought and strategies. See department chair.

342                Contemporary African American Political Behavior (3)

Examines the involvement of African Americans in the U.S. political system since the 1954 "Brown" decision. Focus is on both mass and elite behavior, with special attention to protest and electoral political strategies. Prerequisite: POLS 341. See department chair.

344          Black Political Thought (3)

A comparative examination of ideas that have shaped the political institutions and processes affecting African-Americans and Africans since 1619. Topics include racism, separatism, assimilation, accommodation, pluralism, nationalism, womanism, Pan-Africanism and Afrocentrism. See department chair.

346                American Political Thought (3)

Historical examination of the ideas that have influenced and shaped American institutions and the political process, from the Puritans to contemporary theorists. See department chair.

347                Contemporary Political Ideologies (3)

The major ideological movements that have influenced domestic and world politics, including the various shades of communism and socialism, racism, liberalism and anarchism. Prerequisite: POLS 220 or 281. See department chair.

348          Women and Politics (3)

Examines the place women occupy in public life by exploring the historical and philosophical assumptions that inform gender politics, the economic and social status of women in society, and their political behavior. Prerequisite: POLS 220. Even years Spring.

350          The Political Economy of the United States (3)

Analyzes the relationship between economic and political variables. Focuses on how the dynamics of American politics influence the production and distribution of economic goods and how economic goals shape and alter political behavior. Odd years Spring.

351          Politics of Bureaucracy (3)

Examines how bureaucracy formulates policies for legislative bodies and interprets and implements laws. Special emphasis is given to the dynamics of subgovernments and the political and policy consequences of bureaucratic behavior. Prerequisite: POLS 220.  Even years Fall.

352                Principles of Public Administration (3)

The major areas in public administration: management and functions of governmental organizations; bureaucratic power in public policy-making; relationships between Congress, the president and the courts. Odd years Spring.

353          Politics and Social Welfare Policy (3)

An analysis of the politics of welfare and the social and economic forces that shape it. Special emphasis is given to the attitudes of policy-makers, recipients and the general public. Programs examined range from Social Security to Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Prerequisite: POLS 220. Even years Fall.

354                Environmental Politics (3)

Examines the political conflicts and compromises resulting from different interpretations of environmental protection. Special emphasis is placed on the choices regarding the distribution of costs and benefits and the trade-offs between environmental goals and other public and private objectives. Prerequisite: POLS 220. Odd years Fall.

358          State and Local Government (3)

Examines various state and local policy-making institutions. Central topics include the delivery and quality of services, the participation of citizens and the character of intergovernmental relations. Prerequisite: POLS 220. See department chair.

359          Public Policy (3)

A study of specific policies at the national level. Current issues are selected which serve as case studies of interest groups, parties, bureaucracy, executive, legislative and judicial influences. Prerequisite: POLS 220. Odd years Fall.

361                Imperialism and Revolution in Colonial Africa (3)

Examines the development of the political institutions and processes of pre-independence Africa. Primary focus is on the politics of colonial rule, the dynamics of African response to colonial authority and the formation of modern African states. See department chair.

362                Contemporary African Politics (3)

Examines the social, political, economic and institutional characteristics of contemporary African government and society. Prerequisite: POLS 361. See department chair.

363          The Political Economy of Development  (3)

Examines the interaction of domestic and international political, economic and social forces in the evolution of less developed countries. Prerequisite: POLS 281; or permission of instructor. Even years Fall.        

364          Middle Eastern Political Systems (3)

A study of the historical, religious, cultural, economic and ideological aspects of contemporary Middle Eastern states: modernization, Arab-Israeli relations and great power policies. Prerequisite: POLS 281. See department chair.

365                European Politics  (3)

Examines political institutions and processes in selected European countries, and how these forces affect the politics of the European Union. Prerequisite: POLS 281; or permission of instructor. Even years Spring.

366          Democracy in Asia  (3)

Examines the Western concept of liberal democratic government and the political and cultural challenges of transplanting it to nations such as India, China, Japan and the countries of Southeast Asia. Even years Fall.

368          Latin American Politics (3)

An introduction to the historical and political evolution of major Latin American States.

Prerequisite: POLS 281. See department chair.

369                Government and Politics of Southeast Asia  (3)

Examines contemporary political, cultural and economic developments, processes and institutions in various Southeast Asian nations including Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore. Odd years Fall.

380                Globalization and its Critics  (3)

Examines the political, economic and cultural dimensions of globalization and its historic antecedents. Emphasis is placed on how globalization is experienced and interpreted by non-Western cultures and their responses to globalizations challenges. Even years Spring.

381                American Foreign Policy (3)

A seminar on the American foreign policy process and the policy decisions that have resulted from the process. The role of policy influencers, components of the decision-making machine and policy implementors. Prerequisite: POLS 281. See department chair.

382          History of World Politics (3)

A multidisciplinary survey of the patterns of behavior that emerged during the development of a nation-state system from the 16th century to the present. Prerequisite: POLS 281.  See department chair.

383          International Political Economy (3)

Investigates patterns in the organization, competition and distribution of power and wealth within and between nations by examining the actors, institutions, and processes that regulate the competition for influence and control at the center of international public relations.  Emphasis is placed on the interplay of political competition and compromise on issues such as production, trade, and finance. Prerequisite: POLS 281. Even years Spring.

384      Liberal Universalism and its Critics  (3)

Liberal universalism is a dominant theme in international relations as evidenced by the global spread of liberal democracy and the advocacy of universal human rights and civil liberties. This course examines the origins and principles of liberal universalism and some of the political, cultural, and economic criticisms it has inspired. Prerequisite: POLS 281.Odd years Spring.

385          The Politics of War (3)

 Explores the causes, conduct and impact of war. Emphasis is placed on forces that induce states to select war as a policy choice, and the impact wars have on a participating state's social, economic, and political organization and dynamics. Prerequisite: POLS 281. Even years Spring.

386        Russia in World Politics (3

    Examines Russian foreign policies and policy-making and the role the country has played in world politics in the 20th century Prerequisite:   
           POLS 281.         See department chair.

387       International Organizations (3)

Examines the evolving goals and methods and strengths and weaknesses of some of the most influential international organizations. Special emphasis is placed on the United Nations system. Prerequisite: POLS 281; or permission of instructor. Even years Fall.

388       Human Rights and International Politics (3)

Examines the political, social and legal dimensions of the modern human rights movement and its implications for international affairs and United States foreign policy. Analyzes contemporary debates on various issues including the hierarchy of rights, conflicts between individual rights and societal priorities, refugees, international migration, asylum, repatriation, and the challenges created by transition to democracy. Prerequisite: POLS 281. Even years Spring.

389       International Law  (3)

Examines the institutions, processes and decision rules traditionally used to adjudicate disputes between nations but increasingly applied to conflicts involving individuals. Prerequisite: POLS 281; or permission of instructor. Even years Spring.

390       Political Analysis (2)

Examines the evolution of the scientific study of politics, the approaches and methods employed by political scientists, and effective ways of researching political phenomena. Prerequisites: POLS 220, 281. Fall.

400       Internship (3)

A semester long internship program with participating organizations, firms, public agencies or community service organizations. Background readings and field research as well as practical experience. Prerequisite: 15 hours of Political Science. May be repeated once for credit. Students are required to present the results of their work in the Senior Colloquium. Fall and Spring.

450       Classic Political Studies and the Contemporary World (3)

Major works of political analysis are examined in light of current political trends. Prerequisite: POLS 400 or 490. Corequisite: POLS 460. Spring.

460       Senior Colloquium (1)

Students and faculty formally present and discuss their research projects and field experiences. Students are required to orally demonstrate their mastery of their project and the significance and implications of their work. Prerequisite: ECON 490; or POLS 400 or 490. Corequisite: POLS 450. (Students enrolled in the Political Economy; concentration are not bound by the corequisite.) Spring.

490       Senior Research Seminar (2)

A research seminar in which students conduct a supervised investigation of a political phenomenon. The research is presented to the Senior Colloquium. Corequisite: POLS 390. An IP grade may be awarded. Fall.

499      Undergraduate Research in Political Science (1-6)

Independent research under the supervision of a faculty mentor. Prerequisite: POLS 390. An IP grade may be awarded at discretion of instructor. May be repeated for a total of 6 hours credit. See department chair.

171-6, 271-6, 371-6, 471-6  Special Topics in Political Science (1-6)

Courses not otherwise included in the catalog listing but for which there may be special needs. May be repeated for credit as often as permitted and as subject matter changes. See department chair.

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