Course Descriptions
POL100 - Introduction to Political Science
This course provides an overview of the discipline of political science, including its division into the four fields of political theory, American Politics, comparative politics and international relations. Students will learn basic concepts in politics and analyze governmental types, forms of political participation, and political socialization.
POL105 - Intro to American Politics
This course provides an overview of American politics and government, focusing on Constitutional principles, national institutions of governance, and politics actors, such as political parties and the media. PREREQUISITES: None
POL106 - Comparative Politics
A comparative examination of European governmental and political systems, with the American system considered as point of comparison. PREREQUISITE(S): None
POL208 - State Government
This course is a study of the structure and function of state government. PREREQUISITE(S): None
POL209 - International Relations
This course is a study of the international community and of the forces that determine political relations among the nation states it comprises. Consideration is given to the character of the nation state, the nature and determinants of political power in a multistate system, and the conduct of diplomacy. PREREQUISITE(S): POL100 or POL105 or POL106
POL210 - International Institutions
The impact of international organizations on relationships among nations is examined and discussed. There will be special focus on the role of major institutions such as the United Nations, World Bank, International Monetary Fund, World Trade Organizations, European Union, OAS, NATO, and OPEC. PREREQUISITE(S): POL106 or POL209
POL211 - European Integration
This course will explore the topic of European integration from a variety of perspectives, including those of history, political science and sociology. The first half of the course will concentrate on the pre-history of the European communities leading to the creation of the European Union in November 1993. Then it will look at the European Union's institutions and how they function, the relationship between the member states and the EU, and special issues that face the EU today. PREREQUISITES: None
POL212 - Contemporary Problems in International Relations
This course consists of an analysis of contemporary problems in the world community in light of the theories and concepts of international politics. PREREQUISITE(S): POL100 or POL105 or POL106
POL215 - Presidency and Congress
The powers, function, and inherent conflicts of the Congress and the presidency are examined with emphasis placed on the historical development of institutions. PREREQUISITE(S): POL105, any 100- or 200-level history course, or permission of instructor.
POL216 - Public Law
This course is the study of nature, function, and power of the Supreme Court in the American political system via study of its decisions. Emphasis is placed on cases about separation of powers, federalism, and economic liberties. PREREQUISITE(S): POL100 or POL105
POL217 - Civil Liberties
The outstanding issues of civil liberties and the effectiveness of the legal system in protecting and promoting individual rights are examined and discussed via a reading of constitutional case law. Special attention is given to rights of the accused, freedom of speech and religion. PREREQUISITE(S): POL100 or POL105
POL221 - Political Parties
This course is a study of the organizations, characters, bases, and operations of party systems with emphasis on the United States. The historical development of the parties is investigated. PREREQUISITE(S): POL100 or POL105
POL228 - Local Government
This course studies the politics of metropolitan communities with reference to the efforts of individuals, groups, and institutions to solve the problems of growth and decay. Primary emphasis is on the process of political change as it resolves the conflicts and strains of the municipal system. This course is not open to freshmen. PREREQUISITES: None
POL275 - American National Elections
This course examines the structure of both presidential and congressional elections and the resultant consequences of those structures. The historical development of elections is emphasized. A case study of either the presidential or congressional midterm election will be analyzed with special attention given to campaign strategies. PREREQUISITE(S): POL105 any 100- or 200-level history course, or permission of instructor
POL305 - Public Administration
A study is made of the politics and problems of implementing governmental policies with particular emphasis on organization, management, personnel, finances, responsibility, and bureaucracy. PREREQUISITES: POL105
POL308 - Principles of International Law and Diplomacy
A study is made of the fundamental concepts of international law and diplomacy. Particular attention will be devoted to the significance and application of these concepts in international relations. PREREQUISITES: POL100 or POL105 or POL106
POL309 - Political Philosophy I
This course surveys the ideas of leading political thinkers from ancient times to the Renaissance. Figures such as Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, St. Thomas, and Machiavelli will be discussed. PREREQUISITE(S): any 100- or 200-level political science or history course
POL310 - Political Philosophy II
This course surveys the ideas of leading political thinkers from early modernity through to the present day. Figures such as Bodin, Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Burke, Hegel, Marx, and Mill will be discussed. PREREQUISITES: Any 100- or 200-level political science or history course
POL316 - American Foreign Policy
In this course a study is done of the aims, instruments, and conduct of American foreign relations, with particular reference to contemporary problems. Students will participate in case studies. PREREQUISITE(S): POL100 or POL105
POL336 - Political Science Practicum
An internship in a government office, social agency, or research department is required. PREREQUISITES: Permission of instructor and the department chair
POL343 - American Political Thought
This course studies American political thought from its Puritan origins to present day. The course is organized around defining moments of political thought, such as the Revolution, Constitutional Founding, Civil War, Great Depression, and Civil Rights Movement, with selections from mainstream and radical voices in each period. Readings include selections from James Madison, John Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Emma Goldman, Eugene Debs, and Martin Luther King, Jr. PREREQUISITE(S): POL100 or POL105 or any 100- or 200-level history course
POL345 - Issues in Modern Political Thought
Organized thematically, this course explores diverse issues current in modern political thought and pertinent to contemporary governments and societies. PREREQUISITE(S): POL100 or POL105 or POL106
POL347 - Government and Politics in the Middle East
The student will study political concepts, institutions, and processes in the Middle Eastern political systems. PREREQUISITES: POL105 or POL106
POL362 - Politics, the Media and Pressure Groups
This course examines the role of the media in political life, considering its roles in polling, setting the agenda, and providing political information. The structure of the media, including its ownership, will be studied as will its influence as an interest group. PREREQUISITES: POL100 or POL105
POL364 - Nations and Corporations
In this course, an inquiry is made into the role of multinational corporations in international relations. A broad range of ideas and issues are explored, including; an analysis of states and corporations as juristic entities; business transactions and world politics; corporate interest and national interest; multinationals as precursors of integrated global system; role of international law and diplomacy; and multinationals' impact on national employment, taxation, and balance of payments. This course is not open to freshmen. PREREQUISITE(S): POL 100 or POL105 or POL106
POL370 - Seminar in Political Science
In this course, students will learn the research process. Special emphasis will be placed on research design. At a minimum, students will conduct a literature review, formulate a research question, and choose the appropriate research methods to answer that question. It is expected that students' topics will flow from their course work in political science. PREREQUISITES: POL105, POL106, an additional nine (9) credits in political science, and junior or senior status.
POL398 - Directed Study
This is a series of independent readings to be conducted under the instructor's supervision. PREREQUISITE(S): Advanced standing and permission of department chair
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