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Political Science |
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PS 1000 - Introduction to Politics
(3)
An exposure to the fundamental tools for understanding political life. The purpose and scope of politics, methods of analysis and alternative ways of organizing the political process are studied.
(SRI)
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PS 1100 - American Federal and State Government
(3)
An introductory survey of the origin, principles, powers and limitations of the American federal and state governments. Recent presidential and congressional campaigns and elections are studied to gain insight on the political process as well as major issues now facing the federal government.
(SRI)
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PS 1150 - Honors American Federal and State Government
(3)
At its root, political science systematically studies conflict and struggle rather than static institutions and history. However not just human action, but these diverse institutions and past pathways create the present day public environment in which government operates. This course introduces students to major subtopics of American politics while exploring the various lenses scholars use to examine political phenomenon. Students in this course will be expected to go beyond merely learning the basics of the topic in order to create a classroom environment of enlightened discussion and discovery.
Prerequisite: Honors status or instructor approval.
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PS 3100 - The American Presidency (AP)
(3)
A study of the evolution of the American presidency with emphasis on the constitutional and political roles as well as personalities of presidents in guiding domestic and foreign policy. Particular attention is focused on the administrations of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his successors.
(SRII or SRI)
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PS 3130 - American State and Local Politics (AP)
(3)
This course considers the major institutions, actors and issues of United States state and local politics. The impact of federalism on states, metropolitan regions and cities as well as the politics of governance, agenda setting and public budgeting will be studied.
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PS 3150 - The Congress (AP)
(3)
A study of the evolution of the U.S. Congress as a political institution. The legislative process is examined as well as the constitutional and political roles of the Congress. Special attention is given to how the reforms of the 1970’s have shaped Congress today as well as what political scientists have recently had to say about the Congress.
(SRII or SRI)
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PS 3170 - Political Leadership (CP/AP)
(3)
Although political leadership is the principal focus of the course, leadership is also considered in a wider context. What is a leader? What are the qualities that are necessary to be an effective leader? How can leaders build credibility? How important are the qualities of character and competence? What constitutes “successful” leadership? All of these questions will be addressed through the study of individuals who have held leadership positions in both the U.S. as well as in other parts of the world.
(SRII or SRI)
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PS 3190 - Elections and Voter Behavior (AP)
(3)
Using candidate role playing and other active learning methods, this course explores American public opinion and how it translates into election outcomes at the federal, state, and local levels. It will provide understanding of people’s held views on political issues, particularly as interpreted by polls. The approach of the course will be to analyze these opinions in the context of existing voting structures and campaign techniques. Strong emphasis will be placed on current electoral contests and outcomes.
(SRII or SRI)
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PS 3300 - Western European Politics (CP)
(3)
A comparative study of the political institutions of Great Britain, France and Germany with particular emphasis on current problems.
(SRII or SRI, GPR)
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PS 3310 - Eastern European-Russian Politics (CP)
(3)
A comparative study of the political institutions of the former communist states in Eastern Europe and Russia with particular emphasis on current problems stemming from the dramatic changes which began in 1989.
(GPR)
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PS 3330 - The U.S. and the Pacific Rim (CP)
(3)
The course is a comparative study of U.S. relations with the countries of East Asia (China, Japan, Korea and the Russian Far East) and Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam). Besides looking at political practices and institutions, the course also examines how U.S. relations with these countries have been affected by geographical, historical, economic and cultural factors.
(SRII or SRI, GPR)
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PS 3350 - Latin American Politics (CP)
(3)
A comparative study of the political practices and institutions of major Latin American states with a major emphasis on the unique historic and cultural milieu. Particular emphasis is placed on current domestic and foreign policy issues.
(SRII or SRI, GPR)
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PS 3355 - Inter-American Politics (IR)
(3)
A study of current diplomatic relations of Western Hemisphere states. After consideration of historic trends from the past, the focus will be on current issues which pose challenges as well as opportunities for hemispheric states with particular emphasis on the United States.
(GPR)
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PS 3370 - Middle Eastern Politics (CP)
(3)
A comparative study of the political institutions of selected Middle Eastern states with particular emphasis on the Arab-Israeli conflict and the politics of oil.
(SRII or SRI, GPR)
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PS 3400 - Public Policy (PA)
(3)
This course introduces you to basic theories, principles, actors and processes of American public policymaking. It will also explore a variety of substantive public policy issue areas, with particular attention paid to the policy agendas of the President as well as subnational elected officials.
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PS 3510 - Politics in Fiction and Film (AP)
(3)
A study of how politics is depicted in fiction and films. Students read works of fiction and view films that touch upon politics and the political process from both an American and international perspective.
(SRII or SRI)
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PS 3520 - U.S. Foreign Policy (IR)
(3)
This course initially focuses on the historical experiences and values shaping the foreign policy of the U.S. The role played by the major branches of the federal government as well as non-government actors then is studied. The course concludes with an analysis of U.S. policy toward selected countries and regions of the world.
(SRII or SRI)
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PS 3550 - International Relations and Organizations (IR)
(3)
A study of the underlying forces influencing international affairs and the power positions of states with particular attention to the role of the United Nations and other international organizations.
(SRII or SRI, GPR)
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PS 3600 - Principles of Public Administration (PA)
(3)
An introduction to the field of public administration and to the current problems in this field. Organizational theory and organizational behavior will be studied with a focus on public organizations.
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PS 3710 - Legal Process and Systems (CL)
(3)
This course examines the sources and historic roots of the American Legal System as well as selected areas of substantive and procedural law. This course will focus on identifying legal issues and applying legal principles to resolving those issues in various forms.
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PS 3715 - Law and Popular Culture (CL)
(3)
The common notion of the law, judges and the justice system are to a large part shaped by or reflected in the popular media. The novels of John Grisham, the multiple television series, from Perry Mason to Boston Legal, all contribute to the popular perceptions of “The Law.” The history of film, from To Kill a Mockingbird to The Verdict, shape the views of the ordinary citizen. In this course we examine the accuracy of the popular presentation and its impact both positive and negative.
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PS 3720 - The Supreme Court (CL)
(3)
A study of the relationship between the Court and Federal and State governments. Following an examination of the Court’s interaction with Congress, the President and the States, the course concludes by looking at the pressures Congress and the President bring to bear on the Court.
(SRII or SRI)
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PS 3725 - The Supreme Court and Race (CL)
(3)
This course will analyze the Supreme Court’s evolving treatment of racial issues. The focus will be upon the Supreme Court’s trends in the law, both historically and politically. The course will look at the treatment of various minority groups, from Dred Scott and the Chinese Exclusion cases through modern race discrimination, reverse discrimination, and evolving trends in affirmative action. A portion of the course will analyze racial bias in the criminal justice system, including racial disparity on death row and racial profiling. This class is directed at preparing students for graduate school and law school.
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PS 3750 - Civil Rights (CL)
(3)
A study of civil rights issues (freedom of expression, press, religion, etc.) by examining Supreme Court decisions of these constitutional questions.
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PS 3860 - Media and Politics (AP)
(CT 3860 )
(3)
A study of the growing importance of mass media in American politics and their interaction with the formal and informal elements of the decision-making process.
(SRII or SRI)
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PS 4600 - Modern Political Philosophy (NT)
(PL 4600 )
(3)
After a brief survey of ancient and medieval political theories, this course examines those political theories developed by major philosophers since the 16th century. It also examines the ways in which these theories have influenced political policies and decisions in our day.
Prerequisite: PL 3100 or PL 3150 .
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PS 4620 - Just War and International Ethics (NT)
(PL 4620 )
(3)
An intensive study of the classical debate about the “just war,” which broadly asks on what grounds one society can, in good conscience, prosecute war against another. Thinkers covered will include: Thucydides, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Grotius, and Clausewitz. Consideration of the just war is still relevant today as nations seek to apply moral principles to the problem of terrorism. The course will also examine in what ways ethical principles pertain to international relations, and will reflect on the entire spectrum of political relations between countries and international groups. Questions about the legitimacy of one state to interfere in the affairs of another will be a special focus, with attention to recent revolutions and conflicts.
Prerequisite: PL 3100 or PL 3150 .
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