2007-2008 UNIVERSITY CATALOGUE

POLS - Political Science

102 Introduction to Politics
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
A general introduction to basic concepts and approaches to the study of politics and contemporary political issues and problems.

110 American National Politics
3 crs (3-0). F, Sp.
GE-IIID
Analysis of major components of American national politics. Includes examination of the individual’s ability to affect politics, and the impact of politics on individual lives.

121 The Politics of Global Cultural Relations
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; FC
Introductory course on the impact of clashing cultural orientations and competing belief systems on international affairs. Examines how cultural forces transform power and social interaction, and influence and shape world politics.

122 Introduction to World Politics
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
Introductory course for the study of world politics. Focus includes states, international organizations (private and public), and other global interaction influencing and shaping world politics.

125 Global Politics and Business
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; FC
Does not count toward POLS major or minor
A course exploring international political, economic, and institutional issues of mutual concern (though sometimes in a different manner) to government and business. It will include critical thinking and analysis about this important partnership from a global perspective.

250 American Indian Politics
3 crs (3-0). Su.
GE-IIID; CD3
Cross-listed with AIS 250
Credit may not be earned in both POLS 250 and AIS 250
The course will examine the recent trends in American Indian politics beginning with the American Indian Movement through the present. The course will include topics on tribal sovereignty, legalized gambling, and tribal government.

260 Introduction to Comparative Politics
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; FC
A comparative analysis of the political systems of Great Britain, France, Germany, Japan, and Russia.

265 Problems of the Developing Nations
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; FC
A critical examination of developmental concepts, socioeconomic and political problems of the Third World; elite groups, political ideologies, cohesive and divisive forces influencing development.

290 Introduction to Political Analysis
3 crs (3-0).
Not for GE
P: POLS 110 or consent of instructor
P: Limited to political science majors
Examines the nature and design of scientific research; raises philosophical and methodological issues regarding the logic, theory, and empirical analysis of political research; explores reasoning, causality, and data analysis in scientific research.

291 Special Topics - Political Problems
1-3 crs.
Not for GE
Selected political problems and issues affecting our political system. Examples: racism, poverty, radicalism, pluralism. Completion of a semester’s work in fewer weeks is possible with extra classes per week.

301 /501 State and Local Politics
3 crs (3-0). F, Sp.
GE-IIID
P: POLS 110 or consent of instructor
A critical examination of federalism, localism, intergovernmental finance, intergovernmental relations, state and local institutions, and state and local elections.

305 Survey of U.S. Constitutional Principles
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
No credit if taken after POLS 403 or 404
Analysis of the powers of governments in the U.S. and rights of individuals.

309 /509 Classical Political Thought
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
Minimum sophomore standing
Study of major political thinkers from the ancient and medieval periods, with emphasis on Plato and Aristotle.

310 Modern Political Thought
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
Minimum sophomore standing
Study of major political thinkers from the Renaissance to the French Revolution.

311 Contemporary Political Thought
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
Minimum sophomore standing
A study of major political thinkers from the French Revolution to the present day, with emphasis on the philosophical roots of twentieth century ideologies.

312 American Political Thought
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; CD1
The intellectual roots of American Politics, with emphasis on the Revolutionaries, particularly Jefferson; The Federalist; Tocqueville’s Democracy in America; and Lincoln.

314 /514 The Idea of Tolerance in the Western Political Tradition
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
Historical and philosophical consideration of the development of the idea of tolerance in the western political tradition, with emphasis on major philosophical defenders and critics of the ideal of an open, tolerant society, and on the American experiment in political, religious, and cultural tolerance.

318 Politics of China and Japan
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
A study of cultural values, institutions, political structures, and relevant issues in the modernization of China and Japan.

319 Politics of Latin America
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; FC
An examination of major institutions, groups, and selected topics related to Latin American politics.

320 Caribbean Politics
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; FC
P: One course in POLS or consent of instructor
The dynamics of Anglo-phone and Hispanic Caribbean politics from Colonial rule to the present. Major topics include: colonialism; patterns of decolonization; post-colonial state power; the status of women; and recent trends in structures of dependency and popular resistance.

321 /521 Politics of the Middle East
3 crs (3-0). F.
GE-IIID; FC
Introduces students to social, economic, political, and cultural aspects of life in the Middle East by focusing on specific topics such as Religion and Politics, Nationalism, Peace and Conflict, Western Influence.

322 /522 Politics of Russia
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; FC
P: One course in POLS or consent of instructor
A study of the transitions taking place in Russia covering subjects such as the Soviet past, nationalism, leadership, political institutions, and relations with the other former Soviet republics.

323 /523 Politics of Eastern Europe
3 crs (3-0). F, odd-numbered years.
GE-IIID; FC
P: One course in POLS or consent of instructor
An examination of political, economic, and cultural transitions in Eastern Europe. Topics covered include political-historical context, democratic institution building, market economic development, political cultural orientation, international organizations, and ethnonational conflict and conflict resolution.

325 /525 Model United Nations
3 crs (3-0). F.
GE-IIID
A study of the institutional foundation and the contemporary role of the United Nations as a global intergovernmental organization in pursuit of a peaceful resolution to global conflicts and the promotion of cooperation among global actors.

327 Politics of Continental Europe
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; FC
P: POLS 102 or 110 or consent of instructor
An examination of the similarities and differences of political patterns in France and Germany, focusing on political culture, socialization, parties, leaders, and institutions. Examination of current issues related to Western Europe.

330 /530 National Security Policy
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
P: POLS 122 or consent of instructor
A study of political aspects of national security as a concept and goal. Focus is on theoretical development of the concept and its application to current global issues and problems facing the United States.

331 International Organization and Law
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
P: POLS 122 or consent of instructor
An analysis of the historical and current patterns and theoretical concepts and theories relevant to the organization of global affairs.

332 /532 International Conflict
3 crs (3-0).
(Formerly POLS 190)
GE-IIID
P: POLS 122 or consent of instructor
Examines the main theories and concepts used to understand and explain international and civil conflict. The course will also provide an analysis of the principle techniques and practices of conflict resolution.

334 /534 International Political Economy
3 crs (3-0). Sp.
GE-IIID
P: POLS 122 and ECON 103 or 104 or 201 or consent of
instructor
International political economy is the simultaneous study of power and wealth at the international level, or it is the study of political foundations of international economic interactions and vice versa.

335 International Relations Theory
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
P: POLS 122 or consent of instructor
Minimum sophomore standing
Explores various theoretical approaches on world political order: Realism; Liberalism; Socialism; Critical Theory; Postmodern, Feminist; and Ecological perspectives. Within each framework, key concepts such as the state, power, globalization, regimes, etc., are explored.

336 /536 Arab-Israeli Conflict
3 crs (3-0). Wi.
GE-IIID; FC
This course examines the political, socioeconomic, cultural, and historical roots of the conflict between Arab States/Palestinian Arabs and the state of Israel. Both regional and international aspects of the conflict are fully discussed.

338 Judicial Politics
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
A study of the judicial system and judicial policy-making, emphasizing the U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal judiciary.

339 Legislative Politics
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
P: One course in POLS or consent of instructor
Examines representation and lawmaking in the U.S. Congress and state legislatures. Topics include the role of constituents, interest groups, money, campaigns and elections, committees, parties, leadership, the legislative process, and legislative reform.

341 Political Parties, Elections, and Voting
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; SL-Optional
P: One course in POLS or consent of instructor
Emphasizes electoral politics in America, including the organization and functions of American political parties, the dynamics of campaigns and elections, and voting behavior in the U.S.

342 Public Opinion and Political Behavior
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; CD1
P: One course in POLS or consent of instructor
Development, nature and impact of political attitudes and opinions; white and minority opinion compared; political role of the mass media; personality and opinions; political participation; behavioral techniques of analysis; all in an American politics context.

343 Public Administration
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
P: POLS 110 or consent of instructor
Minimum junior standing
Analyzes organizational structure and administrative behavior in governmental agencies. Topics include leadership, control, decision-making, recruitment, communication, adaptation, and others.

344 /544 Media and Politics
3 crs (3-0). Sp, odd-numbered years.
GE-IIID
P: POLS 110 or consent of instructor
The course examines the symbiotic relationship between the media and political actors. The course will look at how the media influences the political agenda, how politicians manipulate the media, and the impact of political advertising.

345 /545 Film and Politics
3 crs (3-0). Wi.
GE-IIID
An examination of how film delivers both implicit and explicit political themes and messages, with a focus on the areas of plot, characterization, symbolism, and cinematic techniques.

346 Public Policy in the United States
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
P: One course in POLS or consent of instructor
Emphasizes policy analysis, the policymaking process, and the content of American domestic policy; includes coverage of a wide range of policy areas such as economics, environment, energy, business, labor, poverty, welfare, health, education, and agriculture.

348 The Presidency
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
P: One course in POLS or consent of instructor
The nature and extent of presidential power; the President’s roles, functions and relations to various institutions, including the media, the bureaucracy, Congress, the courts, the public, interest groups, and elections.

350 Group and Minority Politics
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; CD3
Examines the role, status, and experiences of minority groups within the American political system. Emphasis placed on an interest group perspective.

351 /551 Women and Politics
3 crs (3-0). Sp.
GE-IIID
Cross-listed with WMNS 351
Credit may not be earned in both POLS 351 and WMNS 351
Analysis of women’s roles and participation in politics: as citizens, voters, candidates, and officeholders. The impact of feminism and the women’s movement on issues and policymaking.

353 Afro-American Politics
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; CD3
The dynamics of Black American politics from the mid- twentieth century to the present. Using a cultural studies and political economy approach, the course examines the social, economic, cultural, and political determinants of Afro-American politics after 1945.

390 Culture and Politics
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID; FC
Explores cultural and societal context of contemporary politics through various literary media and selected political studies. A cross-cultural approach examines national character, class, race, ethnic and religious differences, socialization, and cultural conflict.

395 /595 Directed Studies
1-3 crs.
Not for GE
May be repeated - additional restrictions may apply
Get form from department office
Study of a political problem or topic.

397 Teaching Mentorship in Political Science
1-6 crs.
SL-Full; Not for GE
P: Nine credits and a 3.30 GPA in POLS coursework; B+ or
above in the assigned course
Course may be taken for a maximum of 6 credits
Cannot mentor in the same course twice
Instructor approval required
Qualified students work under close supervision of faculty exploring methods to teach political science and assisting in the teaching of a course or courses. Students enhance their understanding of the discipline and their communication skills.

399 Independent Study - Juniors
1-3 crs.
Not for GE
Minimum junior standing
May be repeated - additional restrictions may apply
Get form from department office

403 /603 U.S. Constitutional Principles - Powers of Government
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
P: POLS 110 or consent of instructor
American constitutional principles as interpreted by the Supreme Court; the constitutional structure of the U. S. government. Emphasizes powers of Congress, President, Judiciary; principles of federalism and separation of power. Focus on study of Supreme Court cases.

404 /604 U.S. Constitutional Principles - Civil Liberties
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
P: POLS 110 or consent of instructor
American constitutional principles concerning the relations between individual and government. Emphasizes freedom of speech, press, religion; separation of church and state; and equality. Focus on study of Supreme Court cases.

405 /605 U.S. Constitutional Principles - Due Process and Criminal Law
3 crs (3-0).
GE-IIID
P: POLS 110 or consent of instructor
American constitutional principles concerning the criminal process and criminal law. Emphasizes the rights found in the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments and theories of due process and incorporation from the Fourteenth Amendment.

480 Political Science Capstone
3 crs (3-0). Sp.
Not for GE; CP
P: POLS 290, at least one course in each of the four
areas of the discipline
P: Limited to political science majors
Minimum senior standing
Graduating seniors apply their acquired knowledge and skills to selected topics for research. Students work under the direction of an assigned faculty to produce a major research paper and oral presentation to the class.

491 /691 Special Topics - Advanced Political Problems
1-3 crs.
Not for GE
May be repeated when topic differs
Selected political problems and issues affecting our political system. Examples: racism, poverty, radicalism, pluralism. Completion of a semester’s work in fewer weeks is possible with extra classes per week.

496 Honors Independent Reading
2-3 crs.
Not for GE
P: 3.50 GPA in political science courses or consent of
instructor
Course may be taken for a maximum of 8 credits
Independent reading and research in selected areas of political science.

498 Internship
1-6 crs.
SL-Full; Not for GE
P: POLS 110 or consent of instructor
P: Limited to political science majors and minors and
criminal justice majors
Course may be taken for a maximum of 6 credits
Department permission required
Assignment to a political or administrative situation for practical experience. The work experience will be related to the fundamental theories of the discipline.

499 Independent Study - Seniors
1-3 crs.
Not for GE
Minimum senior standing
May be repeated - additional restrictions may apply
Get form from department office

795 Research Paper
1-2 crs.
Not for GE
PR only grade basis
May be repeated - additional restrictions may apply

797 Independent Study
1-3 crs.
May be repeated - additional restrictions may apply
Get form from department office