Political Science

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

 

 

Classes

POLS 002 : Intro to Research in Pol Sci

Introduction to the various methods and approaches to the analysis of political phenomena used in the field of political science.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

POLS 001.

POLS 003 : Intro to Comp Politics

Provides a basic knowledge of the functions of government as a social institution by using a comparative approach.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

POLS 001 or POLS 010.

POLS 004 : Intro to Political Theory

Examination of theoretical approaches to the study of politics and an analytical introduction to the basic political concepts in their historical context.

Credits

3

POLS 005 : Intro to African Politics

Survey of certain concepts of African society as they relate to contemporary political institutions in Africa and a historical view of recent political developments before and after independence.

Credits

3

POLS 006 : Pan-Africanism

Comparative analysis of political behavior in black communities. Satifies Afro-American studies requirement.

Credits

3

POLS 007 : Intro to Black Politics

A general overview of black politics involving (1) a historical analysis of the black political experience, (2) economic and cultural aspects of the black experience, (3) black ideology and theory, (4) measurements of black political power, (5) leadership in black communities and organizations, (6) black political movements, (7) legal aspects of black politics, (8) black political behavior, and (9) critique of the methods of studying black politics.

Credits

3

POLS 008 : Intro to Political Economy

Focuses on the interrelationship between the political process and the economic process, involving the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services. Offers a discussion of the basic theoretical approaches that attempt to explain this interrelationship both within and between societies divided into classes, and ethnic or religious groups.

Credits

3

POLS 125 : Politics of Third World

Survey of the political process in the non-Western world designed to test theories projecting the impact of modernization on governmental structure.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

POLS 001.

POLS 126 : African Nationalism

Examines the various personages and movements whose aim is the ultimate unification of African peoples and the development of a United States of Africa.

Credits

3

POLS 128 : Intro. to Intl. Relations

Introduction to the basic problems of international relations arising out of the power competition of states, and to the methods for the settlement of international disputes.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

POLS 001 and POLS 003.

POLS 142 : Judicial Process

Analyses of the federal courts and the relations and powers of federal and state governments.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

POLS 001 and POLS 010.

POLS 144 : American Presidency

Analyses of the sources, bases, and character of presidential power, with consideration of the relationships of the executive office to government, public, and private groups.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

POLS 001 and POLS 010.

POLS 145 : Intro to Public Administration

Presents the basic concepts of public administration and the administrative problems of organization, procedure, personnel, financial administration, administrative law, and public relations.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

POLS 001 and POLS 010.

POLS 147 : ST: Politics & Punishment

Deals with selected problems in organization and program management, concentrating on action programs, goals and priorities, the process of creating new organizations and programs, citizen participation, special-interest control of programs, interprogram coordination, and program evaluation, with particular reference to factors governing success and failure.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

POLS 001, POLS 145, and POLS 146.

POLS 148 : Gov't & Politics of D C

A study of the government and politics of the District of Columbia, focusing on relations between Congress and the local government during the current home rule period.

Credits

3

POLS 149 : Intro to Pub Policy Analysis

Introduces students to the basic theories and concepts of policy analysis, with particular emphasis on the policy-making process at the federal level, examines such selected policy issues as welfare, health insurance, and housing, and seeks to assess the impact of policy decisions on blacks, the poor, and other minorities. (See also POLS 145, POLS 147, and POLS 148.)

Credits

3

POLS 150 : Internship I

Limited internship opportunities available to political science majors in the local community, or in federal or local government. Interns work 15-20 hours per week, depending on the agreement and their schedules. Three credit hours may be awarded per semester for each internship. A maximum of six credit hours may be awarded if the student takes POLS 150 (fall semester) and POLS 151 (spring semester).

Credits

3

POLS 151 : Internship II

Limited internship opportunities available to political science majors in the local community, or in federal or local government. Interns work 15-20 hours per week, depending on the agreement and their schedules. Three credit hours may be awarded per semester for each internship. A maximum of six credit hours may be awarded if the student takes POLS 150 (fall semester) and POLS 151 (spring semester).

Credits

3

POLS 152 : Internship III

Students may register for this course only with the permission of the instructor. Permission will be given to students who win national or regional internship competitions for placements in settings such as the Supreme Court, the White House, and the State Department. Credit hours will be awarded based on the hours per week required by the internship.

Credits

3

POLS 153 : Internship IV

Students may only register for this course with the permission of the chair. Permission will be granted to students who are engage in unusual and uniques projects.

Credits

6

POLS 154 : Gender, Law & Politics

Examines the intersections of especially gender and law, with special attention to how legal processes impact women in society.

Credits

3

POLS 159 : Simulation of Intrn'tl Organ

This course examines the organization, role, and performance of regional international organizations through simulation (modeling) augmented by class lectures and briefings at various embassies and diplomatic missions. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) will be highlighted. Students from various universities will participate.

Credits

3

POLS 163 : Constitutional Law

Historical development of constitutional law, demonstrating how the law has grown and changed in relationship to the political and social climate existing at the time.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

POLS 001, 010.

POLS 164 : Constitutional Law II

Presents the rights of individuals and groups under the U.S. Constitution as interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court in selected landmark cases.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

POLS 001, 010.

POLS 166 : Russian Politics

An examination of post communist Russia and the international and domestic forces that gave rise to it. The course explores Russian's foreign and domestic policies and the CIS system.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

POLS 003 and 1POLS 28. 

POLS 180 : Urban Government & Politics

Involves study of the urbanization and growth of cities, development, structure, theory, functions, and politics of modern municipalities, and administrative organization and process.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

POLS 010.

POLS 183 : Race & Public Policy

Combines perspectives from the fields of black politics and public policy and administration to develop a theoretical perspective on the convergence of race and public policy, and a set of policy relevant strategies on important problems and issues of special relevance to the national black community.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

POLS 007 and/or POLS 149, or permission of instructors.

POLS 184 : Problems in Amer Democracy

Examination of selected major issues of public policy, long-term and current forces, and problems challenging contemporary society. Interdisciplinary in method and content.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

students in the social sciences with junior standing and above; also POLS 001 and POLS 010.

POLS 185 : Political Behavior

Deals with American political behavior. Covers theory, method and products of scientific study of American politics and American political behavior. Open to majors or minors in political science with junior standing or above. (Offered once a year.)

Credits

3

POLS 186 : Administrative Law

Study of cases, illustrating how the conduct of public officials is regulated.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

POLS 142 or POLS 145.

POLS 189 : Black Political Theory

Study of developing types of political strategy based on the analysis of various black political situations, utilizing gaming, role playing, systems analysis, and other relevant techniques.

Credits

3

POLS 193 : Special Topics in Pol Theory

In depth study of important topics and/or writers in political theory.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

Open to majors in political science with junior or senior standing.

POLS 194 : Politic of Campaign Management

Designed to give the student an opportunity to learn and gain experience in the practical aspects of politics. Where convenient, direct involvement in political campaigns will provide first-hand experience.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

Junior, senior, or graduate standing.

POLS 890 : Study Abroad

Study Abroad. Experiences vary by department, topic, semester, and locale.

Credits

3 - 12

Prerequisites

Department Approval