POLS 102 Introduction to Politics (3 crs)

A general introduction to basic concepts and approaches to the study of politics and contemporary political issues and problems.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science, LE-K2 Social Sciences, LE-R2 Global Perspectives

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 110 American National Politics (3 crs)

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.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science, LE-K2 Social Sciences, LE-R3 Civic and Environmental Issues

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 122 Introduction to World Politics (3 crs)

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.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science, LE-K2 Social Sciences, LE-R2 Global Perspectives

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 217 Freedom of Speech (3 crs)

A study of the freedom of expression in an open and democratic society, including historical, philosophical, political, and legal considerations. Emphasizes debates on contemporary First Amendment topics.

Attributes: LE-K2 Social Sciences, LE-R3 Civic and Environmental Issues

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 238 Mock Trial (1 cr)

A study of American trial advocacy and basic preparation for participation in intercollegiate mock trial. Exposure to the fundamentals of competitive mock trial: opening and closing statements, direct and cross examination, rules of evidence, objections, exhibits, case law.

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 1

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 250 American Indian Politics (3 crs)

• 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.

Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 260 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 crs)

A comparative analysis of political systems of Great Britain, France, Germany, Russia, Japan, China, India, Iran, Brazil, and Nigeria.

Attributes: Foreign Culture, GE IIID Social Science-Political Science, LE-K2 Social Sciences, LE-R2 Global Perspectives

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 290 Introduction to Political Analysis (3 crs)

Prerequisite: POLS 110 or consent of instructor. 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.

Attributes: LE-S3 Creativity

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 291 Special Topics - Political Problems (1-3 crs)

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.

POLS 301 State and Local Politics (3 crs)

Prerequisite: POLS 110

Study of federalism, state and local political and governing institutions, and public policy.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 305 Survey of U.S. Constitutional Principles (3 crs)

Prerequisite: No credit if taken after POLS 403 or POLS 404.

Analysis of the powers of governments in the U.S. and rights of individuals.

Attributes: GE III Social Science, LE-K2 Social Sciences, LE-R3 Civic and Environmental Issues

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 309 Classical Political Thought (3 crs)

Prerequisite: Minimum sophomore standing.

Study of major political thinkers from the ancient and medieval periods, with emphasis on Plato and Aristotle.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science, LE-K3 Humanities

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 310 Modern Political Thought (3 crs)

Prerequisite: Minimum sophomore standing.

Study of major political thinkers from the Renaissance to the French Revolution.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science, LE-K3 Humanities

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 311 Contemporary Political Thought (3 crs)

Prerequisite: 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.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 312 American Political Thought (3 crs)

The intellectual roots of American Politics, with emphasis on the Revolutionaries, particularly Jefferson; The Federalist; Tocqueville's Democracy in America; and Lincoln.

Attributes: Cultural Diversity 1 cr., GE IIID Social Science-Political Science, LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-K3 Humanities, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 314 The Idea of Tolerance in the Western Political Tradition (3 crs)

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.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 317 Introduction to Legal Advocacy and Moot Court (3 crs)

Prerequisite: POLS 305, POLS 403, or POLS 404; minimum sophomore standing

This course is a hands-on exploration of legal written and oral advocacy. Students will be exposed to basic methods of legal research and writing, briefing and motions practice, and oral argument through simulated cases.

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 319 Politics of Latin America (3 crs)

• Credit may not be earned in both POLS 319 and LAS 319.

An examination of major institutions, groups, and selected topics related to Latin American politics.

Attributes: Foreign Culture, GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 321 Politics of the Middle East (3 crs)

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.

Attributes: Foreign Culture, GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 322 Politics of Russia (3 crs)

Prerequisite: One course in Political Science 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.

Attributes: Foreign Culture, GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 323 Politics of Eastern Europe (3 crs)

Prerequisite: 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.

Attributes: Foreign Culture, GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 324 Politics of Asia (3 crs)

This course addresses political, economic, and social dimensions of contemporary Asian politics. The countries examined from a comparative perspective are China, North Korea, South Korea, India, and Indonesia.

Attributes: Foreign Culture, GE IIID Social Science-Political Science, LE-K2 Social Sciences, LE-R2 Global Perspectives

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 325 Model United Nations (3 crs)

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.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 327 Politics of Continental Europe (3 crs)

Prerequisite: POLS 102 or POLS 110 or consent of instructor.

An examinations of European parliamentary systems, their societies and cultures, the European Union, and the development of European identity.

Attributes: Foreign Culture, GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 329 Political Violence (3 crs)

This course offers a comparative study of political violence in the contemporary world, reviewing a variety of theoretical and empirical approaches to violence.

Attributes: Foreign Culture, GE IIID Social Science-Political Science, LE-K2 Social Sciences, LE-R2 Global Perspectives

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 330 U.S. Foreign Policy (3 crs)

Prerequisite: POLS 122 or consent of instructor.

A study of the principal theoretical approaches to the conduct of U.S. foreign policy and the major foreign policy issues facing the United States.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 331 International Organization and Law (3 crs)

Prerequisite: 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.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 332 International Conflict (3 crs)

Prerequisite: 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.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 334 International Political Economy (3 crs)

Prerequisite: POLS 122 or ECON 103 or ECON 104 or ECON 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.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 335 International Relations Theory (3 crs)

Prerequisite: 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.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 336 Arab-Israeli Conflict (3 crs)

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.

Attributes: Foreign Culture, GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 338 Judicial Politics (3 crs)

A study of the judicial system and judicial policy-making, emphasizing the U.S. Supreme Court and lower federal judiciary.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 340 Congress and the Presidency (3 crs)

Prerequisite: No credit if taken after POLS 339 or POLS 348

Study of congressional representation, organization, lawmaking, and presidential leadership in the separation of powers system.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science, LE-K2 Social Sciences, LE-R3 Civic and Environmental Issues

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 341 Political Parties, Elections, and Voting (3 crs)

Prerequisite: 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.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science, Service-Learning Optional

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 342 Public Opinion and Political Behavior (3 crs)

Prerequisite: 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.

Attributes: Cultural Diversity 1 cr., GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 343 Public Administration (3 crs)

Prerequisite: POLS 110 or consent of instructor

Analyzes organizational structure and administrative behavior in governmental agencies. Topics include leadership, control, decision-making, recruitment, communication, adaptation, and others.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 344 Media and Politics (3 crs)

Prerequisite: 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.

Attributes: GE III Social Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 345 Film and Politics (3 crs)

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.

Attributes: GE III Social Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 346 Public Policy in the United States (3 crs)

Prerequisite: 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.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 350 Group and Minority Politics (3 crs)

Examines the role, status, and experiences of minority groups within the American political system. Emphasis placed on an interest group perspective.

Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IIID Social Science-Political Science, LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-K2 Social Sciences, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 351 Women and Politics (3 crs)

• Credit may not be earned in both POLS 351 and WGSS 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.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 352 Gender and Politics in Global Perspective (3 crs)

• Credit may not be earned in both POLS 352 and WGSS 352.

This course surveys important topics in the study of gender and politics in global perspective.

Attributes: Foreign Culture, GE IIID Social Science-Political Science, LE-K2 Social Sciences, LE-R2 Global Perspectives

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 353 Afro-American Politics (3 crs)

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.

Attributes: Cultural Diversity 3 cr., GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 354 Identity and Discrimination in Politics (3 crs)

Analyzes the different aspects of a person's identity and their impact on political decisions and behavior. Includes overview of political thought on identity and bias in politics, discussion of the history of specific group identities and the distinctions between the psychological mechanisms that underlie behaviors, examination of different policy areas shaped and influenced by identity, and methods to measure discrimination and bias.

Attributes: LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 390 Culture and Politics (3 crs)

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.

Attributes: Foreign Culture, GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 395 Directed Studies (1-3 crs)

Consent: Department Consent Required

Study of a political problem or topic.

Attributes: Undergraduate/Graduate Offering

Repeat: Course may be repeated

POLS 397 Student Academic Apprenticeship in Political Science (1-6 crs)

Prerequisite: Grade of B+ or above in the assigned course. Minimum total GPA of 3.30.

Consent: Department Consent Required

• Cannot apprentice in the same course twice.

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.

Attributes: Service-Learning, Full 30 Hours

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits

POLS 399 Independent Study - Juniors (1-3 crs)

Prerequisite: Minimum junior standing.

Consent: Department Consent Required

Individual project under the direction of a faculty member.

Repeat: Course may be repeated

POLS 403 U.S. Constitutional Principles - Powers of Government (3 crs)

Prerequisite: 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.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 404 U.S. Constitutional Principles - Civil Liberties (3 crs)

Prerequisite: 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.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 405 U.S. Constitutional Principles - Due Process and Criminal Law (3 crs)

Prerequisite: POLS 110

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.

Attributes: GE IIID Social Science-Political Science

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 406 U.S. Constitutional Principles - Equality and Privacy (3 crs)

Prerequisite: POLS 110 or consent of instructor.

Study of the U.S. Constitution's 14th and 15th Amendments as explicated by the U.S. Supreme Court in cases concerning issues of racial and gender equality and sexual privacy.

Attributes: Cultural Diversity 1 cr., GE IIID Social Science-Political Science, LE-DDIV Design for Diversity, LE-R1 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 480 Political Science Capstone (3 crs)

Prerequisite: POLS 290. Limited to political science majors. Minimum senior standing.

• Student must have successfully completed at least one course in each of the four areas of the discipline.

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.

Attributes: LE-I1 Integration, Capstone Course

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

POLS 491 Special Topics - Advanced Political Problems (1-3 crs)

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.

Repeat: Course may be repeated

POLS 496 Honors Independent Reading (3 crs)

Prerequisite: 3.50 GPA in political science courses or consent of instructor.

Independent reading and research in selected areas of political science.

POLS 498 Internship (1-6 crs)

Prerequisite: POLS 110 or consent of instructor. Limited to political science majors and minors and criminal justice majors.

Consent: Department Consent Required

Assignment to a political or administrative situation for practical experience. The work experience will be related to the fundamental theories of the discipline.

Attributes: Service-Learning, Full 30 Hours, Internship

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits

POLS 499 Independent Study - Seniors (1-3 crs)

Prerequisite: Minimum senior standing.

Consent: Department Consent Required

Individual project under the direction of a faculty member.

Repeat: Course may be repeated

POLS 595 Directed Studies (1-3 crs)

Consent: Department Consent Required

• Dual-listed with POLS 395.

Study of a political problem or topic.

Repeat: Course may be repeated

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

POLS 795 Research Paper (1-2 crs)

Repeat: Course may be repeated

Grading Basis: PR Only Grade Basis

POLS 797 Independent Study (1-3 crs)

Consent: Department Consent Required

Individual project under the direction of a faculty member.

Repeat: Course may be repeated

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option