POLITICAL SCIENCE

121 American National Politics 3 hours An introductory study of national government, emphasizing contemporary structures and processes and their influence on public policy. Fall. GE-K2.

122 STATE AND LOCAL POLITICS 3 hours An introductory study of state and local government, emphasizing contemporary structures and processes and their influence on public policy. Spring. GE-K2.

140 INTERNATIONAL POLITICS 3 hours An introductory survey of theories of state behavior and analysis of political and related forces that operate in the international system, including nationalism, ideology and economic interest. Fall. GE-K2.

222 POLITICAL ANALYSIS (W) 3 hours Examination of the fundamental approaches and research methods used to explain political phenomena. Prerequisite: ENG 110. Fall, odd years.

225 PUBLIC POLICY 3 hours An overview of the policy-making process, the methods and theories of policy analysis, and contemporary policy issues and controversies. Prerequisite: POSC 121 or POSC 122. Spring, even years.

230 CONTEMPORARY POLITICS 3 hours A study of structures and processes in various political systems. The course is often an off-campus offering, incorporating readings, discussions, or field experiences. May be repeated on different topics. January.

233 COMPARATIVE POLITICS 3 hours Comparative analysis of selected national political and economic systems, emphasizing distinctive political cultures, institutions, practices, organizations and decision-making processes. Spring. GE-K2.

235 LATIN AMERICAN POLITICS 3 hours An introduction to the evolution and current state of Latin American political systems. Specific topics include the manner in which Latin American political cultures have been and are influenced by international economic forces and the foreign policies of the United States, the challenges of development, and efforts to establish effective governance. GE-M1

237 AFRICAN POLITICS 3 hours This course explores the various aspects of contemporary politics in Africa. It seeks to understand why Africa is lagging behind in world affairs, and what appropriate strategies or policies should Africa pursue in its quest for development. The main objective of this course is to examine the causes and prospects for sustainable development in Africa following centuries of slavery and colonialism. GE-M2

253 ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS 3 hours An examination of how political forces shape environmental choices and how political processes are used to address and manage environmental problems. The interplay of local, national, and international environmental problems and policies will be examined. Fall, even years.

272 AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY 3 hours An analysis of the foreign relations of the United States, the process of foreign policymaking, and the role of the United States as a world power since World War II. Fall, odd years.

274 TOPICS IN AMERICAN POLITICS 3 hours An investigation into a particular topic related to politics and government in the United States. Possible topics: civic skills, election campaigns, voting behavior, political parties, interest groups, law and the courts, liberalism and conservatism, justice. May be repeated on different topics.

311 SUPREME COURT AND THE CONSTITUTION 4 hours An introduction to the Supreme Court and to constitutional law in the United States. The course will provide students with a framework for understanding major controversies in such areas as civil liberties, civil rights and criminal procedures. Prerequisite: POSC 121. Spring, even years.

321 ANCIENT AND MEDIEVAL POLITICAL THOUGHT 3 hours Analysis of the political thought of significant ancient and medieval theorists. Exploration of such topics as human nature, justice, the state, obligation, freedom, equality, the common good and the nature of political thinking. Fall, even years.

322 MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THOUGHT 3 hours Analysis of the political thought of significant modern and contemporary theorists. Exploration of such topics as human nature, justice, the state, obligation, freedom, equality, the common good and the nature of political thinking. Spring, odd years.

331 PUBLIC OPINION AND POLITICAL BEHAVIOR 3 hours An examination of the nature of public opinion and voting behavior in the United States. Other topics include polling and survey research, political communication, political psychology, and the role of public opinion and elections in a democratic society. Prerequisite: POSC 121 or 122. Fall, even years.

344 CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENCY 3 hours A study of the political dynamics within and between two primary governmental institutions in the United States. Prerequisite: POSC 121. Spring, even years.

360 INTERNATIONAL LAW 3 hours A survey of the development of the rules and principles of international law, and their present applications in world politics. Emphasis upon the contributions of international institutions in fostering political and economic change, managing social conflicts, and strengthening states and the state system. Prerequisite: POSC 140. Spring, even years.

365 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY 3 hours Examination of the basic concepts, mechanisms and concerns of international political economy. Particular attention is given to how the state and market systems operate and interact. Prerequisite: POSC 140. Spring, odd years.

367 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION 3 hours A study of international organizations. Emphasis upon the United Nations and its peacemaking, peacekeeping, and peace-enforcing roles, as well as its contributions to world order. Prerequisite: POSC 140. Fall, even years.

370 MODEL UNITED NATIONS 1-2 hours Supervised preparation for and participation in Model United Nations sessions. May be repeated to a maximum of four hours. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

372 MOCK TRIAL 1-2 hours Supervised preparation for and participation in intercollegiate mock trial tournaments. May be repeated to a maximum of four hours. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

475 INTERNSHIP 3-12 hours Long-term or extensive participation in formal internships with governmental or non-governmental organizations. No more than three hours may be used to meet requirements in the major. Prerequisite: permission of the instructor and department chair.

499 SENIOR RESEARCH PROJECT 4 hours Supervised research into a political science topic of interest. Prerequisite: POSC 222, senior status as political science major, GPA of 3.5 or higher, consent of instructor.

380 or 480 SPECIAL PROBLEMS 1-4 hours A student who has demonstrated ability to work independently may propose a course and pursue it with a qualified and willing professor. The department chair and the vice president and dean for academic affairs must also approve. A set of the guidelines is available at the Office of the Registrar.

385 or 485 SEMINAR 1-4 hours An in-depth consideration of a significant scholarly problem or issue. Students pursue a supervised, independent inquiry on an aspect of the topic and exchange results through reports and discussions.