Political Science Courses

POLI 100. Introduction to Political Science (formerly POLI 150) Credit 3(3-0)

This course is an introduction to major concepts in political science including political culture, socialization, ideologies, institutions, processes, public policy, human rights, and interaction among nations. Majors only. (F;S;SS)

POLI 101. Writing for the Social Sciences Credit 3(3-0)

This course is designed to introduce Political Science majors to oral and written communication and critical thinking in the social sciences. The course focuses on building error-free sentences, concept formulation and proper citation, e.g., APA and MLA. (F;S;SS)

POLI 110. American Government and Politics (formerly POLI 200) Credit 3(3-0)

This course introduces the student to the study of politics through an analysis of major features of the American polity. Topics to be treated include the political self-understanding of Americans, the founding of the political system, the operation of our political institutions, and the forms of political participation. (F;S;SS)

POLI 215. State and Local Government (formerly POLI 210) Credit 3(3-0)

This course is a study of the structure and functions of state and local government in the United States and their relationship within the federal system. Special consideration is given to contemporary problems. (F;S;SS)

POLI 221. Political Theory (formerly POLI 440) Credit 3(3-0)

This course provides an overview of western political philosophy from its origins in the 5th Century B.C. to the latest controversies over multiculturalism, the nature of the liberal state, the role of racial inequality in modern democracies, of this area of political science and its relevance to the field. The approach considers ancient medieval thought as a unit and modern political thought as a separate unit. (F;SS)

POLI 233. Political Research Methods I (formerly POLI 333) Credit 3(3-0)

This course introduces students to qualitative and quantitative research design, problem formulation, hypothesis construction and testing. Students will learn procedures for collecting and analyzing political data. Research on a specific political subject is required. (F;SS)

POLI 234. Political Research Methods II (formerly POLI 334) Credit 3(3-0)

This course is a continuation of Political Research Methods I, focusing on data analysis, interpretation and computer utilization. Prerequisite: POLI 233 or CRJS 331. (S;SS)

POLI 240. Public Administration (formerly POLI 340) Credit 3(3-0)

Emphasis is devoted to basic principles of organization, location of authority, fiscal management, personnel management, and forms of administrative action in the public service, technological and managerial advancements. (F;SS)

POLI 250. Introduction to Public Policy Credit 3(3-0)

This course is designed to provide the student with basic knowledge of public policy. Students will survey the approaches and methods of policy studies, contemporary policy issues, and future considerations of public policies. (F;S;SS)

POLI 251. / CRJS 251. / CRJS 290. Introduction to Statistics (formerly POLI 290 / CRJS 290) Credit 3(3-0)

This course is an introduction to elementary statistical reasoning, descriptive statistics, frequency distribution, graphics, measures of central tendency and dispersion. Correlation and regression techniques are also taught. Focus is on political science and criminal justice research. Taken concurrently with POLI 252. Prerequisite CRJS 100 or POLI 100. (F;S;SS)

POLI 252. / CRJS 252. Introduction to Statistics Lab (formerly POLI 291 / CRJS 291) Credit 1(0-2)

The laboratory provides first hand experiences in practical use of statistical methods. Computer software (e.g., SPSS) will be used to analyze, interpret and graph data. Taken concurrently with POLI 251. Prerequisite CRJS100 or POLI 100. (F;S;SS)

POLI 270. Introduction to International Relations Credit 3(3-0)

This course broadens students’ understanding of key concepts, debates and theoretical perspectives across a variety of sub-fields such as comparative politics, international relations, comparative and international political economy, and regional studies. Furthermore, students learn about various research methods and designs used to answer questions about political systems, economic policies, human rights, environmental policies and other contemporary international issues. Prerequisites: POLI 100 and POLI 110. (F;S;SS)

POLI 310. Comparative Politics Credit 3(3-0)

This course is a survey of the politics and governments of selected political systems highlighting their commonalities and particularities. Special consideration is given to aspects of political development. (F)

POLI 311. Blacks in the American Political System (formerly POLI 220) Credit 3(3-0)

This course is designed primarily to facilitate the development of a frame of reference which will make it possible for students to organize and interpret political phenomena involving Black people living in the United States. Special emphasis is placed on understanding the Black predicament in this country, causes and changes. (F;S;SS)

POLI 312. Politics of Transportation (formerly POLI 448) Credit 3(3-0)

This course includes an analysis of the political roots of various transportation problems, such as highway location issues, mass transit issues, and the interest group struggle of transportation innovation. The working mechanisms of federal, state and local transportation related units will also be considered. Case studies of local, regional and national issues will be included. Prerequisite: Junior standing. (F)

POLI 313. Women in Politics (formerly POLI 450) Credit 3(3-0)

This course examines the development of women in politics from four different vantage points: a historical overview, a politicoeconomic and cultural development perspective, a view from electoral politics and electoral participation, and a view from a global perspective. This course begins with a historical analysis part of the course focuses on political, social, economic and cultural changes in women's lives, the forces behind those changes, and their reflection in American national public policy. The third segment of the course studies women as relatively new participants in U.S. electoral politics, and the challenges and opportunities for women as candidates and officeholders. This part of the course examines the specific trajectory of African-American women in electoral politics as case studies to illustrate broader developments in the body politic. Finally, the fourth part of the course examines the above issues from a global perspective. (F)

POLI 314. Southern Politics (formerly POLI 460) Credit 3(3-0)

The course presents an examination of political patterns and recent trends within the states of the former confederacy. Topics include southern race relations, African American political participation, demographic changes, party realignment and competitiveness, the Civil Rights movement, and the impact of the South on national politics. (S)

POLI 315. Party Politics and Pressure Groups (formerly POLI 541) Credit 3(3-0)

This course deals with modern political parties in the United States as instruments of popular government. Special emphasis is placed upon party structure, functions and operations as they relate to African Americans. Prerequisite: POLI 110. (DEMAND)

POLI 350. Public Personnel Administration Credit 3(3-0)

This course focuses on the theory and practice of public personnel administration with emphasis on public personnel selection, training, classification, compensation, promotion and human relations. (DEMAND)

POLI 360. Political Economy (formerly POLI 390) Credit 3(3-0)

This course will examine the interaction between economic models and political processes and institutions. Students will compare how specific economic theories and practices shape public policy as well as how political ideologies support particular economic policies in the United States and abroad. Prerequisites: POLI 200 and ECON 200. (F;S;SS)

POLI 361. Mass Political Attitudes and Behavior (formerly POLI 400) Credit 3(3-0)

This course is a study of mass political attitudes and their expression in various forms of political activity. Topics include opinion and democratic theory; social, psychological and institutional influences on political behavior; and opinion measurement and mass movements. (DEMAND)

POLI 362. Public Policy and Technology (formerly POLI 410) Credit 3(3-0)

This course is designed primarily for students in sciences and engineering; however, it does not exclude students in other disciplines, especially business and economics. Students will study the social, economic, human, and environmental impact of technological development. The role of scientists and technologists in selected policy choices will be examined. (DEMAND)

POLI 363. Environmental Policy (formerly POLI 415) Credit 3(3-0)

This course examines major environmental policies dealing with air pollution, water pollution, and solid wastes. Attention will be given to controversies in policy formulation, institutional arrangements for policy implementation, and the socio-economic and ecological impacts of these policies. (S)

POLI 364. Public Budgeting (formerly POLI 420) Credit 3(3-0)

The course deals with the evolution, process, and impact of public budgeting. Special attention is given to the purpose, models, reforms and key factors involved. Budgeting is viewed from the federal, state and local levels. (DEMAND)

POLI 365. Policy Analysis (formerly POLI 430) Credit 3(3-0)

This course is an introduction to the foundation and methods of policy analysis. Statistical and economic methods are presented with case studies. (DEMAND)

POLI 366. Public Policy and Health Disparities Credit 3(3-0)

This course draws on insights from the political science and public administration disciplines to examine the multifaceted issue of health disparities in the United States health care system. Traditionally marginalized, poor, racial and ethnic communities and groups with disparities based on gender, sexual preference and identity, physical and mental disability will be examined at the systemic and institutional level. (F;S;SS)

POLI 431. The American Presidency Credit 3(3-0)

This course is an examination of the institution of the presidency through a focus on its constitutional foundations and relations with Congress, the Executive Office of the President, policy-making, the cabinet, executive branch, selection process, power and leadership. (F;S;SS)

POLI 432. The U.S. Congress Credit 3(3-0)

This course examines the complexity and conflicts of the institution and its members. This course explores the constitutional foundation and structure, committees, procedures, elections and its relation to the Presidency and the Supreme Court. There will be considerable focus on policy-making and reform. (F;S;SS)

POLI 433. The Judiciary Credit 3(3-0)

This course is intended to familiarize the student with the organization of American state and federal courts, their role in our society, the process in practice through which judges act, and their impact on politics and policy. In addition, the course will provide an introduction to how political scientists evaluate courts and the behavior of judges. (F;S;SS)

POLI 434. International Organization (formerly POLI 544) Credit 3(3-0)

This course analyzes the role of international organizations in world politics. Particular emphasis is given to the various approaches of international organizations in fostering peace and economic and social cooperation. Some attention will be given to the United Nations system as well as such defense, political, and economic arrangements as NATO, OAS, SEATO and the European communities. (S)

POLI 441. The Politics of Free Trade Credit 3(3-0)

This course will examine the relationship between politics and free trade agreements. This course will include an overall study of bilateral, regional and multilateral trade agreements. The particular themes that will be addressed include the structure of trade negotiations; global trade institutions, the influence of labor, civil society and business on trade negotiations; and the impact of trade agreements on developed and developing countries as well as industries within those countries. Prerequisite: ECON 200. (F;S)

POLI 442. American Constitutional Law Credit 3(3-0)

This course is a case study of major Supreme Court Decisions, the Judiciary, the Congress, the President, the Federal System, the First Amendment Freedoms and Due Process Rights. (F)

POLI 443. Civil Liberties Credit 3(3-0)

This course is a study of major Supreme Court decisions interpreting the Bill of Rights (the First Ten Amendments) and the subsequent amendments dealing with freedom and equality. Rulings of the Warren and Burger Courts will be given special attention. Prerequisite: Juniors and seniors only. (S)

POLI 444. International Relations Credit 3(3-0)

This course is a comprehensive treatment of the context and content of the structure, policies and politics of nations. Concepts 137 pertaining to the nature of the field will also be investigated, including: imperialism, colonialism, balance of power, international morality, treaties, sovereignty, diplomacy, tariff, war and other arrangements. The limits of international relations in the emerging era of globalism will also be explored. Prerequisite: POLI 200. (F;S)

POLI 445. African Governments and Politics Credit 3(3-0)

This course provides an introduction to the government and politics of modern African States with an emphasis on internal and external factors that shape contemporary society. A major theme of this course is that Africa is a continent in social, economic and political transformation, whose horizons extend beyond the oftentimes limiting perception of an intellectually antiquated academia and popular culture. Africa is more than a problem. This course will therefore seek to examine Africa by acquainting students with major concepts and theoretical frameworks, the historical legacies of colonialism, the state and civil society. (F)

POLI 446. Politics of the Americas Credit 3(3-0)

This course is designed to provide an overview of the development and operation of political systems comprising South and Central America, the Spanish-speaking Caribbean, and Mexico. Important economic and social factors affecting the nature of politics in this region will also be emphasized, including: the debt crisis, the nature of politically motivated violence, the politics of race and racial identity, and the foreign relations of these nations. (S)

POLI 447. African American Political Theory Credit 3(3-0)

This course examines the formation and development of political theory in the African American community from its classical period to the Post-Civil Rights Era. The course presents distinct periods in the development of African American political thought, examines major themes and debates of each period, and explores the contributions of important theorists. (S)

POLI 490. Independent Study (formerly POLI 504) Credit 3(3-0)

Senior political science majors who have exhibited facility for independent study and attained a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in their major may arrange to investigate an area not covered in the regular curriculum. Permission of the supervising instructor and the department chairperson is required. (DEMAND)

POLI / CRJS 492. Honors Seminar in Political Science & Criminal Justice – Capstone (formerly POLI/CRJS 505) Credit 3(3-0)

This course includes an examination of selected political science and criminal justice topics and experiences. Students participating in co-op and study abroad experiences may enroll in this course. Seniors only. (S;F)

POLI 498. Internship (formerly POLI 499) Credit 3(3-0)

This course includes supervised internship in public and private agencies for political science majors. Prerequisites: POLI 200 and 210 or permission of department chairperson. (DEMAND) Advanced Undergraduate and Graduate

POLI 604. Directed Study/Research Credit 3(3-0)

This course includes directed study or research on a specific topic in political science. (DEMAND)

POLI 642. Modern Political Theory Credit 3(3-0)

This course examines selected treatments of the state as a controversial concept. The course focuses on the works of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Spinoza, Rousseau, Burke, Mill, Hegel, Marx, Dewey, Rawls and Reed. (DEMAND)

POLI 643. Urban Politics and Government Credit 3(3-0)

This course is a detailed analysis of the urban political arena including political machinery, economic forces and political structures of local governmental units. (DEMAND)

POLI 644. International Law Credit 3(3-0)

This course is a study of the major principles and practices in the development of the Law of Nations, utilizing significant cases for purposes of clarification. Prerequisites: POLI 200 and 444. (DEMAND)

POLI 645. American Foreign Policy-1945 to Present Credit 3(3-0)

This course includes an examination of forces and policies that have emerged from Potsdam, Yalta, and World War II. Emphasis will be on understanding the policies that were formulated, why they were formulated, the consequences of their formulation, and the alternative policies that may have come about. Prerequisites: Survey course in American History, American Diplomatic History, and consent of instructor. (DEMAND)

POLI 646. The Politics of Developing Nations Credit 3(3-0)

Political structures and administrative practices of selected countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia, analysis of particular cultural, social and economic variables peculiar to the nations will be studied. (DEMAND)

POLI 653. Urban Problems Credit 3(3-0)

This course presents an analysis of major problems in contemporary urban America. The course also includes an exanimation of their causes, effects, and possible solutions. (DEMAND)