Political Science (POLSC.BA)

This course is designed to allow students to develop an understanding of public administration as a field of academic study and an area of professional practice. Specifically, it focuses on the evolution of public administration as an academic discipline, the context in which public administration takes place, the meaning of public service in a democratic society, and the importance of personal and professional ethics. The course will be conducted as a seminar. Students must be prepared to discuss reading assignments and participate in analysis of case studies.

Prerequisites

PLSC-250

This course introduces students to the fundamental skills of policy analysis and to some of the difficult choices involved in identifying, addressing, and resolving public policy problems. It is designed to help students think creatively and critically about public policy issues.

Prerequisites

None.

A study of the legislative branch of the United States government focusing on its history, political institutions, leadership and the legislative processes in general.

Prerequisites

PLSC-250

An introduction to the American party system as well as to the strategies and tactics of modern political campaigns.

Prerequisites

PLSC-250

A survey of the structure and operation of all branches of government in the United States at the state and local levels.

Prerequisites

PLSC-250

This class addresses the role of courts and jurisprudence in the U.S. political system.  Consequently, this course addresses the nature of judicial decision-making as well as the structure of the U.S. court system.  It also considers the structure of court systems at the state and federal level as well as the role of courts in a constitutional system that is committed to popular sovereignty.

The Constitution as it has evolved as a basic law by means of interpretation through Supreme Court decisions. Special emphasis is placed on major cases affecting the scope of state and federal powers, individual rights, civil liberties.

Prerequisites

PLSC-250

This is a study of the changes being wrought through the judicial process to the rights of individuals. With special focus on minorities, such issues as fundamental liberties, the criminally accused, family matters, morality, consumer rights, environmental pollution, sex discriminations, and political representations are also examined.

Prerequisites

PLSC-250

This course is intended to acquaint the student with a fundamental understanding of past and present U.S. foreign policy decisions, as well as a focus on the factors affecting such decisions. Students will learn the theoretical foundations of foreign policy decision-making and the wider context of international relations theory. Students will be expected to apply the knowledge of events, theories and causal factors to a personal understanding of foreign policy processes and make arguments that contribute to a greater understanding of U.S. foreign policy. 

A study of the office of the U.S. President focusing on its political structures, politics, institutions, history and the men who inhabited the office as well as focusing on leadership in general.

Prerequisites

PLSC-250

This class is a survey of the American political mind from the early republic to contemporary controversies. The problems of popular rule, federalism and representation will also be emphasized. Offered as part of the Political Theory sequence.

A course which seeks to expose students to imiportant topics in American Government that are not covered by existing courses in the Political Science curriculum.  Repeatable for credit provided the topic is different each time.

Prerequisites

None.

A course designed to explore all facets of the most current issues that affect the international community. The actual topics will be determined by what events and issues seem to have the greatest influence on world affairs.

A thorough investigation into the organization and working of the United Nations through the intensive study of the politics and international policy perspectives of a foreign country and with the objective of preparing students for participation in the International Model United Nations conference. This course is repeatable one time for credit.

A thorough investigation into the organization and working of the United Nations through the intensive study of the politics and international policy perspectives of a foreign country and with the objective of preparing students for participation in the International Model United Nations conference. This course is repeatable one time for credit.

A course focused on the politics of international economic relations. Various theories, processes, structures and issues will be examined for their value in helping to understand and evaluate the historical development and current operation of the world economy.

The course provides an overview of the primary perspectives and analytical approaches for studying war. It will use these theories to examine a variety of topics in detail including alliance formation, the use and success of sanctions, the role of domestic politics in influencing foreign policy, and the democratic peace.

Prerequisites

PLSC-250

An exploration of the intricacies of international law including its creation, different legal processes, the institutions that deal with international law, and some of the main jurisdiction issues. This course will also examine the many and various kinds of international organizations (both political and economic), their creation, function, and affect on the global community, with special focus on the United Nations.

An examination of the politics and issues in Western, Central and Eastern Europe focusing on the most recent events in the region and how these affect the states of Europe and the world. Recommended: POLS-345.

This course is intended to acquaint the student with a fundamental understanding of past and present U.S. foreign policy decisions, as well as a focus on the factors affecting such decisions. Students will learn the theoretical foundations of foreign policy decision-making and the wider context of international relations theory. Students will be expected to apply the knowledge of events, theories and causal factors to a personal understanding of foreign policy processes and make arguments that contribute to a greater understanding of U.S. foreign policy. 

This course investigates the strategic, economic, political, and diplomatic relations among states in East Asia. The course provides an overview of the primary topics and perspectives for studying Asian international relations.  This course investigates the strategic, economic, political, and diplomatic relations among states in East Asia. The course provides an overview of the primary topics and perspectives for studying Asian international relations.

This course examines the politics and issues in Latin America focusing on the emergence of modern political regimes in the region, how those regions interact, and Latin America's role in the global political system.

Prerequisites

HIST-212 or PLSC-250

A course which sseeks to expose students to imiportant topics in Foreign Affairs that are not covered by existing courses in the Political Science curriculum.  Repeatable for credit provided the topic is different each time.

Prerequisites

None.

A focused study of key themes of political theory (power, authority, legitimacy, obligation, citizenship, etc.) in major ancient philosophers and thinkers. Offered as part of the Political Theory sequence.

A focused study of key themes of political theory (authority, tyranny, obligation, Church and State, citizenship, etc.) in major modern philosophers and thinkers. Offered as part of the Political Theory sequence.

A course that examines the moral and political responsibilities of government and Christian citizens with regard to a variety of social, economic and cultural public policy problems.

This course seeks to expose students to the seminal doctrines of political theology.  Students will read and discuss a variety of both primary and secondary sources that consider the appropriate role of politics from a Christian perspective.

Prerequisites

None.

A focused study of key themes of political theory (power, knowledge, authority, feminism, the self, relativism, etc.) in major contemporary philosophers and thinkers. Offered as part of the Political Theory sequence.

This class is a survey of the American political mind from the early republic to contemporary controversies. The problems of popular rule, federalism and representation will also be emphasized. Offered as part of the Political Theory sequence.

A course which seeks to expose students to important topics in Political Theory that are not covered by existing courses in the Political Science curriculum.  Repeatable for credit provided the topic is different each time.

Prerequisites

None.