(POL) Political Science
POL 101 - American Political System (3 credits)
Introduction to the basic structures of the United States national government and political processes with a view toward helping the student better understand current issues and policies. Topics include the Constitution, national-state relations and powers, the legislative and judicial processes, elections, and the activities of interest groups. 3 lecture hours
course outline
POL 102 - State and Local Government (3 credits)
Analysis of the structure and processes of state and local groups, parties and candidates. Examination of current events and trends in modern politics further enhances awareness of the nature, strengths and weaknesses of government. 3 lecture hours
course outline
POL 201 - International Relations (3 credits)
Analysis of world politics today, emphasizing the foreign policy and diplomacy of the great powers, the United Nations, arms control and nuclear weaponry, international trade and development, and the prospects of change. 3 lecture hours
course outline
POL 203 - Law and Society (3 credits)
Explains the interaction of American law and society and the influence of legal doctrine and thought on broad trends in society with an emphasis on the role of the Supreme Court in American life. Examines recent major Supreme Court decisions. Occasional offering. 3 lecture hours
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POL 204 - Public Administration (3 credits)
Study of the art and science of implementing decisions made by those who govern. Chief focus is the shaping and implementing of public political policy by lawmakers and government, with particular attention to local and municipal institutions and political behavior. 3 lecture hours
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POL 205 - Constitutional Law (3 credits)
Introduces the principles of U.S. constitutional law including the constitutional basis for the federal system: powers of national government; the rights against national and state government; and the process of judicial review and the role of constitutional interpretation. 3 lecture hours
course outline
POL 211 - Religion, Politics, and Extremism (3 credits)
[also offered as REL 211] Studies of religious movements and of political goal-seeking through violence and threats contribute to an understanding of how characteristics of religions are - or are not - related to coercive politically-oriented action. Familiarizes with the roles that religions have played in the development of extremism. 3 lecture hours
course outline
POL 220 - Philosophy of Politics (3 credits)
Prerequisite: ENG 102 with a minimum C grade or permission of instructor
[also offered as PHI 220] Exploration of the ideas which explain how politics works and how it should work. Surveys contrasting views on liberty and order, fairness and obligation, stability and change, pluralism and equality, liberalism and the state, law and anarchy, capitalism and socialism, and challenges of globalization. 3 lecture hours
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