Political Science
POLITICAL SCIENCE
POLSC1401 Introduction to International Relations
POLSC1201 Introduction to American Politics and Government
Social Analysis (SA) Social Science (SS)
Social Analysis (SA) Social Science (SS) Social Justice (SJ)
This course offers an overview of the American political system. Included are examinations of the American presidency, Congress, political parties, interest groups, the courts and the mass media. Students analyze the way in which American society attempts to realize the goals of a constitutional democracy, as well as the successes and failures of the system. Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits
POLSC1301 Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics Social Analysis (SA) Social Science (SS)
Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits
The goal of this course is for students to develop an understanding of the dynamics of the international political arena. Throughout the course we will be exploring the perspectives of states and peoples from the many regions that make up our increasingly globalized world. We will begin by acquainting ourselves with how international relations impacts our lives. We will examine the theoretical concepts used to explain the international system, as well as the changing concepts of security and power. We will next explore the role of wars and negotiations in international politics today and go on to address the role of international law and institutions, issues of intervention, and economic development. We will then examine the interconnection of human rights and the environment in international relations. Fall and spring semesters. 4 credits
POLSC1501 Political Theory & Analysis This survey course will provide an introduction to major political philosophers, concepts, and to competing ideologies on political science by presenting some of the fundamental theoretical schools and by examining many of the approaches that underlie contemporary ideologies. Special attention will be placed on the theoretical background that ultimately deals with the complex triangular relationship between the individual, society, and the state. Spring semester. 4 credits
POLSC2203 U.S. Culture Wars and Political Socialization Political socialization, the “people-oriented” explanation of political events, is concerned with the knowledge, values and beliefs of the average citizen. What do citizens demand of their government? Under what conditions are they willing to support its leaders? 2021-2022 Academic Catalog
Course Descriptions for Arts and Sciences
This course is designed to be a broad introduction to the field of comparative politics, to pose these questions of contrast and comparison and to begin to give you, the student citizen, the tools to understand politics in the world around you. It will be divided into two main sections: 1) System, Process and Policies and 2) Country Studies. The first half of the course will define the main units of study (states, political systems, governments, regime types, electoral systems, political culture, interest aggregation, political parties, social movements, public policy and democratic development) and the second half of the course will be devoted to country studies based on regime type (Great Britain, France, Germany, Japan, India, Mexico, Nigeria, Brazil, Russian Federation, South Africa, China, Iran), using the framework developed earlier.
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