Political Science (POLS)
POLS 1110G Introduction to Political Science 3 Credits (3)
This course covers fundamental concepts in political science, such as political theories, ideologies, and government systems.
Learning Outcomes
- Construct reasoned civic discourse to advocate a stance or examine alternate positions.
- Identify fundamental concepts and theories in political science.
- Analyze data and information in order to gain a deeper understanding of the material.
- Articulate how the public influence and are influenced by politics.
- Identify and compare government systems from democracy to authoritarian, as well as models of analysis of contemporary international relations.
POLS 1111 Introductory Government Seminar 1 Credit (1)
Introduction to the government major. Designed to assist students in planning college experience and preparing for upper division course work and research. Graded: S/U
Learning Outcomes
- This course is designed for the “beginning” government major.
- Its goal is to improve your educational experience at the university and within the Department of Government. In this class we hope to develop some basic skills necessary for successful completion of a degree in Government.
- These include the skills of critical reading, critical writing, oral presentation and research methods.
- Additionally, we will use this seminar to introduce you to Government faculty, to plan your government degree and to acquaint you with the services and opportunities the department and the university has to offer.
- Finally, we hope to begin the discussion of where you will go next, when you complete your degree in Government.
POLS 1120G American National Government 3 Credits (3)
This course explains the role of American national government, its formation and principles of the Constitution; relation of state to the national government; political parties and their relationship to interest groups. This course also explains the structure of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the historical and political foundations of the government of the United States;
- Explain the precursors to, and the development and adoption of the United States Constitution;
- Explain the United States federal system, the basics of federalism, and the changing relationship of state and federal power;
- Describe the power, structure and operation of the main institutions of government, namely the legislative, executive, judicial, and the federal bureaucracy;
- Explain the development and role of political parties and interest groups;
- Identify the constitutional basis of civil rights and civil liberties and their changing interpretation; and
- Describe the role of demographics, public opinion and the media in American politics.
POLS 1130G Issues in American Politics 3 Credits (3)
This course is designed to introduce the students to the contemporary study of American political issues. The course analysis of government policies, examining various approaches to the economy, democracy and the structure and the function of American political institutions.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the basic themes and concepts of political science and their application to contemporary issues.
- Explain the major forces, interests, and institutions of American democratic politics.
- Describe and define how beliefs, assumptions, and values are influences by factors such as politics, geography, economics, culture, biology, history, and social institutions.
POLS 2120G International Relations 3 Credits (3)
This course covers the analysis of significant factors in world politics, including nationalism, national interest, political economy, ideology, international conflict and collaboration, balance of power, deterrence, international law, and international organization.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain the interrelationships between countries and people in the world,
- Demonstrate an awareness of current events in the world.
- Describe several theories of International Relations
- Explain and identify theories of power and decision making among states in the world.
- Describe and evaluate issues that relate to International Politics, and how individuals are affected by them.
- Describe the role of Intergovernmental Organizations in International Politics.
- Identify the role war plays in International Politics.
- Explain how economics is intertwined with International Politics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of role of international terrorism and its impacts on global diplomacy. 1
- Articulate how beliefs, assumptions, and values are influenced by factors such as politics, geography, economics, culture, history, government, and social institutions.
POLS 2996 Topics in Political Science 1-3 Credits
Specific topics to be announced in Schedule of Classes. Repeatable: for a maximum of 12 credits.
Learning Outcomes
- Varies