PS102 American National Government 3 credits
A basic course on the nature and purpose of our U.S. political system; includes the Constitution, institutions, processes and persons that combine to form our federal government. The student is exposed to a variety of approaches to political study.
PS242 Logic of Analysis 4 credits
This course examines the major perspectives in conjunction with an instruction in the logic and procedures of gathering information about social phenomena. The course covers such topics as: the logic of the scientific method, research design, hypotheses formation, theory and methods of scaling, and research analysis. Prerequisite: ST132 or ST232. Also offered as S250.
PS250 Fundamentals of Public Administration 3 credits
An overview of the field of public administration, the course includes the development and growth of public administration, organization theory, personnel administration, leadership, budgeting, administrative law, and public policy.
PS304 Political and Social Thought I 4 credits
This course is devoted to an interdisciplinary examination of fundamental questions regarding the nature of man, politics and social relations. Values, ideas and practice as gleaned from the theories and writings of major thinkers from the 14th through early 20th centuries are explored. Special focus is directed toward ideas of Khadun, Machiavelli, Locke, and Durkheim. Other theorists such as Marx, Weber and Gandhi are also considered. Prerequisite: either PS102 or S110. Also offered as S304.
PS305 Political and Social Thought II 4 credits
This course is devoted to an interdisciplinary examination of fundamental questions regarding the nature of man, politics and social relations. Values, ideas, and priorities as gleaned from the theories and writings of major thinkers from the late 19th and 20th centuries are explored. Special focus is directed toward ideas from the Federalists, Economic Interventionist and Social Elitists. Other topics are selected based on student and instructor interests. Also offered as S305.
PS306-312 Topics in Political Theory 3 credits
Courses in this section are devoted to a thorough review, analysis, and evaluation of topics and methods that are relevant to the current study of political theory. Topics may include but are not limited to the following: American political thought, critical theory, feminist theory, post-modern, and deconstruction.
PS313 International Politics 3 credits
This is a first course in international politics. The student will be expected to acquire a working knowledge of: the basic structures of the international system including; states, nations, transnationals, international organizations, diplomacy, etc.; global issues including: war/peace, deterrence, arms control, political economy, trade, human rights, peace-keeping, etc.; and global ideas including: sovereignty, nationalism, modernization, etc. This course deals extensively with the contemporary international system and the issues arising from the limitations of power in international affairs.
PS314 American Foreign Policy 3 credits
A course devoted to a study of the institutions and individuals responsible for American foreign policy, the mechanics of its determination and implementation, with emphasis on current problems, policies and objectives in foreign policy.
PS315-319 Topics in International Relations 3 credits
Courses in this section are devoted to a thorough review, analysis, and evaluation of topics and methods that are relevant to the study of international relations and politics. Topics may include but are not limited to the following: war and peace, international political economy, international organizations, non-state actors in world politics, comparative foreign policy, trade and aid in the international system, global issues, regionalism in international relations, and other topics.
PS320 Comparative Politics 3 credits
Americans entering into a dialogue with foreign nations need to know both the present configuration of a regime and how it developed. This requires knowledge of the basic problems of political organization and examination of how governmental arrangements represent responses to a given political culture. For diplomats and students of politics, judgments of reasonable expectations in bi- or multilateral relations have traditionally been based on cross-national comparisons. Common themes involved in interpreting the requirements for stability or change are thus allowed to emerge from careful case studies. This course will examine examples of varieties of liberal democracy, non-liberal alternatives, and different colonial and post-colonial experiences.
PS321–329 Topics in Comparative Government 3 credits
Courses in this series are devoted to a thorough review, analysis, and evaluation of topics and methods that are relevant to the current study of comparative politics and government. Topics may include but are not limited to the following: Asian politics and governments; Latin American politics and government; European politics and governments; comparative political leadership; political and economic development; comparative revolutionary movements; regimes, movements, and ideologies; and other topics.
PS332 American Constitutional Law II 3 credits
This course examines the social, philosophical and legal problems faced by the Supreme Court in translating the abstract language of civil liberties contained in the U.S. Constitution into concrete reality with an emphasis upon current problems and the evolving nature of the process.
PS333–339 Topics in American Government and American Law 3 credits
These courses will be devoted to a variety of significant issues, developments, institutions and outcomes which are important to an understanding of American government and law. Topics may include the study of American constitutional law, the American presidency, Congress, great American political thinkers, American foreign policy and diplomacy and more. Courses and topics will vary according to faculty and student interest.
PS342 Field Methods 4 credits
This course will offer an examination of and working experience in the purpose and tools of field research. Field research is invaluable in gathering information for those in the areas of criminal justice, human services, political science and sociology, among others. While field research tends to be more qualitative than quantitative, this course will focus on what can be observed in real world settings likely to be encountered in these areas which include both qualitative and quantitative dimensions. The course will cover building rapport, methods of observation including use of technology, field notes, data coding and analysis, ethnography, focus groups, and interviews, as well as an introduction to quasi-experimentation. Each student will be expected to practice each of these methods within a fieldwork site relevant to that student’s professional interests and chosen with permission and guidance of authorities and the instructor. Prerequisite: PS242/S250. Also offered as S350.
PS352 Planning, Budgeting, and Control 3 credits
This course examines the organization, techniques, and politics of administrative planning, budget preparation and legislative process, and control systems in public organizations.
PS353 Public Personnel Administration 3 credits
The process of formulating and administering public personnel policies is presented. Major topics include: merit system, job classification, recruitment, examination, training, promotion, discipline, pay, collective bargaining, and political activity of government employees.
PS370 Public Policy 4 credits
This course is devoted to a thorough review, analysis and evaluation of public welfare policy and at least one other topic. These topics may include but are not limited to the following: health care, environmental regulations, energy; consolidation of federal programs; affirmative action, etc. Special emphasis is given to the formulation, adoption, implementation, impact, and evaluation of public policy. Also offered as HS352.
PS371–379 Topics in Public Policy and Administration 3 credits
Courses in this section are devoted to a thorough review, analysis and evaluation of topics that are relevant to the current study and practice of public administration. Topics may include but are not limited to the following: development of the merit system, terrorism, health care policy and administration; environmental regulation; energy policy; economic policy; consolidation of federal programs; affirmative action; federal grants-in-aid; and other topics. Special emphasis will be given to the formulation, adopting, implementation, impact, and evaluation of public policies.
PS451 Seminar in Public Administration 3 credits
The seminar in public administration represents the culmination of studies for some majors and minors. This seminar focuses on a contemporary political topic/issue, bringing together material and information from the various sub-fields of the discipline. Students in the course will undertake a major research paper with the close supervision of a faculty member. In the past, topics have included: comparative public administration, leadership, current issues in public administration, environmental policy, and administrative law.
PS460 Seminar in Political Science 3 credits
This seminar represents the culmination of studies for some majors and minors. It focuses on a contemporary political topic/issue, bringing together material and information from the various sub-fields of the discipline. Students in the course will undertake a major research paper with the close supervision of a faculty member. In the past, topics have included: campaigns and elections, democracy, the presidency, and the judiciary.
PS496/497 Internship 1-17 credits
Supervised “hands on” work experiences. |
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