Political Science (POLS)

POLS 115. American National Government. 3 Credits.

This course offers an introductory survey of the structure and dynamics of American national government, providing a broad-based introduction to the ideas and institutions that shape politics in the contemporary United States. The course is organized in three wide-ranging themes: (i) foundations of the American political system, (ii) institutions of American government, and (iii) politics and political participation.
Typically Offered: Fall.

POLS 116. State and Local Government. 3 Credits.

A study of the development, structure, and operation of American state and local governments and their roles in the lives of the American people.
Typically Offered: Spring.

POLS 220. International Politics. 3 Credits.

This course is a wide-ranging introduction to the core theories, actors, and themes involved in contemporary international affairs. The course is comprehensive in its subject matter, although not exhaustive in detail. Its major objective is to introduce students to a wide range of issues and problems that have focused the attention of policy-makers, academics, and citizens throughout the 20th century.
Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

POLS 299. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

POLS 330. Understanding Statistics. 3 Credits.

This course is an introduction to descriptive, inferential, and correlated statistics. Emphasis is placed on determining when to use each type of test and how to read and discuss statistical analyses. Cross-referenced with COMM 330, PSYC 330, and SOC 330.
Typically Offered: Fall.
Prerequisite: MATH 103 or MATH 104.
Same As: COMM/POLS/PSYC/SOC 330.

POLS 340. Research Methods. 3 Credits.

An exploration of social research processes and analyses. Fundamentals and specific application of the most common data gathering and measurement techniques are addressed.
Typically Offered: Spring.
Prerequisites: ENGL 110, ENGL 120 or ENGL 125, and COMM 330/POLS 330/PSYC 330/SOC 330.
Same As: COMM/POLS/PSYC/SOC 340.

POLS 345. International Political Economy. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to the study of international political economy (IPE). The course focuses on the political foundations and consequences of the contemporary world economy. The course will survey the evolution of the international economic system, in particular since the Second World War, emphasizing the main contemporary theories, debates, and issues shaping the global economy and politics.
Typically Offered: Spring, even years.
Same As: POLS 345/ECON 345.

POLS 375. U.S. Constitution: Federalism. 3 Credits.

A narrative and case study of the development of the U.S. Constitution including U.S. Supreme Court decisions related to the development of Federalism in fact and theory. Cross-referenced with HIST 375.
Typically Offered: Spring, even years.
Same As: HIST 375/POLS 375.

POLS 376. U.S. Constitution: Civil Liberties. 3 Credits.

A narrative and case study of the development of the U.S. Constitution including U.S. Supreme Court decisions related to the exercise of civil liberty in fact and theory.
Typically Offered: Fall.
Same As: HIST 376/POLS 376.

POLS 380. The American Presidency. 3 Credits.

This course provides students with a general assessment of the issues involving the modern American Presidency. Topics include the development and practice of presidential leadership, the evolution of the modern Presidency, the process of presidential selection, the structure of the Presidency as an institution, and presidential policy-making. It explores the relationship of the Presidency with other major governmental institutions such as Congress and the judiciary branch, and the public and organized interest groups.
Typically Offered: Fall, even years.
Same As: HIST 380/POLS 380.

POLS 394. Independent Study. 1-3 Credits.

Directed reading, study, and/or activities in selected topics.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

POLS 395. Student Government Practicum. 1 Credit.

This course provides students who are elected to Student Senate a practicum experience in student government.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring.
Repeatable: Up to 4 Credits.

POLS 399. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

POLS 420. Comparative Politics. 3 Credits.

This course surveys the major issues in Comparative Politics. Topics include political structures and processes in a wide variety of countries, analysis of modern states, different types of political regimes, governmental institutions, democracy and authoritarianism, and different political dynamics such as economy and development.
Typically Offered: Spring, odd years.

POLS 494. Undergraduate Research. 3-12 Credits.

The course is designed to integrate subject matter from major coursework and other disciplines into a project that leads to the creation of an original body of knowledge.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

POLS 497. Internship. 3-12 Credits.

An opportunity for students to apply classroom learning to an on-the-job work experience. Internship must be related to the student's major or minor course of study and may be in any geographic location. Credit is granted in the range of three to twelve hours per semester and may be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credit hours. Application and approval through Career Services.
Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisites: Junior Standing or Senior Standing and cum GPA of 2.50 or higher.
Grading: S/U only.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.

POLS 499. Special Topics. 1-4 Credits.

Courses not offered in the regular catalog that provide an opportunity to extend student learning.
Typically Offered: On sufficient demand.
Repeatable: Up to 12 Credits.