Political Science Courses (POL)
POL 111: Introduction to Political Science
An introductory course designed to acquaint the student with the basic concepts of political science. Focus will be placed on political institutions and basic political problems.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 112: American National Government
A general analysis of American government and politics with focus on the constitution, federalism, and the three branches of government. Both organizational and functional approaches are employed to make a thorough examination of the mechanism and dynamics of American democracy.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 211: African-American Politics
A study of the role of African Americans in the political process of American democracy. Inquiries will be made concerning African Americans and the major parties, their place in the labor movement and their participation in urban politics. The contemporary philosophies of Black leaders in terms of pressure politics, non violence, and Black power will be closely examined.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 213: International Relations
Analysis of international politics and elements of national power and international cooperation, with special attention given to the solution of the central problems of international security. Post war international problems are also introduced to the student.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 214: American Foreign Policy
A study of the forces which are responsible for the formulation of American foreign policy, and consideration for those important factors which have shaped contemporary United States policy in major areas of the world.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 216: Conflict and Change: Global Issues
A focus on contemporary issues in global politics, with particular emphasis on growing international interdependence and cooperation. Key issues will be examined, with some focus on conflict resolution, prevailing national values, and the values and resources necessary for the successful resolution of global issues.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 217: Research Methods
An exploration of the intellectual tools necessary to develop methods and techniques of gathering data to enhance the development of conceptual and analytical skills to provide the basis for a scientific inquiry into the political world.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 311: Urban Politics
Based on the theme of the structure of power within cities, this course will deal with such urban phenomena as bosses and political machines, urban insurrections, schools, urban renewal, housing, and the future of the city.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 312: Political Parties and Pressure Groups
A survey of political parties and pressure groups as dynamic forces in American democracy. Focus is placed on the respective roles, different structures and objectives, and various operational techniques of political parties and interest groups.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 313: Topics in Political Science
Students may take a variety of topics courses for credit:
A) Independent study offered by arrangement with faculty;
B) Internship offered by arrangement with faculty
C) Selected topics normally offered annually
D) Introduction to law and jurisprudence
E) Pre-Law seminar internship. Internship may be awarded six semester hours under special circumstances and with approval of Department Chair
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 314: Public Administration
This course deals with the role of administration in the government process, principles of administrative organization, methods of administrative control, personnel and fiscal management.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 315: Public Policy
An examination of the policies set forth by governments through both decisions and non decisions. Focus will also be placed on both an analysis of public policies and the mechanics involved in developing these policies.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 316: Political Theory
A general survey of the main currents of political philosophy and major works in political theory. Special attention is paid to such political philosophers as Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Locke, Burke, Mill, Hegel and Marx.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 319: Latin American Government
A study of political institutions, interest groups and patterns of development in Latin America. Some focus will be placed on ideology and on the influence the United States has had on the area.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 321: Contemporary Political Ideology
An analysis of the practical application of political ideologies, especially those ideologies that have had a significant impact on the course of events during the 20th century. Focus will be placed on liberalism, conservatism, racism, fascism, non Marxian socialism, and Marxian socialism.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 322: Seminar on the Politics of Developing Nations
A critical examination and survey of the political process of the “emerging third world” (so called because of their emergence from colonialism, imperialism, and neo colonialism). The course will focus on the obstacles faced by developing nations in managing political, economic, and social change, and on legal issues as they relate to developing areas and the international arena.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 441: Constitutional Law
This is a seminar course conducted through the use of the case method. Students are required to make an extensive study of the United States Supreme Court decisions, particularly with respect to the powers of the three branches of government, federal state relations and civil liberties.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 442: Comparative Politics
A study of political institutions in selected countries. Attention is devoted to ideology, government structures, and the relationship between political authorities and the people. Focus will be placed on a comparison of the political process of different political systems.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 443: African Politics
An exploration of political patterns in Africa, its search for unity and order as well as its quest for economic progress and modernization.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 444: Constitutional Law II
This second part of a two semester sequence in constitutional law places a major emphasis on civil rights cases, with focus on the Bill of Rights, civil liberties, and the constitutional rights of the individual, including the rights of the accused. Readings will include leading constitutional cases involving basic rights and liberties.
Credit: 3 Semester Hours
POL 447: Careers in Law
A seminar on career choices and possibilities in law; examination and survey of various aspects of legal careers, including criminal justice, law enforcement, judicial administration, paralegal, court reporter, and legal assistant.
Credit: 1 Semester Hour
