PS 101. American National Government
This course introduces the discipline of political science through the study of American government. Topics include the concept of the political system, democracy in theory and practice, the historical background and content of the Constitution, Federalism, and the role of the Supreme Court in civil rights. It stresses these aspects of the American political system: public opinion, voting behavior, the electoral system, political parties, and modern campaigning techniques.
Credits: 3
PS 102. Introduction to Public Policy
This course introduces public policy, a field of study that integrates political, social, and economic theories and insights, and addresses the general question, “Who gets what, when, and how in society?” To answer this question, the history of public policy in the United States is studied, and how public policy is defined, developed, and applied within the federalist system of government. The role of governmental and non-governmental institutions in policy making is examined from several theoretical perspectives. Contemporary issues in public policy are studied through the application of these theories to key substantive areas, including crime and justice, healthcare, social welfare, education, and the environment.
Credits: 3
PS 202. Comparative Politics
This course covers the convergence of theories, methods, and concepts associated with political science and comparative politics. It introduces knowledge about politics and political science in a comparative perspective and develops a framework of classifications or typologies to deal with the complexity of political life. A specific effort is made to survey major ideological strains, from communism to fascism, and to link them to recent and current regimes and movements.
Credits: 3
PS 203. State and Local Government
This course covers the organization, operation, and issues of state, county, and city government. Emphasis is placed on comparative politics in the 50 states and the current problems of federalism. Local governmental units and issues are considered in the study of developments on that level.
Credits: 3
PS 204. American Foreign Policy
This course examines post-World War II American foreign policy. It focuses upon the nature and shaping of foreign policy, the foreign policy process, and the improvements needed in that process. Prerequisite: PS101 American National Government or PS202 Comparative Politics.
Credits: 3
PS 205. International Politics
This course covers the skills necessary to analyze contemporary international politics. It focuses upon international politics as a political system, examines the types of actors (individuals, groups, or institutions) who make decisions determining the course of international politics, and discusses how nations deal with one another in international interactions. Prerequisite: PS101 American National Government or PS202 Comparative Politics.
Credits: 3
PS 206. Grant Writing
This course focuses on the preparation of written reports, grants, correspondences, proposals, and research in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. Analytical, theoretical, and practical writing techniques are explored, as is writing in a comprehensive, well-organized, and convincing manner. Legal and ethical issues that face government are explored and critiqued. Emphasis is placed on contemporary information and technologies. Prerequisites: EN101 English 1: Composition, PS101 American National Government, PS102 Introduction to Public Policy, and IS101 Computers and Society.
Credits: 3
PS 209. Introduction to Peace Studies
This course examines the ways in which groups use nonviolent techniques to resolve common inter- and intra-group conflicts. Historical and cross-cultural examples of nonviolent conflict resolution are analyzed. The context in which conflicts are created and resolved is discussed, including the significance of the values of society, power relations, systems of stratification, and social institutions.
Credits: 3