Political Science Course Listings

This course provides an overview of the basic areas of study in the discipline of political science. This course focuses on the nature of both domestic and global politics. This includes an investigation of politics in our everyday lives and citizen-driven political action, the nature and function of politics and government, political philosophy and modern ideologies, variations in political systems, and an analysis of the global system.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Evaluate the influence of politics and political decision-making in our lives.
2. Describe research processes and methods associated with the study of political science.
3. Identify the various sub-fields of political science.
4. Explain foundational political thought and ideologies associated with the study of political science.
5. Identify and describe a variety of political systems, both democratic and non-democratic.
6. Explain the essential features of the international system.
7. Analyze essential issues in the international system.
8. Identify both the mechanisms and complexities of political behavior.
9. Explain key theories and concepts associated with the study of political science.
10. Utilize writing to communicate an understanding, application, analysis, and evaluation of material covered in this course.
11. Collaboratively evaluate and judge current public problems.

This course studies the American political system, including its constitutional foundation, institutions, and contemporary issues. This course examines the history and features of the American government's key institutions while also investigating key events that have shaped the American government today. Attention is also paid to American political culture and the importance of civic engagement.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Describe the Constitution and its historical context.
2. Explain essential components of the Constitution.
3. Explain the function of the American government's key institutions and political processes.
4. Describe the tensions between state and federal authority.
5. Evaluate the protection of key constitutional rights and liberties.
6. Articulate individual ideals of democracy in the context of American republicanism.
7. Assess the effects of media and public opinion on political processes.
8. Utilize writing to communicate an understanding, application, analysis, or evaluation of material covered in this course.

An examination of controversial issues in Constitutional history. This includes a focus on the decision making process of the federal court system with regards to the civil liberties and rights enumerated in the Constitution. Students will read landmark Supreme Court cases which determine both the limits and content of government powers and vital personal freedoms.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain the structure of the U. S. Supreme Court within the context of the Constitution
2. Explain the process of the U. S. Supreme Court within the context of the Constitution
3. Describe and explain the content of rulings of the Supreme Court in areas of public policy
4. Assess the principles of legal interpretation that shape the Supreme Court’s analysis of major public policy issues
5. Evaluate the impact of the Supreme Court’s rulings on the American government and society
6. Explain the role of the Supreme Court and its decisions relating to international issues
7. Utilize writing to communicate an understanding, application, analysis, or evaluation of material covered in this course.

This course provides an overview of the analytical concepts and tools used to comparatively study various political systems, cultures, and economies. This includes the descriptive and analytical examination of political systems generally classified as democratic, non-democratic, undergoing transition, and their respective cultures and economies. Particular attention is paid to formal political institutions and political processes, current leadership, the relationship between state and society, and the major public policies of the systems, cultures, and economies under review.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain and relate the important concepts and terms associated with the study of comparative political systems.
2. Compare and contrast the formal political institutions integral to the study of comparative political systems.
3. Describe the significance of political cultures and societies in the study of comparative political systems.
4. Compare and contrast the foundations of legitimacy on which political systems rest, such as the norms and laws of ordered society, various forms of citizen participation and group behavior; or additional institutionalized activities.
5. Explain the history of socio-economic forces in the evolution of various types of political systems.
6. Appraise democracy and identify mechanisms for strengthening and sustaining democratic politics.
7. Utilize different forms of reasoning to analyze the world of comparative political systems.
8. Utilize writing to communicate an understanding, application, analysis, or evaluation of material covered in the course.

This course critically analyzes the agents and events that characterize the global system. This course aims to give students a fundamental understanding of contemporary international affairs through a systematic examination of theories, concepts, and ideas that explain the politics of the global system. This includes topics relating to foreign policy-making, international security, international political economy, and the important function of international law and organizations. Emphasis will be placed on the role of state and non-state agents, as well as an analysis of both important historical and current events.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Compare and contrast theories associated with the study of international politics.
2. Explain the important concepts and terms associated with the study of international politics.
3. Identify and explain the important historical developments in international politics.
4. Identify and describe major issues associated with the current global system.
5. Appraise the diversity and complexities of agents and agent interactions in international politics.
6. Examine the impact of globalization on agent interactions in international politics.
7. Explain the relationship between individuals and international politics.
8. Utilize writing to communicate an understanding, application, analysis, or evaluation of material covered in this course.

This course offers a survey of western political thought from classical Greece to the present. This course pays attention to the historical context out of which the political thought of Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke and others arose. Through the examination of the development of political thought, this course will grow an understanding of the nature and foundations of modern governments.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. State the social, economic, or political issues that philosophers face.
2. Describe the methods philosophers use to address social, economic, or political issues.
3. Compare and contrast the influence of various political philosophies on society, economy or politics in an historical and modern context.
4. Explain how political philosophies have evolved over time.
5. Explain why political philosophies have evolved over time.
6. Analyze how philosophy is used to develop a personal political belief structure.
7. Relate various philosophies to an understanding of the global system.
8. Utilize writing to communicate an understanding, application, analysis, or evaluation of material covered in the course.

This course is designed to address specific topics of interest in political science. Offerings are more specific and focused than the introductory surveys. Examples of potential offerings could include The American Presidency, Comparative Public Policy, American National Security, and Urban Politics in a Comparative Perspective. Topics may change from semester to semester based on faculty and student interest. The classes will be primarily lecture and discussion based.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Explain political events or phenomena within the framework of political science.
2. Analyze theories or concepts used in political science regarding political events or phenomena.
3. Assess the limits on the power of government or people in domestic or international contexts.
4. Compare the historical or social influences on political events or phenomena.
5. Describe policy alternatives to current political institutions.
6. Explain the organization and development of varying political systems or patterns of governance.
7. Assess the influences and processes in which the United States constructs foreign or national security policy.
8. Synthesize theoretical, empirical, or analytical understandings of political events or phenomena.

This course offers opportunities for academic, career and personal growth for those interested in international affairs and the political arena. Students will work together researching the history, culture and relevant domestic issues of the assigned country, and will learn about one of the most important international organizations in the world: the United Nations. In the process, this class will provide students with the knowledge and leadership skills (i.e., negotiating, team building, public speaking, etc.) to prepare students as delegates to the Model United Nations Conference. In contrast to standard lecture courses, students will be actively involved in team directed preparation and content delivery. Attendance at the Model United Nations Conference is mandatory.

Prerequisite: Registration in this course is by permission only, following an application and selection process that takes place in the Fall Semester.

Course Learning Outcomes
1. Identify and describe the historic and current role of the United Nations in the international system
2. Explain the process of politics between national and international organizations
3. Analyze the problems and potential solutions faced by the United Nations
4. Complete an intensive study of a selected country’s actual participation in the United Nations
5. Develop leadership and diplomatic skills such as problem solving; negotiating; analysis; critical thinking
6. Utilize a variety of skill sets such as research; writing; speaking; teambuilding
7. Formulate an appreciation of diversity and inclusion
8. Apply skills learned toward participation at an international Model United Nations held in New York City

See the Department Chairperson.

Check if course is offered:
Intersession 2025
Spring Semester 2025