Pols. 1001-Introduction to Political Science
Introduction to the foundations of the academic discipline of political science. Course offers a broad overview of the various schools of political science analysis, including democratic transitions, political development, and revolution as well as a survey of the basic concepts and principles. 3 credits
Pols. 1401-Western Political Thought I
Introduction to, and analysis of, the major political questions that have challenged Western thinkers. These include, but are not limited to, topics such as leadership, values, ideology and the role of government. Selected writers such as Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau will be read and discussed. 3 credits
Pols. 2215-Campaigning and Political Parties
Examines the structure, operation and interaction between political parties and their roles in electing local, state and federal officials. It analyzes campaigning for public office and the place of interest groups politics on the process. 3 credits
The evolving legal, political and governmental positions of women in the world. Cross-cultural implications of the politicization of women. 3 credits
Pols. 3014-Ecology and Politics
Explores the relationship between politics and environmental policy in the United States. Looks at specific problems such as pollution, global warming, species depletion, land management and hazardous waste. Analyzes attempts by government and other interested parties to rectify these problems. 3 credits
Pols. 3412-Church, State, Law and Politics in America
Delves into the dynamic and ever-changing relationship between religion and government in the U. S. Analyzes the competing and co-operative inter-action between the institutions. Includes case studies in the First Amendment of religious exercise and freedom. 3 credits
Pols. 3712-Human Rights: Policies and Practices
Articulates notions of human rights, and through case studies examines repression around the globe. Seeks to analyze and critique United States, United Nations, and other bilateral and multilateral approaches to solving human rights abuses. 3 credits
The capstone of the political science major, this course topic changes from year to year. Students are encouraged to choose a seminar that is of interest to them, and about which they have some knowledge. The purpose of the course is to complete and present the Senior Thesis. 4 credits
Special Topics and Graduate Courses
These are courses that are taught because of their timeliness, the professor's special expertise, and because of their potential to be included in the Department of Political Science's inventory of courses for the future. 3 credits