POL-SCI 318      Political Psychology
The field of political psychology is an interdisciplinary field that draws on both psychology and political science to address topics in the political world. This course will focus on a variety of topics including inter-group conflict, stereotyping and prejudice, political socialization, attitude formation and change, political communication, decision heuristics and biases , public opinion, and the future of political psychology.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 319      Campaigns And Elections
This course will examine the role of campaigns in determining the outcome of both congressional and presidential elections and the way that electoral rules structure both campaign strategies and electoral outcomes.This course focuses on topics such as the role of the media, campaign advertising, campaign financing, public opinion, registration requirements, and the role of interest groups.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 326      Racial & Ethnic Politics
This course provides an analysis of the political behavior and roles of racial and ethnic groups in the American political system. Theoretical, empirical, and practical issues of race, racism, and race relations are examined (in the political context). Public policy, electoral behavior, and political institutions are also investigated with regards to the empowerment and political incorporation of communities of color
Credits: 0-3 hours
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POL-SCI 327      Nationalism And Ethnic Conflict
Nationalism and ethnicity serve as a basis for group identification, political mobilization, terrorism, war, and genocide. This course provides students with theoretical frameworks for analyzing nationalism and ethnic strife, and explores case studies to test our assumptions and theories about nationalist violence. Offered: As needed
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 328      State And Local Government
In this course, we will cover the major issues, institutions, and political actors involved with state and local goverment. The class will expose you to how American federalism impacts states, metropolitan regions, and cities. The politics of governance, agenda setting, and public budgeting are also examined. The main objective is to develop a good understanding of the literature (theoretically, empirically and practically) on state and local politics.
Credits: 0-3 hours
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POL-SCI 332      American National Security
Since the Second World War, the United States' military instrument has grown increasingly isolated from the other instruments of national power. The needs of the post-cold war era, in contrasts, are for the more sophisticated orchestration of all instruments of national power at all levels of government. Students will be presented with the relevant concepts of international relations theory, national security strategy, legislation, and the executive branch organizations that wield the instruments of national power. The course pays particular attention to the National Security Council, established by 1947 legislation to integrate the domestic, foreign, and military policies of the United States as they relate to national security. Offered: On demand.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 333      Social Networks in Politics
This class focuses on mass political behavior and social networks in the US. Particular attention will be devoted to how relations between individuals can affect political attitudes and participation. We will also consider how these individual relations combine to shape outcomes such as political attitudes, voter turnout, and election outcomes.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 336      American Foreign Policy
Understanding the contemporary debate over American foreign policy in terms of the premises and perspectives of several competing schools of thought.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 338      Religion And Politics
This course explores the rise of Islamic, Christian, and Jewish fundamentalisms in the modern world and assesses their impact on states, societies, and cultures around the globe. It explores how faith can be used to organize and legitimate social activism, liberation movements, and political terrorism. Offered: As needed
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 339      Cyberspace, Technology, and Politics
In this course we will read significant thinkers who are pondering major changes occurring in politics and society because of technology and the internet. Some argue that the world is getting ""flat"" and think that the change will be beneficial, while others believe we need to make economic units smaller and more local. We will also explore the internet, blogs and web 2.0 and explore their effect on our lives and on politics.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 341      The Theory Of Democracy
Analysis of the writings of philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx and Nietzsche who developed and analyzed the ideas associated with modern democracies.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 342      American Political Thought
A study of American political ideas, with emphasis on current problems and conflicts, and intellectual responses to social change.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 343      The Politics Of Social Security
A study of the American Social Security system, including its history, principles, and prospects for the future.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 344      Jurisprudence
An examination of theories of law from the viewpoint of political science.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 345      The Politics Of Sex And Gender
Just as there is a politics of class and race, so is there a politics of sex and gender. Though gender roles and sexual practices seem as though they are natural, post-modern theorists argue that they are social constructions that change over time, privilege some groups, and disadvantage others. In this course we will examine the debate between opposing viewpoints and discuss how and where political decisions are made in this area. Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 346      Introduction to the Trial Process
This course examines the trial process. We examine both about the structure of the jucicial system and the different elelments of a trial. Students will also participate in a mock trial using the American Mock Trial Associations annual problem.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 347P      Crime and Civil Liberties
A study of civil liberties in American society, emphasizing their role in the criminal and legal process. Topics include issues related to the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth and 14th amendments. Other topics to be covered will depend on class interest and current events. Part of PACE Block -- Justice and Society.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 348      Constitutional Law: The Federal System
A study of the president, congress and state governments from the perspective of the Constitution, emphasizing powers and limitations on the exercise of authority.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 349      Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties
A study of civil liberties in American society, emphasizing factors and forces that restrict or enlarge their scope, as understood through constitutional interpretation.
Credits: 3 hours
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POL-SCI 353      Chinese Politics
China's political system from earliest origins to the present. Close attention is given to the manner in which current political and economic institutions function. Comparisons are made with other communist and Asian political systems.
Credits: 3 hours
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