Political Science

Download as PDF

Political science examines the institutional means through which scarce societal resources are allocated and the processes that make determinations regarding the moral fabric of community life. It combines both descriptive and normative analyses: how power is distributed and for what values or purposes it should be employed. This includes the study of the types and branches of government, means of representation, as well as issues of policy formation. Students interested in pursuing the study of Political Science can follow an academic map of suggested courses to prepare for a major in Political Science.

Courses

POLS 104: State and Local Government [S/B]

Credits 5

An examination of federal, state, and local government relationships; state executive, legislative, judicial, and political party systems; and forms of local governmental units.

Equivalent Courses
PS 104

POLS& 201: Intro Political Theory [S/B]

Credits 5

An introduction to fundamental concepts and theories in political science, this course uses classic and contemporary works of political thought to deal with basic issues in the study of politics, such as who should rule, political rights, and the nature and limits of political authority.

Equivalent Courses
PS 150

POLS& 202: United States Government [S/B]

Credits 5

A survey of the system and process of the United States national politics and government; including the structure and function of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and the U.S. political party system.

Equivalent Courses
POLS& 203, PS 100

POLS& 203: International Relations [S/B]

Credits 5

An examination of various theoretical approaches to international politics, causes of war, approaches to peace, and sources of conflict in the contemporary world.

Equivalent Courses
POLS& 202, PS 100

POLS& 204: Comparative Government [S/B]

Credits 5

A comparative study of the development and transformation of western democratic, communist, and third world political systems and processes.

Equivalent Courses
PS 101

POLS 205: American Political Thought [S/B]

Credits 5

Examines through classical and contemporary texts the crucial, ethical, and philosophical issues that shaped the founding and continues to be debated up to the modern day.

Equivalent Courses
PS 151

POLS 280: Race and Law in the U.S.

Credits 5

Race and ethnicity continue to play a significant role in American politics. This course explores the early historical formation of racial categories, the role of policy in defining racial inequalities and racial boundaries, and how past political decisions are reflected in modern racial realities in the United States. Course topics include the law and history of slavery; segregation and Jim Crow laws; housing, employment, and voting rights; and education and criminal justice policies. This class emphasizes participation and reflection, as students learn to better understand political racialization and the intersections of race and law in the US.