Political Science (PLS)

Teaches the political structure, processes, institutions, and policymaking of the US national government. Focuses on the three branches of government, their interrelationships, and how they shape policy. Addresses federalism; civil liberties and civil rights; political socialization and participation; public opinion, the media; interest groups; political parties; elections; and policymaking. The assignments in the course require college-level reading fluency and coherent communication through written reports. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Teaches structure, powers, and functions of state and local government in the United States as related to federalism; constitutionalism; elections; powers of legislative, executive, and judicial powers of state and local government; state-local-federal relations; fiscal matters; metropolitan issues; and policy issues, like health, education, criminal justice and welfare. The assignments in the course require college-level reading fluency and coherent communication through written reports. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Teach concepts and methods of comparative politics. Includes empirical analyses of domestic governmental, political, and societal institutions and norms of countries around the world. The assignments in the course require college-level reading fluency and coherent communication through written reports. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Supervised Study

Presents concepts of politics using political theory. Emphasizes the core thinkers and themes of political theory, with focus on concepts of justice, power, rights, liberty, and citizenship, within the context of differing conceptions of the state. Apply political theory as a method of analysis for analyzing current political events and problems. The assignments in the course require college-level reading fluency and coherent communication through written reports. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Provides an introduction to the causes of international conflict and cooperation. Focuses on the modern state, diplomacy, war initiation, crisis bargaining, international terrorism, nuclear strategy, interstate economic relations, economic growth, international law, human rights, and environmental politics. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

Teaches basic concepts and methods of conflict resolution, which includes the factors that lead to conflict, and how conflicts can be prevented or brought to an end through peaceful means. Focuses on national and international conflict resolution. Lecture 3 hours per week.

Introduces the concept of coordinated public, private, international, and non-profit sector responses to conflict, post-conflict, and natural disaster international humanitarian emergencies with the objective of returning states and regions to peace and stability. Lecture 3 hours per week.