POL-SCI 405      American Constitutional Thought
An analysis of the development of American constitutional doctrine, with emphasis on the historical and intellectual context within which the Supreme Court changes its attitudes toward economic and political issues.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 406      Presidential Politics
This course will examine the American presidency as an institution, and will analyze its role in the American political system. It will also consider the administrations of the various presidents.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 406P      Political Leadership
This weekend course will examine theories, institutions and styles of political leadership; analyze recruitment and selection methods; and study popular perceptions of such leaders. Using film, fiction and materials from political science, this course will culminate in a look at U.S. presidents and the presidency in the 20th century. Prerequisites: Social Science PACE 102P and 103P, or POL-SCI 210 or equivalent; concurrent enrollment in POL-SCI 409P for those in the PACE Program or in the B.L.A. degree program. For other students, the consent of the instructor is required. Students who have credit for POL-SCI 406A or its equivalent may not enroll in this course.
Credits: 4 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 407      Congressional Politics
A study of legislative institutions, procedures and behavior (with emphasis on the U.S. Congress) in the context of theories of political representation.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 407P      Politics Of Representation
A study of legislative institutions, procedures and behaviors in the U.S. Congress that raises practical as well as theoretical questions of political representation in modern society. This course will be presented by video cassette and will be integrated with POL-SCI 406P and POL-SCI 409P. Prerequisites: Social Science PACE 102P and 103P or POL-SCI 210 or equivalent; concurrent enrollment in POL-SCI 406P and POL-SCI 409P.
Credits: 4 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 408      Judicial Politics
An examination of the judiciary in the American political process, emphasizing the role of judges, lawyers and the Supreme Court.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 409      Bureaucratic Politics
A study of political processes that create and operate within bureaucracies in the American pluralist system. Close attention is given to the tension between representation and rationality when making decisions.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 409P      Bureaucratic Politics
This weeknight course will examine the emergence of bureaucracies as the modern method of collective problem solving. In the U.S. political context, this involves the dynamic interplay of rational choice, due process and pluralistic politics. The transitions from limited to positive government and then to the current ethos of deregulation will be studied.
Credits: 4 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 418      International Security
The course examines competing theories and concepts of national and international security, selected security issues, and the responses of several countries to different security environments.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 424      Urban Politics and Community Power Structures
This course surveys and analyzes the literature covering urban politics. Students will gain both a theoretical understanding of and empirical grounding in the politics of urban America. An array of important political, social and economic problems that impact urban politics will be examined.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 425      Comparative Politics
Aspects of politics in various countries as viewed through the language and thought processes of contemporary approaches to political science.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 427      Presidential Power: foundations, Growth, Issues
An intense examination of the growth of presidential power, from its constitutional foundations; the necessity of a strong presidency, but the potential for abuse. Appropriate for the general student, as well as for majors in political science.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 428      Political Culture And Political Behavior
This course will examine the concept of political culture and its use in the empirical analyses of political behavior in advanced political systems. Emphasis will be placed on the U.S system with comparisons drawn from Western Europe. The student will be expected to complete an empirically documented research paper.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 429      Courts And Public Policy
An analysis of how courts influence policy in selected political arenas.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 432      American Security Policy
An examination of national security policy as an organizational and intellectual response to changes in technology and international conflict.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 435      Politics Of The Environment
A survey of the political aspects of environmental issues. The course poses the problems of environmental damage and examines actual and proposed policies aimed at addressing them. Also offered through the PACE program. Prerequisite: None.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 435P      Politics Of The Environment
A survey of the political aspects of environmental issues. The course poses the problems of environmental damage and examines actual and proposed policies aimed at addressing them. The course content is the same as POL-SCI 435 title except additional reading and writing will be required commensurate with a 4 credit hour course.
Credits: 4 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 438      Urban Politics
The study of local politics and government in metropolitan areas with special attention to political party and interest group activity; community leadership, influences and ""power""; and citizen participation and political behavior.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 440      Contemporary Political Thought
Political philosophy from Nietzsche to today.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top

POL-SCI 441      Political Freedom
Selected writings by political thinkers dealing with the establishment of freedom and justice in the state. Examines the challenges to political freedom under various regimes.
Credits: 3 hours
back to top