POL 101 BASIC CONCEPTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE. (3) Fall, Spring
An introduction to political structures, processes, and outcomes.  Students learn about the political world, from the actions of individuals motivated by their beliefs to the actions of governments motivated by their quest for power.  General theories and controversies of politics are featured, as well as an overview of how researchers study politics.

POL 201 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT. (3) Fall, Spring.
An introduction to the organization, principles, and operation of the federal system of government in the United States. The national government: terminology, fundamental concepts, the United States Constitution, citizenship, the Congress and legislation, the executive organization and functions, and the judicial system.

POL 301 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION. (3) Fall, even years.
An analysis of the organization, procedures, and purpose of the executive branch of government.  Students explore the duties of agencies at the national, state, and local levels.  Special emphasis is placed on the challenges facing administrators concerning personnel, budgeting, law, program evaluation, interagency and intergovernmental relations, and public relations.  Of particular interest for those who plan to enter public service.

POL 302 AMERICAN CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT. (3) Prerequisite: Political Science 201.
The major judicial decisions which have shaped the development of the American system and philosophy of government. The development of our constitution, our concepts of government, and our political and legal institutions from their origins in England and colonial America to the present time. Especially recommended for students seeking careers in law and public administration.

POL 303 STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. (3) Fall, odd years.
Basic principles of state government. Governments of the fifty states, federal and interstate relations, state constitutions, legislatures, executives and administration, the courts, and city and county government. The rights and obligations of citizens in shaping institutions.

POL 305 PARTIES AND POLITICAL INTEREST GROUPS. (3)
An examination of the role of political parties and interest groups in influencing public policy and programs.  Special emphasis is placed on how these groups operate in Washington and at the grass-roots level.

POL 310 SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH METHODS. (3) Spring.
A hands-on lesson in how researchers explain social issues and even solve social problems through application of the scientific method.  Students learn how to: pose a research question; plan and design their research approach; employ a variety of research methods; and interpret and present their research results.  Of particular interest for those interested in graduate school in any of the social sciences.

POL 311 CONTEMPORARY EVENTS. (1)
Major domestic and foreign events and problems of the present day. Periodical reading and individual reports. May be taken both semesters for not over two hours credit. Recommended for students seeking greater understanding of the news and public affairs.

POL 312 INTRODUCTION TO LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS. (1)
An introduction to the organization, procedures, and problems of the legislative branch. Special emphasis on issues in state politics and the role of citizens in understanding the legislative process and in shaping public policies and programs.

POL 313 LEGISLATIVE INTERNSHIP IN STATE GOVERNMENT. (2)  Prerequisite: POL 312.
Designed to provide members of the Legislative Intern Program with experience in the actual workings of the legislative process.  Restricted to members of the Legislative Intern Program.

POL 380 U.S. FOREIGN POLICY. (3)
This course analyzes the contexts in which American foreign policy is made; describes the players, historical patterns, and basis of U.S. foreign policy; and evaluates the role of the U.S. in the post-Cold War era by focusing on different regions of the world and selected international issues.

POL 425 SEMINAR IN AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS. (3) Spring, even years.
Introduction to the political processes of American government. Special emphasis placed on the inner workings of the American presidency, the Congress of the U.S. and the Supreme Court.

POL 450 SPECIAL TOPICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE. (3)

POL 451 POLITICAL AND SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY. (3) (Same as PHL 451)
A study of alternative philosophical systems as they interpret such concepts as liberty, authority, justice, and law in human societies and politics.

POL 453 ADVANCED COMPARATIVE POLITICS. (3) Prerequisite: Political Science 201.
An examination of the critical workings of contemporary governments in world affairs.  Emphasis is placed on Western European governments as well as on the emerging nations of Eastern Europe since the end of the Cold War.

POL 454 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS. (3) Spring, odd years.
A study of the principal factors in international relations. The international setting, underlying factors in outstanding international problems, such as economic rivalry, nationalism, imperialism, militarism, secret diplomacy, debts, reparations, and the threat of Communism. Decisions on foreign policy of the United States and efforts for international cooperation.

POL 480 THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY. (3) Prerequisite: Political Science 201.
The nature of the American Presidential system. Emphasis on the constitutional, institutional, and political elements of presidential power in national and foreign affairs. The men of the Presidency, various concepts of Presidential power and the relationship between the President, Congress, the Bureaucracy, the party system, and the American public.

POL 490 INTERNSHIP/PRACTICUM. (3-6) Prerequisites: Advanced standing and permission of the division head.
An experiential program that allows students to apply their academic preparation to particular political/social settings. Students will work with their advisors to determine an appropriate program. A minimum of 120 hours is required for 3 hours credit.