Program
In the Political Science Program, students investigate the causes and effects of various forms of political behavior; they analyze the policymaking processes of governments, the political and social consequences of laws, sources of international conflict and diplomacy, and values that shape political institutions and procedures. We offer courses in American Government, International Relations, Public Policy, Comparative Politics, and Political Theory. Students work with faculty who research and publish in these areas and who have direct experience in the process of government.
The Program offers the opportunity to pursue either a Major or Minor in Political Science, and many courses count toward the university's General Education requirements.
Requirements
Students majoring in Political Science must complete a minimum of 36 semester credit hours in the Program, including 15 hours in the Political Science core. Students are required to earn a grade of C or better in all courses.
| POLSC Courses | Titles | Credits |
| POLSC 101 | American National Politics | 3 |
| POLSC 201 | International Relations | 3 |
| POLSC 202 POLSC 250 |
Comparative Politics Research Methods |
3 3 |
| POLSC 370 | Political Thought | 3 |
| POLSC 493 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Political Science Electives | 18 | |
| 36 Total Credits |
Students minoring in Political Science must complete a minimum of 21 semester credit hours in the Program, including 9 hours in the Political Science core. Students are required to earn a grade of C or better in all courses
| POLSC Courses | Titles |
Credits |
| POLSC 101 | American National Politics |
3 |
| POLSC 201 POLSC 202 |
International Relations ~or~ Comparative Politics |
3 |
| | | |
| POLSC 250 | Research Methods | 3 |
| Political Science Electives | 12 | |
| 21 Total Credits |
-
Courses
(*) Indicates course meets General Education requirements.
Though subject to change, courses listed with the following tend to be offered in the specified semesters:
(F) = Fall only (S) = Spring only (SS) = Summer SessionPOLSC 101
American National Politics (*)
POLSC 102
State and Local Government and Politics (S)
POLSC 105
(PSYCH, SOC, WS 105) Understanding Human Diversity
POLSC 106
Minority Politics in America (*)
POLSC 201
International Relations (F) (*)
POLSC 202
Comparative Politics (S) (*)
POLSC 250
Research Methods in Political Science (F/S) (prerequisite: POLSC 101)
POLSC 270
Introduction to Homeland Security (F)
POLSC 271
Terrorism (S)
POLSC 272
Critical Incident Management (F)
POLSC 300
Political Parties and Elections (F) (prerequisite: POLSC 101)
POLSC 305
Causes of War (S)
POLSC 306
Peace Studies (F)
POLSC 321
American Constitutional Development (F) (prerequisite: POLSC 101)
POLSC 322
American Constitutional Law (S) (prerequisite: POLSC 321 or permission of instructor)
POLSC 323
Criminal Law and Procedure (F) (prerequisite: POLSC 101 or permission of instructor)
POLSC 324
Family Law (S) (prerequisite: POLSC 101 or permission of instructor)
POLSC 330
Introduction to Public Administration (prerequisite: POLSC 101)
POLSC 340
Public Policy (prerequisite: POLSC 101 or permission of instructor)
POLSC 370
Western Political Thought (F, S) (prerequisite: POLSC 101 or permission of instructor)
POLSC 373
Intelligence and National Security (F)
POLSC 374
Homeland Security and the Law (S)
POLSC 375
Threat and Strategic Planning (S)
POLSC 395
Independent Study (prerequisite: permission of instructor. 1-3 credits, repeatable to 6 credits)
POLSC 405
The American Presidency (S) (prerequisite: POLSC 101 or permission of instructor)
POLSC 411
The U.S. Congress(F) (prerequisite: POLSC 101 or permission of instructor)
POLSC 440
Nationalism and Ethnic Conflict
POLSC 445
Inequality and Economic Development
POLSC 450
Democracy and Dictatorship
POLSC 455
States, Citizens and Human Rights
POLSC 460
U.S. Foreign and Security Policy (F) (prerequisite: POLSC 201 or permission of instructor)
POLSC 461
War and Film
POLSC 473
American Political Thought
POLSC 480
Practicum in Politics and Public Service (prerequisite: permission of department) 1-3 credits, repeatable to 6 credits.
Student manual
POLSC 491
Special Topics (prerequisite: junior or senior status with adequate preparation and approval of instructor.) 1-3 credits, repeatable
POLSC 492
Research 1-3 credits, repeatable to 6 credits
POLSC 493
Seminar (S) 1-3 credits, Prerequisite: POLSC 250 and 370, or permission of instructor. -
Forms