The following political science courses are offered within the
Department.

Click on Undergraduate or Graduate Courses!

PS 1000.  Introduction to Political Science/(3).F;S.
 
• A study of political science as a discipline; the course is divided into two parts.  The first part familiarizes the student with the scope and content of politics and introduces the main approaches used to study political phenomena.  The second part applies the general knowledge acquired in the first part to the study of a selected number of actual political systems.  (MULTI-CULTURAL) (CORE: SOCIAL SCIENCES)

PS 1100.  American National Government and Politics/(3).F;S.
 
• A study of the development and operation of the American national government, its powers, organization and policies.  (CORE: SOCIAL SCIENCES)

PS 1200.  Current Political Issues/(3).F;S.
 
• A study of the current political issues and problems facing the national government.  Problems in such areas as labor, education, the economy, agriculture, equal rights, foreign relations and national security will be analyzed.  Not open to students with credit for PS 1201.  (CORE: SOCIAL SCIENCES)

PS 1201.  Contemporary Political Controversies/(3).F;S.
 
• An examination of some leading controversies in politics from the perspective of the conflicting arguments, designed to foster understanding of the issues and to enhance critical thinking and speaking skills.  Intended primarily for students majoring or minoring in political science.  Not open to students with credit for PS 1200.  (SPEAKING) (CORE: SOCIAL SCIENCES)

PS 2120.  International Politics and Foreign Policy/(3).F.
 
• An introduction to the study of international politics and foreign policy.  Students will be introduced to a variety of analytical approaches to the study of global relations, including the participant, the systemic, the perceptual, and the instrumental frameworks.   Students will be exposed to the complexities of international affairs and global relations which are the result of the confluence of historical, geographical, economic, cultural, and political factors.  (MULTI-CULTURAL) (CORE: SOCIAL SCIENCES)

PS 2130.  State and Local Government/(3).F;S.
 
• An examination of the organization, problems and powers of state and local governments in the United States, focusing upon the responses of states, counties, and municipalities to needs caused by poverty, growth, and social change. (CORE: SOCIAL SCIENCES)

PS 2160.  Introduction to Public Administration/(3).F;S.
 
• A general survey course aimed at introducing the student to the theory and practice of public administration.  The course includes an introduction to organization, theory, personnel and financial administration and administrative responsibility.  The principal focus is on American public administration, but some comparisons and illustrations from other administrative systems are included.

PS 2240.  Comparative Politics/(3).F;S.
 
An examination of political system challenges and development patterns, with comparative reference to a number of systems including the Commonwealth of Soviet States, Britain, France, and selected African, Asian, and Latin American countries.  (MULTI-CULTURAL) (CORE: SOCIAL SCIENCES)

PS 2500.  Independent Study/(1-3).F;S.
 

PS 3110.  Political Theory Through Sixteenth Century/(3).F.
 

• An examination of political theory from approximately 300 B.C. through the sixteenth century.  The political philosophers studied include Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, Machiavelli, Luther, Calvin, and Jean Bodin.  Emphasis is placed on historical development of political philosophy. Offered alternate even years.  (CROSS-DISCIPLINARY)

PS 3115.  Research Methods/(3).F;S.
 
• An introduction to the logic and techniques of social science research with computer applications, examination of the structure of scientific inquiry, methods utilized to analyze information, with emphasis placed upon the interpretation of that information.  Required of all PS and CJ majors.  Prerequisite: STT 2810 or equivalent.  (Same as CJ 3115.)  (NUMERICAL DATA; COMPUTER) (ND Prerequisite: Passing the math placement test or successful completion of MAT 0010.)

PS 3121.  International Terrorism/(3).S.
 
• This course introduces the student to the characteristics of international terrorism, the causes of terrorism, and the control of terrorism.  Throughout, students are presented key concepts to which they can refer for analyzing the future of international terrorism.  (Same as CJ 3121.)

PS 3130.  American Political Parties and Interest Groups/(3).F.
 
• A study of the organization, tactics and functions of political parties and interest groups.  A comparison of goals and methods of influencing public policy ranging from the normal to the revolutionary.  Campaigning techniques discussed.

PS 3150.  Constitutional Law/(3).F.
 
• This course is designed to introduce students to the role of the courts (particularly the U.S. Supreme Court) as instruments of change in the United States.  The course will examine the powers of the judiciary and the limitations placed on the exercise of the courts' powers.  The courts and their role as interpreters of the Constitution will be seen primarily through an examination of Supreme Court decisions.  (WRITING)

PS 3210.  Political Theory From Seventeenth Century to the Present/(3).S.
 
• A study of political thought from the seventeenth century to the present.  Political philosophers studied include Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Hegel, Bentham, Marx, and Lenin.  Emphasis is placed on the development of nationalism, capitalism, communism, socialism, and fascism.  (CROSS-DISCIPLINARY)

PS 3230.  American Legislative Politics/(3).S.
 
• An examination of the structure, functions and behavior of Congress and state legislatures, with emphasis on how composition, leadership, constituency role orientations and interest groups actively influence public policy.  The legislative institutions are also viewed in relationship to larger environments and inclusive political systems.

PS 3280.  Public Policy Analysis/(3).F.
 
• A study of the policy-making process, with special attention to the various factors that influence policy choices in the American government and an examination of the procedures for evaluating actual and alternative public policy programs. (WRITING)

PS 3310.  Political Ideologies/(3).On Demand.
 
• A survey of the central ideas of various philosophers from the early Enlightenment to the late Twentieth Century.  Special emphasis will be given to a breadth of political ideas and ideologies, stressing the direct relationship between concepts and political life.  (SPEAKING)

PS 3330.  Urban Politics/(3).S.
 
• A focus upon politics in urban areas.  Topics include the problems of urban government, politics within metropolitan areas, community power structures, and decision-making structures.

PS 3500.  Independent Study/(1-3).F;S.

PS 3520.  Instructional Assistance/(1).F;S.
 
• A supervised experience in the instructional process on the university level through direct participation in a classroom situation.  Grading will be on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis only.  Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.  May be repeated for a total credit of three semester hours.

PS 3530-3549.  Selected Topics/(1-4).On Demand.

PS 3630.  Appalachian Politics/(3).On Demand.
 
• An examination of the fundamental political problems and possibilities for the people in the Appalachian Region.  The interrelationships of Appalachia with the larger American political system, political culture, and economy will also be studied.

PS 3660.  Administrative Law/(3).F.
 
• A study of the administrative powers and procedures in the United States and of the relevant experiences of some other democracies such as Britain, France with special attention to the legal and administrative methods of achieving a responsible bureaucracy and of balancing public interest with private rights.

PS 4175.  Public Opinion/(3).F.
 
• An examination of attitude and opinion formation within and among publics; the role and impact of government secrecy on opinion; and a study of media as influence mechanisms.

PS 4220.  International Political Economy/(3).S.Alternate years.
 
• Examines the interactions of politics, economic trends and business actions as they create patterns of international stability, crisis, and change.  (Same as ANT 4220.)

PS 4230.  The Presidency and the Executive Branch/(3).F.
 
• An examination of the central role of the American presidency in the political process.  Emphasis is given to contemporary responsibilities of the President and of the major agencies supporting the President.  (WRITING)

PS 4270.  Political Socialization/(3).S.
 
• Focuses upon the process by which political behavior is learned; analyzes the role of socialization agencies throughout the life cycle; cross national comparisons; political elites and masses examined; discussion of counterculture trends.

PS 4400.  Selected Topics in Political Science/(1-3).On Demand.
 
• An intensive examination of selected topics.

PS 4540.  Studies in Regional Political Patterns/(1-3).On Demand.
 
• An examination of selected regions of the world which have common historical and cultural patterns influencing their political styles and capabilities.  Topics may vary from semester to semester.

PS 4550.  Law and Society/(3).S.
 
• An examination of the relationship between the values and culture of a society and the laws which it adopts and how law interacts with and responds to change in social values as seen by the courts through selected cases.  (Same as CJ 4550.)  (WRITING; SPEAKING)

PS 4555.  East-Central Europe: Political and Economic Change/(3).F.
 
• An historical and theoretical analysis of the development of post WW II Marxist political/economic experiments in Eastern Europe ranging from the Praxist Marxist humanist critique in Yugoslavia to the transformative events in the 1980's towards market economics and democratization in East Central Europe, e.g., Poland's Solidarity movement and the Czechoslovakian playwright's revolution.  The course ranges from an anthropological/theoretical perspective and analysis at the local community level to the larger questions of the geo-political processes relating to changes in the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe and the larger European Community market and political unification.  (Same as ANT 4555.) (MULTI-CULTURAL; CROSS-DISCIPLINARY)

PS 4560.  Local Government Administration/(3).F;S.
 
• Administrative process, management, personnel, budget and finance, and intergovernmental relations in local government.  Prerequisite: Approval by Instructor.

PS 4661.  Court Administration/(3).F.
 
• This course is designed to familiarize students with the need for, and approaches to, more effective management of federal and state courts.  Topics include court reform, court unification, caseload management, alternative dispute resolution, personnel management and training, and audio-visual applications in the courts, among others.  (Same as CJ 4661.) (SPEAKING)

PS 4665.  Public Management/(3).F;S.
 
• A study of the organization and operation of government agencies and their role in policy making and implementation and an examination of the various concepts and theories pertaining to administrative behavior and to the performance of the basic tasks of management.  (WRITING)

PS 4680.  Organized Crime/(3).S.
 
• This course will provide an examination and analysis of views on the phenomena of organized crime and efforts to control it.  Attention will be paid to criminal organizations in the United States, their beginnings in other cultural and ethnic backgrounds and their relations with criminal organizations around the world.  In today's world, criminal organizations in other countries and their activities have a major impact on crime in the United States.  Therefore, a comparative approach to the subject must be used.  (Same as CJ 4680.)

PS 4710.  American Political Thought/(3).On Demand.
 
• A survey of the diverse political ideas represented in the American state from the colonial period to the present.  Special emphasis is given to the political problems that emerge with the process of industrialization and the movement into a postindustrial economy.  (CROSS-DISCIPLINARY)

PS 4720.  International Organization and Law/(3).S.
 
• An examination of the goals and structures of multinational organizations created to solve problems between nations, and the ways in which disputes between nations are settled.

PS 4722.  U.S. Foreign Policy/(3).F.
 
• Investigates U.S. foreign policy from differing perspectives, focusing in on the historical record and contemporary issues.  (WRITING; SPEAKING)

PS 4740.  Politics of Industrial Democracy/(3).S.
 
• An examination of patterns of governmental organization and socioeconomic policy outcomes in the democracies of Europe, North America, and Japan as a basis for comparative analysis.  Major issues confronting the democracies will be studied for possible options and comparisons of policy.  (MULTI-CULTURAL; WRITING)

PS 4742.  Politics of Developing Nations/(3).F.Alternate years.
 
• Focuses on the efforts of a majority of the world's governments to meet the twin challenges of participatory politics and of the Global market economy.

PS 4744.  Government and Politics of the Middle East/(3).S.
 
• An examination of the political, cultural, economic and social patterns of the Middle East.

PS 4746.  Government and Politics of Asia/(3).F.Alternate years.
 
• An examination of the countries in Asia.  Special attention will be focused on the interactions of the political, cultural, economic and social patterns of the area.

PS 4748.  Latin American Politics/(3).S.
 
• Examines Latin American politics in detail covering historical context, political actors, and current issues in Latin America.  (WRITING; SPEAKING; MULTI-CULTURAL)

PS 4900.  Internship in Public Affairs/(3-12).F;S.
 
• Field work in government, community, professional offices and agencies and involvement in problem solving in these offices and agencies.  Graded on S/U basis. (WRITING)

PS 4540. Studies in Regional Political Patterns/1-3). On Demand.
 
• An examination of selected regions of the world which have common historical and cultural patterns influencing their political styles and capabilities. Topics may vary from semester to semester.
PS 4550. Law and Society/(3).S.
 
• An examination of the relationship between the values and culture of a society and the laws which it adopts; how law interacts with and responds to change in social values as seen by the courts through selected cases.

 

PS 4555. East-Central Europe: Political and Economic Change/(3).F.
 

• An historical and theoretical analysis of the development of post WW II Marxist political/economic experiments in Eastern Europe ranging from the Praxist Marxist humanist critique in Yugoslavia to the transformative events in the 1980's towards market economics and democratization in East Central Europe, e.g., Poland's Solidarity movement and the Czechoslovakian playwright's revolution. The course ranges from an anthropological/theoretical perspective and analysis at the local community level to the larger questions of the geo-political processes relating to changes in the former Soviet Union, Eastern Europe and the larger European

Community market and political unification. (Same as ANT 4555.)
PS 4560. Local Government Administration/(3).F;S.
 
• Administrative process, management, personnel, budget and finance, and intergovernmental relations in local government. Prerequisite: approval by instructor.
PS 4661. Court Administration/(3).F.
 
• This course is designed to familiarize students with the need for, and approaches to, more effective management of federal and state courts.  Topics include court reform, court unification, caseload management, alternative dispute resolution, personnel management and training, and audio-visual applications in the courts, among

others. (Same as CJ 4661.)
PS 4665. Public Management/(3).F;S.
 
• A study of the organization and operation of government agencies and their role in policy making and implementation and an examination of the various concepts and theories pertaining to administrative behavior and to the performance of the basic tasks of management.

 

PS 4680. Organized Crime/(3).S.
 

• This course will provide an examination and analysis of views on the phenomena of organized crime and efforts to control it. Attention will be paid to criminal organizations in the United States, their beginnings in other cultural and ethnic backgrounds and their relations with criminal organizations around the world.  In today's world, criminal organizations in other countries and their activities have a major impact

on crime in the United States. Therefore, a comparative approach to the subject must be used.  (Same as CJ 4680).

 

PS 4710. American Political Thought/(3).On Demand.
 

• A survey of the diverse political ideas represented in the American state from the

colonial period to the present. Special emphasis is given to the political problems that emerge with the process of industrialization and the movement into a postindustrial economy.
PS 4720. International Organization and Law/(3).S.
 
• An examination of the goals and structures of multinational organizations created to solve problems between nations, and the ways in which disputes between nations are settled.

 

PS 4722. U.S. Foreign Policy/(3).F.
 

• Investigates U.S. foreign policy from differing perspectives, focusing in on the historical record and contemporary issues.

 

PS 4740. Politics of Industrial Democracies/(3).S.
 

• An examination of patterns of governmental organization and socioeconomic policy outcomes in the democracies of Europe, North America, and Japan as a basis for comparative analysis. Major issues confronting the democracies will be studied for

possible options and comparisions of policy.

 

PS 4742. Politics of Developing Nations/(3).F. (Alternate years).
 

• Focuses on the efforts of a majority of the world's governments to meet the twin challenges of participatory politics and of the Global market economy.

 

PS 4744. Government and Politics of the Middle East/(3).S.
 

• An examination of the political, cultural, economic and social patterns of the Middle East.
PS 4746. Government and Politics of Asia/(3).F. (Alternate years).
 
• An examination of the countries in Asia. Special attention will be focused on the interactions of the political, cultural, economic and social patterns of the area.
PS 4748. Latin American Politics/(3).S.
 
• Examines Latin American politics in detail covering historical context, political actors, and current issues in Latin America.
PS 4900. Internship in Public Affairs/(3-12).F;S.
 
• Field work in government, community, professional offices and agencies and involvement in problem solving in these offices and agencies. Graded on

S/U basis.
PS 5000. Research Methods/(3).F.
 
• The goal of this course is the development of the analytical abilities of the student. The foundations of inquiry, the various approaches to the study of social phenomena, and several analytical techniques are presented, discussed, and practiced.
PS 5010. Seminar in Political Philosophy/(3).S.
 
• The seminar will provide an overview and critique of the literature in the field of political philosophy from the Enlightenment to the present.
PS 5020. Pro-Seminar in International Relations/(3).S.(Alternate years).
 
• The seminar will provide an overview and critique of the literature in the field on international relations.
PS 5030. Seminar in American Government and Politics/(3).F.
 
• Special investigation of selected topics in American government and politics. The topics may vary from year to year.

 
PS 5040. Pro-Seminar in Comparative Politics/(3).S. (Alternate years).
 
• The seminar will provide an overview and critique of the literature in the field of comparative politics.

 
PS 5050. Seminar in Public Law and Judicial Behavior/(3).S.
 
• An examination of the multiple roles of law and the judicial system in the formulation and execution of public policy, to include the role of the judiciary in politics and government with emphasis on variables affecting judicial decision making.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PS 5060. Seminar in Public Administration/(3).F.
 
• History and development of the field of public administration with focus on the role of the administrator in the political process. Analysis of public agencies in a political context.  Consideration of contemporary issues related to the field such as administrative ethics, decision making, and strategic planning.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PS 5120. Readings and Research in International Relations/(3).F.
 
• The problems and policies of developing nations, the issues of colonialism, imperialism, nationalism, and an examination of current methodological trends in the exploration of these problem areas.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

PS 5130. Appalachian Political Perspectives/(3).F.
 
• An examination of the political process in the Appalachian region. The fundamental political problems, the interrelationships of Appalachia and its people with the larger American political system, political culture, and economy. Offered alternate odd years.

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

5160. Topics in Public Administration/(3).S.
 
• An examination of selected problems in public administration with emphasis on analytical case studies.
 
 
5180. Public Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation/(3).S.
 
• An examination of the major forces that influence the formation, implementation and administration of public policy and methodological approaches to assess the impact of public policies. Prerequisite: PS 5000.

 
PS 5240. Seminar in Comparative Government and Politics/(3).S.
 
• An examination of selected topics in comparative political analysis. The topics may vary from year to year.


PS 5260. Organization Theory and Behavior/(3).S.
 
• An examination of the basic theoretical approaches and issues in organizations and organizational behavior and the dynamics of human interactions within public bureaucracies.

 
PS 5330. Problems in State and Local Government/(3).S.
 
• Research on selected topics in American state and local government. The topics may vary from year to year.

 
PS 5360. Public Personnel Administration/(3).S.
 
• Overview of public personnel practices with a focus on methods of employee recruitment selection, evaluation, and related aspects. Analysis of issue areas such as fair employment practices, affirmative action, and comparable worth.

 
PS 5460. Budgeting and Fiscal Administration/(3).F.
 
• The politics of budgeting, budgetary process, and fiscal administration in public and non-profit agencies.

 
PS 5500. Independent Study/(1-3).F;S.
 
PS 5530-5549. Selected Topics/(1-4).On Demand.
 
5800. Directed Research/(3).On Demand.
 
• Directed research on a topic selected by the student in consulation with the instructor.

Student is expected to write a major research paper on this topic. May not be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: PS 5000.
 
PS 5850. Social Science Seminar/(3).On Demand.
 
• A review and evaluation of the literature of the individual social science disciplines, as well as social science in general, emphasizing contemporary contexts, philosophical

underpinnings, theoretical concerns, and methodological convergence. Prerequisite: twelve semester hours of graduate work. (Same as GHY/HIS/SOC 5850).
 
PS 5900. Internship in Public Affairs/(3-9).F;S.
 
• Field work in government, community, professional offices and agencies and involvement in problem solving in these offices and agencies. Graded on S/U basis only.

 
 
 
PS 5999. Thesis/(2-4).F;S.
 
• Graded on S/U basis.