Political Science

Classes

POL 103 : Current Affairs

This course sequence is designed to acquaint students with major issues and problems of contemporary society through examination of current events. Emphasis is placed on topics which contribute to student awareness of historical development and political significances of selected contemporary issues. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and explain factors in the historical development of, explain political significances of and express informed judgments about selected contemporary social and political issues. As needed.

Credits

2

Prerequisites

Permission of instructor

POL 104 : Current Affairs

This course sequence is designed to acquaint students with major issues and problems of contemporary society through examination of current events. Emphasis is placed on topics which contribute to student awareness of historical development and political significances of selected contemporary issues. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and explain factors in the historical development of, explain political significances of and express informed judgments about selected contemporary social and political issues. As needed.

Credits

2

Prerequisites

Permission of instructor

POL 105 : Current Affairs

This course sequence is designed to acquaint students with major issues and problems of contemporary society through examination of current events. Emphasis is placed on topics which contribute to student awareness of historical development and political significances of selected contemporary issues. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and explain factors in the historical development of, explain political significances of and express informed judgments about selected contemporary social and political issues. As needed.

Credits

2

Prerequisites

Permission of instructor

POL 106 : Current Affairs

This course is a study of contemporary world events as reflected in current media reports. Emphasis is placed on topics of current significance in news or human interest events on the national and international levels. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and explain factors involved with, explain political significances of, and express informed judgments about selected contemporary social and political issues. As needed.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

Permission of instructor

POL 200 : Introduction to Political Science

This course is an introduction to the field of political science through examination of the fundamental principles, concepts, and methods of the discipline, and the basic political processes and institutions of organized political systems. Topics include approaches to political science, research methodology, the state, government, law, ideology, organized political influences, governmental bureaucracy, problems in political democracy, and international politics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify, describe, define, analyze, and explain relationships among the basic principles and concepts of political science and political processes and institutions of contemporary political systems.

Credits

3

POL 211 : American National Government

This course surveys the background, constitutional principles, organization, and operation of the American political system. Topics include the U.S. Constitution, federalism, civil liberties, civil rights, political parties, interest groups, political campaigns, voting behavior, elections, the presidency, bureaucracy, Congress, and the justice system. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and explain relationships among the basic elements of American government and function as more informed participants of the American political system.

Credits

3

POL 220 : State and Local Government

This course is a study of the forms of organization, functions, institutions, and operation of American state and local governments. Emphasis is placed on the variety of forms and functions of state and local governments, with particular attention to those in Alabama and to the interactions between state and local government and the national government. Upon completion, students should be able to identify elements of and explain relationships among the state, local, and national governments of the U.S., and function as more informed participants of state and local political systems.

Credits

3

POL 230 : Comparative Government

This course introduces comparative analysis of political systems. Emphasis is placed on institutions and processes of contemporary national political systems in selected democratic industrial nations. Upon completion, students should be able to compare and contrast the organization, institutions, and processes of major types of governmental systems of the world. As needed.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

Permission of the instructor

POL 236 : Survey of International Relations

This course is a survey of the basic forces affecting international relations. Topics include bases of national power, balance of power, causes of war, the international political economy, international law, international organization, and possible futures of international relations. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and discuss relevant terms and concepts, and identify, analyze, evaluate, and discuss the primary factors influencing the international relations of selected states. As needed.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

Permission of instructor

POL 240 : Political Theory

This course is an introduction to political theory through examination of philosophical concepts related to development of modern political ideologies. Emphasis is placed on selected sources of political philosophies. Upon completion, students should be able to identify selected political concepts and associated philosophers, and define, analyze, and explain major tenets of selected ideologies. As needed.

Credits

3

Prerequisites

Permission of instructor

POL 299 : Directed Studies

This course provides opportunities for non-traditional exploration of selected topics in political science. Emphasis is placed on knowledge and experience students gain through learning activities such as guided reading, internships, and programs combining personal experience with related intensive study. Upon completion, students should be able to prepare papers, presentations, or other projects on approved topics related to their individual experiences. As needed.

Credits

1 - 3

Prerequisites

Permission of Department Chair