POLITICAL SCIENCE AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Chair: Nicholas A. Giannatasio
Faculty: William G. Albrecht, Daniel G.
Barbee, Kevin S. Freeman, Sean Giovanello, Carole
Graham-Freeman, Michael R. Hawthorne, Elizabeth L. Normandy, Robert O.
Schneider
Political Science is the
systematic study of politics. In its
broadest sense, politics includes the decision‑making and decision‑enforcing
processes concerned with the use of valued resources for any group that makes
and enforces rules for its members. In
this department the emphasis is upon the parts of these processes involving the
government.
The Department of Political Science and Public Administration seeks to
follow the aims of the liberal arts tradition. It also seeks to provide
political science and public administration students with an educational
background that will prepare them for a wide range of career opportunities and
that are expected by prospective employers from the fields of Law, Foreign
Service, Public Administration, Journalism, “Practical Politics,” and Teaching.
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
|
Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree
in Political Science |
Sem. Hrs. |
|
Freshman
Seminar |
1 |
|
General
Education Requirements* |
44 |
|
Major
Requirements |
37 |
|
Electives |
39 |
|
|
Total: 121 |
|
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS: (37 Hours) |
|
|
Introductory
Requirement: PSPA 100, 101 |
6 |
|
Core
Courses: PSPA 200, 217, 219, 233 |
13 |
|
Option
Courses [choose one option package below] |
18 |
|
|
Total: 37 |
General Option Package:
Choose any six additional Political Science courses with at least four of the six at the 300 or 400 level.
Pre Law Option Package:
PSPA 303, 310, 311, 312; and choose two other Political Science courses at the 300 or 400 level**
Public Policy and Administration Option Package:
PSPA 201 or 202; PSPA 210; PSPA 331 or 440; PSPA 360; PSPA 453 or 450; one other Political Science course at the 300 or 400 level.
International Studies Option Package:
PSPA 251; two courses from PSPS 300-310; and three other International Relations or Comparative Politics courses chosen in consultation with the International Studies advisor.
Public Policy and Administration with Applied Gerontology Minor: (55 hours)
1. Complete Public Policy and Administration Option Requirements above. (37 hours)
2. Complete Applied Gerontology Minor (18 hours)
BIO 103; SOC 270; PSY 305; REC 425; SOC 375; SWK 384
Suggested Electives: SOC 280, SWK 348, SWK 350
*Students who plan a major in Political Science should consult with the Department Chair prior to registering for General Education courses.
**Chosen in consultation with the pre‑law advisor
ACADEMIC CONCENTRATION
Academic Concentration in Political Science: (28 Hours)
For students seeking a baccalaureate degree in Elementary Education, Special Education, or Physical Education, the Political Science Department offers an Academic Concentration of 28 hours. This Academic Concentration is available to other students, regardless of major.
Requirements:
PSPA 100, 101, 200, 217, 219, 233;
Any three additional courses in political science with at least one at the 300 or 400 level.
MINORS
Public Policy and Administration Minor: (19 Hours)
The department believes that there are many students
majoring in Business Administration and Economics, Education, Sociology, and
other disciplines who may someday seek employment in some administrative
position in the public sector. While not wishing to major in political science,
these students would benefit from a structured set of courses outlining the
operations and problems of the administrator of a public agency. Even if the
student never seeks employment as public administrator, the department believes
that exposure to these courses within the public administration minor will help
the student to perform their private sector administration roles more capably,
especially since the growth of government has created numerous points of
contact between public sector and private sector administrators.
Requirements:
PSPA 100, 201 or 202, 210, 219, 233.
One other Political Science Course at the 300 or 400 level.
Legal Studies Minor: (19 Hours)
The minor in legal studies is designed to accommodate
the student who is majoring in some other discipline and also quite interested
in going to law school and pursuing a legal career. This allows the student to
concentrate in a particular area of expertise within which he or she plans to specialize
once the student begins to practice law. Rather than require the student to
major in political science, the minor in Legal Studies gives the student more
flexibility to pursue other interests while receiving a sound preparation for
law school study.
Requirements:
PSPA 100, 217, 219, 233, 310, 312
General Political Science Minor: (19 Hours)
This third minor is less structured than the other
minors because the department wishes to accommodate the student who enjoys
political science, but who does not wish to pursue a major because of other
career or vocational goals. The
department wishes to encourage the student to take an “eclectic” approach and
enroll in courses that discuss topics of interest to the student so that the
individual needs of the student will be better met.
Requirements:
PSPA 100, 101, 200, 233
and any two additional 300-400 level Political Science courses.
The Department of Political
Science participates in two interdepartmental minors: Personnel and
Organizational Leadership and World Studies.
For further details on this minor see Special Programs
section.
COURSES (PSPA)
INTRODUCTION
PSPA 100. Introduction to Political Science
A study of general political science concepts, definitions, and approaches within the framework of discussions of how individuals and groups may be able to utilize more effectively the political, social, and economic systems with which they come into contact. Fall, Spring. Credit, 3 semester. hours.
PSPA 101. Introduction to American National Government
An introductory study of: (1) the basic concepts of political science, (2) the brief history of the basic principles of the Constitution, (3) the structure, functions of and the relations between the legislative, executive and judicial branches of national government, and (4) the relations between the national and state governments. Fall, Spring. Credit, 3 semester hours.
THEORY, PHILOSOPHY, AND METHODOLOGY
PSPA 213. Contemporary Political Ideologies
A study of twentieth century ideologies, including liberalism, conservatism, Nazism, fascism, communism, democratic socialism, and more recent doctrines such as third world nationalism, minority liberation, women’s liberation, and the new left. As announced. Credit, 3 sem. hours.
PSPA 233. Introduction to Theory and Methodology
This course concerns basic concepts of political science and teaches the student how to do research, use the library, evaluate the research of others, draw a graph, construct a table, and use a few simple statistical techniques. Fall, even years. Credit, 4 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 303. Political Thought
A study of the historic and conceptual background of political thought from the classical through contemporary political thinkers. Emphasis is placed on the application of ideas and concepts learned to current political and personal situations so as to enable the student to function better and more thoughtfully as an individual and as a member of various social and political systems. Spring, odd‑numbered years. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 393. Census Data for Social Sciences and Business
An introduction to accessing, analyzing, and interpreting census data. Emphasis is placed on using census data for research in social science, marketing, and related fields. As announced. Credit, 1 semester hour. PREREQ: MAT 105 or 107 or permission of instructor.
PSPA 418. Special Topics in Theory, Philosophy, and Methodology
An in‑depth study of a selected topic from the field of political philosophy or methodology. Fall, odd‑numbered years. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
DIRECTED RESEARCH AND INDEPENDENT STUDY
PSPA 398. Directed Research in Political Science I
Written acceptance by a supervising faculty member is required, based on the student’s written proposal. A copy of the proposal together with the faculty member’s acceptance must be submitted for approval to the Department Chair prior to registration. Fall or Spring. Credit, 1‑3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101 and permission of instructor.
PSPA 399. Directed Research in Political Science II
Written acceptance by a supervising faculty member is required, based on the student’s written proposal. A copy of the proposal together with the faculty member’s acceptance must be submitted for approval to the Department Chair prior to registration. Fall or Spring. Credit, 1‑3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101 and permission of instructor.
PSPA 499. Independent Study in Political Science
Directed reading and research under the guidance of the instructor in a specific area or problem in political science. Scheduled only for senior political science majors with the approval of the Chair of the Department. Fall or Spring. Credit, 1‑3 semester hours.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
PSPA 201.
An examination of the setting,
institutions, politics, and policies of state governments in the
PSPA 202. Local Government in the
An examination of the setting,
institutions, politics, and policies of local government in the
PSPA 215.
A study of the
PSPA 217. Judicial Process and Behavior
An examination of the role of judges, lawyers, and jurors in the decision‑making process as influenced by their recruitment and socialization of the political framework in which they operate, and the various factors, ideology, attitudes, and values that influence their decisions. Fall, even‑numbered years. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 301. Political Parties and Interest Groups in the
The history, development, organization, functions and purpose of parties and interest groups, and the role played by them in the policy-making and election of the government in the United States and other Western democracies. Fall, alternate even‑numbered years, beginning 1990. Credit, 3 sem. hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 304. Legislative Process in the
A study of: (1) the distribution of the legislative power in the three branches of the government, (2) the structure and functions of the legislature, (3) the actual process of legislation both in the national and state governments, its defects and remedies, and (4) the attainment of responsible and responsive government. Important legislative problems will be selected and serve as a basis for analyzing the legislative process. Spring, alternate even‑numbered years, starting in 1990. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101
PSPA 305. Public Opinion and Elections in the American Political System
A study of the nature of public opinion, campaigns, and elections and their functions in the American political system. Fall, alternate even‑numbered years, beginning 1988. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 306. The American Presidency
The central role of the American presidency in the political process and the relationship among the presidency and the other branches of government. Spring, alternate even‑ numbered years, beginning 1988. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 310. Constitutional Law
A study of (1) the federal system, especially the relations between the national government and the States, and (2) the jurisdiction of the federal courts. Spring of odd-numbered years. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 311. Constitutional Law of Individual and Equal Rights
A study of the U.S. Constitution and appellate court rulings and interpretations of civil liberties and individual rights. Spring of even-numbered years Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 217.
PSPA 312. Law of Criminal Procedure
Constitutional limitations on police activity. Due process; right to counsel; arrest, search and seizure; electronic eavesdropping; confessions; and the scope of exclusionary rules. Fall. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 402. Selected Topics in American Government
A study of selected problems, either in theory or in practice, in American government, with readings, discussions and papers on these problems. Fall or Spring. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 405.
This internship presents an opportunity for a
student to get a deeper
understanding of the legislative process by participating in the
activities of a U.S. Congressman’s office. The intern will spend a semester in
PSPA 450/PAD 550. American Policy Process
Survey of American policy processes, including institutional responses to policy demands, agenda setting, implementation, and outcomes. Approaches to analyzing both processes and outcomes will be discussed. Students will be expected to engage in analysis of policy problems. Fall or Spring. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 233 and one other 300 level course in American Government.
PUBLIC POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
PSPA 210. Introduction to Public Administration
An introductory study of general principles and problems of administrative organization in government: federal, state, and local. The role, relationships, processes, and control of governmental institutions, in the political context, with special emphasis on the American experience, will be surveyed. Spring, even‑numbered years. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 219. Public Policy and Analysis
This course seeks to explore both the causes and consequences of public policy, i.e., both policy determination and policy impacts. The former is concerned with political, economic, social, environmental or other factors which are hypothesized to be political determinants. The latter is concerned with social, economic, political, or other conditions which are hypothesized to be policy impacts. Fall, even‑numbered years. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 302. Administration of Municipal Government in the
A study of American municipal government in its setting and development, power and politics, management process, administration of services, social and economic problems, planning, fiscal problems and practices, intergovernmental relations, and emerging trends. Spring. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 331. Public Finance (ECN 330)
A study of revenue and expenditure
on all governmental levels in the
PSPA 360. Introductory Internship in Public Administration
The acquisition of public management experience through an arranged internship in a government or community agency or enterprise, under the instruction and supervision of the major professor and a designated official of the agency or enterprise involved. Fall or Spring. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 361. Advanced Internship in Public Administration
This is a continuation of the internship of PSPA 360. It continues the acquisition of public management experience through an arranged internship in a government or community agency or enterprise, under the instruction and supervision of the major professor and a designated official of the agency or enterprise involved. Fall or Spring. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 360.
PSPA 364. Practicum in Public Administration
Restriction: Open to majors in Political Science only. This course provides students with management experience of at least 80 working days with regular wages provided by a government or community agency. Working under the supervision of a professor and a designated official of the agency, students produce an extended report exploring a concern of the agency. As announced. Credit, 6 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101, and consent of instructor and departmental chair.
PSPA 440. Comparative Public Administration
Examination and analysis are made of the
administrative systems of foreign governments of selected Western and non‑Western
countries; attention is given to practices applicable to administration in the
PSPA 453/MPM 551. Advanced Public Administration
Focus on managerial, political, and legal theories and processes of public administration; examination of how these are used to fulfill legislative, executive, and judicial mandates for the provision of regulatory and service functions for American society as a whole, and for some segments of it. Fall or Spring. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 210, 233.
COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
PSPA 200. Introduction to Comparative Politics
This course provides students with a basic understanding of the political science sub-field of Comparative Politics. It is designed to introduce the various approaches to comparative political analysis. Students will analyze, compare, and contrast the basic political structures, political behavior, public policy, and political procedures of several different countries, each of which has a unique political and cultural structure. Spring. Credit, 3 semester hrs. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 375. Politics in the Developing World
This course
explores issues relating to the social, economic, and political conditions of
the developing world. It intends to
answer questions such as: 1) What is the
PSPA 420. Special Topics in Comparative Politics
An in‑depth study of a selected topic from the field of comparative politics. Spring and Fall, odd‑numbered years. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION, RELATIONS, AND LAW
PSPA 251. Introduction to World Politics (WLS 251)
This course gives students a basic understanding of the major issues and aspects of world politics. It includes an overview of trends in world politics in the twenty-first century, considers the relevant global actors, explores the relevance of non-state actors, and focuses on the increasing importance of issues relating to global welfare. A central premise is that world politics is a combination of political, historical, economic, and sociological factors which are not static. Fall. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 252. Theories of International Relations
Analyzes the methods and dominant approaches to the study of international relations including international political economy, theories of conflict, decision‑making theory, integration theory and deterrence. Fall, even-numbered years. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 322. International Political Economy
This course examines the political dynamics of the development and management of the contemporary international economic system. It analyzes major issues in the global political economy, including theoretical approaches to understanding the tension between politics and economics, monetary and trade policy, foreign aid, debt, North–South relations, and international environmental issues. Fall of even-numbered years. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 362. International Issues
This course examines selected contemporary political issues and trends, with emphasis on the influence of major political and social arrangements and institutions that play a role international politics. Topics covered may include: international trade, economic development, wars, arms control, terrorism, ethnic conflict, human rights, status of women, population growth, food security, and environmental degradation. The class will serve as a forum for debate about a number of these issues. Spring of even-numbered years. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 380. International Organizations
A survey of the historical evolution, functions and current policies of various types of regional and universal organizations and their role in contemporary international relations. Organizations that deal with transnational issues, peacekeeping, and international political economy will be featured. Special emphasis will be placed on the United Nations, its structure, and its role in the world. Spring, even‑numbered years. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 381. International Law
This course introduces students to the field of international law. It emphasizes the connection between international law and world order. Topics covered include sources of international law, its relation to municipal law, the rights and duties of states and individuals, state territory and jurisdiction, international agreements, nationality and the treatment of aliens, diplomatic and consular relations, war and the use of force, and common space resource regimes. Fall of odd-numbered years. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 417. International Security Policy
This course introduces students to the issues, concepts, and theories relating to security in the contemporary international system. It will examine a number of strategies for addressing problems related to war and peace in world politics. It will consider such topics as the nature and origins of war, arms control and proliferation, terrorism, and the causes and consequences of a number of international conflicts, both past and present. Particular attention will be paid to the process of peacekeeping and peacemaking as it relates to international security. Spring of odd-numbered years. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 430. Special Topics in International Politics
An in‑depth study of a selected topic in the field of international politics. As announced. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PSPA 100 or 101.
PSPA 451. Formulation and Conduct of American Foreign Policy
This course
examines how
PSPA 452. Problems in American Foreign Policy
A study of
the major issues and problems in American foreign policy, including tradition
and other constant factors of policy, with emphasis on the historical
development of U.S. foreign policy in post-World War II period. Areas covered may include: World War II and the origins of the Cold War;
the development of the Cold War under Truman and Eisenhower; and the foreign policies
of
PSPS 300-310. Regional Area Studies
These courses examine the politics and governments
of specific geographic regions. Selected
countries within each region may be identified for in-depth comparison. Topics may include political culture,
political thought, geography, history, political and economic development, and
comparative public policy. The courses may contain an analysis of the foreign
policies of a specific geographic region with special attention to the role of
the