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 1000, 1010 |
6 |
|
Core
Courses: PSPA 2000, 2170, 2190, 2330 |
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 3000 or 4000 level.
Pre Law Option Package:
PSPA 3030, 3100, 3110, 3120; and choose two other Political Science courses at the 3000 or 4000 level**
Public Policy and Administration Option Package:
PSPA 2010 or 2020; PSPA 2100; PSPA 3310 or 4400; PSPA 3600; PSPA 4530 or 4500; one other Political Science course at the 3000 or 4000 level.
International Studies Option Package:
PSPA 2510; two courses from PSPS 3000-3100; 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 1030; SOC 2700; PSY 3050; REC 4250; SOC 3750; SWK 3840
Suggested Electives: SOC 2800, SWK 3480, SWK 3500
*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 1000, 1010, 2000, 2170, 2190, 2330;
Any three additional courses in political science with at least one at the 3000 or 4000 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 1000, 2010 or 2020, 2100, 2190, 2330.
One other Political Science Course at the 3000 or 4000 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 1000, 2170, 2190, 2330, 3100, 3120
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 1000, 1010, 2000, 2330
and any two additional 3000-4000 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 1000. 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 1010. 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 2130. 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 2330. 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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 3030. 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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 3930. 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 1050 or 1070 or permission of instructor.
PSPA 4180. 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 1000 or 1010.
DIRECTED RESEARCH AND INDEPENDENT STUDY
PSPA 3980. 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 1000 or 1010 and permission of instructor.
PSPA 3990. 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 1000 or 1010 and permission of instructor.
PSPA 4990. 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. PREREQ: PSPA 1000 or 1010 and permission of instructor.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
PSPA 2010.
An examination of the setting,
institutions, politics, and policies of state governments in the
PSPA 2020. Local Government in the
An examination of the setting,
institutions, politics, and policies of local government in the
PSPA 2150.
A study of the
PSPA 2170. 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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 3010. 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 1010 and 2330.
PSPA 3040. 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 1010 and 2330.
PSPA 3050. 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 1010 and 2330.
PSPA 3060. 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 1010 and 2330.
PSPA 3100. 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 1010 and 2170.
PSPA 3110. 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 1010 and 2170.
PSPA 3120. 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 1010 and 2170.
PSPA 4020. 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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 4050.
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 4500/PAD 5500. 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 2330 and one other 3000 level course in American Government.
PUBLIC POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION
PSPA 2100. 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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 2190. 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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 3020. 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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 3310. Public Finance (ECN 3300)
A study of revenue and expenditure
on all governmental levels in the
PSPA 3600. 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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 3610. Advanced Internship in Public Administration
This is a continuation of the internship of PSPA 3600. 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 3600.
PSPA 3640. 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 1000 or 1010, and consent of instructor and departmental chair.
PSPA 4400. 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 4530/ PAD 5510. 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 2100, 2330.
COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
PSPA 2000. 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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 3750. 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 4200. 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 1000 or 1010.
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION, RELATIONS, AND LAW
PSPA 2510. Introduction to World Politics (WLS 2510)
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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 2520. 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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 3220. 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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 3620. 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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 3800. 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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 3810. 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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 4170. 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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 4300. 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 1000 or 1010.
PSPA 4510. Formulation and Conduct of American Foreign Policy
This course
examines how
PSPA 4520. 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 3000-3100. 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