POLITICAL SCIENCE
Chair: Kevin S. Freeman
Faculty:
Kirill Bumin, Carole
Graham, Kenneth D. Kitts, Emily A. Neff-Sharum, Elizabeth L. Normandy, Martin Slann
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 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, ÒPractical Politics,Ó 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: PLS 1000, 1010 |
6 |
|
Core
Courses: PLS 2000, 2170, 2330, 2510 |
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:
PLS 3030, 3100, 3110, 3120
Two other Political Science courses at the 3000 or 4000 level chosen in consultation with the Pre-Law Advisor
International Studies Option Package:
Any two courses from PLSS 3000-3100
Four other courses taken from the following list: PLS 2520, 3220, 3312, 3600**, 3610**, 3620, 3800, 3810, 4170, 4300, 4400, 4510, 4520, PLSS 3010-3100, WLS 4300
Public Administration Option Package:
Students interested in the
Public Administration concentration should consult the separate listing under
the Department of Public Administration.
*Students who plan a major in Political Science should consult with the Department Chair prior to registering for General Education courses.
** Assumes that said internships are with public or private enterprises with a clear international focus, as determined by the Department Chair.
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:
PLS 1000, 1010, 2000, 2170, 2330, 2510;
Any three additional courses in political science with at least one at the 3000 or 4000 level.
MINORS
Legal Studies Minor: (18 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:
PLS 1000, 1010, 2170, 3100, 3110, 3120
General Political Science Minor: (19 Hours)
This minor is less structured 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 ÒeclecticÓ 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:
PLS 1000, 1010, 2000, 2330
and any two additional 3000- or 4000-level Political Science courses.
Public Administration Minor (19 hours)
Students interested in the Public Administration concentration
should consult the separate listing under the Department of Public
Administration.
COURSES (PLS)
INTRODUCTION
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester. hours.
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester hours.
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
PLS 2010. American State Government
An examination of the setting, institutions, politics, and policies of state governments in the United States. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 2020. Local Government in the United States
An examination of the setting, institutions, politics, and policies of local government in the United States. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 2150. North Carolina Politics and Government
A study of the North Carolina political system: its environment, the forces and elements making up the system, the policies of that system, and the impact of the policies. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 3010. Political Parties and Interest Groups in the United States
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. Credit, 3 sem. hours. PREREQ: PLS 1010 and 2330.
PLS 3020. Administration of Municipal Government in the United States
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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 3040. Legislative Process in the United States
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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1010 and 2330.
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1010 and 2330.
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1010 and 2330.
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1010 and 2170.
PLS 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. PREREQ: PLS 1010 and 2170.
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1010 and 2170.
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 4050. Washington Internship
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. CongressmanÕs office. The intern will spend a semester in Washington, D.C. working in the office of a Congressman and will be responsible for performing assigned research on legislative issues as well as working on constituency problems. Students will be assigned reading material on the legislative process and will be required to submit various papers in order to fulfill the internship requirements. The internship is limited to Political Science majors. No more than six credit hours may be applied to fulfill the thirty‑six hour requirement for a major in political science nor is the student eligible to enroll in any other departmental internship program (PLS 360, 361, or 364). Scheduled for political science majors with the approval of the Chair of the Department. Credit, 6‑12 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1010 and Junior or Senior standing required at time of participation.
DIRECTED RESEARCH AND INDEPENDENT STUDY
PLS 3600. Introductory Internship in Political Science
The acquisition of political and/or legal 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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000.
PLS 3610. Advanced Internship in Political Science
This is a continuation of the internship of PLS 3600. It continues the acquisition of political and/or legal 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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 3600.
PLS 3980. Directed Research in Political Science I
Written acceptance by a supervising faculty member is required, based on the studentÕs written proposal. A copy of the proposal together with the faculty memberÕs acceptance must be submitted for approval to the Department Chair prior to registration. Credit, 1‑3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010 and permission of instructor.
PLS 3990. Directed Research in Political Science II
Written acceptance by a supervising faculty member is required, based on the studentÕs written proposal. A copy of the proposal together with the faculty memberÕs acceptance must be submitted for approval to the Department Chair prior to registration. Credit, 1‑3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010 and permission of instructor.
PLS 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. Credit, 1‑3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010 and permission of instructor.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COMPARATIVE POLITICS
PLS 1200. Introduction to Asian Studies (HST 1200/PHI 1200)
An introduction to the field of Asian Studies
through an interdisciplinary perspective combining history, politics,
economics, philosophy, and culture using a variety of theories, methodologies,
and sources (textbook, book chapters, articles, literature). The course focuses on East Asia (China,
Japan, Korea) but will also include India, Southeast Asia, and other countries. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: C or better in ENG 1050
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester hrs. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 2060. Model United Nations
A study of diplomacy and parliamentary procedure culminating in the practical application of these skills via participation in a Model United Nations Conference. May be repeated up to four times. Additional fees may be required. Credit, 1 semester hour.
PLS 2070. Model Arab League
A study of diplomacy and parliamentary procedure culminating in the practical application of these skills via participation in a Model Arab League Conference. May be repeated up to four times. Additional fees may be required. Credit, 1 semester hour.
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 3312. Political Geography (GGY 3312)
An examination of how geography and politics are tied together at a variety of spatial scales and in different global locations. Includes discussions of political geography both within and between states as well as those areas beyond the states, such as the sea and outer space. Credit, 3 semester hours.
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 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 Third World and how is it characterized? 2) What is development and is it desirable? and 3) How do countries attain development? Topics to be discussed include: history and geography; population, food and education; political conflict and instability; trade and the world economy; and women in the developing world. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 4190. Topics in Terrorism
This course will provide an in-depth study of the field of terrorism relative to its impact on national security and comparative international politics. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 and CRJ 2010.
PLS 4200. Special Topics in Comparative Politics
An in‑depth study of a selected topic from the field of comparative politics. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 4300. Special Topics in International Politics
An in‑depth study of a selected topic in the field of international politics. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 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 United States. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 4510. Formulation and Conduct of American Foreign Policy
This course examines how United States foreign policy is both created and conducted. It characterizes American foreign policy in general, looks at how government institutions act and interact with one another on foreign policy issues, and discusses the position of the United States in world politics. The roles and interrelations of the executive, Congress, the departments of state and defense, the intelligence community, the media, and public opinion are areas that may be covered. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 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 U.S. administrations from Kennedy to the present. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLSS 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 U.S. in that area. Asia, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East are areas for possible study in t his course. The area of study and specific focus will rotate. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
THEORY, PHILOSOPHY, AND METHODOLOGY
PLS 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, womenÕs liberation, and the new left. Credit, 3 sem. hours.
PLS 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. Credit, 4 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 3025. Fundamentalisms (REL 3025)
Starting in the 1970s, there has been a substantial
growth in the strength of religious radical movements sometimes known as
Òfundamentalist,Ó which seek to manifest their religious faith in the political
arena. The course will examine these phenomena in comparative perspective
primarily in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We will focus on the religious
players in the Middle East conflict. Special attention will be given to the
place of Jerusalem as a focal center for religious extremist activity. Credit,
3 semester hours.
PLS 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. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 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. Credit, 1 semester hour. PREREQ: MAT 1050 or 1070 or permission of instructor.
PLS 4180. Special Topics in Theory, Philosophy, and Methodology
An in‑depth study of a selected topic from the field of political philosophy or methodology. Credit, 3 semester hours. PREREQ: PLS 1000 or 1010.
PLS 4225. Environmental Politics and Policy
An analysis of environmentalism as a political phenomenon. Examines controversial political issues about environmental matters and analyzes the impacts of these issues on the formulation and implementation of governmental policies and regulations. Credit, 3 semester hours.