POLITICAL
SCIENCE
Chair:
Kevin S. Freeman
Faculty: Kirill Bumin, Carole Graham,
Kenneth D. Kitts1, Mark Milewicz2, Emily A. Neff-Sharum,
Elizabeth L. Normandy3
1Provost and Vice Chancellor for
Academic Affairs
2Dean, Esther G. Maynor Honors
College
3Associate Vice Chancellor, Academic
Planning and Special Projects
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, “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: 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 or PHI 2050; PLS 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 2060***, 2070***, 2520, 3025, 3220, 3312, 3600**, 3610**,
3620, 3750, 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.
***While
both PLS 2060 and PLS 2070 can be taken up to four times each, they only count
once each for the purpose of major fulfillment.
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 “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:
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. Credit, 3 semester hours. 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. Congressman’s 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 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. 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 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. 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, 3 semester hours.
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, 3 semester hours.
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, women’s 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 “fundamentalist,” 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 3520. Writing in Political Science
This
course provides an introduction to various forms of writing commonly used in
political science professions, which may include executive summaries, annotated
bibliographies, book reviews, case briefs, and research proposals and
papers. Students will learn through
researching a single topic of their choosing.
This course fulfills the writing in the disciplines requirement. Credit, 3 sem. hours. PREREQ: PLS 2330.
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.