Western Carolina University · Courses
PSC 51 courses with the subject PSC, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.
Catalogs 64 Programs 441 Checklists 399 Courses 2,463 Policies 16 Agreements 2 Pathways 1 Comparability 17 Accreditation 12 Subject ACCT 22 ANTH 47 ART 65 ASI 6 AST 4 ATTR 11 BA 11 BIOL 103 BK 21 BKSE 8 CE 18 CHEM 71 CHER 8 CHIN 5 CIS 21 CJ 48 CM 32 COMM 56 COUN 3 CPE 7 CS 27 CSD 19 DA 17 DSGN 22 ECET 21 ECO 2 ECON 25 EDCI 13 EDEL 18 EDM 39 EDMG 14 EDPY 1 EDRD 10 EDSE 7 EE 33 ELMG 7 EMC 41 ENGL 103 ENGR 29 ENT 15 ENVH 33 ES 9 ESI 2 ET 35 FIN 22 FOR 1 FPA 4 FREN 17 FS 12 FTP 41 GBS 3 GEOG 13 GEOL 30 GER 16 HEAL 4 HIST 99 HPE 30 HSCC 17 HT 26 IDES 24 IE 10 INST 5 JPN 20 LATX 2 LAW 31 LEAD 23 MATH 52 ME 14 MFE 8 MFL 1 MGT 20 MKT 22 MUS 102 NAS 6 ND 30 NEUR 4 NRM 30 NSG 57 PAR 40 PE 48 PHYS 20 PRM 52 PSC 51 PSY 45 QA 4 RAE 11 RTH 41 SCI 5 SJ 2 SM 19 SOC 35 SOCW 28 SPAN 32 SPED 30 THEA 61 UE 1 USI 11 WLL 5 No subject 17 PSC 101 American Government and Politics 3
This course provides a practical introduction to American government and politics. Topics include, but are not limited to, exploration of the Constitution and founding documents, why two parties dominate American politics, how the decisions of Congress, the president, and the Supreme Court influence our daily lives, and why politics is increasingly polarized (Liberal Studies P1, Foundations of American Democracy).
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu PSC 169 World Order & Disorder: Exploring Global Politics 3
This course provides a broad introduction to global politics. Topics include, but are not limited to causes of war and peace, types of governance, global wealth and poverty, international institutions, human rights, and environmental degradation (Liberal Studies P6).
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu PSC 170 Introduction to Comparative Politics 3
This course will introduce students to key concepts, theories and methods that help us better understand the subfield of Comparative Politics. Students will gain a greater understanding of concepts such as the state, national identity, political economy, and the variety of regime types around the world. The mixture of theoretical concepts and case studies will equip students with practical knowledge of government and politics in the 21st century. (Liberal Studies P6)
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu PSC 190 Freshman Seminar in Political Science 3
Exploration of various topics in American, comparative, and international politics.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu PSC 230 Political Analysis I 3
Research methods and theoretical approaches for describing, explaining, and solving domestic and foreign policy problems.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 101 or PSC 169 . Credits: 3 PSC 231 Political Analysis II 3
Students will learn how to analyze data to describe, explain, and solve domestic and foreign policy problems.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 230 . Credits: 3 PSC 240 Political Theory 3
Explanation of thinkers and ideas that shape our current political debates, covering classic and modern writings.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu PSC 301 Congress 3
Congress as an institution; its role in the formulation of national policies; case studies dealing with legislation in the various areas of national policy.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 101 . Credits: 3 PSC 308 American Presidency 3
The chief executive, his advisers, role playing, and decision making in the executive branch.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 101 . Credits: 3 PSC 312 Judicial Process 3
The process of judicial decision making. The institutional and political constraints on judicial behavior. Judicial decision making as a tool of interpretation and impact.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 101 . Credits: 3 PSC 313 Constitutional Law: Structure and Powers 3
An examination of the United States Constitution in substance and its role in defining and shaping the American political system and American culture.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 101 . Credits: 3 PSC 314 Southern Politics 3
An analysis of Southern politics that focuses on the region’s unique political history, its transformation during the twentieth century and its importance in national politics.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 101 . Credits: 3 PSC 315 Political Parties, Campaigns and Elections 3
Role of political parties in campaigns and elections; how strategy, context, the media, and interest groups affect who runs for and wins elections; voter decision-making.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 101 . Credits: 3 PSC 316 Gender and Politics 3
Gender roles examined in the context of national, state, and local government and politics.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 101 . Credits: 3 PSC 318 Political Communication 3
Examination and assessment of the power and influence of the mass media in politics.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 101 . Credits: 3 PSC 322 Public Administration 3
Administrative theory and practice; implementation of governmental policies; case studies of the administrative process in such areas as business regulation, health care, and law enforcement.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu PSC 323 The Nonprofit Sector 3
Students in this course will explore the role of the nonprofit sector in civil society.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite Sophomore standing or higher Credits: 3 PSC 324 Political and Organizational Leadership 3
Concepts and processes of leadership related to political and public organizations.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 101 or PSC 169 . Credits: 3 PSC 325 Public Policy 3
Alternative public policies in selected areas: social welfare, health care, resources, labor, agriculture, civil rights, business, taxation, defense, and education.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu PSC 326 Natural Resources Policy and Administration 3
Policy and administration principles; case studies on the evolution of policy in the United States; current issues.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite Junior Standing. Credits: 3 PSC 327 State and Local Government 3
Structure and functions of state and local government; processes of policy formation.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu PSC 328 U.S. Social Policy 3
This course is focused on questions of racial and economic inequality in the United States. In addition to aiding in the substantive understanding of these issues, students will come away with a deeper understanding of the long-term impact of social policies on American life.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 101 . Credits: 3 PSC 352 International Security 3
Students in this class will explore contemporary issues in international security including deterrence, arms control, and resource scarcity.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite INST 200 or PSC 169 . Credits: 3 PSC 353 International Political Economy 3
Politics of the global economy, relations among nation-states, and dominant theories of international political economy including liberalism, realism, and historical structuralism.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 170 Credits: 3 PSC 354 International Environmental Politics 3
This course examines the politics of international governance and cooperation from the perspective of the global environment.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 170 Credits: 3 PSC 357 Political Violence 3
This course will introduce students to the study of political violence (terrorism, insurgency, revolutions, and state repression).
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite INST 200 or PSC 169 . Credits: 3 PSC 358 United States Foreign Policy 3
Policies governing America’s foreign relations; personnel and agencies responsible for policy implementation; role of the United States in world affairs since World War II.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite INST 200 or PSC 169 . Credits: 3 PSC 359 International Law 3
Rules and practices regulating such matters as state territory and jurisdiction; treaties, nationality, and treatment of aliens; diplomatic and consular relations; warfare.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite INST 200 or PSC 169 . Credits: 3 PSC 361 On War 3
This course examines the causes and conduct of interstate war.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite INST 200 or PSC 169 . Credits: 3 PSC 362 International Organizations 3
Global and regional organizations promoting settlement of disputes, collective security, economic development, human rights, and self-government.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite INST 200 or PSC 169 . Credits: 3 PSC 364 Capitalism and Its Critics 3
This is a reading course in normative theories of political economy. We use lectures, guided reading, open classroom discussion, in-class quizzes, breakout group discussions, online discussion boards, panel-style student paper presentations, and a cumulative final exam.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu PSC 370 Politics of Ethnic Conflict 3
This class examines the political causes of ethnic conflicts across the globe.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite INST 200 or PSC 169 . Credits: 3 PSC 374 Global Water Politics 3
This course explores the politics of global water policies, resources, and scarcity. An emphasis will be placed on current and potential political processes and policies to solve the world’s water scarcity issues.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite INST 200 or PSC 169. Credits: 3 PSC 375 European Politics 3
Comparison of the political systems in European nations.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 170 Credits: 3 PSC 376 African Politics 3
Analysis of government and politics on the African continent, focusing on issues related to democratization, ethnicity, class, gender, and conflict.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 170 Credits: 3 PSC 377 Middle East Politics 3
This course will introduce students to the study of politics in the Middle East.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 170 Credits: 3 PSC 378 Asian Politics 3
Selected political systems of East Asia; factors involved in political change and modernization.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 170 Credits: 3 PSC 379 Latin American Politics 3
Institutions, groups, parties, and processes; problems of political development, modernization, and change.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 170 Credits: 3 PSC 380 Politics of Developing Areas 3
Comparative analysis of developmental processes pursued through political, military, economic, and administrative structures of Third World nations; case studies.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 170 Credits: 3 PSC 406 Teaching Civics and Economics 1
Methods, content and assessment for the North Carolina secondary core requirements in Civics and Economics.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 1 Credits (max) 1 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite Permission of department head. Corequisite HIST 395 . Credits: 1 PSC 451 Model United Nations 3
Model United Nations is a simulation designed to introduce students to the history, structure, operations, and functions of the United Nations.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite INST 200 or PSC 169 . Credits: 3, R6 PSC 452 Model United Nations II 3
Model United Nations II is a simulation where students participate in the Southeastern Model United Nations Conference and the Model United Nations Experience at WCU.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 169 and PSC 451 . Credits: 3 PSC 455 Civic Engagement 3
Participate in a service-learning experience and analyze its relationship to public policy.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite Political Science major. Credits: 3 PSC 480 Readings in Political Science 3
Readings in Political Science.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite Permission of department head. Credits: 3, R6 PSC 483 Internship in Political Science 3
Work experience in a government or community agency applying academic studies to practice. S/U grading. Nine hours per week per course.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite Permission of department head. Credits: 3 PSC 484 Internship in Political Science 3
Work experience in a government or community agency applying academic studies to practice. S/U grading. Nine hours per week per course.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite Permission of department head. Credits: 3 PSC 490 Advanced Writing in Political Science 1
Using a course paper, work with a faculty member to prepare the paper for presentation or publication submission.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 1 Credits (max) 1 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite Political Science major. Credits: 1 PSC 493 Special Topics in International Relations 3
This course provides students with an opportunity to explore special topics in international relations that are not regularly offered at WCU.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu PSC 494 Special Topics in American Politics 3
This course provides students with an opportunity to explore special topics in American politics that are not regularly offered at WCU.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu PSC 495 Special Topics in Comparative Politics 3
This course provides students with an opportunity to explore special topics in Comparative Politics that are not regularly offered at WCU.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu PSC 499 Senior Capstone 3
This is the culminating experience in the Political Science major. Students will apply their skills to a coherent, professional applied research project and will explore strategies to prepare for professional life after college.
Subject PSC Credits (min) 3 Credits (max) 3 Credit unit Credits Type course Edition 2026-2027 Catalog CURRENT 2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog Source catalog.wcu.edu Prerequisite PSC 101 , PSC 169 , and Senior Standing. Credits: 3 Source: Western Carolina University's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 61
