50 courses with the subject POS, 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.
POS 1302Introduction to Political Science3
Credits: 3 hrs This course introduces students to the academic field of Political Science. Students will learn the relationship between citizens and their governments; economic and social justice issues; the rights that citizens have (or don’t); what governments and non-governmental organizations can and cannot do as well as relations between diverse countries. Students will also be introduced to the economic, cultural, and political relations between North (and South (i.e. between developed and developing countries) as well as to the sub-topics within the field of Political Science. Key thinkers who have shaped the field as well as the diverse methods used to carry out research will be introduced in this course which is required for Political Science majors but is open to all non-majors.
Credits: 3 hrs This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the historical, political, social, cultural and economic forces shaping contemporary African political processes, systems and institutions. The course first examines different theories and approaches used to study African politics. Topics covered include: the colonial experience (1900-1960); the rise of Arican nationalism and the struggle for independence; experiments with African Socialism; military regimes (including military Maxist regimes); and the first and second waves of democracy movements and democratic electoral processes in Africa, starting in the 1990s.
Credits: 3 hrs This course provides a comprehensive overview of both indegenous and modern African political thought. It includes a survey of the most popular ideologies of post-colonial Africa, namely African nationalism, African socialism, and Afro-Marxism; it ends with a review of democracy and development in contemporary Africa. The course surveys indigenous African scholars such as Ibn Khaldun, 19th century African theorists, such as Edward Blyden and Africanus Horton, prominent African nationalists, such as Amilcar Cabral, Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere, as well as contemporary African intellectuals, such as Cheikh Anta Diop and Claude Ake.
Credits: 3 hrs This course introduces students to the interface between law and public policy. It begins by examining the historical foundation and institutional nature of the American judiciary. Some of the types of laws covered in the course include Constitutional law, Civil & political rights, Administrative law, Corporate law, Intellectual Property law, environmental law, Immigration law, and International law. More specifically, this course examines how the American legal system influences the public policy-making process. It provides an overview of the five stages of public policy-making which begins with identifying the problem, then proceeds with formulating the policy, discussing it to convince/persuade stake-holders, policy implementation, and policy assessment/evaluation to determine if the problem has been solved. This course aims at answering the following questions: What are the historical and institutional sources or American laws? Which foundation ideals, values and theories does it embody and reflect? How do the different types of law influence the United State public policy-making process?
Credits: 3 hrs This course is a survey of the structure, organization, and functions of the legal and political processes of American national government. Emphasis is placed upon the theoretical foundations of the American constitutional system.
Credits: 3 hrs This course examines the political processes and institutions in state and local government in the United States, with special emphasis on the development of executive power, the legislative process, the role of political parties and interest groups and the changing character of urban government.
POS 2317Writing and Research in Political Science I3
Credits: 3 hrs This course is designed to provide students an opportunity to develop their abilities in writing and research. Emphasis will be placed on developing research skills. This course will instruct the student on how to conduct research and how to structure and organize a research paper.
Credits: 3 hrs This course introduces the student to the major ideas that have shaped and continue to shape the field of political science. Students will analyze classical writings in the field as they examine their relevance in contemporary politics.
Credits: 3 hrs This foundation course will introduce students to the economic, ideological, political, and religious origins of domestic and international terrorism. For purposes of this course, terrorism is defined as politically-motivated violence targeting civilians in support of a specific ideological, political and/or religious agenda. We will begin with an historical overview of terrorism. In do doing, we will examine why individuals, organizations, and states engage in terrorism. Ethical questions as to why these entities engage in acts of terrorism will also be analyzed. Students will be introduced to some of the theories that have been used to study the origins and causes of terrorism. The course will conclude by analyzing the measures taken by states to fight terrorism and extremist groups. Students will also learn about the impact that these measures have on individual and human rights.
POS 3301African Political Systems and Institutions3
Credits: 3 hrs This course introduces students to African political systems and institutions based on kinship and on lineages (common ancestry) sanctioned by a founding myth which developed in the context of highly advanced African cultures, societies, states and civilizations throughout Africa from the 9th century B.C.E. to the 19th century A.D. These African political systems and institutions were based on an elaborate system of checks and balances with effective checks on the abuse of power by the leader (chief, king or emperor); the basic political unit was the village assembly, where major decisions concerning the society were adopted by majority rule. Starting in the 16th century, the Atlantic slave trade severely undermined, denatured and eventually destroyed these systems and institutions.
POS 3302The Polticial Economy of African Development3
Credits: 3 hrs This course introduces students to the various ideologies and strategies of economic development initiated by African states and leaders after independence. It examines Africa’s place and role in the current globalization process and in the world economy, with particular attention to other continent’s relations with the international financial institutions (the International Monetary Fund/IMF and the World Bank). The course will also examine key cooperation and integration experiments and institutions in each of the five sub-regions of Africa, as well as various continental initiatives, such as the 1980 Lagos Plan of Action and the 2001 New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD).
POS 3303Conflict and Conflict Resolution in Africa3
Credits: 3 hrs This course starts from the observation that conflicts are part and parcel of the dynamics of African society. Historically, Africa has experienced a perennial struggle among individuals, families, clans, ethnic groups and nations for control over scarce natural, economic and political resources. The course focuses on the Post-Cold War period which, paradoxically, saw a resurgence of sub-regional, political, ethnic, racial and religious conflict in many African countries. Liberia, Ivory Coast, the Central African Republic/ CAR, the Democratic Republic of Congo/DRC, Rwanda, Sudan, and Somalia are some of the on-going conflicts that this course will analyze. The course will then examine various conflict prevention, management and resolution mechanisms and institutions developed at the international (United Nations), continental (African Union) and sub-regional Levels.
Credits: 3 hrs This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the historical, political, social, cultural and economic forces shaping contemporary political processes, systems and institutions in (North, West, Central, Eastern/the Horn or Southern) Africa. Topics covered include: the colonial experience; the rise of African nationalism and the struggle for independence; experiments with African Socialism, military regimes and military Marxist regimes; and the first and second waves of democracy movements and democratic electoral processes in Africa.
Credits: 3 hrs This course introduces students to the economic, political, diplomatic and strategic dimensions of the external relations of the 54 African states, from independence to the present. The course begins with an historical overview of Africa’s international relations from 1945 to 1965 focusing on such issues as the heritage of colonialism, federalism, and pan-Africanism and African unity. Topics covered include: Africa’s evolving relations with the major world powers-particularly the U.S.A., the European Union and France-during and after the Cold War; Africa in the world economy; African conflicts and conflict prevention, management and resolution initiatives; and African cooperation and integration at the sub-regional and continental levels, with particular focus on the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and it successor organization, the African Union (AU).
POS 3310Legal, Political and Economic Aspects of Aging3
Credits: 3 hrs This course provides a comprehensive analysis of the legal, political and economic issues confronting senior citizens. Legal issues affecting the elderly, such as living wills, wills, power of attorney, and guardianship are examined. Students will examine factors leading to present policies affecting the elderly, as well as those factors which may indicate future trends. Additionally, students will examine the economic position of the elderly and factors affecting income maintenance.
A “C” or better in POS 2311 and cross-listed with GER 3310 .
POS 3313United States Diplomatic History3
Credits: 3 hrs This course deals with the diplomacy of the United States as a world power. The rise to “super power” status and the special problems encountered as a result are emphasized.
Credits: 3 hrs This course is designed to study the organization and procedure of legislative bodies. Special attention is given to the struggle for political power in the legislative process.
Credits: 3 hrs This course will be analytical in content. It will focus on the most integral aspects of public policy formulation, implementation and evaluation as well as developing frameworks for policy analysis.
Credits: 3 hrs This course presents a study of recent trends in the United States which affect the protection of civil rights with emphasis on the role of the Supreme Court as a protector of civil rights.
POS 3338Comparative Government: Major European Powers3
Credits: 3 hrs This course presents a comparative analysis of the constitutional principles, governmental institutions, operations, political problems and foreign policies of Great Britain, France, Germany and the Soviet Union.
Credits: 3 hrs This course presents a comparison of political systems in developing countries in terms of traditional structures, new social forces and elites, political institutions and performances, with emphasis on African and Asian states.
Credits: 3 hrs This course presents the basic factors underlying international relations, policy formulation and administration. The conduct of diplomacy and an analysis of problems in world politics will also be studied.
Credits: 3 hrs This is an advanced course designed to acquaint the students with the duties and responsibilities of the office of the American chief executive and also introduces the student to the several interpretations of the Presidency.
POS 3349Methodological Behavior Foundations in Political Science3
Credits: 3 hrs course introduces students to the major concepts and techniques of empirical research in the social sciences. It will emphasize those quantitative techniques most useful in analyzing and evaluating contemporary political topics.
A “C” or better in POS 2311 and cross-listed with JUS 3355 . Students will not receive credit for both POS 3355 and JUS 3355 .
POS 3366Introduction to Public Administration3
Credits: 3 hrs This course presents an overview of the nature of public administration. Included are such topics as decision-making, communications, budgeting, personnel administration theory and responsibility.
A “C” or better in both POS 2311 - American Government
POS 3369Public Management Theories and Behavior3
Credits: 3 hrs This course provides students with an understanding of organizational theory and behavior relevant to public and private bureaucracies. Opportunities to develop and apply managerial skills in a simulated situation will be offered.
Credits: 3 hrs This course focuses on the policy arena of urban politics. The course will also trace the evolution and current status of cities. Specific problems of the cities, which the course will address, are: the political content and structure of urban government; the social, economic context in which local policies are made; the problems of race and poverty; and the problems of taxation and spending.
Credits: 3 hrs Examines the many forms of Latin American governments and the political philosophies behind those political expressions since the end of the colonial period. Special attention is given to the post WWII period.
Junior classification Cross-listed as AAS 4301 - Latin American Political Thought and as HIS 4301 - Latin American Political Thought
POS 4310Seminar in United States Foreign Policy3
Credits: 3 hrs Each seminar will address itself to a specific, limited topic, e.g., United States relations with China 1915-1919. Students will be expected to produce a brief, scholarly paper based in part on original source materials.
POS 4316Foreign Economic Policies and International Cooperation3
Credits: 3 hrs This course is designed to study and analyze national economic and political objectives as they relate to international economics and international cooperation.
Credits: 3 hrs A siminar on selected contemporary themes. Special Topics in Africa is designed to highlight the inter-disciplinary focus of the field of African studies, develop research projects, and to further develop critical thinking and writing skills. The theme or focus will vary from semester to semester.
Credits: 3 hrs This course will examine current personnel practices, procedures and skills within government. Additional issues addressed will be affirmative action, organized labor and the growing role of the employee in decision-making.
Credits: 3 hrs This course provides students with the opportunity to examine independently a specific subject under the guidance and direction of a faculty member.
At least junior classification and 3.0 or better cumulative GPA.
POS 4332History and Politics of East Asia3
Credits: 3 hrs This is a survey of the government institutions and political processes of East Asia since colonialism. Special emphasis will be placed on China and Japan.
Credits: 3 hrs The purpose of this introductory course is to survey the current state of public budgeting. This course will examine methods by which financial decisions are reached within a political context and ways in which different types of information are used in budgetary decision-making.
Credits: 3 hrs The purpose of this course is to analyze representative expressions of black social and political thinkers. This course will focus on the philosophies, tactics and strategies of the many individuals and organizations which have made contributions to the various movements for justice and equality in America.
Credits: 3 hrs This course presents a study of the structure and functions of political parties, organization and leadership and party and electoral behavior. Also studied are the organization and activities of interest groups and their role in the political system.
Credits: 3 hrs This course allows the student, who is familiar with political science, an opportunity to pursue an intense study of a specific aspect of the discipline, which is not readily available through other political science course offerings.
At least junior standing, 3.0 GPA in the major, and permission of the instructor.
POS 4369Constitutional Law3
Credits: 3 hrs This course presents an analysis of the basic principles of American constitutional law. Special attention is given to the judicial interpretation and application of these principles in constructing the powers of government and the rights of individuals.
A “C” or better in POS 2311 - American Government and cross-listed with JUS 4369 - Constitutional Law . Students will not receive credit for both POS 4369 and JUS 4369.
POS 4378Western Political Thought3
Credits: 3 hrs This course presents the development of political thought from ancient Greece to Machiavelli.
Credits: 3 hrs This course is designed to give the fourth-year student an opportunity to increase his/her professional development through directed research.
Permission of the instructor, 3.0 cumulative GPA, at least junior standing.
POS 4381Public Administration Internship3
Credits: 3 hrs This course is designed to provide an experiential link between the students and problems and policies of current administration structures. Arrangements to enroll must be made with the instructor at least six weeks prior to the beginning of the semester.
Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better; a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major; at least junior standing, permission of the instructor.
POS 4382Writing & Research in Political Science II3
Credits: 3 hrs This course is designed to give the fourth-year student an opportunity to do independent research on a topic that is mutually agreed upon between the student and a faculty member. A senior thesis on the agreed topic is required for the completion of this course.
Credits: 3 hrs This course provides junior and senior-level students with supervised work experience in governmental and politically related organizations that are concerned with government or public programs. The faculty instructor and responsible public official/administrator in the work situation provide supervision. It is the responsibility of the student to find an appropriate internship.
Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better; a minimum GPA of 3.0 in the major; permission of the instructor.
POS 4392Internship in Political Science II3
Credits: 3 hrs This course provides students with supervised work experience in governmental and politically related organizations that are concerned with government or public programs. The faculty instructor and responsible public official/administrator in the work situation provide supervision. It is the responsibility of the student to find an appropriate internship.
