42 courses with the subject PS, 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.
PS 101American Government3
This course introduces students to the foundations, structure, process, and functions of American national political system, with emphasis placed on analysis of government institutions and the mechanisms by which citizen preferences are converted into public policy. 3 credit hours
Based on a thematic approach, this foundational course introduces students to current issues in world affairs as a means to develop their global literacy and inter-cultural competency. The course will focus on events and challenges facing global leaders and citizens in a growing interdependent world. Topics to be explored include globalization, sources of world energy, environmental and ecological challenges, sustainable development, global health, international development, global food and water resources, migration, population, urbanization and contemporary trends in inter-cultural relations. 3 credit hours
This course introduces students to the concepts, theoretical approaches, and methodologies used in political science and demonstrates how knowledge is constructed in the discipline. To that end, students learn the discipline’s methods for identifying, collecting, organizing, cataloging, analyzing, and presenting data and other information. This understanding is a set within the context of other disciplines and their perspectives and is applied to situations and events beyond the classroom. 3 credit hours
These courses address special topics that are of particular interest to students because of contemporary political developments, new methodologies and perspectives, or unique opportunities for specialized experiences. Examples of recent and possible future topics include Islamic Political Thought, Non-Profit Organizations and Philanthropy, Policy Analysis, Grant Writing, Advanced Quantitative Analysis, Immigration Policy, Aging Policy, Global/Regional Policy, etc. 3 credit hours
A study of the structure and functions of the major types of state, county, and city governments, regional authorities, and metropolitan areas. Special attention will be given to the government of the state of Pennsylvania and to the unique problems of contemporary urban politics. 3 credit hours
This course is a study of the government and politics of representative African states. This study will also consider the relevance of trends in governing structures, economic patterns, international relations, and nationalism in contemporary Africa. Not open to freshmen. 3 credit hours
This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the government and politics of the East Asia: China, the two Koreas, and Japan. Topics will include the rise of China and Japan, the North Korean nuclear issue, territorial disputes, the question of Korean unification, and the future of a U.S. security presence in the region. 3 credit hours
Viewing the politics of Latin America as if it were a game, the course identifies the basic rules, the domestic and foreign players involved, and the stakes in the different modes of politics and economic development. Special focus is on the countries of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, and Venezuela. Not open to freshmen. 3 credit hours
A broad study of the governments and political systems of different countries in the Middle East. Special emphasis will be on the socio-economic and political development in the area. Other topics will include legacy of imperialism, nationalism, Arab-Israeli conflict, U.S. role in the Middle East, revival of Islam, and the prospects for future peace in the Middle East. The focus will be on the countries of Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Turkey. If time permits, other Middle Eastern countries will be studied. Not open to freshmen. 3 credit hours
PS 247Government and Politics of Eastern Europe and Russia3
A broad study of the governments and political systems of countries in Eastern Europe. Special emphasis will be given to a more detailed study of the role played by Russia in contemporary regional and global politics. As a foundation, the course will begin with a brief study of the former Soviet Union and the social, cultural, economic, and political foundations of the Cold War. 3 credit hours
A study of the structure, organization, and management of governmental departments, offices, and agencies. The course will also focus on the differences between public and private administrative settings and the implications of American federalism and public policy for Public Administration. 3 credit hours
An introduction to the practice of politics and the governing institutions of selected democratic and non-democratic states. Topics to be discussed include the problems of political and economic development, mechanisms of stability and change, and approaches to comparative analysis. 3 credit hours
This course introduces majors to the specific quantitative analysis techniques used by a variety of disciplines. Topics include the scientific method, theory development, experimental design, data management and analysis, hypothesis testing, and statistical methods.
An introduction to the major influences in the relationships between states. Emphasis is on the historical emergence of the International System. Internal and external influences on foreign policies are examined. Topics such as arms control, North-South relationships, global problems, and world peace are explored in depth. Use is made of maps, graphs, charts, statistics, and extensive use of the Internet. 3 credit hours
This course provides an introduction to U.S. foreign policy; it will explore the conduct of U.S. relations with other countries in the world. Topics will include the rise of America, U.S. foreign policy during and after the Cold War and the complex issues facing the U.S. in the post-Cold War era. Emphasis will be on American foreign policy toward different geopolitical regions. Fundamental American values in foreign policy will be examined, as well as a broad range of perspectives of leading scholars. This course is crosslisted with HIS 393 . 3 credit hours
This course is to introduce American-East Asian relations from the 19th century to the present. During the Cold War, East Asia experienced intense competition and conflict between the superpowers. In the post-Cold War era, the region has been an engine of the global economy, while undergoing a major shift in the balance of power whose trajectory and outcome remain uncertain. This course strives to catch this momentum by examining the sources of conflict and cooperation in both the pre- and post-Cold War periods and by assessing competing explanations for key events in U.S.-East Asian relations. 3 credit hours
The nature and function of political parties in the American two-party system; the impact of the mass media and campaign reform on the electoral process; third party movements; the future of both major political parties. Special attention will be paid to the most recent presidential nominations, campaigns, and election. 3 credit hours
This course is a comprehensive introduction to the doctrines and processes of law in the global setting. Emphasis is placed on the nature and sources of international law, international institutions, statehood and sovereignty, the law of human rights, and emerging trends in transnational law. 3 credit hours
A survey of major contemporary theoretical efforts to relate economic and political behaviors. The course will explore international trade policies, Atlantic relations, and North-South issues, the political environment of multinational corporate activities, the politics of monetary relations, and the debate on globalization from a variety of perspectives. The theoretical contributions will be weighed in light of the historical evidence and contemporary policy trends. The course is designed to inform the students of political economy as an academic discipline, as well as to provide some sense of its interdisciplinary nature, drawing as it does on both political science and economics. 3 credit hours
In a democracy, the public is expected to guide government activity and policy. This makes political attitudes and behavior an important area of study. After examining the normative reasons for studying public opinion, we will examine the sources of political attitudes, how those attitudes translate into behavior, and whether and how political elites can shape public opinion to further their own agendas. Students will also learn about the research methods used to study public opinion and behavior. 3 credit hours
Analysis of the development, implementation, and evaluation of public policy within the federal system. The course will view the public policy from the perspective of the executive, legislative, judicial, and bureaucratic branches of government. In addition, emphasis will be placed on public input into the governmental process. 3 credit hours
The news media are responsible for informing the public about politics, as well as acting as a watchdog over our government. After examining the relationship between the public, the government, and the media, we will determine whether and how the media can influence public opinion. We will end the course with an assessment of changes in the information environment, such as the rise of media bias, infotainment, social media, and the 24-hour news cycle, and how these changes have shaped our view of government and politics. 3 credit hours
This course provides students with the opportunity to pursue in-depth study of the structure and function of two key American governmental institutions: Congress and The Presidency. Topics include the constitutional vision of the founders; the evolution of these institutions and their relationship with regard to their shared duties; the nature of their respective approaches to leadership, power, organization, and institutional culture; and their adversarial yet mutually dependent roles in the creation of public policy. Additionally, students will gain a deeper understanding of Congress and The Presidency through systematic empirical observation and quantitative analysis. 3 credit hours
This course is a study of the general principles of law. The course covers the major branches of law such as contracts, evidence, torts, and the legal environment of government and politics.
The course focuses on the role of law in the cultural, social and political setting. It analyzes legal perspectives in the context of contemporary social problems. The course also involves a specialized study of law as an essential resource to secure social and political outcomes in terms of legal empowerment and social justice. 3 credit hours
This course is a study of the federal, state and local regulatory programs designed to support environmental protection. The course will cover leading concepts, issues and principles in environmental laws such as sustainable development, tort action and international perspectives. The course will also delve into statues in environmental law alongside the general legal and policy framework of environmental management and sustainability. 3 credit hours
This course offers a comprehensive study of health law and policy. It provides analysis of the framework of healthcare policy and regulations. Topics include quality measurement and improvement, affordability and access, public health insurance programs, the credentialing of health care professionals, patients’ rights and medical confidentiality, the role of public health and bioethics, and the scope of administrative and legal issues in health care. 3 credit hours
The role of political theory is to offer sustained reflection about the concepts and values that continue to guide our contemporary political life. In this course, students will explore the origins of these ideas as expressed by some of the world’s most influential political thinkers, such as Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, and J.S. Mill. Each of the authors writes in a different time and place, but offers enduring insight about human nature, liberty, equality, and justice as they relate to the foundational principles of government. The course will also highlight some of the salient continuities and breaks between the ancient and modern traditions in Western political thought. This course is crosslisted as PHL 360 . 3 credit hours
An introduction to American political thinking from the founding to the present. This course deals with the uniqueness of and tensions in the American tradition through a critical examination of the thought of American statesmen and theorists. 3 credit hours
PS 371American Constitutionalism (I): Structures of Government3
This course will examine the foundations and development of the American constitutional system focusing on the structures of government. Particular attention will be given to the writing of the U.S. Constitution and the evolution of constitutional law as it relates to federalism, separation of powers, judicial review, and the meaning of democracy. This course is crosslisted as HIS 371 . 3 credit hours
PS 372American Constitutionalism (II): Civil Rights and Liberties3
This course will examine the foundations and development of civil rights and liberties within the American constitutional system. Particular attention will be given to the ratification debates concerning the Bill of Rights and the evolving constitutional status of speech, religion, racial and gender equality, privacy, death penalty, as well as a host of contemporary debates involving gay rights, gun control, affirmative action, and campaign financing. This course is crosslisted as HIS 372 . 3 credit hours
This course focuses on using history to inform policy decisions in the York, Pennsylvania community. Students will learn about York and South Central Pennsylvania history generally but will dedicate most of their energies to applying this local history to inform local policymakers about the historical context in which they are operating. As a class, students will select an important local policy area to explore (such as education, public health, drug policy, housing, law enforcement, or environmental policy, for example), and then students will conduct the historical research necessary to assemble a professional policy briefing that will be presented to community stakeholders, such as elected officials, civil servants, businesspeople, philanthropists, and/or NGO directors. Students will have a unique opportunity to become experts on an aspect of local history and to share that history in ways that can inform community leaders confronting difficult choices about the future of their community. This course is crosslisted as HIS 463 . 3 credit hours
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to study the institutions and decision-making processes of the European Union (EU) for the purposes of participating in a Modern European Union simulation. Students will learn about the European Union as a unique international organization, and consider the issues and difficulties the EU and its member states face as they confront policy-making challenges. Students may participate in an experiential learning activity that is an annual Model EU simulation. Students will prepare to play the role of an actual EU-level politician. Students may take the course multiple times for credit, with a different role required year to year. 3 credit hours
This course is designed to provide students with the opportunity to study the institutions and decision-making processes of the European Union (EU) for the purposes of participating in a Modern European Union simulation. Students will learn about the European Union as a unique international organization, and consider the issues and difficulties the EU and its member states face as they confront policy-making challenges. Students may participate in an experiential learning activity that is an annual Model EU simulation. Students will prepare to play the role of an actual EU-level politician. Students may take the course multiple times for credit, with a different role required year to year. 3 credit hours
This course provides students specialized governmental experience in a government agency; legislative, executive, or judicial decision-making body; advocacy group or voluntary association; non-profit organization; or think tank, corporation, or government contractor. Independent research may be a part of this experience. Grading will be Pass/Fail.
Students are required to spend a minimum of 120 hours work on site. Students must have earned 60 or more credits and a minimum of 2.5 cumulative grade point average at the time of application. 3 credit hours each semester
PS 491Internship
This course provides students specialized governmental experience in a government agency; legislative, executive, or judicial decision-making body; advocacy group or voluntary association; non-profit organization; or think tank, corporation, or government contractor. Independent research may be a part of this experience. Grading will be Pass/Fail.
Students are required to spend a minimum of 120 hours work on site. Students must have earned 60 or more credits and a minimum of 2.5 cumulative grade point average at the time of application. 3 credit hours each semester
PS 497Special Topics3
These courses address special topics that are of particular interest to students because of contemporary political developments, new methodologies and perspectives, or unique opportunities for specialized experiences. Examples of recent and possible future topics include Islamic Political Thought, Non-Profit Organizations and Philanthropy, Policy Analysis, Grant Writing, Advanced Quantitative Analysis, Immigration Policy, Aging Policy, Global/Regional Policy, etc. 3 credit hours
The Independent Study Program affords an opportunity for students who wish to undertake a well-defined research project. While these students conduct their work under the guidance of a faculty member of their own choosing, the project is carried out in an independent manner without regular class meetings. Effective independent study is characterized by a reduction in formal instruction and an increase in the individual student’s responsibility and initiative in the learning process.
Students must have earned 60 or more credits and a minimum of 2.5 cumulative grade point average at the time of application. 1-3 credit hours
PS 499Independent Study1-3
The Independent Study Program affords an opportunity for students who wish to undertake a well-defined research project. While these students conduct their work under the guidance of a faculty member of their own choosing, the project is carried out in an independent manner without regular class meetings. Effective independent study is characterized by a reduction in formal instruction and an increase in the individual student’s responsibility and initiative in the learning process.