Political Science
PO 500. RESEARCH IN POLITICAL SCIENCE 3 HRS.
(Prerequisite, PO 121 or comparable introductory course in social science.) Course introduces the student
to the activity of political analysis. Focus is on the practical aspects of formulating inquiry, gathering
relevant data, analyzing data, and presenting the findings in research report format. Through this course
the student will learn how to conduct his/her own research and to assess the quality of that of others.
PO 520. NATIONAL SECURITY AND INTELLIGENCE POLICY 3 HRS. This course analyzes the central threats to U.S. and international security in the 21st century, and the possible options to reduce and counter those threats. The course will examine the institutions, interest, and processes for making U.S. national security and intelligence policy, and explore the tensions that recur in American politics between the necessities of security and the requirements of democracy, civil liberty, financial and budgetary constraints. The course also deals with how the U.S. national security establishment (including the intelligence infrastructure) has evolved its structure and management practices over time in order to execute security policy.
PO 540. SPECIAL TOPICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE 1-3 HRS. Selected topics in the various political science disciplines theory, comparative, United States, international, and Public Affairs.
PO 701. SEMINAR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE 1-6 HRS. Selected main events, trends, and interpretations in political science will be examined through readings, reports, and discussion. Designed to introduce the important literature on significant topics in political science.
PO 702. SEMINAR IN POLITICAL THEORY 1-3 HRS. (Prerequisite, six hours of political science or consent of instructor.) An intensive examination of selected problems, individuals or particular ideas in the area of political theory.
PO 703. SEMINAR IN POLITICAL PROCESSES 1-3 HRS. (Prerequisite, six hours of political science, or consent of instructor.) An examination of selected aspects of political behavior and organization. Emphasis may be given to techniques of analysis as well as to the nature of the problems examined.
PO 704. SEMINAR IN COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS 1-3 HRS. (Prerequisite, six hours of political science or consent of instructor.) An intensive examination of selected problems in the study of political systems, institutions, or behavior on a cross-national basis or in the methods of comparative analysis.
PO 705. SEMINAR IN AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 1-3 HRS. (Prerequisite, six hours of political science or consent of instructor.) Intensive examination of selected American political problems, practices, or institutions.
PO 726. SEMINAR IN LATIN AMERICAN GOVERNMENTS 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, PO 121 or permission of instructor.) The approach taken in this course fits into the comparative government curriculum on the graduate level for the political science department. Initially, a review of pertinent concepts and models is made, with special concentration placed on corporate and dependency models. Other topics will include current trends in the study of Latin American politics, Latin American constitutional concepts and procedures, the factor of stability in Latin American political systems, and inter-American political relationships and the world.
PO 730. SEMINAR IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 2-3 HRS. (Prerequisite, three hours of political science or world history or consent of instructor.) A study of the principal concepts and factors influencing the course of international relations. The object is to provide a firm foundation for analyzing major international problems.
PO 731. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS RESEARCH 1-3 HRS. A review of scholarly literature and critical examination of research will be undertaken. Analysis will highlight the descriptive, explanatory, predictive, methodological, and prescriptive implications found in journals, anthologies, and books dealing with topics under consideration. This course will take an in-depth approach to examining questions in a particular area rather than a broad survey of many topics.
PO 733. SEMINAR IN AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY 2-3 HRS. (Prerequisite, six hours of political science, or consent of instructor.) A course designed to cover major problems in world affairs confronting the United States as a leading power in the 20th century. Its purpose is to make American foreign policy goals intelligible under recent internal and external shifts in power and policy. The roles of the President, Congress, National Security Council, and other governmental agencies will be examined, as well as the influence of international organizations.
PO 750. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION 3 HRS. An intensive study of the structures and procedures utilized in governmental organizations and the administrative processes.
PO 757. SEMINAR IN PUBLIC LAW 3 HRS. (Prerequisite, graduate standing or permission of instructor. ) The study of rule making, contracts, torts, adjudication, and the rights of public employees. Other specific topics will include environmental, consumer and civil rights law.
PO 810. RESEARCH PROBLEM IN POLITICAL SCIENCE 1-3 HRS. (Prerequisites, six hours of political science, plus consent of instructor and the division chair.) Special research problem or readings on a topic initiated by the student and approved by the instructor.
Last Updated April 17, 2007