Political Science Courses

Formerly POLS 104, PS 104

An examination of federal, state, and local government relationships; state executive, legislative, judicial, and political party systems; and forms of local governmental units.

A class used to explore new coursework.

Formerly POLS& 201, PS 150

An introduction to fundamental concepts and theories in political science, this course uses classic and contemporary works of political thought to deal with basic issues in the study of politics, such as who should rule, political rights, and the nature and limits of political authority.

Formerly POLS& 202, PS 100

A survey of the system and process of the United States national politics and government; including the structure and function of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and the U.S. political party system.

Formerly POLS& 203, PS 103

An examination of various theoretical approaches to international politics, causes of war, approaches to peace, and sources of conflict in the contemporary world.

Formerly POLS& 204, PS 101

A comparative study of the development and transformation of western democratic, communist, and third world political systems and processes.

Formerly POLS 205, PS 151

Examines through classical and contemporary texts the crucial, ethical, and philosophical issues that shaped the founding and continues to be debated up to the modern day.

Race and ethnicity continue to play a significant role in American politics. This course explores the early historical formation of racial categories, the role of policy in defining racial inequalities and racial boundaries, and how past political decisions are reflected in modern racial realities in the United States. Course topics include the law and history of slavery; segregation and Jim Crow laws; housing, employment, and voting rights; and education and criminal justice policies. This class emphasizes participation and reflection, as students learn to better understand political racialization and the intersections of race and law in the US.

A class used to explore new coursework.