Political Science (POLS)

POLS 1100 (IAI S5 903)
Introduction to Political Science
3  credit hours

An introduction to the study of political behavior, processes and institutions. Course includes a discussion and comparison of political ideas, theories, systems and policies. Focus on analysis of political problems on a national and global level, as well as a definition of central concepts. Prerequisite: Course requires Reading Placement Test Score-Category One. (3 lecture hours)

POLS 1101 (IAI S5 900)
American Politics
3  credit hours

Analysis of the dynamics and processes of the evolving American constitutional democracy: its origins, structure and problems. Areas of study include an in-depth discussion of the U.S. Constitution, federalism, civil liberties, interest groups, political parties, campaigns, elections, mass media, Congress, the courts and the presidency. Prerequisite: Course requires Reading Placement Test Score-Category One. (3 lecture hours)

POLS 1105 (IAI S5 902)
State and Local Politics
3  credit hours

Students will be introduced to the basic principles of state constitutions and the institutions they create. Additional topics will include the structure and function of state legislatures, courts and chief executives. The structure and function of city, county and other local governments is also considered as is the role of political parties, pressure groups and public opinion. Prerequisite: Course requires Reading Placement Test Score-Category One. (3 lecture hours)

POLS 1160 
Modern Political Ideologies
3  credit hours

Introduction to major political philosophies and ideologies from John Locke to present-day political ideas. Topics may include Communism, Fascism, Liberalism, Conservatism, Utilitarianism, Capitalism, post-modernism, social contract theory and Libertarianism. Prerequisite: Course requires Reading Placement Test Score-Category One. (3 lecture hours)

POLS 1800 
Special Project
1 to 3  credit hours

Special project courses cover topics not otherwise covered by general education courses and other courses in the catalog for the discipline. These courses require direct experience and focused reflection in an in-depth study of a specific discipline topic and/or the critical analysis of contemporary issues in the discipline. They are targeted to self-selected students with an interest in the subject matter and involve active participation. The course delivery incorporates an experiential component of no less than 30 percent but not to exceed 70 percent (to be determined by the disciplines). The experiential component may include field studies, interdisciplinary learning, and/or the practical application of discipline-related concepts, theories, principles and methods with a specific focus. All courses require an orientation session to deliver academic and experiential information (syllabus, academic requirements, field preparation, logistics, etc.)

POLS 1820 
Selected Topics I
3  credit hours

Introductory exploration and analysis of selected topics with a specific theme indicated by course title listed in college class schedule. This course may be taken four times for credit as long as different topics are selected. (3 lecture hours)

POLS 1821 
Selected Topics II
3  credit hours

Introductory exploration and analysis of selected topics with a specific theme indicated by course title listed in college class schedule. This course may be taken four times for credit as long as different topics are selected. (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

POLS 1822 
Selected Topics III
3  credit hours

Introductory exploration and analysis of selected topics with a specific theme indicated by course title listed in college class schedule. This course may be taken four times for credit as long as different topics are selected. (1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours)

POLS 1823 
Selected Topics IV
3  credit hours

Introductory exploration and analysis of selected topics with a specific theme indicated by course title listed in college class schedule. This course may be taken four times for credit as long as different topics are selected. (6 lab hours)

POLS 1824 
Selected Topics V
2  credit hours

Introductory exploration and analysis of selected topics with a specific theme indicated by course title listed in college class schedule. This course may be taken four times for credit as long as different topics are selected. (2 lecture hours)

POLS 1840 
Independent Study
1 to 4  credit hours

Exploration and analysis of topics within the discipline to meet individual student-defined course description, goals, objectives, topical outline and methods of evaluation in coordination with and approved by the instructor. This course may be taken four times for credit as long as different topics are selected. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor is required. (1 to 4 lecture hours)

POLS 2101 
Urban Politics
3  credit hours

Students will examine the development, forms, functions, powers, and problems of urban government in the United States. An emphasis will be placed on the struggle for and development of power and influence in metropolitan areas and intergovernmental relations. Pressure group activity, administrative organization, and fiscal responsibilities will also be introduced. Prerequisite: Course requires Reading Placement Test Score-Category One. (3 lecture hours)

POLS 2203 (IAI S5 905)
Comparative Politics
3  credit hours

Introduction to the comparative study of developed and developing political systems. The politics and governments of selected countries are analyzed in their appropriate historical, social, economic and political settings. Prerequisite: Course requires Reading Placement Test Score-Category On. (3 lecture hours)

POLS 2220 (IAI S5 904)
World Politics
3  credit hours

Introduction to international relations and global politics. Discussion of different ideological perspectives such as Idealism and Realism, structure and function of international organizations, foreign policy and the role of diplomacy. Analysis of causes and consequences of war, poverty, international trade, international law, treaties, increase in population and global environmental destruction. Prerequisite: Course requires Reading Placement Test Score-Category One. (3 lecture hours)

POLS 2221 
Politics of the Middle East
3  credit hours

Acquaints students with one of the key contemporary political problems in today's international arena. Few regions of the world provoke more interest, controversy or international crises than the Middle East. This course surveys the geography, history, politics and social development of this dynamic and volatile region for those with no previous knowledge or study of the Middle East. Prerequisite: Political Science 1100 or equivalent, or consent of instructor. Course requires Reading Placement Test Score-Category One. (3 lecture hours)

POLS 2230 
Introduction to Peace & Conflict Studies
3  credit hours

An overview of a broad spectrum of factors that prevent a peaceful solution to human conflicts. Define and analyze different conceptions of peace, explore various forms of violence and examine its conditions. Evaluate strategies that lead to peaceful methods of conflict resolution and management of existing conflict. (3 lecture hours)

POLS 2240 
Introduction to U.S. Foreign Policy
3  credit hours

An overview of U.S. foreign policy with six decades. The course provides a theoretical and historical overview of the major perspectives of the field as well as an evaluation of the actors and institutions that formulate foreign policy. Prerequisite: Course requires Reading Placement Test Score-Category One. (3 lecture hours)

POLS 2250 (IAI S5 905)
Politics of Latin American & Caribbean
3  credit hours

Examination of general themes in the politics of Latin America and the Caribbean with a particular focus on multiple countries throughout Latin America and the Caribbean. Focus on the comparative historical experiences of the region spanning the past five centuries. Also examines development of each country with a focus on social, economic and political institutions and issues of recent significance. (3 lecture hours)

POLS 2800 
Special Project
1 to 3  credit hours

Special project courses cover topics not otherwise covered by general education courses and other courses in the Catalog for the discipline, while building on academic knowledge and skills acquired in introductory-level classes. These courses require direct experience and focused reflection in an in-depth study of a specific discipline topic and/or the critical analysis of contemporary issues in the discipline. They are targeted to self-selected students with an interest in the subject matter and involve active participation. The course delivery incorporates an experiential component of no less than 30 percent but not to exceed 70 percent (to be determined by the disciplines). This experiential component may include field studies, interdisciplinary learning, and/or the practical application of more complex discipline-related concepts, theories, principles and methods with a specific focus. All courses require an orientation session to deliver academic and experiential information (syllabus, academic requirements, field preparation, logistics, etc.) Prerequisite: At least one course in the discipline or consent of instructor.

POLS 2820 
Advanced Selected Topics I
3  credit hours

Advanced exploration and analysis of selected topics with a specific theme indicated by course title listed in college class schedule. May be taken three times for credit as long as different topics are selected. Prerequisite: At least one course in the discipline or consent of instructor. (3 lecture hours)

POLS 2821 
Advanced Selected Topics II
3  credit hours

Advanced exploration and analysis of selected topics with a specific theme indicated by course title listed in college class schedule. This course may be taken four times for credit as long as different topics are selected. Prerequisite: At least one course in the discipline or consent of instructor. (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours)

POLS 2822 
Advanced Selected Topics III
3  credit hours

Advanced exploration and analysis of selected topics with a specific theme indicated by course title listed in college class schedule. This course may be taken four times for credit as long as different topics are selected. Prerequisite: At least one course in the discipline or consent of instructor. (1 lecture hour, 4 lab hours)

POLS 2823 
Advanced Selected Topics IV
3  credit hours

Advanced exploration and analysis of selected topics with a specific theme indicated by course title listed in college Class Schedule. This course may be taken four times for credit as long as different topics are selected. Prerequisite: At least one course in the discipline or consent of instructor. (6 lab hours)

POLS 2860 
Internship (Career & Technical Ed)
1 to 4  credit hours

Course requires participation in Career and Technical Education work experience with onsite supervision. Internship learning objectives are developed by student and faculty member, with approval of employer, to provide appropriate work-based learning experiences. Credit is earned by working a minimum of 75 clock hours per semester credit hour, up to a maximum of four credits. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and 2.0 cumulative grade point average; 12 semester credits earned in a related field of study; students work with Career Services staff to obtain approval of the internship by the dean from the academic discipline where the student is planning to earn credit.

POLS 2865 
Internship Advanced (Career & Tech Ed)
1 to 4  credit hours

Continuation of Internship (Career and Technical Education). Course requires participation in Career & Technical Education work experience with onsite supervision. Internship learning objectives are developed by student and faculty member, with approval of employer, to provide appropriate work-based learning experiences. Credit is earned by working a minimum of 75 clock hours per semester credit hour, up to a maximum of four credits. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and 2.0 cumulative grade point average; 12 semester credits earned in a related field of study; students work with Career Services staff to obtain approval of the internship by the dean from the academic discipline where the student is planning to earn credit.

POLS 2870 
Internship (Transfer)
1 to 4  credit hours

Course requires participation in work experience with onsite supervision. Internship learning objectives are developed by student and faculty member, with approval of employer, to provide appropriate work-based learning experiences. Credit is earned by working a minimum of 75 clock hours per semester credit hour, up to a maximum of four credits. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and 2.0 cumulative grade point average; 12 semester credits earned in a related field of study; students work with Career Services staff to obtain approval of the internship by the dean from the academic discipline where the student is planning to earn credit.

POLS 2871 
Internship - Advanced (Transfer)
1 to 4  credit hours

Continuation of Internship (Transfer). Course requires participation in work experience with onsite supervision. Internship learning objectives are developed by student and faculty member, with approval of employer, to provide appropriate work-based learning experiences. Credit is earned by working a minimum of 75 clock hours per semester credit hour, up to a maximum of four credits. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor and 2.0 cumulative grade point average; 12 semester credits earned in a related field of study; students work with Career Services staff to obtain approval of the internship by the dean from the academic discipline where the student is planning to earn credit.