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Undergraduate Catalog 2011-2012 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Political Science Department Courses
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Political Science
Go to information for this department.
International Studies
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IS 390 - (W) Seminar in International Studies 3 cr.
Required for International Studies majors. Other advanced undergraduates may take this course with permission of the professor. This course may be used for either History or Political Science credit.
Political Science
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PS 130 - (S) American National Government I 3 cr.
Addresses key principles of American government: democracy, constitutionalism, separation of powers, and federalism. It also covers political parties, voting, public opinion, interest groups and the media. -
PS 131 - (S) American National Government II 3 cr.
Addresses structures and functions of the branches of government: Congress, the presidency, bureaucracy, and the courts. It also covers civil rights and civil liberties, and an overview of domestic and foreign policies. -
PS 135 - (S) State and Local Government 3 cr.
The structures, scope, processes, and politics of state and local governments are analyzed. Also considered: the constitutional position of state and local governments; the changing relationships among federal, state and local governments; and policy areas of interest to students in the class (educational policy, criminal justice policy, etc.). -
PS 212 - International Relations 3 cr.
This course examines the prominent tenets of international relations as an academic discipline. Secondly, students are provided with basic knowledge and tools for analyzing the international system as it unfolds today. A constant theme is bridging the gap between theory and practice of international relations. -
PS 213 - (D) Modern Africa 3 cr.
An introduction to the politics of major African states with emphasis on ethnic, racial, and religious tensions as well as the geopolitics of the region. -
PS 216 - (D,S) Women’s Rights and Status 3 cr.
This course examines public policies that impact the legal, political, economic, and social status of women in the U.S. A historical exploration of women’s rights will be the foundation for the examination of women’s rights and status today. The future prospects of women’s rights and status will also be discussed. -
PS 217 - Comparative Government 3 cr.
Political institutions of Germany, France, Britain, and selected Third World nations are analyzed with focus on elections, parties, interest groups and foreign policies. -
PS 218 - East European Politics 3 cr.
This course examines the history and politics of East Europe from Poland to the Balkans and from Germany to the Ukraine during the 20th century. Special attention is given to ethnic politics before and after the communist period and the economics of the new privatization and its problems. -
PS 219 - (S,D) Survey of Latin American Politics 3 cr.
An overview of the political cultures and political dynamics of Latin America. A series of representative nations is examined to provide a general overview of the region. Topics include historical figures and events, the processes of democratization and modernization, and issues in contemporary politics. -
PS 220 - (S,D) Ideologies 3 cr.
A study of the three major political ideologies that shaped the 20th century (communism, fascism, and liberalism) and of those that may shape the twenty-first: feminism, racism, egalitarianism, environmentalism, libertarianism, and communitarianism. -
PS 221 - Politics of Southeast Asia 3 cr.
Domestic politics of Southeast Asia and international politics affecting the region. The ASEAN nations (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Brunei) and Myanmar, the region’s only socialist country, along with the three communist states of Indochina: Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia are considered; spheres of influence and capitalism versus state socialism as a lever of economic development are also discussed. -
PS 222 - Politics in Russia 3 cr.
This course considers Russian politics and colonialism from the Revolution to contemporary economic efforts to move toward capitalism. The politics of the remnants of the Soviet empire are examined and Stalin and the Bolshevik experiment are also examined. -
PS 227 - (D,S) Women, Authority and Power 3 cr.
This course studies the historical and current paradox of women and U.S. public policy decision making. It examines the role of women in pressure politics, their integration into positions of political authority, and the future prospects for the political power and authority of women. -
PS 230 - (S) Environmental Laws and Regulations 3 cr.
Consideration of the variety of statutory laws legislated by Congress, as well as the variety of administrative rules and regulations promulgated by the executive branch. Policy areas include air pollution, water pollution, solid and toxic waste disposal, management of public lands, and the regulation of nuclear power. Course also includes a brief introduction to international cooperation and conflict. -
PS 231 - (S) Environmental Policy Process 3 cr.
The role of legislative, executive, and judicial institutions in shaping the content of environment policy. Discussion of the processes by which such policies are formulated and implemented, including consideration of the impact of federalism. -
PS 232 - Public Administration 3 cr.
A study of the structures, scope and processes of American public bureaucracies. The growth of the executive branches of governments, the role of public bureaucracies in our democratic government, and the experiences of American public bureaucrats are analyzed. -
PS 240 - (Q,W) Research Methods in Political Science 3 cr.
Consideration of both qualitative and quantitative research methods in the study of Political Science. Topics include: primary source material, legal research, analysis of aggregate data, analysis of survey data and use of focus groups. Special consideration is given to survey research and public opinion polling. Course also introduces principles of univariate, bivariate and multivariate statistical techniques. -
PS 280 - Pre-Law Internship 3 cr.
Permission of faculty advisor and department chair required for internship registration. -
PS 295 - (S,D) Contemporary Mexican Culture and Language 3 cr.
An intersession travel course to Guadalajara, Mexico, for 3 credits in the social sciences (political science), and cultural diversity credit. The course is team-taught by University of Scranton faculty from the Departments of World Languages and Cultures, and Political Science with assistance from Mexican faculty at UNIVA. (Taken in conjuction with SPAN 295.) -
PS 310 - Judicial Politics 3 cr.
(Prerequisites: PS 131 or PS 135, or instructor permission)
Role of the federal and state court systems in our constitutional democracy, with an emphasis on their policy-making functions. Consideration of the factors shaping the judicial philosophies and political orientations of federal and state justices and judges. -
PS 311 - Constitutional Law I 3 cr.
An examination, by means of case law, of the demands of liberty and the demands of democracy within the American Constitution. Topics include federalism, the separation and division of powers, social issues tied to industrialization and urbanization, commercial and property rights, and the rights of the poor and the oppressed as they arise in our legal framework. -
PS 312 - Constitutional Law II 3 cr.
An examination, by means of case law, of the demands of liberty and the demands of democracy within the American Constitution. Topics include federalism, the separation and division of powers, social issues tied to industrialization and urbanization, commercial and property rights, and the rights of the poor and the oppressed as they arise in our legal framework. -
PS 313 - (D) Classical Political Ideas 3 cr.
An examination of philosophical questions about politics (including the nature of law, morals, justice, and authority; and the role of ideas in political and social life) in classical texts from East and West, from Lao Tzu and Plato to the beginnings of modernity and Machiavelli. -
PS 314 - (D) Modern Political Ideas 3 cr.
An examination of philosophical questions and politics (including the nature of law, morals, justice, and authority; and the role of ideas in political and social life) in modern texts from East and West, from the beginnings of modernity with Machiavelli to Marx and Mao. -
PS 315 - Contemporary Political Thought 3 cr.
A study, based on primary materials, of the current state of the controversies in contemporary political thinking. A wide range of perspectives, from far left to far right, will be analyzed and critically examined. Minimally, the works of John Rawls, Robert Nozick, C.B. MacPherson, Isaiah Berlin, and Leo Strauss will be included. -
PS 316 - Jurisprudence 3 cr.
An examination of the differences between “the law” and “the laws”; the nature of legal systems; the nature and grounds of political, moral and legal obligations, and the controversy between the traditions of Natural Law and Positive Law. -
PS 317 - Parties, Elections, and Interest Groups 3 cr.
Discussion of the historical development and current status of political parties and interest groups in the United States. Emphasis on the functions performed by political parties in our system vs. their functions in other systems, such as parliamentary democracies. Emphasis also on factors shaping the creation, maintenance, and political power of organized interest groups. -
PS 318 - (W) U.S. Foreign Policy: Cold War and Aftermath 3 cr.
Examines and analyzes critically the content of American foreign policy in the Cold War and post–Cold War eras. Special emphasis on themes, goals and means of American foreign policy, particularly national security. -
PS 319 - (W) U.S. Foreign Policy Process 3 cr.
Examines the actual formulation and implementation of American foreign policy within the decision-making process. Analyzes what the process is, who the decision makers are, and internal and external variables of policy making in the U.S. Involves at least two in-depth American foreign policy case studies. -
PS 322 - Public Personnel 3 cr.
(Prerequisites: At least two of PS 130, 131, 135, 231, 232 or permission of instructor)
An examination of public personnel administration and management. Theories of organization, personnel management, civil service history, current issues in personnel administration and management are considered. -
PS 323 - (S,D) Central America 3 cr.
This course provides an overview of contemporary Central American politics. Special attention is given to the revolutionary upheavals in Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala. This course also explores current challenges to the region’s economic and political development such as crime, free trade and relations with the United States. -
PS 325 - Politics of the Budgetary Process 3 cr.
(Prerequisites: At least two of PS 130, 131, 135, 231, 232 or permission of instructor)Public budgeting in theory and in practice is discussed. Historical reforms and the inevitable politics of the process are considered. Use of budget simulations allow for practical experience. -
PS 326 - Theories of Political Economy 3 cr.
An examination of the works of the great thinkers in the tradition of the political economy, and an extensive study of the historical evolution of theories of value, the creation of value and the increase of productive abilities. -
PS 327 - U.S. Congress 3 cr.
Reading and discussion of selected Federalist Papers in order to appreciate the founders’ views on human nature, the nature of government, democracy, and legislatures. An examination of the structure and function of the contemporary United States Congress, including the impact of political parties and interest groups on the business of Congress. Theories of representation are also considered. -
PS 328 - (D) Modern China 3 cr.
Study of modern Chinese politics in the 19th and 20th centuries. Problems of modernization, Westernization, and communism in the People’s Republic of China. -
PS 329 - The American Presidency 3 cr.
This course focuses on the American presidency – historical development, powers of the office, elections, models of the presidency and, to a lesser extent, the relations between the president and Congress, and the president and the Judiciary. -
PS 330 - Western Europe in World Affairs 3 cr.
This seminar provides an historical, political, and analytical foundation for understanding the profound political and economic changes facing Europeans today. This involves studying the two world wars, the formation of Cold-War alliances and security systems, the European integration movement, the foreign policies of major European states, and organization of post–Cold War Europe. -
PS 331 - (W) The European Union 3 cr.
(Enrollment only by permission from the professor.)
Provides an in-depth study of the European Union and its 25 member states in order to prepare students for an intercollegiate simulation of the EU, which is held in Washington, D.C., each December. Students examine the EU’s theoretical and historical foundations, its institutions and policy procedures, and the ongoing challenges for European integration. -
PS 332 - (D) Modern Japan 3 cr.
This course examines the history and politics of Japan; the period of the shoguns; the reforms of the modernizing Meiji era at the end of the 19th century; the Japanese effort to conquer Asia; the postwar political structure; the question, “Is Japan a democracy?”; and the economic miracle of the present. -
PS 333 - United States-Latin American Relations 3 cr.
An introduction to the political, economic, and security relations between Latin America and the United States from the beginning of the 19th century through the present day. Present day topics include regional trade arrangements, democracy promotion, drug trafficking, immigration and the impact of 9/11. -
PS 334 - Comparative Civil Wars 3 cr.
(Prerequisites: At least one of PS 212, PS 217, PS 240, or permission of instructor)
The course introduces students to the comparative study of civil war. We discuss conceptual issues, review arguments related to their origins, examine how they vary in terms of intensity, use of child soldiers, refugee movements, and violence against civilians, and investigate how they end.
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PS 335 (D) - Women in the Global Community 3 cr.
Examines women’s experiences in a global context. Studies women who emerge as elected political representatives and policy makers in various international arenas. Considers women as citizens in a complex global community, by exploring the abuse of women in war, and women’s empowerment to fight global poverty and protect women’s rights. -
PS 338 - Politics of Islam 3 cr.
The political ideology of Islam; efforts to establish theocracies in a number of states from Iran to Egypt to Malaysia and Indonesia; Islam as a political opposition in such countries as the Philippines, Russia, and China; Shiite versus Sunni sects; the politics of Israel and the Islamic states of the Middle East; OPEC; the Palestinian question; political terrorism; Islam as an expansionist ideology. -
PS 384 - Special Topics in Political Science 3 cr.
Study and analysis of selected topics in the field of Political Science. The particular topic or topics will vary from year to year depending on the instructor and changing student needs. -
PS 480 - Political Science Internship I 3-6 cr.
Permission of faculty advisor and department chair required for internship registration. -
PS 481 - Political Science Internship II 3-6 cr.
Permission of faculty advisor and department chair required for internship registration.
Special Jesuit Liberal Art Honors Program (SJLA)
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PS 338J - Politics of Islam 3 cr.
The political ideology of Islam; efforts to establish theocracies in a number of states from Iran to Egypt to Malaysia and Indonesia; Islam as a political opposition in such countries as the Philippines, Russia, and China; Shiite versus Sunni sects; the politics of Israel and the Islamic states of the Middle East; OPEC; the Palestinian question; political terrorism; Islam as an expansionist ideology.
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