|
|
Undergraduate Catalog 2021-2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Political Science Department Courses
|
|
|
|
Political Science
Go to information for this department.
International Studies
-
IS 390 - 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
-
PS 110 - (FYOC,FYDT) Scranton and the World 3 cr.
Introduces students to the scope (what we study) and methods (how we study) of political science through an analysis of major sociopolitical issues, philosophies, and public policy perspectives of the discipline’s subfields; makes students more sophisticated consumers of diverse empirical research; and develops abilities to gather, evaluate, and disseminate information. -
PS 120 - (S) U.S. Politics: Principles & Citizenship 3 cr.
(Formerly PS 130)
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 121 - (S) U.S. Politics: Institutions & Policy 3 cr.
(Formerly PS 131)
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 210 - (Q,EPW) Political Science Research 3 cr.
(Formerly PS 240)
This course provides an introduction to a variety of empirical research methods used by political scientists. The primary aims of the course are to make the student a more sophisticated consumer of diverse empirical research and to provide the tools needed to carry out research. -
PS 212 - (S) 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 219 - (S,D) 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 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 223 - Politics of Ireland 3 cr.
Ireland’s political history predates the creation of the Irish Free State in 1922 and this course examines the major events and important influences that led to the creation of the Irish polity and political structures as well as contemporary politics in the Republic of Ireland. The Irish Constitution, Irish parliamentary government, the political parties, and contemporary political issues are covered. -
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 234 - Policy Analysis 3 cr.
How does the government decide which policies are the most effective in solving social problems? In this course, students are introduced to the policy analysis process, in which the government uses tools like cost-benefit/effectiveness analyses, risk analyses, logic models, and program evaluations to test, plan, and evaluate policy solutions. -
PS 241 - (D,S) Politics of Development 3 cr.
Why are some countries wealthier and more politically stable than others? Drawing on case studies from Asia, Africa, and Latin America, as well as global trends, this class will examine political, economic, and social development challenges in low- and middle-income countries. -
PS 280 - Pre-Law Internship 3 cr.
Permission of faculty advisor and department chair required for internship registration. -
PS 296 - Irish Political Culture 3 cr.
Irish political culture is summarized as “all politics is local.” This course examines Irish political culture and contemporary issues through interactions with Deputies in the Irish Parliament, staff, officials in Government Departments, officials of the political parties, and community leaders. The location is Dublin with trips to other locations. -
PS 310 - Judicial Politics 3 cr.
(Prerequisites: PS 121 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 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 - 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 - (EPW) 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 120 , PS 121 , PS 135 , PS 231 , PS 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 - Economic Policy & Public Budgeting 3 cr.
Government policies impact the health of the economy and therefore the quality of life of U.S. residents. To understand the relationship between economic policies and quality of life, this course explores the purposes, principles, and policy-making processes of monetary policy, regulatory policy, and fiscal policy (spending and taxing legislation). -
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 - Europe in World Affairs 3 cr.
Explores Europe and its member states as military, economic, and humanitarian actors in the global community. Examines the development and use of specific European-level principles, institutions, and international relationships associated with a common foreign and security policy, shaped by state-level interests and global pressures and needs. -
PS 331 - (EPW) The European Union 3 cr.
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 210 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.
-
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 336 - Organizational Theory and Behavior 3 cr.
Our government relies on thousands of state and federal organizations to implement policies formed by legislatures and executives. In this course, we explore the individuals working in these organizations, along with the structures, work cultures, and incentives that determine how successfully these organizations pursue their goals and mission.
-
PS 337 - Politics, Religion and Public Service 3 cr.
This course explains the relationship between religion and politics in American public life from both a theoretical and practical perspective, including community-based learning activities that explore the role of faith-based institutions in the delivery services in the City of Scranton. -
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 339 - Social Welfare Policy 3 cr.
An evaluation and analysis of social welfare programs and the politics surrounding those programs in the United States. Will critically evaluate the decisions government chooses to make (or not to make) about when, how, and why we provide support for the poor, the disabled, and the ill. -
PS 340 - September 11, 2001 and Beyond 3 cr.
Analyzes the major social and political events directly related to September 11, 2001. It examines the causes and consequences of 9/11 including the emergence of Al Qaeda, U.S. involvement in the Middle East, and U.S. efforts to ensure the safety of Americans at home and abroad. -
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.
|
|