Political Science Courses
- POL 101 Intro. to Political Science
- POL 124 American National Government
- POL 125 American State & Local Govern.
- POL 201 Constitutional Law I
- POL 202 Civil Liberties (Con. Law II)
- POL 231 Introduction to Public Policy Management
- POL 240 Comparative Politics
- POL 245 International Politics
- POL 250 Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism
- POL 251 Government Internship I
- POL 252 Government Internship II
- POL 280 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
POL 101 Intro. to Political Science
Credits: 3.00An introduction to the field of political science and its various divisions. A study of political systems, institutions, processes, and behavior. The purpose of the course is to sensitize the students to the promise and limits of political analysis and to prepare him to pursue more advanced courses.
POL 124 American National Government
Credits: 3.00An examination of the basic structure and functions of American National Government, with emphasis on the power relationships between the Congress, the President, and the Judiciary. Political parties, pressure groups, civil rights, and the federal structure of our government will be stressed for students in the criminal justice curriculum. Prerequisite: POL 124
POL 125 American State & Local Govern.
Credits: 3.00The operation of state and local government with analysis of their powers to tax and finance, enforce laws, regulate commerce and business, and promote social and economic welfare.
POL 201 Constitutional Law I
Credits: 3.00A study of Supreme Court decisions in their historical contexts, designed to illustrate Constitutional principles and social trends.
POL 202 Civil Liberties (Con. Law II)
Credits: 3.00A study of constitutional guarantees designed to protect the individual against arbitrary, unreasonable, and oppressive government. Freedom of speech and of the press, religious freedom, freedom of assembly, property rights. Constitutional problems concerning crime and its punishment. Prerequisite: POL 202 is required in the criminal justice curriculum.
POL 231 Introduction to Public Policy Management
Credits: 3.00Principles of management applied to the public agency setting. An introduction to the theory and practice of public policy management, including in part: agency organization and structure; planning; budgetary and fiscal considerations; policy formulation and execution within the constitutional framework; human resource issues; and administrative law. Specific applications to health & human services, administration of justice environmental, and regulatory functions of government, at federal, state, and local levels, will be considered.
POL 240 Comparative Politics
Credits: 3.00This is a course in the comparative analysis of various contemporary political systems. It focuses on the examination of their political cultures, constitutional foundations, governmental structures, policy-making processes, and capacity to adapt to change. Prerequisite: None Recommended Prerequisite: POL 101
POL 245 International Politics
Credits: 3.00This course focuses on the study of contemporary relations between states and other international actors. It places special emphasis on the analysis of foreign policy decision-making, diplomatic practices, international systems, international law and organizations, alliance behavior, conflict and conflict resolution as well as current international problems. Prerequisites: None
POL 250 Terrorism & Counter-Terrorism
Credits: 3.00Terrorism in the 21st century is a global phenomenon. This course is designed to provide a comprehensive and interdisciplinary survey of the history, theory, and modern-day political manifestations of terrorism and counter-terrorism. Terrorism will be evaluated in terms of its underlying cultural, economic, political, and psychological root causes. Effective counteraction and profiling requires empathetic explorations and analyses by students into causes and mind-sets. Counter-terrorism strategies and tactics will also be examined specifically in light of the legal and procedural safeguards that are fundamental to the maintenance of liberal democratic social and political values. Prerequisites: A passing grade in a least one introductory level course in any of the following: Criminal Justice Studies, History Political Science, or Sociology. This course is cross-listed with: CJS 250 & SOC 250
POL 251 Government Internship I
Credits: 3.00A combination of 15 hours of classroom work and 120 hours of practical field work. In order to qualify for the course, the student must obtain sponsorship by a recognized institution which has contacts with some level of government as part of its professional function. The institution would appoint an advisor responsible for over-seeing the day-to0day work of the student. The over-all responsibility for the program would be with the program supervisor in the history and political science department. Prerequisite: Successful completion of one 3 credit political science course and/or approval by the division dean.
POL 252 Government Internship II
Credits: 3.00Each of the above two Government Intern courses is a combination of 15 hours of classroom work and 120 hours of practical field work. In order to qualify for the course, the student must obtain sponsorship by a recognized institution which has contacts with some level of government as part of its professional function. The institution would appoint an advisor responsible for over-seeing the day-to-day work of the student. The overall responsibility for the program would be with the coordinator in the History and Political Science Department. Prerequisite: Successful completion of one three-credit political science course and/or approval of division dean. For further information, contact the social sciences division dean.
POL 280 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
Credits: 3.00The course examines the evolution and operation of criminal justice systems in other nations and cultures. The course will focus on the development of criminal justice in response to social, historical and political factors. Beginning with a brief history of the world's legal systems, followed by an analysis of their key procedural and substantive similarities and differences, the course will then turn to a range of other associated topics including the administration and function of police, corrections and courts, the impact of customary law and immigration on heterogeneous cultures, and the increasing internationalization of both the incidence of crime and the administration of criminal justice. Prerequisite: CJS 100 or POL 101, or permission of the division dean. This course is cross listed with CJS 280.
