Political Science (POLS)

POLS 1300 U.S. National Government (TAG) 3 Credits

This course provides an examination of the formation, structure, processes and fundamental political principles of the United States political system, including the development of the Constitution and the federal system, civil rights and liberties, public opinion and political participation, political parties and interest groups, the role of money and the media in the political system, political campaigns and elections, Congress and the legislative process, the presidency, and the federal judiciary. It focuses not only on the achievements of the political system but on its shortcomings as well, thus leading to consideration of the political challenges facing the system and suggestions for reform.

(3 contact hours)

POLS 1700 Model UN/Model NATO 1 Credit

This course is intended to prepare students to participate effectively in Model United Nations (MUN) and Model North Atlantic Treaty Organization (MNATO) conferences. Students will learn about current global issues and the ways in which these important international organizations work to address them. During the semester, students will learn how to research a country's foreign policy positions, develop strategies to address important internal problems, effectively advocate a country's position through application of appropriate debate skills, and develop skills in employing rules of parliamentary procedure, negotiation and compromise, consensus building, and resolution-writing. Throughout the semester, students will participate in Model UN and NATO conferences as well as help organize an MUN/NATO conference at Lakeland. This course is cross-listed as HIST 1700 Model UN/Model NATO and POLS 1700 Model UN/Model NATO. Students who have taken the course under the alternate course ID should not take this course.

(1 contact hour)

POLS 2100 State and Local Government (TAG) 3 Credits

This course provides a survey of the organization, processes, powers, and responsibilities of state and local government in the United States, with special reference to Ohio. Topics include national-state and state-local relations, state constitutions and municipal charters, political participation, parties and special interests, and the basic institutions of government comprising the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The course also considers various types of local governments and the problems of metropolitan government. Policy issues examined include education, welfare, and law enforcement policy, as well as budgeting and finance at the state and local levels. Students must conduct a field assignment in their communities.

(3 contact hours)

POLS 2200 Introduction to International Relations (TAG) 3 Credits

This course examines the origin, nature, and development of the post-Cold War international system. Basic concepts include state, nation, power, sovereignty, nationalism, national interest, security, and balance of power. The course examines the major governmental and nongovernmental, state, and international actors influencing international relations, as well as the primary issues of the modern international system. It also considers strategies for enhancing international security and peace, diplomacy, international trade, nuclear and conventional military power, and international law and government.

(3 contact hours)

POLS 2300 Introduction to Comparative Politics (TAG) 3 Credits

This course provides an examination and critical analysis of governments and political systems in selected Western and non-Western, developed and developing nations throughout the world. Using a country approach, it introduces the basic concepts, theories and approaches to comparative political analysis. The course gives particular attention to: political cultures, constitutions, governmental institutions and processes, electoral systems, political participation and behavior, political parties and interest groups, the role of political and economic elites, and key current issues and policy-making processes.

(3 contact hours)

POLS 2400 Women and Politics 3 Credits

This specialized course studies the changing roles of women in political life in the U.S. and around the world and includes discussion of women candidates, women public officials, and a broad range of women's political groups. It analyzes the political struggles over "women's issues" such as Women's Suffrage, the Equal Rights Amendment, abortion rights, policies on families and children, and economic equity policies.

(3 contact hours)

POLS 2500 Modern Political Ideologies 3 Credits

This course provides an introductory survey investigating the origins and basic beliefs of the major political ideologies of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including Democracy, Liberalism, Conservatism, Socialism, Fascism, Anarchism and Nationalism. It considers more contemporary belief systems including various liberation ideologies, multiculturalism, and the emergence and rise of religious fundamentalism. The course also considers these ideologies' application in and impact on world affairs today.

(3 contact hours)

POLS 2600 Social Movements and the Politics of Protest 3 Credits

This course provides an overview and critical analysis of the role of social movements in American democracy and their impact on American political life and culture. By examining historical and contemporary examples, the course highlights the traditions, origins, purposes, goals and techniques of social movements, and considers whether such efforts are useful and effective means of expressing dissent and achieving popular political change. This course is cross-listed as SOCY 2600 Social Movements and the Politics of Protest. Students who have taken the course under the alternative course ID should not take this course.

(3 contact hours)

POLS 2900 Special Topics in Political Science 1-3 Credits

These specialized courses provide in-depth examinations of political science topics and contemporary issues not covered in detail elsewhere in the curriculum.

(1-3 contact hours)