Political Science (POS)

In this course, students will investigate how the national government is structured and how the American constitutional republic operates. It covers the philosophical and historical foundations of American government, including but not limited to the Declaration of Independence, the United States constitution and all its amendments, and The Federalist Papers. The course examines the branches of government and the government’s laws, policies, and programs. It also examines the ways in which citizens participate in their government and ways their government responds to citizens.

An examination of the major institutions of government in the United States. A special emphasis will be placed on understanding how these institutions interact and the resulting outcomes of this interaction.

Examines politics and government in the Old and New South, with an emphasis on the evolution of civil rights.

Examines the inter-relationship between Political Science and Speech, with emphasis on how political leaders communicate in a democratic society.

Examines political campaigns and elections in the U.S., focusing on the national level. Major topics include systems of political representation, political parties, campaign planning and management, campaign finance, and campaign ethics.

This course is designed to familiarize Political Science students with important concepts and practices in deliberative democracy and civic engagement. It also enhances students' collaborative planning and problem-solving skills through a community-based civic engagement group project.

Examines the mechanics of the American judicial system, including trial and appellate procedures.

The Presidency from the transformation of the office in the 1930's to the present. Special attention to the roles and responsibilities of modern presidents in domestic as well as international policy.

An analysis of the leadership, organization, norms, and policy-making processes of the U.S. Congress, including Congressional-Executive relations, Elections, and Constituency relations.

An examination of how laws and legal processes interact with politics and culture in shaping policy understandings and outcomes.

This course is designed to enhance students' skills in research methods, critical thinking, information literacy, and written communication. In addition, it helps prepare students for their upper-division Political Science courses.

This course examines race and ethnicity in U.S. politics, including their role in campaigns and elections, representation, interest group politics, civil liberties, and policy-making.

Overview and analysis of the variety and forms of women's roles in politics and government; consequences with respect to governing in a democracy and efficacy of women as public agents and citizens.

An examination of urban politics and problems. Focuses particularly on the place of cities within a broader network of economic, social, spatial, and intergovernmental relations, as well as on the ways in which these networks affect cities' approaches to problem-solving.

Examines major topics in judicial politics affecting the role of courts as institutions and of judges as individuals, including judicial selection and decision-making.

An examination of constitutional cases regarding individual civil liberties in the United States.

An examination of constitutional cases regarding federalism and institutional power in the United States.

Independent study in political science under faculty supervision. Instructor approval required for registration.

Examination of a selected topic within political science. Topics may vary depending on instructor. Prerequisite: ENC 1102

Required integrative seminar for senior Political Science majors.

An experiential learning experience in a political work environment, designed to connect academic knowledge to practical political experience. Requires department permission.

This course is a vehicle to earn academic credit for participation in the Washington Center Internship Program, which features a 35 hour per week internship in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. To register for this class, students must have been accepted into the Washington Center Internship Program.