Political Science (POL) Graduate Course Descriptions
POL 511. The Presidency.
Analysis of the American presidency with emphasis on presidential selection, the leadership role of the presidency, legislative involvement, relations with the media and the American public, the president as party leader, and internal relationships between members of the executive branch. Prereq.: 195. 3 credits
POL 512. Legislative Process.
Legislative functions, elections, process, influence on decision making and problems. Prereq.: 195 or permission of instructor. 3 credits ALT.
POL 513. Judicial Process.
An examination of the structure, process and personnel of American courts with particular emphasis on the role of the U.S. Supreme Court in American political system. Prereq.: 195. 3 credits ALT.
POL 551. International Law.
Survey of development and contemporary application of rules and principles of international law: maritime laws, ocean resources, space, and peaceful settlement of disputes between states. Prereq.: 251. 3 credits ALT.
POL 552. United Nations and Regional Organization.
Organization, authority, achievements and problems of the United Nations and its auxiliary components. Prereq.: 251. 3 credits ALT.
POL 554. The Politics of the Global Economy.
The interaction of the nation-state and the international economy will be explored through the introduction of the contending philosophies and approaches and theories (e. g. neo-realism, rational choice theory, dependency theory). Prereq.: 251 and 353 or consent of instructor. 3 credits DEMAND.
POL 556. Terrorism, Insurgency, and World Politics.
The evolution of conflict in the post Cold War; terrorist and insurgent motivations; organizations; tactics; strategies; impact of globalization on terrorism and insurgency; the response of governments and international community. Prereq.: 251. 3 credits DEMAND.
POL 563. American Political Thought.
Study of the philosophy and theories which underlie the American system of democratic government which has contributed to the formation of this system of government. Prereq.: 195. 3 credits ALT.
POL 565. Modern Ideologies.
A study of the ideologies of fascism, communism and ideas which have contributed to democratic thought. 3 credits ALT.
POL 570. Public Opinion and Electoral Behavior.
Nature of public opinion and major influences, elections, parties, measurement, and impact. Lab. Prereq.: 195 or permission of instructor. 3 credits ALT.
POL 581. Administering Public Policy.
Studies of the initiation, content, administration and impact of selected contemporary domestic government policies: transportation, consumerism, environment, poverty. Prereq.: 195. 3 credits ALT.
POL 582. Public Personnel Administration.
Personnel methods in the public sector including recruitment, employee performance, employee rights, collective bargaining, affirmative action and employee conduct. Prereq.: 195. 3 credits ANNUAL.
POL 583. Managing Local Governments.
Practical problems of local administration including grant applications, personnel, budgeting, public works and local renewal. Prereq.: 212 or 313 or consent of instructor. 3 credits ALT.
POL 584. Public Budgeting.
Budgeting in public agencies. Emphasis on budget preparation, budget politics, capital budget, debt administration. Practical applications of budget making. Lab. Prereq.: 380; computer literacy, introductory statistics; ECON 460 or 461 recommended. 3 credits F.
POL 585. Administrative Law.
Legal problems arising from use of administrative agencies; administrative procedure; judicial relief against administrative action. Prereq.: 195. 3 credits DEMAND.
POL 586. Program Evaluation.
Introduces students to methods for policy and program evaluation. Students are required to apply a methodology of choice to evaluate the effectiveness of a specific public policy or program. Prereq.: 195, 201, 380 or instructor's permission. 3 credits ALT.
POL 591. Constitutional Law.
A study of supreme court decisions which interpret the federal system; powers of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, the commerce clause; federal taxation powers. Prereq.: 195. 3 credits ALT.
POL 592. The Courts and Civil Rights.
Supreme Court decisions concerning discrimination, speech, religion, search and seizure, counsel and other individual rights. Prereq.: 195. 3 credits ALT.
Political Science (POL) Courses for Graduate Students Only
POL 619. American Government Seminar.
Research under faculty guidance and supervision. A specific topic selected each time offered. May be repeated to a maximum of nine credits. Prereq.: consent of instructor. 3 credits DEMAND.
POL 699. Thesis.
1-6 credits DEMAND.
