Political Science
POL 1110: Introduction to Politics (5)
Offerings
Analyzes the theory and practice of politics by discussing different approaches to the nature of political knowledge and the significance that this knowledge has for political leadership and citizenship. Although the focus is primarily on political behavior in the United States, opportunity will be taken to examine political practices within other countries (comparative politics) and among other countries (international relations).
Attributes: WK Social Sciences
POL 1120: American Government and Politics (5)
Offerings
Surveys the founding principles of the American political system and examines the development and operation of major national institutions such as Congress, the presidency, the bureaucracy, the Supreme Court, political parties and the media.
Attributes: WK Social Sciences
POL 2000: Vocations in Political Science: Law, Government, and International Affairs (1)
Offerings
The discipline of political science prepares students for a diverse set of professions: law, public policy, government, civil society, military service, and international affairs. The course will examine the various fields set out above - encompassing all tracks within the major - as well as options for graduate training in those areas. At the same time, the course encourages students to reflect more deeply on their individual vocation and the diverse paths to professional success in their chosen field, e.g. the foreign service, law, civil service, etc. The course's pre-professional focus also serves to deepen the integration of political science within the School of Business, Government, and Economics.
POL 2320: Comparative Political Systems (5)
Offerings
Analyzes how nations are governed. Democracies, authoritarian systems and developing countries are studied in light of political analysis and with attention to basic questions of human well-being.
Restrictions: Global Development Studies, Political Science Majors only.
POL 2330: International Relations (5)
Offerings
Introduces the international political system, contrasting concepts of national interest to increasing global interdependence. Discusses interactions among ideals and realities in national and global policy-making processes, and their relationship to individual citizens.
Attributes: Cultural Understand&Engagement, WK Social Sciences
POL 2464: State and Local Politics (5)
Offerings
Analyzes contemporary state and local governmental institutions and how they operate within America's federal system. Special emphasis on public policy issues such as health care, crime, education, welfare and land use. Offered alternate years.
POL 2500: Integrated Topics in Business, Economics and Political Science (5)
Offerings
Many of today鈥檚 persistent social problems are so intractable precisely because they are complicated problems. They cut across so many domains of life that they defy easy solution. Therefore, to solve them one must tackle multiple dimensions. To that end, this class will consider a single social issue or problem from multiple disciplinary perspectives. A portion of each term will be taught by faculty members from different disciplines within SBGE and will address economic, political/ governmental, and commercial/ market-based considerations. May be repeated for credit 2 times.
Equivalents: BUS 2500, ECN 2500
Attributes: Ways of Engaging
Restrictions: Undergraduate only.
POL 2641: Christianity and American Politics (5)
Offerings
Explores the benefits and dangers of Christian involvement in American politics from the start of the nation to today. Topics addressed include the role of Christianity in America's founding, the reasons for religious liberty and practical guidelines for Christians seeking to influence public policy. Uses case studies of actual political controversies.
POL 2642: Christianity and World Politics (5)
Offerings
Explores the role of Christians in world politics from the early church to today. Topics include the changing relationship between church and state, the witness of Christians under totalitarianism, the development of the idea of religious liberty and political conflicts over social justice. Offered alternate years.
Attributes: Ways of Engaging
POL 2900: Foundations for Leadership (5)
Offerings
This course examines the implications of the Christian faith for leadership and statecraft. Of particular focus are issues of personal motivation, character and spirituality as they relate to politics and organizational leadership. Offered alternate years.
POL 3125: Issue Seminar (3-5)
Offerings
Current and enduring national and world issues are analyzed in the context of political science methods, concepts and Christian ethical standards. Topic varies. (Example: "Morality and Politics.") Course may be taken again as long as the topic is different. May be repeated for credit 4 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division
POL 3170: Geopolitics (5)
Offerings
Current world events are explored, from a variety of social-science disciplines e.g., political science, history, economics and political geography. Topics vary, but always include an examination of Christian views on geopolitical conflicts and the role of international law in solving disputes.
Equivalents: GEO 3170
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3300: The Political Economy of Reform, Study Abroad to Havana, Cuba (5)
Offerings
This study abroad program examines the process of institutional change in post-socialist/transition economies. The course will comprise three components. First, study of the literature on processes of economic reform and institutional change. Second, examination of 20th century Cuban political and economic history up to the present day. Third, comparison of Cuban economic and political reform with China, Vietnam, and Russia. Note: Spanish language coursework will be offered as an additional option for those students seeking to gain/improve fluency.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
POL 3310: Chinese Politics: From the Revolution to Today (5)
Offerings
This course examines the development of Chinese politics from the revolutionary period through to the present day. Particular attention is paid to the Deng Xiaoping era and the dynamics of the economic and governance reforms that began in the 1980s as well as contemporary challenges for China's leaders, such as environmental protection and corruption.
Attributes: Upper-Division
POL 3320: Political and Economic Development of Nations (5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: POL 2320. Studies theories and experiences of "nation-building," both political and economic, primarily in Lesser Developed Countries. Evaluates concepts of authority, economic growth and human well-being, and the policies used to achieve these in different cultures and systems. Offered every year.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Economics, Global Development Studies, Political Science Majors only. Freshman students are excluded.
Prerequisites: POL 2320: D or better
POL 3330: Global Women's Issues (5)
Offerings
Examines global, political, social, and economic issues as they apply to women in global politics. Special focus will be given to geographic factors and how women and feminist theory fit into current political theory, the roles of women in developing countries, and what women can and are doing to change the world around them.
Attributes: Cultural Understand&Engagement, Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3345: Russia and Central Asia: From Empire to Nation States (5)
Offerings
Surveys history, geography, politics, and economies of Russia and its southern periphery. Examines impact of tsarist and Soviet legacies on today's Russian federation and eight countries that make up the newly independent states of the Caucasus and Central Asia. Special focus is given to Russia's role in international geopolitics and the global economy.
Equivalents: HIS 3345
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3400: International Organizations (3)
Offerings
An exploration of the history, formation, institutions and current role of intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations in the global community with special emphasis on the United Nations.
Attributes: Cultural Understand&Engagement, Upper-Division
POL 3410: Moral Foundations of Democracy (5)
Offerings
Reviews the classical, modern and Christian contributions to the development of Western democratic thought. Analyzes a wide range of critical political opinion and biblical literature in order to understand the moral foundations of Western democracy. Thinkers reviewed include Plato, Tocqueville, Augustine, Madison, Jefferson, and Lincoln. Offered alternate years.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3430: The Presidency and Congress: Politics of National Leadership (5)
Offerings
Analyzes executive-legislative relations by reviewing Constitutional principles and the political culture of the Washington community, with emphasis on the presidency as an instrument of national leadership. Offered alternate years.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3435: Marxism: 20th Century Theory and Practice (3)
Offerings
Examines the development of varieties of Marxist theory and practice in the 20th century. Compares the Soviet, European, Chinese and Latin American experiences with Marxist thought and practice. Offered alternate years.
Equivalents: ECN 3435, HIS 3435
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3440: War, Peace and World Order (5)
Offerings
This course explores the issues of war and peace in the international system. It introduces key political science concepts and analytical tools for the study of world affairs, and applies them to explore the conditions and strategies affecting conflict, peace, and their evolution over time.
Equivalents: HIS 3440
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3450: Politics, Parties and Interest Groups (3)
Offerings
Examines the role of political parties in contemporary American government and the implications of weakened parties for governing. The place of interest groups and political action committees is also surveyed, with special attention to the roles PACS play in campaigns and elections. Offered alternate years. Students who are taking the course to fulfill the capstone requirement should enroll in POL 4899.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3550: Social Darwinism and Politics (5)
Offerings
Explores the impact of Darwinism and scientific materialism on such fields as criminal justice, medicine, economics, welfare and education during the past century. Topics include eugenics, the Scopes trial, biological defenses in criminal law and evolutionary theories of morality. Offered alternate years.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging, Writing "W" Course
POL 3670: History of American Foreign Relations (5)
Offerings
Studies the United States as a participant in the international system, from colonial dependency to superpower. Proposes a theoretical model for interpreting American foreign policy and applies this framework to historical events considered chronologically. Considers questions of morality in relation to foreign policy.
Equivalents: HIS 3670
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3677: Urban Politics (5)
Offerings
Explores generally from multidisciplinary perspectives the character and content of cities. Topics include attitudes about cities over time, the changing economic base of cities and selected contempary land-use and urban planning problems.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
POL 3780: Law and Society (5)
Offerings
Studies the role of law in society and provides an introduction to the American legal system. Includes case studies of such issues as product liability, environmental law, civil disobedience and assisted suicide. Features guest speakers from the legal community. Especially recommended for students considering law school. Offered every year.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4000: Public Policy and Administration (5)
Offerings
A study of public policy-making, with special attention paid to the policy process in its implementation and evaluation stages. Using case studies, analyses of specific policies are undertaken in such areas as budgeting, education, civil rights, energy and social services. Offered alternate years.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4310: International Political Economy (5)
Offerings
Examines the nature and dynamics of the global economy in relation to the economies and political systems of nations and to theories and models of national, regional and global economic growth. International trade, business and government policy are studied in this context.
Equivalents: ECN 4310
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4450: American Constitutional Law: Federalism and Separation of Powers (5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: POL 3780. A study of the U.S. Constitution and the Supreme Court, and the role of "constitutional" law in American government and society, with special attention given to cases dealing with federalism and separation of powers. Recommended for students interested in law school. This course is offered every other year, alternating with POL 4451.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
Prerequisites: POL 3780: D or better
POL 4451: American Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights (5)
Offerings
A study of the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court and the role of "constitutional" law in American government and society, with special attention given to cases dealing with civil liberties and civil rights. Recommended for students interested in law school. This course is offered every other year, alternating with POL 4450. It may be taken as a stand-alone course or in sequence with POL 4450.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
Prerequisites: POL 3780: D or better
POL 4452: International Law (3)
Offerings
An exploration of the intricacies of international law including its creation, different legal processes, and institutions that deal with international law as well as some of the main legal issues, pivotal cases, customs, laws and treaties that form the body of international law.
Attributes: Cultural Understand&Engagement, Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4641: Theories of the Political System: Ancient (5)
Offerings
Explores major themes of normative political thought by reviewing key works of such thinkers as Plato, Aristotle and Augustine. Reviews the nature of justice and governance, of citizenship and obedience, and examines a variety of Christian perspectives on these issues.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4642: Theories of the Political System: Modern (5)
Offerings
Explores major themes of normative political thought by reviewing the key works of such thinkers as Aquinas, Machiavelli, Locke and Rousseau. Reviews the nature of justice and governance, of citizenship and obedience, and examines a variety of Christian perspectives on these issues.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4643: Methods of Political Analysis (5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: Students must complete spreadsheet competency in order to register for class. Spreadsheet competency is demonstrated by passing BUS 1700 or passing Excel MOS exam. Explores approaches and methods by which political scientists work with empirical evidence to develop knowledge and theory about the nature of political behavior in society. Students are strongly encouraged to take this course during their junior year whenever possible.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Political Science Majors only. Freshman students are excluded.
Prerequisites: BUS 1700: D or better
OR Spreadsheets Competency (SBGE): P or better
POL 4899: Political Science Capstone Seminar (3)
Offerings
Provides an in-depth exploration of a specific issue or topic so that graduating seniors can synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired while studying political science. Topics vary. May be repeated for credit 3 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Post-Baccalaureate, Senior students only.
POL 4900: Independent Study (1-5)
Offerings
Prerequisites: Junior standing; at least 15 credits in political science. Designed to develop intensive examination of selected areas of interest in political thought, institutions or behavior through a program of directed readings and/or research approved by a political science faculty member. (Maximum of 10 credits applicable to POL major.) May be repeated for credit up to 15 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
POL 4911: Advanced Seminar: (1-5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: Upper-class standing. Seminars studying theoretical and/or practical issues in politics, government and political science. See current Time Schedule for topics. Students who are taking this course to fulfill the capstone requirement should enroll in POL 4899. May be repeated for credit up to 25 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4920: Directed Readings (1-5)
Offerings
Directed readings to be arranged with the instructor of the course. Consists of a bibliography compiled with assistance of instructor and a corresponding number of critical review essays of the readings. May be repeated for credit up to 10 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4931: Political Science Practicum (1-5)
Offerings
Political Science Practicum May be repeated for credit up to 10 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
POL 4940: Political Internships (1-15)
Offerings
Prerequisites: Junior standing and at least 15 credits in political science. Provides opportunities for practical experience in national, state or local governmental bodies and agencies or political organizations. Available with a program designed in advance and approved by a political science faculty member. (Maximum of 10 credits applicable to POL major.) May be repeated for credit up to 30 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4950: Special Topics (1-5)
Offerings
Students who are taking this course to fulfill the capstone requirement should enroll in POL 4899. May be repeated for credit up to 10 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.