PSCI113: Introduction to American Government

An introduction to the structure and functions of the American federal government. Topics for analysis include: the origins of the American Constitution, U.S. political culture, political parties and interest groups, the structure and functioning of the Congress and the Executive, and impact of the Supreme Court on public policy.

PSCI118: Mass Media and Politics

Explores the various types of media, government regulation of the media, the gathering and distribution of political news, and media use in election campaigns.

PSCI130: Rule of Law

A basic survey course of government regime types. Rule of law (liberal democracies) are compared to rules of men (autocracies, one-party states and monarchies) and rules of religious leaders (theocracies) as these regime types have been found in the past and present. Special emphasis is given to the challenge of creating a rule of law in newly established democracies.

PSCI212: American State and Local Government

Looks at the organization and functions of state and local government under our federal system as well as the rights and duties of citizens within their communities, with particular emphasis on government and citizenship in Pennsylvania.

PSCI214: Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties

Examines the Supreme Court's role in determining the limits of the civil rights and liberties such as freedom of speech, freedom of press, freedom of religion and other protections of the Bill of Rights.

PSCI218: Race and the American Political System

Investigates the impact of race on American government and politics. Theories and methodologies for studying race will be examined. The role of race will be discussed concerning political parties, campaigns and elections, governing institutions, and past and present social movements.

PSCI232: Comparative Democracy

An exploration of various types of "government by the people," with emphasis on issues as well as challenges of political participation, market capitalism, civil society, public policy and homeland security in five mature democracies: the United States, Britain, India, Japan and Israel.

PSCI235: Government and Politics of Europe and the European Union

Explores the politics and governments found in European countries today and the relationship between "Europe" and the European Union (EU). Students will investigate how questions surrounding EU politics profoundly impact the national politics of individual European countries. Students will investigate various national political arenas in European states, especially those of Britain, Germany, and France.

PSCI240: Theories of International Relations

A critical examination of the major theoretical approaches of international relations, focusing on both historical and current issues in international security and international political economy. Classic concepts such as anarchy, balance of power, the security dilemma, the shadow of the future, public goods, interdependence, free markets, and non-state actors are discussed and applied to contemporary case studies such as the NATO alliance, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Persian Gulf War, U.S.-China relations, and others. 

PSCI241: American Foreign Policy

An exploration of national interests, principles, and grand strategies that have animated US foreign policy debates and actions throughout the 20th century and at the start of the new millennium. Topics include the foreign policy decision-making process, problems of national security, and strategies for trade and monetary policy in the international economy.

PSCI242: International Organizations, Law and Public Policy

Considers the role of international organizations and international law in promoting world order and in creating international public policy. Topics include peacekeeping, nuclear proliferation, world health, economic development, environmental, and food and agriculture issues.

PSCI315: Politics of the American Presidency

Explores the American Presidency through the lens of the various institutions of American government and politics. Class lectures and discussions investigate how the office has evolved over time, how the Presidency interacts within the executive branch and with the legislative and judicial branches, the nature of the President's relationship with the public, and an examination of the policymaking powers of the President.

PSCI316: Constitutional Law: Public Policy

An investigation of the impact of constitutional law on the formation of American public policy. The debate on the proper policy role of the judiciary is explored, and the constitutional powers and constraints on the executive and legislative branches to make policy are analyzed. Leading Supreme Court decisions in the areas of intergovernmental relations, commerce, science and technology are examined and discussed.

PSCI321: Political Theory: Ancient to Medieval

Explores the works on major political philosophers in early world history and focuses on such concepts as justice, freedom, and equality as well as the nature and the function of the state. Students will investigate the relevance of early philosophical insights for contemporary political challenges.

PSCI322: Political Theory: 17th Century to 20th Century

An analysis of the writings of selected modern world political philosophers and the influence of their ideas on present political structures. Issues discussed include the problem of political obligation, freedom vs. totalitarianism, the social contract, forms of government, and revolution.

PSCI330: Government and Politics of the Middle East

Compares authoritarian, monarchical and democratic regime types found in the Middle East, focusing on the impact of religion, colonialism, the Cold War, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and the blessings/curses of oil across the region.

PSCI341: International Political Economy

Explores theories and issues in international political economy, focusing on the political consequences of global economic relations. Students will investigate both historical and current challenges in international political economy.

PSCI498: Senior Seminar in Political Science

Designed to be the capstone experience for political science majors and requires students to reflect on the integrated nature of coursework they have completed while pursuing the major. Students will submit a research paper that explores a topic according to the standards of the discipline. Students will also give a poster or oral presentation on their research topic.