MASS MEDIA AND POLITICS [PSCI 118] - This course is a deep investigation of media as an institution of American politics. It explores different types of media (including social!), government regulation of the media, media’s influence on the public, the gathering and distribution of political news, and media use in campaigns and elections. The course incorporates current and recent events such as the “new-ish” idea of “fake news” and social movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo.
COMPARATIVE DEMOCRACY [PSCI 232] - This course is an exploration of various types of “government by the people,” with emphasis on issues (and challenges) to political participation, market capitalism, civil society, public policy and homeland security. These five mature democracies form the basis of the course: United States, the United Kingdom, India, Japan and Israel.
THEORIES OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS [PSCI 240] - This course is 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. Some of the concepts that are covered are anarchy, balance of power, the security dilemma, the shadow of the future, public goods, interdependence, free markets and non-state actors. Case studies include: NATO alliance, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the Persian Gulf War, and U.S.-China relation.
POLITICAL THEORY: ANCIENT TO MEDIEVAL [PSCI 321] - This course is an analysis of selected political philosophers in early world history with the aim to draw connection to contemporary political challenges. Ideas explores in the course include justice, freedom, equality, and the nature and function of the “state.”
POLITICAL THEORY: 17TH CENTURY TO 20th CENTURY [PSCI 322] - This course is an analysis of selected modern world philosophers and the influence of their ideas today on today’s political systems. Ideas explored in the course include the problem of political obligation, freedom vs. Totalitarianism, the social contract, forms of government, and revolution.
>>For all course descriptions for this major, SEE SCHOOL OF UNDERGRADUATED STUDIES CATALOG
Requirements/Prerequisites:
|
Course |
Credits |
|
One American Politics elective |
3 |
|
One Comparative Politics elective |
3 |
|
One International Relations elective |
3 |
|
One Political Theory elective |
3 |
|
One Political Science Writing Intensive Course (either PSCI315 Politics of the American Presidency or PSCI330 Politics of the Middle East) |
3 |
|
Seven additional electives from any area (American, Comparative, International Relations or Political Theory) |
21 |
|
One Public Speaking course (COMM253: Public Speaking) |
3 |
|
One Technological Proficiency course (CMTC203: Data Analysis Using MSExcel or CSEC140: Legal Issues in Cybersecurity or CMDF281: Introduction to GIS Mapping) |
1 credit (minimum) |
|
Senior Seminar in Political Science |
3 |
|
Total |
43 credits |
