Courts, Law, and Politics (POS 4284) – This course surveys the judicial system and its links to politics in the United States. Covers the U.S. Supreme Court, other federal courts, and state and local courts. Topics include legal education and law careers, role of lawyers in court, selection of judges, how civil and criminal cases get to and through the courts, plea bargaining, judicial decision-making, and court-made public policy. Prerequisite: POS 1041 or instructor permission.
Environmental Politics and Policy (PUP 4203) – This course focuses on the actions taken by government to protect and improve environmental quality in the United States. It includes such topics as the underlying scientific principles, the major actors in policy making, existing legislation, and future challenges. Background in science is not necessary. Prerequisite: PUP 3002.
Introduction to Comparative Government and Politics (CPO 2002) – This course addresses government institutions and current political parties throughout the world, as well as theories that explain similarities and differences among countries. Topics may include electoral systems, parliamentary systems, causes of political change, democratization, political culture, ideologies, and economic and social policy. Examples are drawn from Western democracies and developing countries.
Introduction to International Relations (INR 2002) – This course introduces students to the study of international relations. Major topics include the different actors that participate in international relations and the different goals they pursue, the processes of conflict and cooperation, and recent trends in international politics.
Introduction to Public Policy (PUP 3002) – This course is an introduction to the development of public policy in the United States. Covers main policy areas including housing, education, the economy, homeland security, etc.
Law and Society (POS 3691) – This course surveys the American legal system, including the role of lawyers; sources and types of law; and courts, legislatures, executive agencies, and other law-making institutions. Also links law and legal behavior to the social, economic, and political features of modern society. (Required for students in the law and society program.). Prerequisite: POS 1041.
Legislative Systems (POS 4424) – This course studies Congress and the behavior of its members. Includes the recruitment and election of members of Congress, the functioning of party leaders and congressional committees, the influences on congressional policy-making, and the sources of stability and change in Congress. Prerequisite: POS 1041 or instructor permission.
Politics and the Theory of Games (POS 4715) – This course discusses elementary theories of individual and group decision–making that are used to analyze various political phenomena such as the arms race, legislative politics, majority rule in democracies, voting and elections, and coalition governments. Prerequisites: CPO 2002 or INR 2002 or POS 1041 and completion of the mathematics liberal studies requirements.
States and Markets (CPO 3743) – This course analyzes the multifaceted ways in which political and economic spheres interrelate. Students are exposed to relevant debates on democracy and growth, the state’s role in the economy, corruption, natural resources, and redistribution. Prerequisite: CPO 2002 or instructor permission.
State Politics (POS 3122) – This course focuses on government and politics in the American states. Looks at the governor, the legislature, and the courts; the history of federalism; and policies, practices, and social institutions that affect state government. Includes a study of state policies in such areas as welfare, education, crime, and the environment. Prerequisite: POS 1041 or instructor permission.