POLS Political Science
POLS 1101 American Government
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Surveys government and politics, with additional attention to the government and the Constitution of Georgia. Topics include the constitutional structure of American government, the role of non-governmental institutions such as interest groups and mass media, the role of governmental institutions such as Congress and the Presidency, the operation of major political process such as elections and policy making, and the interaction between institutions and processes. Satisfies the Georgia Constitution and U.S. Constitution requirements.
POLS 1150 World Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Comparative political systems with emphasis on the variety of world polities. Differences in government structure, policy, and political traditions. Democratization, modernization, nationalism, the future of the nation state, the end of the Cold War, and the potential of developing nations.
POLS 1200 Ethics/Morals in Government
2-3 Credit Hours. 2-3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Ethics of citizenship, policy-making, and governance. Classical and modern theories of justice, with emphasis on collective goods and individual rights. Three credit option requires student research on distributive justice and public policy.
POLS 2101 Introduction to Political Science
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
An introduction to the concepts that are considered in the systematic study of politics, such as justice, equality, regimes, and democracy. This course will examine the concepts and approaches by which political scientists explore politics theoretically and in applied settings. Required of all majors and minors in political science.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in POLS 1101.
POLS 2130 Introduction to Political Analysis
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course is part of a two-course foundation for Political Science majors. In Introduction to Political Science, students were introduced to the who, what, when, where, and why of Political Science. In this course, students will learn the how; in other words, how Political Scientists use the concepts, tools, and approaches available to them to understand the political world. Students will learn the tools of research design and both qualitative and quantitative techniques that are actively used in the discipline. Additionally, students will learn how the writing process unfolds from puzzle to final manuscript and presentation. The final goal of this course is to create an original, independent research design that can be completed in an upper-level Political Science course for presentation at a professional conference and/or publication in a professional journal. Required of all majors in political science.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in POLS 2101.
POLS 3101 Moot Court I
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Legal argumentation and decision making including writing briefs, research, and forensic skills.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in POLS 1101 or permission of the instructor.
POLS 3102 Moot Court II
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A continuation of Moot Court I, for those ready for a second semester of moot court study and competition.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "B" in POLS 3101.
POLS 3132 Asian Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course examines the diversities across and within South, Southeast, and East Asia. It analyzes the following key themes: nationalism, colonialism, regime change, economic development, civil society and social movements, political conflict, and ethno-religious pluralism.
Cross Listing(s): INTS 3132.
POLS 3133 Latin American Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
An examination of the major domestic and international factors in comparative Latin American political systems. Special attention and detail is given to the challenges of development and democratization.
Cross Listing(s): LAST 3133.
POLS 3134 Middle East Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines political change and economic development of the Middle East in the last century, focusing on colonialism, radical Islam, oil politics, Arab nationalism, the Arab-Israeli conflict, and the U.S. role in the Middle East.
Cross Listing(s): INTS 3134.
POLS 3135 Legislative Behavior
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
The ability of elected bodies whether they are local, state, regional, or national to represent the preferences of their constituents is linked to the ability of elected officials, their staffs, and the executive agency administrators to manage change in an arena of inadequate information. This course will examine decision making, agenda setting, elections, and institutional arrangements with a particular concern for the mechanisms legislatures have for processing information. Students will become familiar with the three contemporary approaches to the study of legislatures: historical, behavioral, and formal.
POLS 3136 The Presidency
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
An analysis of the political, constitutional, behavioral, symbolic and policy roles of the President. Attention is also paid to the linkages between the Presidency and the other government and political institutions.
POLS 3137 Judicial Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
In this course, students analyze and evaluate judicial politics by examining the actors, institutions, processes, and procedures that contribute to the formulation, administration, and adjudication of the law.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in POLS 1101.
POLS 3138 Constitutional Law: Government Powers
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A study of the constitutional development of the national government through landmark Supreme Court decisions. Topics include: judicial power, separation of power, federalism, and interstate commerce.
POLS 3139 Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course focuses on the study of the Bill of Rights through landmark Supreme Court decisions. Topics include freedom of speech, press, and religion, the right to privacy, rights of the accused, search and seizure law, and equal protection of the law.
POLS 3230 Modern Political Thought
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
The course in modern political thought is concerned with the differentiation of politics as an activity distinct from, and independent of, religion. Political thinkers in the modern period are distinguished by their turn to scientific and other modern modes of rationality as foundations for the analysis of politics. Central concerns include delineating the rights of powers of the individual and establishing a secular basis for a just society.
Cross Listing(s): PHIL 3230.
POLS 3231 Environmental Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines important topics in United States environmental protection policy-making. It does so within the institutional context of American politics, including the congressional, presidential, administrative, judicial, intergovernmental, and constituency components of decisions relating to environmental protection. These decisions will be examined using the focus of the regionally important aspects of environmental quality such as water, air, and land resources.
POLS 3232 Philosophy of Law
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A study of major topics in the philosophy of law, all of which concern the relationship of law to morality and justice-including the nature of law in general; the importance of the rule of law and of limiting the rule of law; and some theory and practice of criminal law.
Cross Listing(s): PHIL 3232.
POLS 3233 Politics and The Media
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A comprehensive overview of the institutions and processes of the mass media in American politics. Emphasis is given to the history and role of the mass media in the United States and to the use of the media in covering news events as well as in political campaigns.
POLS 3234 Introduction to the European Union
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course will introduce students to the history, institutions, policies, and cultures of the European Union and its member states.
POLS 3235 Women and Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A study of the relationship of women to political life and to political theory-building. Focuses on political socialization, behavior, and institutional impact based on gender, using a comparative cross-national approach.
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POLS 3236 International Relations
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Introduces students to the basic concepts of international relations, including those of war and peace, power, foreign policy, international organization, markets, demography, ecology, and the impact of information technology. Students will be provided with the necessary concepts, theories, and methods used in the discipline including quantitative analysis in order to gain a better understanding of the nature and problems of international relations.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 or POLS 2101.
Cross Listing(s): INTS 3236.
POLS 3237 African American Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A basic appreciation of the nature, processes, structures, and functions of African American politics in the domestic and international arena and how they differ from dominant assumptions, theories, approaches, and models of American politics. Focus is on how to seek and maintain empowerment.
POLS 3239 Human Rights in International Relations
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course will explore the vulnerability of various political minorities to human rights abuses at the global level and provide an assessment of the roles of states, international organizations, and non-governmental organizations in human rights issues.
Cross Listing(s): INTS 3239.
POLS 3330 State and Local Government
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines the forms of organizations, the functions, and the operations of the 50 state governments. Special attention will be given to the growing problems in the urban areas such as the interplay of politics, pressure groups, and community power structures.
POLS 3331 Introduction to Bureaucratic Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course examines the socio-political impacts of modern bureaucracies, how modern bureaucracy has emerged as a "fourth branch" of federal government (including historical development), and its ability to influence policy making with particular emphasis on implementation.
POLS 3332 Political Parties and Elections
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A comprehensive overview of the institutions and processes that connect the public to government institutions. Course emphasis is given to the history and structure of the political parties in the United States and the electoral process and voting at and below the presidential level.
POLS 3333 Southern Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines the changing political conditions and trends within the eleven states of the American South since WWII. Students will examine the events which led to the unique political environment one encounters in the South. The primary focus will be on the political environment, but also on social, cultural, and economic variables as they relate to the political system.
POLS 3334 Film and Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Considers how the art of film has contributed to an understanding of major twentieth-century political events and thoughts. Topics include war, nationalism, authoritarianism, the Cold War, presidential politics and campaigning, populism and the ethos of democracy in classic and contemporary film.
POLS 3335 Ethnicity and Nationalism
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course examines ethnicity and nationalism in comparative perspective. It discusses a wide variety of social and political phenomena including identity, language, violence, religion, class, gender and colonialism. Ethnic groups in almost every multiethnic country continue to compete with one another over issues of economic equity, political decentralization, power-sharing, language, educational policies and cultural rights. This course explores why and how power and passion of these groups are created by comparing ethnic conflicts across the globe and analyzes the following factors - language, religion, race, historical memories, values, territory, customs, symbols, myths and other cultural attributes.
POLS 3336 Ancient Political Thought
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course examines political themes from the Ancient Greeks to the Renaissance.
POLS 3338 Language and Law
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A critical examination of language as a problem-solving device and tool for understanding argument and legal contestation. Delineation of individual rights, institutional authority and legal jurisdiction with emphasis on language and legal power. Analysis of the sociology of language and law within the concepts of human rights and socio-political entitlements.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in ENGL 1102.
POLS 3340 Pol & Ideol/Contemporary Euro
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Interaction between political institutions and ideas in contemporary Europe.
POLS 3350 Classics of Political Thought
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Selected texts in political theory, ancient, and modern.
POLS 3420 Pol Of Underdev: Afr & Lat Am
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Contemporary global patterns of dependency and interdependency. Legacy of colonialism. Role of military in politics. Nationalist regimes and movements. Democratization. Ethnic conflicts. Environmental problems. Political geography.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in POLS 2101.
POLS 3431 African Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines salient themes and background of contemporary African political systems. The emphasis will be on government and politics of modern Africa bearing on the emergence of post-colonial states and regional and global ramifications.
POLS 3433 Survey of Comparative Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course introduces students to the basic concepts of comparative politics, including those of democratization, regime transition, electoral politics, political parties, ethnic conflict, and economic development. Students will be provided with the necessary concepts, theories, and methods used in the discipline including quantitative and qualitative analysis in order to gain a better understanding of the nature and problems of comparative politics.
POLS 3438 Gender and the Law
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course focuses on legal issues related to gender, and considers judicial decisions that have helped shape policies related to issues such as reproductive rights, employment discrimination, family law, Title IX, and sexual harassment.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in POLS 1101.
POLS 3439 Comparative Judicial Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Provides students with a theoretical and empirical understanding of the role of courts in the modern state, and explanations for their increasing importance as political actors worldwide. Students gain the background necessary to navigate courts in disparate political landscapes.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in POLS 1101.
POLS 3449 Torts
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Provides a practical and theoretical overview of civil wrongs. Political, social and economic consequences of individual behavior is examined. In addition, topics involving negligence actions, intentional torts, strict liability, and products liability are reviewed.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in POLS 1101.
POLS 3480 Governments Of Western Europe
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Comparison of the major Western European governments, emphasizing the forces impacting political stability in Parliamentary systems.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in POLS 2101.
POLS 3530 Global Environmental Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Introduction to the politics of environmental issues from local, national, and international perspectives including public perception, competing ideologies, the nature of the political process, the courts, the media, and political institutions.
POLS 3532 Political and Social Aspects of Law
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Law as a dynamic societal institution. Sources and functions of both civil and criminal law and operation of the legal process viewed from the perspectives of jurisprudence, political science, and sociology.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101.
POLS 3551 Introduction to United Nations
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
In this course, students will be introduced to the concepts of international organizations and the part that they play today in international politics. Specifically, we will examine the United Nations, its structure and function, its failures and successes, and what the future holds for this organization.
Cross Listing(s): INTS 3551.
POLS 4031 Selected Topics in Political Science
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Course allows various contemporary topics within Political Science to be examined.
POLS 4130 American Political Thought
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines political themes and thinkers from the Colonial to the Contemporary period.
POLS 4131 Introduction to Public Affairs
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A study of the policy process in the American political system focusing on the analysis, formulation, implementation, and evaluation of public policies. Specific policy areas such as welfare, information technology, education, health, and foreign policy are examined.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101.
POLS 4132 U.S. Foreign Policy
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Provides basic information and understanding of the key elements and actions involved in the formulation and execution of U.S. foreign policy. Special attention is given to the impact of U.S. foreign policy on the international system.
Cross Listing(s): INTS 4132.
POLS 4133 International Political Economy
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines the interplay between international politics and international economics or business or the process of international wealth acquisition and transfer. Emphasis will be on the dynamics that give rise to asymmetric distributions: who gets what, when and how among different players in the global economy.
POLS 4134 International Law and Diplomacy
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines the body of literature, concepts, and historical perspectives of international law and diplomacy as related to the critical problems of the Post-Cold War era. Focuses on the legal, oral, and strategic dimensions of several past, present, and proposed means of conflict resolution.
POLS 4135 International Organizations
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A theoretical and analytical study of the organization, powers, and problems of global and regional international organizations.
Cross Listing(s): INTS 4135.
POLS 4136 Politics of the Global North
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course focuses on examination of the cultural, social, and political factors that contribute to the structure, function, and problems of contemporary nation-states in the Global North.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 or POLS 2101.
Cross Listing(s): INTS 4136.
POLS 4137 Politics of the Global South
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A study of government and politics in the major developing countries of Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Historical, cultural, religious, and economic factors influencing the political systems of these countries are also studied.
Cross Listing(s): INTS 4137.
POLS 4138 International Terrorism
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Designed to explore the political, religious, economic, and social issues which pervade the global environment. Key issues to be addressed include different forms of terrorism, conflict resolution, and at the state level reunification issues. Emphasizes the critical, and perhaps, decisive and controlling impact which terrorist groups level on policy changes.
Cross Listing(s): INTS 4138.
POLS 4139 Contemporary Political Thought
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Theorists since the onset of the twentieth century have questioned the scientific foundations of modern political ideas and institutions. Issues to be discussed may include the nature and limits liberalism, the rise of mass politics, the benefits and dangers of modern technology, and the emergence of multiculturalism and feminism.
POLS 4190 Environmental Laws and Regulations
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
An introduction to hazardous waste regulations, solid waste management programs, the Clean Air Act, OSHA regulations, the Clean Water Act, environmental audits, remediation technology, and issues relating to the impact of environmental laws on society.
POLS 4210 Politics of Public Policy
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course provides students with the analytical tools to assess the role of politics in policy making. Approaches policy making process as a multi-level analysis of interrelated government institutions and facilitates student processing and evaluation of complex political information embedded in the theory and practice of public policy formation.
POLS 4220 Politics of Economic Inequality
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Explores the relationship between economic inequality and political voice, institutional governance, and public policy. It considers the causes of economic inequality, historical struggles in political development, and the socio-economic context of economic inequality all within a theoretical framework of equality and inequality.
POLS 4238 International Conflict
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines the causes of international conflict, including theories about alliances, power, bargaining, arms races, conventional and nuclear deterrence, and nuclear weapon proliferation.
POLS 4239 Politics and the Military
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course examines the major theories of civil-military relations and how these relations play out in modern politics. Topics covered include: civilian control of the military, military intervention in politics, the military in the developing world, and the experiences of minorities in the military.
POLS 4240 Asian Regional Security
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Applies international relations theory and conceptual frameworks to a broad discussion of regional policy with a focus on the changing role of China.
POLS 4270 Intelligence & National Security Policy
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
An examination of the roles played by the president, the National Security Council, the Cabinet Departments of State, Defense, and Homeland Security, and the intelligence community in the national security/defense policy-making process.
POLS 4300 Religion & Political Thought
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as sources of political ideas.
POLS 4330 Liberalism and the Modern State
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Historical and conceptual development in the theory and practice of liberal democracy from the 17th century to the present.
POLS 4410 Asia and the United States
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
How the U.S. and Asian countries grapple with key issues facing the world today such as trade, security, and environment.
POLS 4438 Legal Reasoning and Writing
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course introduces rule-based reasoning in writing legal documents. Students read and analyze precedents and statutes, use them as a basis for their argument, and translate written arguments into oral arguments. The persuasive writing style is emphasized.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in POLS 1101.
POLS 4440 Immigration Law and Policy
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Analyzes the development and implementation of immigration law and policy, and current controversies in the field, employing a comparative perspective. Explores the intersection of immigration policy with fundamental principles of sovereignty, national security, equality and human rights.
POLS 4460 Politics of East Asia
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Primer on the history, nationalism, political institutions, maritime disputes and economic development of Southeast and East Asia. Offers a comprehensive and integrated introduction to the present problems and issues of the region.
POLS 4490 Russian Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Political change in the former Soviet Union with emphasis on the new direction of the political, economic, and social transformation of the regime. Comparison of tsarist autocracy, Soviet titalitarianism, and the contemporary Russian political system.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in POLS 1150 or POLS 2100 or POLS 2200 or POLS 2290.
POLS 4491 How to Win a Political Campaign
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
The course will address fundamental elements of campaign operations from candidate suitability to voter mobilization as a practice. The goal of the course is simply to provide relevant real-world training for students to engage in meaningful political engagement in the electoral process.
POLS 4510 National Security of the Developing South
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examination of the role, behavior and perspective of Developing South states in the international system, including ethnic conflicts, war, and their search for stability within a chaotic world.
POLS 4520 Comparative Judicial Systems
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Comparative survey of judicial procedures in political systems of the Global North and the Global South.
POLS 4530 Marxism, Socialism, and Democracy
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Readings in Marxist and other socialist texts as well as critiques of socialism. Examination of communist regimes, revolutions, and social democratic governments. Evaluation of significance for contemporary democratic theory and practice.
POLS 4534 Feminist Political Thought
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course examines how conceptions of gender have informed notions of political agency, community, and identity. This course foregrounds the role of gender relations in redefining the nature and significance of politics.
POLS 4550 Insurgency and Civil War
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
An examination of the forms of organized movement aimed at the overthrow of a government through the use of violence. A survey of the measurements taken by a government to defeat insurgency and/or to resolve civil war.
POLS 4560 Comparative Foreign Policy
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examination of various theories of state type and foreign policy behavior and evaluation of such theories in foreign policy analysis.
POLS 4570 Politics and Security in Southwest Asia
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
An in-depth understanding of the political and security challenges confronting Southwest Asia (Pakistan, Afghanistan, India) and how those challenges affect global security.
POLS 4580 Violent Non-State Actors
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
An examination of the different types of VNSAs and how they challenge the nation-state.
POLS 4581 Model United Nations
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Prepares students for Georgia Southern's participation in the National Model United Nations Conference in New York City in the spring of each year. Students learn the structure, function and organization of the United Nations as well as in-depth knowledge of the particular country that they will be representing in New York. Emphasis is placed on learning parliamentary procedure and diplomatic skills as part of the research conducted for becoming an advocate of the country being represented.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in INTS 3551 or POLS 3551.
POLS 4582 Model United Nations II
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course is designed for students in the second year of their participation on Georgia Southern University's National Model United Nations (NMUN) delegation. In addition to studying a different country and region of the world which requires students to learn the history, culture, and foreign policies of their assigned country, NMUN students also research and write on topics in different United Nations committees. Second-year delegates also take on added responsibility to plan, coordinate, and execute three Georgia Southern-sponsored Model United Nations conferences. Emphasis is placed on learning the intricacies and nuances of parliamentary procedure as it applies to both the Middle School and High School conferences conducted by Georgia Southern University.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in INTS 3551 or POLS 3551.
POLS 4583 Theories of Justice
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A consideration of the primary theories of justice formulated through history. Examines and evaluates the theoretical foundations of conceptions of justice from a variety of perspectives.
POLS 4791 Field Internship in Political Science
3-12 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
The internship is designed to give students practical experience in a government-qualified agency and/or environment.
Prerequisite(s): POLS 1101 and POLS 2101; departmental approval required.
POLS 4890 Independent Study in Political Science
1-12 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Provides opportunity to work one-on-one with an instructor to tailor a subject of interest to the student.
POLS 5630 Seminar in American Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A systematic focus on major themes and issues in American public policy and their roots in American politics.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in POLS 2101 and POLS 2130.
Cross Listing(s): POLS 5630G.
POLS 5631 Seminar in Political Theory
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A seminar focusing on selected theoretical topics. Emphasis will be placed on normative theory and the history of political thought.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in POLS 2101 and POLS 2130.
Cross Listing(s): POLS 5631G.
POLS 5633 Seminar in International Relations
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Designed to familiarize students with the theories which guide the conduct and analysis of international relations. These theories are examined in both their classical and contemporary context and used to evaluate and assess international relations' phenomena.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in POLS 2101 an POLS 2130.
Cross Listing(s): POLS 5633G, INTS 5633, INTS 5633G.
POLS 5634 Seminar in Comparative Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Provides an overview of the comparative method and theory building in comparative politics focusing on the macro-structural, rational choice, cultural and statist approaches. Furthermore, it analyzes various themes within Comparative Politics: political culture, regimes and regime transitions, elections and party systems, ethnicity and nationalism, political mobilization, revolution, civil wars and insurgencies. The topical focus is substantiated with relevant case studies, case comparisons and cross-case analysis to explore the diversity of the field and political processes across the world.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in POLS 2101 and POLS 2130.
Cross Listing(s): POLS 5634G, INTS 5634, INTS 5634G.
POLS 5635 Seminar in International Organizations
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
An analytical study of the organization, powers, and problems of global and regional international organizations.
Prerequisite(s): A minimum grade of "C" in POLS 2101 and POLS 2130.
Cross Listing(s): POLS 5635G, INTS 5635, INTS 5635G.
POLS 5630G Seminar in American Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A systematic focus on major themes and issues in American public policy and their roots in American politics. Graduate students will complete additional course assignments and assessment instruments to meet graduate standards, as determined by the instructor.
Cross Listing(s): POLS 5630.
POLS 5631G Seminar in Political Theory
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A seminar focusing on selected theoretical topics. Emphasis will be placed on normative theory and the history of political thought. Graduate students will complete additional course assignments and assessment instruments to meet graduate standards, as determined by instructor.
Cross Listing(s): POLS 5631.
POLS 5633G Seminar in International Relations
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Designed to familiarize students with the theories which guide the conduct and analysis of international relations. These theories are examined in both their classical and contemporary context and used to evaluate and assess international relations' phenomena, such as international conflict, international trade and finance, and international human rights. Graduate students will complete additional course assignments and assessment instruments to meet graduate standards, as determined by the instructor.
Cross Listing(s): POLS 5633, INTS 5633, INTS 5633G.
POLS 5634G Seminar in Comparative Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Provides an overview of the comparative method and theory building in comparative politics focusing on the macro-structural, rational choice, cultural and statist approaches. Furthermore, it analyzes various themes within Comparative Politics: political culture, regimes and regime transitions, elections and party systems, ethnicity and nationalism, political mobilization, revolution, civil wars and insurgencies. The topical focus is substantiated with relevant case studies, case comparisons and cross-case analysis to explore the diversity of the field and political processes across the world. Graduate students will complete additional course assignments and assessment instruments to meet graduate standards, as determined by the instructor.
POLS 5635G Seminar in International Organizations
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
An analytical study of the organization, powers, and problems of global and regional international organizations. Graduate students will complete additional course assignments and assessment instruments to meet graduate standards, as determined by the course instructor.
Cross Listing(s): POLS 5635, INTS 5635, INTS 5635G.
POLS 6638 Proseminar in Social Science
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Introduces students to the foundations and controversies in social scientific research.
POLS 7030 Selected Topics in Political Science
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
An opportunity for instructors to teach special topics within the discipline.
POLS 7130 Ethics in Government
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Focuses on experiences, approaches, and strategies for confronting and solving problems, accountability and responsibility of public officials for appropriate behavior, and ethical decision-making.
POLS 7131 Constitutional Law
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines the political and social context in which Constitutional Law is made and interpreted, the legal reasoning that undergirds Constitutional lawmaking, and the impact on public administration in the U.S.
POLS 7132 Administrative Law
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Development, present status, and trends in American Administrative Law. Explores administrative actions by focusing on the legal authority and responsibilities of private parties relative to such agencies.
POLS 7133 Public Law & Administration
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines the legal framework in which public managers must operate in the 21st century. Particular attention is given to understanding the implication of constitutional law on administrative behavior and decisions and on administrative laws designed to ensure due process and equal treatment for all citizens. The interrelationship of law and ethics for public managers is also examined.
POLS 7231 U.S. Foreign Policy
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Designed to familiarize students with the principles underlying and the process undertaken in the formulation and execution of United States foreign policy. Special attention is given to the role of the United States in the post-World War II period.
POLS 7232 Comparative Foreign Policy
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
An in-depth comparative study of the foreign policy of the United States, the European Union, Russia, the People's Republic of China, Japan, and other significant actors in global politics, emphasizing comparative methodology and theoretical framework.
POLS 7234 International Political Economy
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines the politics of international economic relations. Systemic and domestic explanations of international economic policy will be applied in various issue areas such as international wealth acquisition and transfer, strategies and the politics of development, trade, investment, exchange rates, debt, aid, and relief assistance. The dynamics that give rise to asymmetric wealth distributions and hegemonic transmutations will be given emphasis.
POLS 7330 Intergovernmental Relations
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Examines the interaction between the federal, state, and local levels of government in the United States. Special attention is given to the constitutional and fiscal relationships between these levels of government and the historical evolution of the nature of the relationships.
POLS 7332 State Government
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A systematic study of the growing role of the states in the development and administration of domestic social policy in the United States. Special attention is given to the capacity building in state government and the devolution of power to the states. Specific policy areas in state government including education, crime control, and economic development are examined in-depth.
POLS 7337 Environmental Politics and Policy
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
An overview of environmental and natural resource management in the United States. Particular attention will be paid to issues of regional importance, including water quality and availability, regulation and monitoring compliance, sustainable growth, and management within overlapping jurisdictions.
POLS 7436 Qualitative Research Design
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
Analysis and practice of qualitative methodology in social science. Topics may include participant observation, ethnographic methods, interviews, case studies, content analysis, archival research and other innovative techniques.
POLS 7532 Public Policy
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A systematic study of how public policy is developed, implemented, and evaluated. Attention is given to the skills of policy analysis, as well as, the social problems and cultural interpretations that lead to public policy. Illustrations from domestic policy in the United States are supplemented with insights from other nations.
POLS 7630 Seminar in American Government
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A graduate introduction to the basic structures, processes, and patterns of behavior of American national government, emphasizing the interfacing of politics, economics, and public policy.
POLS 7631 Seminar in Empirical Political Theory
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A survey of the prominent theoretical approaches used in empirical political inquiry. The philosophies of the social sciences and the construction of political explanation provide the foundation for embarking on original research necessary for the thesis stages of the program.
POLS 7632 Seminar in Comparative Politics
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A systematic review of the empirical and theoretical literature concerning the structure, function, and problems of contemporary governments in developed and developing countries.
Prerequisite(s): Completion of POLS 1101.
POLS 7638 Social Theory
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
This course examines the role of theory in the scientific endeavor and explores a number of theoretical perspectives, including structural-functionalism, conflict, feminist, exchange, rational choice, symbolic interaction, and the current debates over modernity and postmodernity.
POLS 7860 Internship in Political Science
6 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
The internship allows students pursuing their M.A. degree to work in a professional setting relating to their chosen concentration in Political Science. Students will be required to complete a final paper detailing the experience of their internship, and defend their paper and experiences before a faculty committee.
POLS 7890 Directed Reading
1-3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A structured, individualized research focus to be mutually designed by instructor and student.
POLS 7999 Thesis
1-6 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Hours. 0 Lab Hours.
A major research project structured jointly by the student and instructor.