Political Science with an Emphasis in American Government / Public Administration

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Pls 207: Current Political Issues

Study of current political issues, reflecting the trends in the domestic and international environments. The topics discussed include but are not limited to: economic policy, human rights, civil liberties, social policy, foreign policy, international conflict and cooperation, demographics and immigration, and environmental protection.

Pls 250: Politics and Social Issues

Exploration of current domestic and international social problems. Students will examine historical and political development, theoretical approaches, social movements, and legal processes that influenced those issues and their impact on the society. This course aims to show students how individuals shape the quality of social justice.

Pls 302: History of Political Thought

Introduction to historical and theoretical developments of political thought from ancient Greeks to the 21st century scholars. Students will analyze the impact and application of political philosophy on the current political systems and ideologies worldwide.

Pls 304: United States Foreign Policy

Introduction to U.S. foreign policy, including historical and international contexts and decision-making processes. The past, current, and future U.S. foreign policies and the mechanisms through which the U.S. influences international dynamics are explored and evaluated. 

Pls 310: Public Administration

Survey of concepts and practices related to public administration in the U.S., including the discipline and political context of governmental administration, organization theory, human resources management, intergovernmental relations, budgetary processes, and public service ethics. 

Pls 311: Ethics in Public Administration

Examination of the relationship between ethical choices and decisions of public administrators. Ethical standards are discussed in light of organizational and public policies. 

Pls 313: State and Local Government

Introduction of the fundamentals of local and state government systems, including their structures, administration, laws, policies, and decision-making processes. Furthermore, the relationships among various levels of government and between citizens and governments are analyzed. 

Pls 330: Political Campaigns, Elections, and Public Opinion

Introduction to the nature of the electoral system and political campaigns in the U.S. national, state, and local levels, including campaign strategies, financing and its reform, the psychology of voters, the importance of public opinion, and the role of parties in the processes of campaigns and elections. 

Pls 399: Independent Study

This course designates a field of study that is not a part of the regular curriculum. It is offered based on student interests and needs. Prerequisite: Submission and approval of “Application for Admission to Independent Study.”

Pls 403: Public Policy

Introduction to the study of public policy, including an overview of functions, responsibilities, decisions, and activities involved in determining public policy, from the agenda stage to the selection, implementation, and evaluation of policies. Theoretical and practical approaches to evaluate case studies in order to better understand this essential government function will be used. 

Pls 411: American Constitutional Law

Examination of the development of U.S. constitutional law, its impact on government and society, and methods of constitutional analysis, including the role of the Supreme Court in the establishment of rights and liberties, the process and influence of judicial review, federalism, and the relationships between the functional branches of government. 

Pls 495: Political Science Internship

With permission of the PS Area Coordinator, internships in a related field are available to students with high grade point average. The internship is administered by the Area Coordinator or the student’s Academic Advisor. To earn one (1) credit hour, student must complete forty (40) hours of work.