POL 101 American Political System 3 s.h.
The purpose of this study is to examine the various political and governmental structures that make up the American political system: political culture, constitutional arrangements, public opinion, pressure groups, political parties, elections, Congress, the President, courts, and bureaucracy. The major theme of this study is the understanding that since the American political system was intentionally designed to make it difficult for any one individual or group to govern effectively, public policies are usually the results of compromises; hence, the final outcome may be less than one wishes. Hoping to make the student a realistic observer of the process, the course explores, then, how the “system” affects the relationship between the promises and the performances of elected officials. Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: S.
POL 204 Constitutional Law 3 s.h.
Comprehensive analysis of the rules of evidence and criminal procedural law, judicial notice, presumption, real and circumstantial evidence, burden of proof, providence of court and jury, documentary evidence, hearsay, confessions and admissions, laws of arrest, search and seizure. Hours of class per week: 3.
POL 211 Public Administration 3 s.h.
A study of the theory and basic principles of public administration in the United States, including discussions related to the development, organization, functions, and problems of national, state, and local administration. Hours of class per week: 3.
POL 278 International Politics 3 s.h.
This course examines the new patterns of relations that have developed among nation-states, Inter-Governmental Organizations (IGO’s) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) in the post-Cold War period. The focus will be on the increasing regionalization and globalization of governmental and non-governmental organizations and movements and their effects on world stability and the lives of average citizens. Using the new and competing models of world politics, students will focus on: the roles of the state and individuals in developing foreign policies, the increasing role of NGO’s (from human rights groups to international terrorist groups) in shaping the actions of states, wars and conflict management, the global economy and the divide between “North and South.” Students will also examine specific global issues, such as AIDS, pollution, human rights, workers rights, and terrorism. Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: S.
POL 280 Public Policy SP 3 s.h.
This course examines what governments do and don’t do to deal with the perceived social problems of the nation. The study progresses in the following fashion: 1) an analysis of what “policy” is; 2) a comparison of the way liberals, conservatives, and radicals identify and define social issues and the role they believe the government should play in solving the problems; 3) an examination of the policy-making process; and 4) a discussion of the existing and possible alternative policies designed to deal with issues related to crime, welfare, education, health, economic growth, and affirmative action. Hours of class per week: 3. General Education: S
