Political Science

PL 101 Founding of American Government (3) This course discusses the foundational political ideas and institutions that influenced the establishment of American government. Beginning with America’s colonial roots, the student will learn important individuals, ideas, and institutions instrumental in developing the American political system. Fall sem.

PL 207 Political Science (3) The student learns the foundational political concepts, institutions, and methods that shape modern political life. The student will compare western democratic institutions with those found in authoritarian regimes as well as learn about key political ideologies that influenced the modern world. This course may be taken as a social science elective.

PL 303 State and Local Government (3) This course analyzes the structure and functions of state and local governments. The student will learn about topics such as federalism, police power, political parties, and policymaking as observed from the state level and from their relationship to the federal government. This course may be taken as a history elective by history major, minor, or teaching field; or as a social science elective. Spring sem.

PL 304 American Government (3) This course discusses the features of American government, its organizational structure, and the way it functions on a national level. The students will learn the basic construction of the Constitution and the operations of the three branches of government. This course may be taken as a social science elective.

PL 313 Democracy in America (3) Prereq.: HI 201 and 202. Students analyze current political institutions including political parties, elections, campaigns, the media, and special interest groups. Spring odd.

PL 321 American Public Policy (3) Prereq.: PL 303 and 304. Students examine American foreign and domestic policy at both the national and state level. Fall even.

PL 402 Political Theory (3) Prereq.: PL 207 and 304. Students learn general questions of political thought concerning the state, power, equality, freedom, and human nature. Such questions and others are addressed from a Christian perspective and are contrasted with political ideologies that have arisen in modern times. Spring sem.

PL 405 Models of Modern Political Leadership (3) Prereq.: PL 207 and 304. Students examine many of the political leaders that have influenced the modern world. More than just looking at personalities, this course will stress such leadership qualities as vision, initiative, organization, and influence. Fall even.

PL 407 Political Science Research (3) Prereq.: Junior or senior political science major. Students learn the logic, design, sampling, and data collection techniques involved in research methods in political science. Fall odd.

PL 421 The Politics of Great Britain (3) Prereq.: PL 207 and junior or senior. Students learn the governmental institutions as well as the political processes in Great Britain. Topics such as Britain’s unwritten constitution, parliament, political parties, and role in the European Union will be addressed. Fall odd.

PL 425 Public Administration (3) Prereq.: Junior or senior. Students learn basic concepts and issues of American public administrations. Topics such as budget/finance, decision making, personnel, organization, and government regulation are examined. Spring even.