The formation and development of the national government, its organization and powers.

Various approaches to the rigorous study of political phenomena. The emphasis is upon the critical thinking and evaluative skills necessary to the understanding of politics. Among the techniques to be considered are surveys, charts and graphs, case studies, and statistical summaries.

A survey of various concepts in western political philosophy such as political obligation, freedom, equality, justice, rights, authority, and power.

An introduction to the basic factors influencing nation-state behavior in the world: the nation-state system, nationalism and imperialism, national power, and the present world crisis. The role of the United States in the world community is emphasized.

Impact of race and ethnicity on political participation, representation, institutions, and the evolution of public policy.

Interdisciplinary approach to military-social relations in the United States with emphasis on the powers of civilian political leaders to wage war; the rise of the garrison state and military-industrial complex; and past and present uses of the armed services as a social laboratory to test and apply ideas about race, class and gender.

An introduction to the analysis of the major types of political systems utilizing examples drawn from democratic, communist and underdeveloped nation-states. Problems, approaches and methods associated with the comparative field are emphasized.

The function, organization, actors, and consequences of campaigns and elections in American politics. Particular races and campaigns will be featured as examples for research into how campaigns work and why they matter.

Comparative study of political processes within African countries and their relations with other states, particularly former colonial powers.

Comparative study of political processes within Middle Eastern countries and their relations with other states, particularly the United States.

Comparative study of political processes within East Asian countries and their relations with other countries, particularly the United States.

Comparative study of political processes within post-communist Central and East European countries and their relations with other countries.

An introduction to the structure and functions of international political and economic organizations. Particular attention is given to the United Nations and its specialized agencies and to emerging regional communities.

Formulation of American foreign policy, problems of security, trade and diplomacy. Policies related to specific nation-states and regions will be emphasized.

Introduction to key theoretical and practical foundations of security studies. Emphasis is placed on the causes of war and armed conflict, defense and intelligence organization, contemporary and emerging security issues, including cybersecurity.

Travel in selected regions outside the United States, and field study of culture and politics, with an emphasis on governmental institutions. This course may be repeated as long as location/content are different.

The functions, history and future of political parties in the United States. Emphasis is on the development of political parties and the consequences of that development upon the party as an organization, the party as an electorate, and the party in the government.

Political participation in the United States through such activities as interest groups, political protest, contacting officials, voting, running for office. Who participates and why, and the consequences of participation for policy decisions and for society are also examined.

The process of registering to vote and voting, the environment within which elections operate, and the different actors within the system. This designated service-learning course requires volunteering with a non-profit, interest group, political party, campaign, or some other political entity or institution during the semester.

Selected political patterns and trends within the eleven states of the American South including historical developments since 1950.

The institutions, functions, policy making processes, and politics of state and local governments including an examination of the relations between state and local government, and the relations between state and local government and the national government.

Interpretation of the pivotal role of media in contemporary American politics. Familiarizes the student with fundamental concepts regarding the pervasive role of media in how it shapes our life, political ideology, political culture and political behavior.

How social media is utilized by politicians, the media, parties and interest groups, as well as the public. Methods of content analysis applied to social media will be emphasized.

The basic principles and theory of administrative structure, responsibility, and control in relation to policy making in the modern state.

Social, political, and technical forces in policy making including various theories of public policy and inquires into selected policy areas. Current policy issues are included and integrated into the larger theories of decision making.

An investigation of American national and international issues relating to the ecological basis of human living. Special attention is on environmental issue-areas including air, water, forests, soil erosion, and wildlife as well as the impact of population, the economy, and technology on the quality of the environment.

A survey of American political theorists from the colonial period to the present with an examination of the social, cultural, historical and scientific developments that have contributed to the nature of American political thinking.

Exploration of the meaning, purpose, and value of democracy through reading and analyzing texts that both advocate for and critique democratic government, from Ancient Greece through the 21st century.

Urban planning as an area of public policy. Emphasizes identifying urban sprawl and studying its effects on the social, psychological, environmental, physical, and financial well-being of cities and city residents.

Forms, causes, and consequences of political violence with special attention to terrorism.

A survey of political theories propounded by western political philosophers from Plato to Nietzsche.

Essential principles, theories, conceptual tools, and cases relating to the process and problems of democratic transition and consolidation around the world.

Essential principles, theories, conceptual tools, and cases relating to the governance of non-democratic regimes.

The evolution of governmental powers focusing on the judiciary, the presidency, congress, the states, and intergovernmental relations.

Freedom of religion, freedom of speech and association, due process, equal protection, and criminal procedure.

The growth of law, the lawmaking of the courts, the structure and organization of federal and state courts, the procedures involved in civil and criminal cases, and the problems and proposals for reform in the administration of justice.

Introduction to the political system of the European Union (EU). Topics include the workings of EU institutions and law, the effect of the EU on national politics and economy, economic politics and policymaking in the EU, the EU as an actor in the world economy.

History and basic principles of law among nation-states. Emphasis is upon the scope of international law and the extent to which law shapes the behavior of international actors.

Theories, practices, and patterns of mass political behavior and opinion formation across countries, social and psychological influences on opinion and behavior in comparative context.

Structure, organization, powers, functions and problems of legislative bodies.

The constitutional powers and political roles of the president with lesser emphasis upon state governors. Emphasis is placed on the chief executive and administration, executive relationships with legislatures, and party and popular leadership by the executive.

May be repeated once as topics change.

Supervised work experience in a political or governmental environment. A minimum of three hours work per week is required for each credit hour. Students are required to meet periodically with the supervising faculty member. Students are limited to a maximum of six hours combined from POLI U495 and POLI U496.

Supervised work experience in a public administration environment. A minimum of three hours work per week is required for each credit hour. Students are required to meet periodically with the supervising faculty member. Students are limited to a maximum of six hours combined from POLI U495 and POLI U496.

Exploration, at an advanced level, of issues, topics and dilemmas in both the subject matter and the profession of political science with emphasis on research and oral presentation of research findings. The specific topics covered in the course vary.