BSU Catalog Home | Political Science Program | All-University Courses and Descriptions

Political Science (POL)

Check with department for semester when these courses are offered. Read each course description for prerequisites.

1200 INTRODUCTION TO AMERICAN POLITICS (3 credits) An introductory survey to the institutions and actors, such as the media, interest groups, political parties, congress and presidency of contemporary American government and politics. Liberal Education Goal Areas 5 & 9

1300 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3 credits) Surveys various theories explaining the behavior of nation-states, the causes of war and peace as well as the role of multinational corporations and international organizations in international politics. Liberal Education Goal Areas 8 & 9

1400 INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS (3 credits) A comparative analysis of political systems and their functions in the context of unique cultures and histories. Liberal Education Goal Area 8

2925 PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT: POLITICAL SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE. (3 credits) An introduction to political processes and institutions involved in making environmental policy. Liberal Education Goal Area 10 (Might not be offered every year)

3100 AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY (3 credits) Traces the development of American foreign policy: its objectives, limitations, domestic and international factors influencing foreign policy. Prerequisite: POL 1300. (Might not be offered every year)

3120 GLOBAL RESOURCE POLITICS (3 credits) Investigates the challenges of creating and implementing global environmental policies in the context of intense pressures on global resources, global inequities and sovereign nation-states. Prerequisite: POL 1300. (Might not be offered every year)

3130 ASIAN POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT (3 credits) Course investigates the unique political and economic challenges facing the countries of Asia and South Asia. Prerequisite: POL 1400. (Might not be offered every year)

3140 CANADIAN POLITICS (3 credits) Explanation of Canada’s history, political and economic systems, and regional variations within the nation-state. Special attention to political parties, ideologies, policy processes, and outcomes. (Might not be offered every year)

3150 TOPICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (1-3 credits) Course explores underlying political dimensions of topical issues. (Might not be offered every year)

3160 COMPARATIVE EUROPEAN POLITICS (3 credits) Course includes an analysis of political structures and processes in Europe. The mechanisms of parliamentary governments, political parties, interest groups and ideologies are included. Prerequisite: POL 1400 (Might not be offered every year)

3170 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3 credits) The study of conflict and cooperation in international relations, the foreign policies of the great powers, international organizations, and the United Nations. Prerequisite: POL 1300. (Might not be offered every year)

3180 INTERNATIONAL LAW AND ORGANIZATION (3 credits) Explores the role of international organizations such as the United Nations, economic alliances, international law, and regional consolidation in international politics. Prerequisite: POL 1300. (Might not be offered every year)

3190 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY (3 credits) Analyzes how economic policy decisions are made within and between countries and the effect those decisions have on affected interests in domestic and international politics. Prerequisite: POL 1300. (Might not be offered every year)

3200 MINNESOTA POLITICS (3 credits) Using Minnesota politics as a central focus, the role of and function of state and local governments in the context of American federalism is examined. Prerequisite: POL 1200. (Might not be offered every year)

3210 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (3 credits) An introduction to the field of public administration. Emphasis is on the political dimensions of management in the public sector. Prerequisite: POL 1200. (Might not be offered every year)

3230 ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS (3 credits) Surveys the dynamics of the policy process that produce our environmental policies. An analysis of actors, institutions, and organizations that shape U.S. environmental law and policy. Prerequisite: POL 1200 or consent of instructor. (Might not be offered every year)

3240 POLITICAL ANALYSIS (3 credits) Examines the application of political science research methodology to current questions of politics and public policy. Prerequisite: SOC 3001 or consent of instructor

3410 LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE RELATIONS (3 credits) Explores the legislative process by analyzing the motives and evolving legislative styles of legislators in relation to the evolution and powers of the modern presidency and executive establishment. Prerequisite: POL 1200. (Might not be offered every year)

3420 CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS (3 credits) Includes analysis of the congressional and presidential electoral process, including the role of political parties, interest groups, and the media. Prerequisite: POL 1200. (Might not be offered every year)

3910 DIRECTED INDEPENDENT STUDY: STUDENT LEADERSHIP (1 credit) Offered only to students active in the Student Senate. Open to students in Political Science major or minor programs or in the Applied Public Policy minor. Includes written components that help students articulate their leadership goals and accomplishments. Offered on an arranged course basis. May be repeated up to four times.

4100 POLITICAL INQUIRY (3 credits) Students will learn the theory and practice of quantitative political analysis through the completion of original research projects. Prerequisites: SOC 3001 and SOC 3002. May not be offered every year.

4200 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (3 credits) An examination of legal interpretations of the constitution regarding the separation of powers and the bill of rights. Prerequisite: POL 1200. (Might not be offered every year)

4500 THESIS AND CAREER PREPARATION (3 credits) This is a senior year capstone course. In a seminar format, students discuss progress on their individual research projects and develop career plans and skills. Prerequisite: POL 4100 or consent of instructor.