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

Political Science Course Descriptions

(POL) College-Program: 17-16. Check with department for quarter when these courses are offered. Read each course description for prerequisites.

202 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THOUGHT (4 credits ). An introductory survey of key political and social theorists. (May not be offered every year.)

205 CANADIAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (4 credits ). A study of the provinces of Canada and their politics on the provincial level, as well as an analysis of the Federal System, parliamentary government, including the role of the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, and the political parties. Course will focus attention on relations between Canada and the United States. (May not be offered every year.)

207 INTERNATIONAL CONFLICT (4 credits ). An analysis of the dynamics of U.S.-Soviet-Third World conflict, using contemporary conflict as examples. Understanding the diplomatic process of negotiation by peaceful means. Presents major concepts of the making of foreign policy and a frame of reference for the assessment of specific problems in international conflicts. (May not be offered every year.)

210 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (4 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.(Applies to Liberal Education Area V , Area VII ).

220 UNITED NATIONS (4 credits ). The history, organization, and functions of the United Nations and auxiliary agencies. Emphasis on attempts to preserve peace. (May not be offered every year.)

240 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE (4 credits ). An introduction to basic concepts, processes and institutions of modern government and politics. (Applies to Liberal Education Area V ).

250 INTRODUCTION TO ASIAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS (4 credits ). A general survey of the political systems of Asian governments. Major emphasis on Asian cultures, religions, philosophies, social issues, and gender roles in contemporary Asian societies. (Applies to Liberal Education Area V , Area VII ).

260 INTRODUCTION TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (4 credits ). An introduction to the field of public administration. Emphasis is on the political dimensions of management in the public sector. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisite: POL 200.

262 SPACE STUDIES: POLICY AND PROGRAMS (3 credits ). An introduction to the U.S. Space Program, its policies and mission, through the historical development of NASA as an agency. The significance of milestone events such at Gemini, Apollo and the Space Shuttle programs is examined to show the evolutionary development of space science as a national goal. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisites: Liberal Science Requirement.

280 ENVIRONMENTAL POLITICS (4 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 is included. (May not be offered every year.)

300 STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (4 credits ). Explores critical political issues at the sub-national level. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisite: POL 200.

309 UNITED STATES FOREIGN POLICY (4 credits ). This course follows the development of United States foreign policy: objectives, limitations, world and domestic factors affecting American foreign policy, governmental institutions concerned with development and execution of foreign policy, and major issues and problems. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisite: POL 200.

310 COMPARATIVE EUROPEAN GOVERNMENT (4 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. The regions and countries of emphasis are determined by the instructor. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisites: POL 240 or consent of instructor.

315 TOPICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (1-4 credits ). Course explores the underlying political dimensions of topical issues. (May not be offered every year.)

320 INTERNATIONAL POLITICS (4 credits ). The study of the forces and conflicts in international relations, foreign policies of the great powers, international organizations, and the United Nations. Prerequisites: POL 210 or consent of instructor.

321 INTERNATIONAL LAW (PEACE) (4 credits ). Covers the relations of individuals to international law, jurisdiction of states, recognition of governments, interpretation of U.S. Indian treaty rights, and status of diplomatic agents and consuls. (May not be offered every year.)

322 INTERNATIONAL LAW (CONFLICT) (4 credits ). A study of war and hostile measures short of war, military occupation, war crimes, neutrality, and collective security sanctions. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisite: POL 321.

323 SPACE STUDIES: THE LEGAL ENVIRONMENT OF SPACE (3 credits ). An examination of the Constitutional and International Law basis for the development of law that binds spacefaring nations. The role of the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) will be explored and existing treaties studied. Does not fulfill requirements in Political Science major. (May not be offered every year.)

330 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW I (4 credits). The study of the power of the Supreme Court to interpret the Constitution, the effect on the separation of powers, federalism and the power of the national government to tax, regulate commerce, wield armed might and conduct foreign relations; the role of the court in civil rights, rights of minorities. (May not be offered every year.)

331 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW II (4 credits ). A study of due process, the Bill of Rights and the states, recent Supreme Court decisions, right to counsel, immunity from self incrimination, jury trial, double jeopardy, and other constitutional provisions in state and federal trials. (May not be offered every year.)

340 LEGISLATIVE BEHAVIOR (4 credits). Explores the legislative process by analyzing the motives and behaviors of legislators. Topics covered include the design and purpose of the committee system, evolving legislative styles, and the politics of congressional elections. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisite: POL 200.

350 THE PRESIDENCY (4 credits ). Surveys the evolution and powers of the modern presidency. Includes analysis of the electoral process, the executive establishment, and the components of presidential power. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisite: POL 200.

360 POLITICAL PARTIES AND INTEREST GROUPS (4 credits ). Investigates the related roles and influences exercised by political parties and interest groups in contemporary US politics. These organizations are instrumental in campaign finance, mobilizing voters, informing the electorate and influencing the policy process. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisite: POL 200.

450 GOVERNMENTS AND POLITICS OF JAPAN AND KOREA (4 credits ). An analysis of the contemporary political systems of Japan and Korea from W.W. II to the present. An examination of the Japanese foreign policy and political parties. Japanese-U.S. relations and economic conditions and rebuilding of Korea. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisites: POL 250 or consent of instructor.

451 GOVERNMENTS AND POLITICS OF SOUTHEAST ASIA (4 credits ). An analysis of major governments of Southeast Asia, ASEAN politics, security, economic cooperation, religious differences, political parties and foreign policies. Includes limited coverage of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Burma. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisites: POL 250 or consent of instructor.

452 GOVERNMENTS AND POLITICS OF SOUTH ASIA (4 credits ). An Analysis of political institutions of India, Pakistan, and Ceylon. Constitutional developments, political parties, ideologies and development of foreign policies. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisite: POL 250 or consent of instructor.

453 GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA (4 credits ). An analysis of the government of the People's Republic of China, its structure, political parties, foreign policy, military, and economic development. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisite: POL 250 or consent of instructor.

462 POLITICAL SCIENCE SCOPE AND METHOD (4 credits ). A seminar course exploring methodological issues in political science. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisite: Senior status.

463 SEMINAR IN INTERNATIONAL LAW (CLASSICS) (3 credits ). This course is a critical study of classical writings in international law. (May not be offered every year.)

497 INTERNSHIP (4 credits ). Through consultation with political science faculty, students are encouraged to locate appropriate internship opportunities. (May not be offered every year.) Prerequisite: Senior status or consent of instructor.