Political Science | POLS
P Prerequisite | C Co-requisite | R Recommended
I Fall Semester | II Spring Semester | S Summer Session/s
- POLS-B 190 Human Behavior and Social Institutions (3 cr.) Develops insights into human nature, the nature of social institutions, the social processes that have shaped the world of the 21st century. In an interdisciplinary way, introduces the distinctive perspectives of the social sciences, emphasizing frameworks and techniques used in explaining causes and patterns of individual and institutional behavior.
- POLS-B 399 Human Behavior and Social Institutions (3 cr.) Develops insights into human nature, social institutions, and social processes that have shaped the world of the 21st century. Explores a specific critical problem or social science theme in a manner that takes into account perspectives from several disciplines. Attention given to ethical dilemmas as they arise in the discipline and theme of course.
- POLS-Y 103 Introduction to American Politics (3 cr.) Introduction to the nature of government and the dynamics of American politics. Origin and nature of the American federal system and its political party base. I, II, S
- POLS-Y 107 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 cr.) Examines countries around the world to investigate fundamental questions about politics. Topics include democratic development, promotion of economic prosperity, maintenance of security, and management of ethnic and religious conflict. Critical thinking skills encouraged. Cases for comparison include advanced industrialized democracies, communist and former communist countries, and developing countries. Credit given for only one of POLS-Y 107 and POLS-Y 217. I
- POLS-Y 109 Introduction to International Relations (3 cr.) Causes of war, nature and attributes of the state, imperialism, international law, national sovereignty, arbitration, adjudication, international organization, major international issues. Credit not given for both POLS-Y 109 and POLS-Y 219. II
- POLS-Y 115 Environment and People (3 cr.) An interdisciplinary analysis of the relationships between people, pollution, the environment, and society.
- POLS-Y 120 Public Affairs (3 cr.) Introduction to public affairs through inquiry into government structures and policy processes at the international, federal, state and local level.
- POLS-Y 200 Contemporary Political Topics (1-6 cr.) Extensive analysis of selected contemporary political problems. Topics vary from semester to semester and are listed in the Schedule of Classes.
- POLS-Y 201 Controversies in United States Politics (3 cr.) A critical examination of multiple perspectives on contemporary political issues. Students develop critical thinking and oral examination skills through lively class debate and dialogue regarding some of the most controversial issues in U. S. domestic and foreign policy. Topics updated each semester. Argumentative essays required.
- POLS-Y 211 Introduction to Law (3 cr.) For paralegal students only. An introduction to law an aspect of government and politics, and as a means of dealing with major social problems. Students will study legal reasoning, procedures, and materials, and may compare other nation's legal systems. The course usually includes a moot court or other forms of simulation.
- POLS-Y 214 Computer Aided Legal Research (2 cr.) This course is designed to introduce students to legal research on line. It will give students hands on experience in internet research of legal databases and secondary sources.
- POLS-Y 221 Legal Research and Writing for Paralegal Studies (3 cr.) P: POLS-Y 211. Development of research and communication skills special to the area of law. Includes methods of organizing and conducting legal research, resources available for legal research, presentation of findings in memoranda and briefs, other forms of legal writing.
- POLS-Y 222 Litigation for Paralegal Studies (3 cr.) P: ENG-W 131, ENG-W 233, POLS-Y 211, POLS-Y 214, POLS-Y 234. This course examines the processing of a case from initial client interviews to final disposition. Includes the drafting of complaints, answers, counterclaims, interrogatoties and other discovery tools, gathering of evidence, and motions and judgements.
- POLS-Y 224 Property Law for Paralegal Studies (3 cr.) P: Y211 and Y221. This course examines the legal rules governing various types of property and the ways in which human beings relate to property. Types of property include both ownership and interest. Emphasis is placed on forms and procedures used in Indiana.
- POLS-Y 229 Estate Law for Paralegal Studies (3 cr.) P: POLS-Y 211 and POLS-Y 221. This course reviews legal rules and procedures concerning the transfer of property upon the owner's demise. Provides a practical approach to the language, procedure, forms, interpretation and administration of wills and trusts. Emphasis on current trends in Indiana and federal law.
- POLS-Y 234 Legal Research (2 cr.) This course will focus on legal research using printed texts. It will also focus on how to find answers to legal questions within the context of using printed materials.
- POLS-Y 235 Introduction to Public Management (3 cr.) The management process in public organizations. Focus is especially on external influences on public managers, the effects of the intergovernmental environment and problems of management in a democratic, limited government system.
- POLS-Y 301 Political Parties and Interest Groups (3 cr.) Theories of American party activity; behavior of political parties, interest groups, and social movements; membership in groups; organization and structure; evaluation and relationship to the process of representation.
- POLS-Y 304 Constitutional Law (3 cr.) American political powers and structures; selected Supreme Court decisions interpreting American constitutional system.
- POLS-Y 311 Democracy and National Security (3 cr.) Analysis of fundamental tensions between democratic values and the requirements of national security. Topics include homeland security and civil liberties in an age of terror, civil-military relations, oversight of intelligence operations, effects of interventions and wars on democracy abroad and at home, and debates over the morality of United States security policies. II
- POLS-Y 316 Public Opinion and Political Participation (3 cr.) The nature of public opinion on major domestic and foreign policy issues; mass political ideology; voting behavior and other forms of political participation; political culture; and the impact of public opinion on political systems.
- POLS-Y 317 Voting, Elections, and Public Opinion (3 cr.) Determinants of voting behavior in elections. The nature of public opinion on major domestic and foreign policy issues; development of political ideology; other influences on the voting choices of individuals and the outcomes of elections; relationships among public opinion, elections, and the development of public policy.
- POLS-Y 318 The American Presidency (3 cr.) Examination of the american Presidency both in historical setting and in contemporary context. Topics include presidential elections; rols and resources of the president; structures and processes of the presidency; presidential leadership and behavior; relationships of the presidency and other participants in policy-making.
- POLS-Y 319 The United States Congress (3 cr.) This course offers students the opportunity to study the legislative branch of American national government. It includes the structure and process of the Senate and House of Representatives, the roles of parties, interest groups, and lobbyists, the legislative process, and the relations of Congress with the other branches of government.
- POLS-Y 324 Gender and Politics (3 cr.) Analysis of gender and sexual orientation in contemporary political systems, domestic or foreign, with emphasis on political roles, participation, and public policy. Normative or empirical examination of how political systems affect different genders and the impact of people with different genders or sexual orientations on the system(s). Topics vary by semester.
- POLS-Y 327 Gender Politics in the United States (3 cr.) This course seeks to analyze issues of power and politics from the perspective of gender within the United States cultural context. It considers the impact of women in traditional areas of politics as well as revised theoretical understandings of power, the political, and the public/private debate.
- POLS-Y 329 Racial and Ethnic Politics in the United States of America (3 cr.) A survey of minority group politics in the United States. The course examines the socio-economic position and political history of various demographic groups and highlights key public policy debates central to the future of ethnic politics and race relations in the United States. Compares theories of racial formation in the context of a political system predicated on majority rule.
- POLS-Y 330 Central American Politics (3 cr.) An analysis of contemporary political change in Mexico and Central America. Emphasis on reformist and revolutionary paths to political, social, and economic transformations. The legacy of U.S. intervention in the region will be highlighted.
- POLS-Y 335 West European Politics (3 cr.) Development, structure, and functioning of political systems, primarily in France, Italy, and Germany. Political dynamics of European integration.
- POLS-Y 337 Latin American Politics (3 cr.) Comparative analysis of political change in major Latin American countries, emphasizing alternative explanations of national and international developments; examination of impact of political parties, the military, labor and peasant movements, Catholic Church, multinational corporations, regional organizations, and United States on politics; public policy processes in democratic and authoritarian regimes.
- POLS-Y 343 The Politics of International Development (3 cr.) Examines the key debates and issues regarding how "poor" countries develop economically and socially. Analyzes the interactions between politics and economics in the development process at the global, national, and local levels. Cases for comparison will include countries from Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East.
- POLS-Y 350 Politics of the European Union (3 cr.) Study of the politics of the European Union (EU). Assesses past and present dynamics of economic and political integration in Europe, the structure and work of EU institutions, and EU public policies such as the Single Market, the common currency, common foreign and security policy, and trade.
- POLS-Y 357 Introduction to Nonprofit Management (3 cr.) The management practices of nonprofit organizations.
- POLS-Y 358 Human Behavior and Public Organizations (3 cr.) Increase self awareness regarding the importance of human and organization behavior in public agencies.
- POLS-Y 359 Economics and Public Management (3 cr.) The application of economics to public policy, and to public management: theories of market failures, economic stabilization, redistribution, the evaluation of pubic expenditures, and fiscal federalism.
- POLS-Y 362 International Politics in Selected Regions (3 cr.) The region studied will vary with the instructor and the year. Current information may be obtained for The Department of Political Science.
- POLS-Y 371 Workshop in International Topics (1-3 cr.) Title varies. Includes such topics as development of the international system, politics of food and populations, law of the sea, human rights, trade, U.S. foreign policy, United Nations issues, etc.
- POLS-Y 376 International Political Economy (3 cr.) Globalization, the intensificiation of global interconnectedness, has accelerated due to communications, information and transportation technologies. This course examines the interation between the international systems responsible for generating globalization and teh opposition to it. Liberal and non-liberal views are considered. Topics covered include the politics of trade, aid, foreign investment, monetary affairs and poverty reduction.
- POLS-Y 380 Selected Topics of Democratic Government (3 cr.) An examination of basic problems and issues in the theory and practice of democratic government. Specific topics vary from semester to semester. May be repeated once for credit. May be repeated more than once for credit.
- POLS-Y 381 Classical Political Thought (3 cr.) An exposition and critical analysis of the major political philosophers and philosophical schools from Plato to Machiavelli.
- POLS-Y 382 Modern Political Thought (3 cr.) P: It is not necessary for the student to have taken POLS-Y 381. An exposition and critical analysis of the major philosophers and philosophical schools from Machiavelli to the present.
- POLS-Y 383 Foundations of American Political Thought (3 cr.) Explores the evolution of American political ideas from colonization through ratification of the Constitution and its implementation.
- POLS-Y 384 Developments in American Political Thought (3 cr.) American political ideas from the Civil War through the twentieth century.
- POLS-Y 387 Research Methods in Political Science (3 cr.) This course focuses on basic concepts of social science research. Students will become familiar with research techniques necessary for systematic analysis of social service systems, trends in social issues, and program effectiveness. S
- POLS-Y 396 Law and Public Affairs (3 cr.) The origins, process, and impact of law in the making and implementation of public policy. Provide students with the substantive concepts necessary to understand the judicial system and law.
- POLS-Y 425 Public Sector Labor Relations (3 cr.) The development, practice, and extent of the collective bargaining process and administration of the labor agreement by state and local governments.
- POLS-Y 430 Introduction to Public Policy (3 cr.) The theory and practice of the formulation and the implementation of public policy. Topics include the factors of public demand on the political system; decision making in the public sector; tools and techniques for implementation and evaluation; and the import for future planning.
- POLS-Y 480 Undergraduate Readings in Political Science (1-6 cr.) Individual readings and research. No more than six credit hours total may be taken. May be taken only with consent of instructor and Director of Undergraduate Studies.
- POLS-Y 481 Field Experience in Political Science (1-6 cr.) Faculty-directed study of aspects of the political process based on field experience. Directed readings, field research, research papers. Certain internship experiences may require research skills.
- POLS-Y 488 Study Abroad in Political Science (3 cr.) P: LBST-D 510. In some cases there may be a language prerequisite. Enables students to participate in study abroad programs. In some cases there may be a language prerequisite. S
- POLS-Y 490 Senior Seminar in Political Science (3 cr.) Research paper required. Seminar sessions arranged to present papers for evaluation and criticism by fellow students. Subject matter varies by semester. May be repeated once for credit.
- POLS-Y 501 Fundamentals of Public Management (3 cr.) The theory and practice of managing public organizations. Problems of planning, organization, staffing, directing, coordination and reporting are considered.
- POLS-Y 502 Health Care Delivery Policy Issues (3 cr.) Acquaints students with the main characteristics of health care policy. It will explore complexities of the U.S. Healthcare delivery system and its policy perspectives.
- POLS-Y 503 Statistics for Public Management (3 cr.) The fundamental logic of statistical inference, from description through to regression analysis.
- POLS-Y 504 Politics Managing Health Services Organizations (3 cr.) An overview of the governance, organization, and operational management of major institutions of health care delivery.
- POLS-Y 505 Personnel Management in Public Organizations (3 cr.) Analysis of public personnel systems.
- POLS-Y 506 Politics of Health Care Finance (3 cr.) Designed to discuss financial planning and analysis in managerial control and decision making in various types of health care organizations.
- POLS-Y 509 International Public Affairs (3 cr.) Give administrators a more nuanced understanding of the contemporary world and its impact on public and nonprofit organizations, through analysis of the promises and challenges posed by globalization.
- POLS-Y 511 Public Economics (3 cr.) Application of micro-and-macro-economics to the public sector. The fiscal role of government in a mixed economy, sources of public revenue and credit. Administrative, political and institutional aspects of the budget and the budgetary process.
- POLS-Y 513 Public Policy (3 cr.) The dynamics of public policy, with an emphasis on actors, stages, analytical challenges, politics, and reconciling often contradictory goals.
- POLS-Y 514 Political Economy of Health Care (3 cr.) Course will focus on the economics of health care with attention to role of government in health care policy debates and decisions.
- POLS-Y 515 Nonprofit Management (3 cr.) The theory and practice of the management of nonprofit organizations, as well as their role in society.
- POLS-Y 516 Legal Aspects of Health Care Delivery (3 cr.) Problem-focused survey of the impact of legislation and case law on the delivery of health care in the United States.
- POLS-Y 517 Civic Groups and Public Policy (3 cr.) Civic groups and public policy--interaction of government and nonprofit organizations in public policy.
- POLS-Y 518 Non-Profit Financial Management Policy (3 cr.) This course reviews financial, budgetary, and accounting principles related to non-profit management and policy making.
- POLS-Y 519 Resource Development for Nonprofit Organizations (3 cr.) The management of financial and volunteer resources in nonprofit organizations.
- POLS-Y 520 Leadership and Managerial Decision-Making in Organizations (3 cr.) This course analyses models for decision-making among managers to promote effective leadership in organizations. Various theories of bureaucratic decision-making will be highlighted.
- POLS-Y 521 Comparative Public Managemet and Affairs (3 cr.) Encourage a better understanding of the world and an outward-looking approach to innovation, through analysis of organizations and policy processes in a range of countries around the world.
- POLS-Y 522 Public Budgeting and Finance (3 cr.) This course gives students a solid grounding in the concepts, terminology and techniques in the art and science of public sector budgeting and financial administration at the federal, state, and local levels. Students use real world examples to analyze various approaches to public budgeting and revenue planning, evaluate and problem solve fiscal activities in governmental units, and gain "hands-on" budget preparation and presentation experience. I
- POLS-Y 524 Research Design for Public Affairs (3 cr.) This course will cover the components of research design and methods from variable identification to data collection. II
- POLS-Y 582 Financial Management for Public Affairs (3 cr.) The course reviews financial, budgetary, and accounting principles related to the management and policy making of public organizations. II (every other year)
- POLS-Y 594 Directed Readings in Public Affairs (1-3 cr.) P: Written permission of instructor required. Directed readings and research on selected topics in public affairs. Student(s) and instructor agree to a set of readings and requirements based on credit hours.
- POLS-Y 615 Capstone in Public Affairs (3 cr.) Application of program courses specifically to program evaluation, and more generally to thinking about the responsibilities of the public manager in contemporary society.