Political Science

PLS 113, Introduction to Politics is a survey of the discipline of political science designed to introduce students to important theories, concepts, and issues in the study of political behavior, phenomena, and processes. The course will cover the major subfields of political science: including political theory, research methods, American government, comparative politics, public administration, public policy and international relations.

American Federal Government, PLS 213 (PLSC 2003), examines the Federal Government beginning with the Constitution, Congress, the Presidency and the Supreme Court. Students will be able to articulate definitions of important terms and be able to analyze important relationships between the electoral process, governmental institutions, and policy outcomes. The introduction to the principles, structure, processes and functions of the United States Federal Government and other related political activities.

State and Local Government, PLS 223 (PLSC 2103), is designed to provide the student with basic knowledge of the workings of state and local governments and their relationship with the federal government. It focuses on organization, structure, function, and administration of state and local government. This course examines the relationships between the national government and state/local governments. It addresses issues of education, criminal justice, economic development and social services. It also examines the various roles of political leaders and interest groups at the state and local levels.

PLS 233, Introduction to Comparative Politics is a study of the concepts and methods of comparative politics. Special emphasis is given to comparing the types and forms of political systems and the political processes they undergo.