Political Science
POL 1110: Introduction to Politics (5)
Offerings
Analyzes the theory and practice of politics by discussing different approaches to the nature of political knowledge and the significance that this knowledge has for political leadership and citizenship. Although the focus is primarily on political behavior in the United States, opportunity will be taken to examine political practices within other countries (comparative politics) and among other countries (international relations).
Attributes: WK Social Sciences
POL 1120: American Government and Politics (5)
Offerings
Surveys the founding principles of the American political system and examines the development and operation of major national institutions such as Congress, the presidency, the bureaucracy, the Supreme Court, political parties and the media.
Attributes: WK Social Sciences
POL 2000: Vocations in Political Science: Law, Government, and International Affairs (1)
Offerings
The discipline of political science prepares students for a diverse set of professions: law, public policy, government, civil society, military service, and international affairs. The course will examine the various fields set out above - encompassing all tracks within the major - as well as options for graduate training in those areas. At the same time, the course encourages students to reflect more deeply on their individual vocation and the diverse paths to professional success in their chosen field, e.g. the foreign service, law, civil service, etc. The course's pre-professional focus also serves to deepen the integration of political science within the School of Business, Government, and Economics.
POL 2320: Comparative Political Systems (5)
Offerings
Analyzes how nations are governed. Democracies, authoritarian systems and developing countries are studied in light of political analysis and with attention to basic questions of human well-being.
POL 2330: International Relations (5)
Offerings
Introduces the international political system, contrasting concepts of national interest to increasing global interdependence. Discusses interactions among ideals and realities in national and global policy-making processes, and their relationship to individual citizens.
Attributes: Cultural Understand&Engagement, WK Social Sciences
POL 2464: State and Local Politics (5)
Offerings
Analyzes contemporary state and local governmental institutions and how they operate within America's federal system. Special emphasis on public policy issues such as health care, crime, education, welfare and land use. Typically offered: Alternate Years.
POL 2500: Integrated Topics in Business, Economics and Political Science (5)
Offerings
Many of today’s persistent social problems are so intractable precisely because they are complicated problems. They cut across so many domains of life that they defy easy solution. Therefore, to solve them one must tackle multiple dimensions. To that end, this class will consider a single social issue or problem from multiple disciplinary perspectives. A portion of each term will be taught by faculty members from different disciplines within SBGE and will address economic, political/ governmental, and commercial/ market-based considerations. May be repeated for credit 2 times.
Equivalents: BUS 2500, ECN 2500
Attributes: Ways of Engaging
Restrictions: Undergraduate only.
POL 2641: Christianity and American Politics (5)
Offerings
Explores the benefits and dangers of Christian involvement in American politics from the start of the nation to today. Topics addressed include the role of Christianity in America's founding, the reasons for religious liberty and practical guidelines for Christians seeking to influence public policy. Uses case studies of actual political controversies.
POL 2642: Christianity and World Politics (5)
Offerings
Explores the role of Christians in world politics from the early church to today. Topics include the changing relationship between church and state, the witness of Christians under totalitarianism, the development of the idea of religious liberty and political conflicts over social justice. Typically offered: Alternate Years.
Attributes: Ways of Engaging
POL 2900: Foundations for Leadership (5)
Offerings
This course examines the implications of the Christian faith for leadership and statecraft. Of particular focus are issues of personal motivation, character and spirituality as they relate to politics and organizational leadership. Typically offered: Alternate Years.
POL 3000: African Development (5)
Offerings
Prerequisites: POL 2320 or (ECN 2101 and ECN 2102). This course provides an overview of the key issues in 20th and 21st century African development. Beginning with the legacy of colonialism, in the first half of this course we explore how geography, ethnic conflict, weak institutions, and political instability consistently undermined both economic growth and poverty alleviation in Africa. In the second half, we examine the shift out of historic "poverty traps" in Africa, looking at the role played by processes of state consolidation, governance reforms, foreign direct investment, economic diversification, and greater integration in the global economy.
Equivalents: ECN 3000, GDEV 3000
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
POL 3050: Institutions and Institutional Analysis (5)
Offerings
This course begins by asking the question: What are institutions and why do they matter? We cover the major concepts in Neo-Institutional Economics (NIE) and examine the relationship between institutions and individual decision making. By understanding the position institutions play in choice situations, we are able to shed important new light on questions of poverty, development, conflict, and political order.
Equivalents: ECN 3050, GDEV 3050
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
Prerequisites: POL 2320: D or better
OR (ECN 2101: D or better
AND ECN 2102: D or better)
POL 3100: East Asian Politics & Economic Development (5)
Offerings
The countries of China, South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan have moved more people out of poverty at a faster pace than any other region at any time in the history of the world. At the same time, several of these states have achieved the goal of establishing stable, consolidated liberal democracies. This course sets out the competing theories that explain the political and economic development of the region.
Equivalents: ECN 3100, GDEV 3100
Attributes: Upper-Division
Prerequisites: POL 2320: D or better
OR (ECN 2101: D or better
AND ECN 2102: D or better)
POL 3125: Issue Seminar (3-5)
Offerings
Current and enduring national and world issues are analyzed in the context of political science methods, concepts and Christian ethical standards. Topic varies. (Example: "Morality and Politics.") Course may be taken again as long as the topic is different. May be repeated for credit 4 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division
POL 3170: Geopolitics (5)
Offerings
Current world events are explored, from a variety of social-science disciplines e.g., political science, history, economics and political geography. Topics vary, but always include an examination of Christian views on geopolitical conflicts and the role of international law in solving disputes.
Equivalents: GEO 3170
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3300: The Political Economy of Reform, Study Abroad to Havana, Cuba (5)
Offerings
This study abroad program is designed to introduce students to fascinating history, contemporary society and future direction of one of our country’s closest, yet least accessible neighbors. Visiting Historical sites, cultural centers, interacting with young entrepreneurs and ageing revolutionaries, we will explore Cuba’s social and political triumphs and struggles to witnessing history in the making.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
POL 3310: Chinese Politics: From the Revolution to Today (5)
Offerings
This course examines the development of Chinese politics from the revolutionary period through to the present day. Particular attention is paid to the Deng Xiaoping era and the dynamics of the economic and governance reforms that began in the 1980s as well as contemporary challenges for China's leaders, such as environmental protection and corruption.
Attributes: Upper-Division
POL 3320: Political and Economic Development of Nations (5)
Offerings
Studies theories and experiences of "nation-building," both political and economic, primarily in Lesser Developed Countries. Evaluates concepts of authority, economic growth and human well-being, and the policies used to achieve these in different cultures and systems.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Economics, Global Development Studies, Political Science, Politics, Philosophy & Econ Majors only. Freshman students are excluded.
Prerequisites: POL 2320: D or better
POL 3330: Global Women's Issues (5)
Offerings
Examines global, political, social, and economic issues as they apply to women in global politics. Special focus will be given to geographic factors and how women and feminist theory fit into current political theory, the roles of women in developing countries, and what women can and are doing to change the world around them.
Attributes: Cultural Understand&Engagement, Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3345: Russia and Central Asia: From Empire to Nation States (5)
Offerings
Surveys history, geography, politics, and economies of Russia and its southern periphery. Examines impact of tsarist and Soviet legacies on today's Russian federation and eight countries that make up the newly independent states of the Caucasus and Central Asia. Special focus is given to Russia's role in international geopolitics and the global economy.
Equivalents: HIS 3345
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3400: International Organizations (3)
Offerings
An exploration of the history, formation, institutions and current role of intergovernmental and nongovernmental organizations in the global community with special emphasis on the United Nations.
Attributes: Cultural Understand&Engagement, Upper-Division
POL 3410: Moral Foundations of Democracy (5)
Offerings
Reviews the classical, modern and Christian contributions to the development of Western democratic thought. Analyzes a wide range of critical political opinion and biblical literature in order to understand the moral foundations of Western democracy. Thinkers reviewed include Plato, Tocqueville, Augustine, Madison, Jefferson, and Lincoln. Typically offered: Alternate Years.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3430: The Presidency and Congress: Politics of National Leadership (5)
Offerings
Analyzes executive-legislative relations by reviewing Constitutional principles and the political culture of the Washington community, with emphasis on the presidency as an instrument of national leadership. Typically offered: Alternate Years.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3435: Marxism: 20th Century Theory and Practice (3)
Offerings
Examines the development of varieties of Marxist theory and practice in the 20th century. Compares the Soviet, European, Chinese and Latin American experiences with Marxist thought and practice. Typically offered: Alternate Years.
Equivalents: ECN 3435, HIS 3435
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3440: War, Peace and World Order (5)
Offerings
This course explores the issues of war and peace in the international system. It introduces key political science concepts and analytical tools for the study of world affairs, and applies them to explore the conditions and strategies affecting conflict, peace, and their evolution over time.
Equivalents: HIS 3440
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3450: Politics, Parties and Interest Groups (3)
Offerings
Examines the role of political parties in contemporary American government and the implications of weakened parties for governing. The place of interest groups and political action committees is also surveyed, with special attention to the roles PACS play in campaigns and elections. Students who are taking the course to fulfill the capstone requirement should enroll in POL 4899. Typically offered: Alternate Years.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3550: Social Darwinism and Politics (5)
Offerings
Explores the impact of Darwinism and scientific materialism on such fields as criminal justice, medicine, economics, welfare and education during the past century. Topics include eugenics, the Scopes trial, biological defenses in criminal law and evolutionary theories of morality. Typically offered: Alternate Years.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging, Writing "W" Course
POL 3670: History of United States Foreign Relations (5)
Offerings
Studies the United States as a participant in the international system, from colonial dependence to superpower. Proposes a theoretical model for interpreting United States’ foreign policy and applies this framework to historical events considered chronologically. Considers questions of morality in relation to foreign policy.
Equivalents: HIS 3670
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 3677: Urban Politics (5)
Offerings
Explores generally from multidisciplinary perspectives the character and content of cities. Topics include attitudes about cities over time, the changing economic base of cities and selected contempary land-use and urban planning problems.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
POL 3780: Law and Society (5)
Offerings
Studies the role of law in society and provides an introduction to the American legal system. Includes case studies of such issues as product liability, environmental law, civil disobedience and assisted suicide. Features guest speakers from the legal community. Especially recommended for students considering law school.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4000: Public Policy and Administration (5)
Offerings
A study of public policy-making, with special attention paid to the policy process in its implementation and evaluation stages. Using case studies, analyses of specific policies are undertaken in such areas as budgeting, education, civil rights, energy and social services. Typically offered: Alternate Years.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4310: International Political Economy (5)
Offerings
Examines the nature and dynamics of the global economy in relation to the economies and political systems of nations and to theories and models of national, regional and global economic growth. International trade, business and government policy are studied in this context.
Equivalents: ECN 4310
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4336: Cybersecurity (5)
Offerings
Cybersecurity is the domain of war and peace as much as work and leisure. All information is potentially vulnerable to cyber manipulation, requiring new analytics and security strategies. Challenges span geopolitics and technology as well as business, government, and private lives in the global economy. This course will accessibly cover cybersecurity matters essential to life, work, policy, and international relations in our Information Age. The course will enhance analytical and strategic skills, foster a comprehensive understanding of this diverse field, and encourages application to and exploration of particular areas of interest to each student.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Ways of Engaging
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4450: American Constitutional Law: Federalism and Separation of Powers (5)
Offerings
A study of the U.S. Constitution and the Supreme Court, and the role of "constitutional" law in American government and society, with special attention given to cases dealing with federalism and separation of powers. Recommended for students interested in law school. Typically offered: Alternate Years.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
Prerequisites: POL 3780: D or better
POL 4451: American Constitutional Law: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights (5)
Offerings
A study of the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court and the role of "constitutional" law in American government and society, with special attention given to cases dealing with civil liberties and civil rights. Recommended for students interested in law school. Typically offered: Alternate Years.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
Prerequisites: POL 3780: D or better
POL 4452: International Law (3)
Offerings
An exploration of the intricacies of international law including its creation, different legal processes, and institutions that deal with international law as well as some of the main legal issues, pivotal cases, customs, laws and treaties that form the body of international law.
Attributes: Cultural Understand&Engagement, Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4641: Theories of the Political System: Ancient (5)
Offerings
Explores major themes of normative political thought by reviewing key works of such thinkers as Plato, Aristotle and Augustine. Reviews the nature of justice and governance, of citizenship and obedience, and examines a variety of Christian perspectives on these issues.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
Prerequisites: POL 1110: D or better
POL 4642: Theories of the Political System: Modern (5)
Offerings
Explores major themes of normative political thought by reviewing the key works of such thinkers as Aquinas, Machiavelli, Locke and Rousseau. Reviews the nature of justice and governance, of citizenship and obedience, and examines a variety of Christian perspectives on these issues.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
Prerequisites: POL 1110: D or better
POL 4643: Methods of Political Analysis (5)
Offerings
Explores approaches and methods by which political scientists work with empirical evidence to develop knowledge and theory about the nature of political behavior in society. Students are strongly encouraged to take this course during their junior year whenever possible.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Political Science, Politics, Philosophy & Econ Majors, Minors, Concentrations only. Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4899: Political Science Capstone Seminar (3)
Offerings
Provides an in-depth exploration of a specific issue or topic so that graduating seniors can synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired while studying political science. Topics vary. May be repeated for credit 3 times.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Post-Baccalaureate, Senior students only.
POL 4900: Independent Study (1-5)
Offerings
Prerequisites: Junior standing; at least 15 credits in political science. Designed to develop intensive examination of selected areas of interest in political thought, institutions or behavior through a program of directed readings and/or research approved by a political science faculty member. (Maximum of 10 credits applicable to POL major.) May be repeated for credit up to 15 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
POL 4911: Advanced Seminar: (1-5)
Offerings
Prerequisite: Upper-class standing. Seminars studying theoretical and/or practical issues in politics, government and political science. See current Time Schedule for topics. Students who are taking this course to fulfill the capstone requirement should enroll in POL 4899. May be repeated for credit up to 25 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4920: Directed Readings (1-5)
Offerings
Directed readings to be arranged with the instructor of the course. Consists of a bibliography compiled with assistance of instructor and a corresponding number of critical review essays of the readings. May be repeated for credit up to 10 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4931: Political Science Practicum (1-5)
Offerings
Political Science Practicum May be repeated for credit up to 10 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
POL 4940: Political Internships (1-15)
Offerings
Prerequisites: Junior standing and at least 15 credits in political science. Provides opportunities for practical experience in national, state or local governmental bodies and agencies or political organizations. Available with a program designed in advance and approved by a political science faculty member. (Maximum of 10 credits applicable to POL major.) May be repeated for credit up to 30 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.
POL 4950: Special Topics (1-5)
Offerings
Students who are taking this course to fulfill the capstone requirement should enroll in POL 4899. May be repeated for credit up to 10 credits.
Attributes: Upper-Division
Restrictions: Freshman students are excluded.