Political Science

POLS 110: American Politics

This course is an introduction to the formal and informal structures, institutions, and processes which comprise the American political system at the national level.

POLS 111: Comparative Politics

This course is a study of the basic theories and issues in the subfield of comparative politics. Topics covered will include comparative methodology, economic development, regime type, political institutions, and comparative social issues such as revolution, ethnicity, and nationalism. Students who successfully complete this course will understand basic comparative political methodology, comparisons of political institutions and governmental systems, and how public policies affect populations.

POLS 112: International Relations

This course provides an introduction to international relations. Emphasis is on the study of conflict and cooperation in the international system and on the study of power, diplomacy, alliances, international law and organization, and other forms of interaction.

POLS 120: Model United Nations

This course is a study of the structure, role, and procedure of the United Nations. Emphasis is on preparation for student participation in a simulated United Nations conference. This course may be repeated for credit.

POLS 211: Women of the World

This course is an international study of women’s issues, focusing on women in the global economy, reproductive rights, domestic abuse, civic duties, HIV/AIDS, genital mutilation, and Sharia law. Contemporary issues pertaining to women in such countries as China, Japan, South Africa, Nigeria, Afghanistan, and Mexico are compared to promote understanding of and broaden perspectives on the lives of women outside the United States. (This course can be taken as INTD 211.)

POLS 212: Dystopian Politics

What makes a story “dystopian,” and what does this have to do with politics? What does it mean when we describe current events as “dystopian”? How can individuals - fictitious or real - challenge the oppressive worlds in which they find themselves? In this course, students explore the connections between dystopian fiction and authoritarian reality.

POLS 220 : So You Want to Go to Law School

This course will help students gain an understanding of the law school process, beginning with the law school search and application for admission processes. This course will also provide students with an introduction to first-year law student coursework and a glimpse into the lives of newly practicing attorneys from the surrounding area. By the end of this course, students will be able to make informed decisions on whether to attend law school once they graduate from Bethany.

POLS 222: Black Politics

In this course, students approach an understanding of “Black Identity Politics” and “The Black Experience” through the lens of Black Politics. In simple terms, “Black Politics” is the effort of Blacks to improve their condition. Thus, this course focuses upon the evolution, nature, and role of African American politics within the American Political System as well as what the history of America has meant and still means to the Black experience. What occurs today for Blacks can be better understood by knowing how history and institutions shape Black lives throughout their time in America.

POLS 253: Nature and International Society

This course is an examination of the political, economic, ethical/philosophical, and international security dimensions of the relationship between the environment and society. Special focus is on the role of political institutions and the market in resolving the ecological challenges of the 21st century.

POLS 320: Legislative Process

This course examines the roles of the United States Congress and other national legislatures as makers of law and policy. Emphasis is on formal and informal internal structural organizations.

POLS 321: Executive Leadership

This course is a study of the roles and functions of the President of the United States in relation to the other branches of government, the states, and the international system.

POLS 322: Judicial Behavior

This course is a study of the United States courts as institution and process, emphasizing the Federal courts. The course examines the role of courts as defenders of the rights of citizens and as makers of law and policy.

POLS 323: Constitutional Law

Case studies and moot cases examine the historical development of important constitutional issues before the United States Supreme Court. Students become familiar with the basic structure and functions of the federal court system. (This course may be taken for credit as HIST 401.)

POLS 325: Political Economy

This course is a study of the theoretical and policy interrelationship of politics and economics, state and market, in the international system. Emphasis is on the role of government and international organizations in the authoritative allocation of public and private goods. Socio-economic decision-making mechanisms (market, hierarchy, bargaining, etc.) are identified and analyzed on a global scale. Neo-classical, Keynesian, Marxist, andnon-traditional approaches to political economy are examined.

POLS 337: Campaigns and Elections

This course studies the democratic dynamic in the United States in its electoral form. Particular emphasis is on voting behavior, political parties, candidate decision-making, and political campaign strategy. Political culture and processes of participatory democracy are also emphasized.

POLS 341: United States Foreign Policy

This course is an examination of the assumptions and mechanics underlying the making of U.S. foreign policy since World War II. The course provides a framework for analyzing foreign policy decision-making and the various approaches to the formulation and conduct of post-Cold War foreign policy.

POLS 342: International Organizations

This course broadly focuses on the idea of international cooperation while examining more specifically the roles of international organizations (IOs), both inter-governmental and non-governmental, in international politics. Emphasis is on topics such as the relationships between major international relations theories and IOs, the evolution of international law, the structure and function of IOs, and the issue areas addressed by IOs.

POLS 361: Ancient and Medieval Political Thought

This course provides an introduction to ancient and medieval political thought. Fundamental questions examined include: What is the relationship between ethics and politics?; What is a good regime?; What is a good citizen?; What is the relationship between law and ethics?; What is the relationship between theology and political thought? Students are guided in a close reading of important political works, including Plato’s Apology and Republic, Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics and Politics, and Augustine’s City of God. (This course can be taken as PHIL 361.)

POLS 362: Modern Political Thought

As an introduction to modern and post-modern political thought, students examine the writings of important political thinkers of the past 500 years. Emphasis is on the development of political theories regarding issues such as democracy, citizenship, justice, equality, race, gender, sexuality, and the environment. (This course can be taken as PHIL 362.)

POLS 363: American Political Thought

This course examines the roots, foundation, and development of American political thought. Special attention is given to the political thought of the Founding Fathers and to contemporary schools of thought such as feminism and communitarianism.

POLS 370: Research Methods in Political Science

This course is a study of the scope and methods of research through an examination of approaches, models, and theories. Qualitative and quantitative methods are studied and applied. The course includes the design and execution of a team research project. An emphasis is on preparation for the Senior Project.

POLS 371-379: Selected Topics in Political Science

This is a series of upper level courses in Political Science. The content of specific courses varies.

POLS 400 : Post-Grad Politics

How does what we learn in the political science classroom connect to life after college? This course explores many potential opportunities for carrying political knowledge and skills forward with you after graduation. Students connect with professionals in fields of interest, prepare resumes, and practice professional skills such as interviewing. Additional focus is given to making connections between the political science curriculum and life skills such as critical consumption of news media and political organizing.

POLS 470: Internship in Political Science

This internship is a faculty supervised off-campus experience that relates to political science. The off-campus experience must be approved by the chair of the department prior to the beginning of the internship. Off-campus work is supervised jointly by a faculty supervisor and a designated off-campus mentor. After completing the internship, students submit reflective essays regarding the quality of the internship experience and its connections to political science. The student is evaluated by the faculty supervisor who may take into consideration the evaluation of the mentor.

Degrees and Certificates

Courses