Courses
PS-101 Introduction to American Government (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; S) An introduction to the theory and practice of American government. The course surveys the underlying structure of American politics, its economic, cultural and legal foundations and the daily practice of politics, e.g. groups, parties, and the mass media. Students are asked to develop an account of American politics and to assess the principal features of political life in the United States according to the standards they have framed.
PS-102 Introduction to International Politics (Fall; Yearly; 4.00 Credits; S,I) Analyzes the principles and practice of international relations and the foreign policy of the United States, political, diplomatic, military and economic.
PS-122 Politics in Literature (Spring; Variable; 3.00 Credits; H,CW) An introduction to the themes and analytical framework of political philosophy through a careful reading of works of literature. Such political themes as the relation of the individual to society, gender issues and the legitimation of authority will be addressed.
PS-132 Public Interest Groups & Political Participation (Spring; Variable; 3.00 Credits; CW,S) This course offers students a new perspective on politics: the role of the individual or public interest groups in shaping public discourse and in determining public policy priorities. In many areas of public policy, individuals and those advocating public interest have been successful in shaping legislation and altering the way which both citizens and public officials view the purpose of government. This course will focus on examples from environmental interest groups and environmental policy, as well as other areas such as health care and consumer protection.
PS-199 Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits; CW,S) Allows the departments to offer special topics not normally offered. Departments may offer more than one special topic. Prerequisites vary by title.
PS-200 Sophomore Colloquium (Either Semester; Yearly; 1.00 Credit; S) An introduction to the discipline of political science for sophomores intending to pursue a Politics or International Politics program of emphasis. The course will cover the subfields within political science and the research methods appropriate to each. Students will also discuss specific techniques of writing for political science, rhetorical strategies, and the principles of argumentation.
PS-216 State & Local Government (Spring; Even Years; 3.00 Credits; CW,S) Examines the organization, operation, and problems of American state and urban governments. Emphasis is placed on the services these governments provide. , the conflicts they may manage, and the major economic and political trends affecting America's state and local governments. Prerequisite: PS101.
PS-218 Public Policy & Admin. (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; CW,S) An introduction to the study of public policy and its administration. The course explores the ways which power, knowledge and institutions shape adoption and evolution of public policies in western democracies. Focusing on various policy areas, the course also surveys the public bureaucracies that administer these policies, examining what government agencies do and why they do it, and assesses alternatives to public bureaucracies. Prerequisite: PS 101.
PS-221 American Political Thought (Fall; Variable; 3.00 Credits; H,CW) Reviews the development of political thought in America from the pre-Revolutionary period to the present. The course focus is on the analysis of primary sources, such as the Federalist Papers. Special attention is given to the tension between equality and individual liberty in our democratic system. Prerequisite: PS 101 or PS 102 or PS 121.
PS-222 Western Political Thought (Spring; Yearly; 4.00 Credits; H,I,CW) Surveys selected works of political philosophers from Plato to Nietzsche. The course will focus on enduring questions of political thought including the nature of the good life and the best regime, the relationship between freedom and authority, and the tension between liberty and equality. Prerequisites: PS101 or PS102 or PS121.
PS-241 European Politics (Spring; Odd Years; 3.00 Credits; CW,S,I) Examines the modern history, political culture, institutions and policies of the major West European states. Britain, France, West Germany and the European Communities are compared along with selected other countries. The major problems confronting these are highlighted. Note: available by permission. Prerequisite: PS 101 or PS 102.
PS-242 Politics of Developing Nations (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; S,I) Draws an analytical framework and provides an in-depth study of political, economic and social development in non-western societies. Selected countries or groups of countries from Asia, the Middle East and Africa are used as case studies. Prerequisites: PS102 or permission.
PS-243 U.S. Foreign Policy (Spring; Variable; 3.00 Credits; CW,S,I) Examines U.S. Foreign Policy from the Monroe Doctrine to the New World Order. Special emphasis is given to the tension between isolationism and globalism in this century. The course will focus on contemporary issues such as: the relationship with the UN, the U.S. as a global policeman, and the role of human rights as an American priority. Prerequisite: PS102.
PS-249 Senegambia I (Spring; Yearly; 1.00 Credit; I,S) This course will meet 1 hour per week in spring semester. A requirement of the course is to participate in a three week summer trip to West Africa. During the spring semester we will examine the history and contemporary politics and economic of the Senegambia region. At the conclusion of the spring semester we will spend 3 weeks exploring the political culture and society of the Gambia and Senegal in West Africa. There is a fee for the trip to Africa. Corequisite: PS250.
PS-250 Senegambia II (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; I,S,CA) See PS249. Corequisite: PS249. Students must complete PS249 and PS250 to receive CA credit. A course fee is applied.
PS-299 Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits; S) Offers supplements to the regular departmental program, exploring topics and areas not regularly scheduled. Note: abbreviated ST: (title); students may take each ST: course for credit.
PS-2YR Completion of Two Years At: Participating International Programs: Muenster, Lille, Bockholt, Lincoln, Marburg (Variable; Variable; 45.00 Credits)
PS-305 Politics in Film (Fall; Yearly; 4.00 Credits; H,F,CW) This course is designed as an introduction to the study of political ideas as presented in motion pictures. We will look both at the direct representation of political ideas or points of view (especially through satire), and at the way Hollywood has shaped our ideas about the political process. Because film is very much a 20th century medium, we will look with special care at the two defining political events of this century, the crisis of Western democracy following World War I, and the Cold War.
PS-311 Constitutional Interpretation: Powers of Government (Fall; Yearly; 4.00 Credits; H,CW) An examination of the three branches of government, their constitutional powers, and the limitations on those powers as interpreted by Supreme Court. Special attention is given to the areas of delegated and concurrent powers. The operation of the Supreme Court and the Federal court system are also reviewed. Prerequisites: PS101 or permission.
PS-312 Constitutional Interpretation: Civil Rights (Spring; Yearly; 4.00 Credits; H,CW) Examines citizen's rights and liberties which the Constitution protects against infringement by the government. Those freedoms enumerated in the Bill of Rights are reviewed as well as the right to privacy, due process, and equal protection. Prerequisites: PS101 or permission.
PS-313 Congress and Presidency (Fall; Odd Years; 3.00 Credits; S,CW) Examines the intellectual and constitutional foundations of Congress and the Presidency, and the evolution of their powers and responsibilities. The course also explores how, through cooperation and confrontation, the institutions make decisions about war and peace, spending, and taxation. Prerequisite: PS 101.
PS-318 Parties, Elections & Campaigns (Fall; Even Years; 3.00 Credits; CW,S) Examines the role political parties and elections play in democratic theory and practice in the U.S. Topics include party systems in the U.S., history, party organization, comparisons with parties in other countries, electoral competition, and elite mass linkages. Contemporary issues such as campaign finance, campaign strategy, and the role of the mass media are also explored. Prerequisite: PS 101.
PS-320 TPJ: Political Philosophy/Jurisprudence (Fall; Variable; 3.00 Credits; H,CW) Examines specific topics in the area of political philosophy and law. Topics will include " Foundations of American Constitutionalism, " " African-American Social and Political Thought, " " Liberalism, " and " Shakespeare's Politics. " Students may take each course for credit.
PS-323 State Legislative Process (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; S) A study of the State Legislative and Legislative Process. Students will examine the State Legislature as an institution in all of its aspects and those factors which comprise and affect the legislative process. The course requires the written analysis of actual legislation and the drafting of legislative proposals. Prerequisite: PS 101.
PS-330 TPP: Topics in Public Policy (Fall; Variable; 3.00 Credits; CW,S) Examines the formation and implementation of public policy by an in-depth focus on a single policy area. The course will investigate a particular policy area for the semester, such as environmental policy or health care policy. Policy study will include analysis of interest groups, public opinion, congressional committees and federal agencies. Research and analytical exercise will be emphasized. Prerequisite: PS101.
PS-332 International Law & Human Rights (Fall; Odd Years; 3.00 Credits; CW,S,I) A study of the historical evolution of International Law and its role and importance in the international system. In addition, the course will examine the issue of human rights, and the political factors that affect the extent to which human rights can be defined and protected by the international community. Prerequisite: PS 102. (A Peace and Conflict Studies course).
PS-333 Theories of International Politics (Fall; Variable; 3.00 Credits; CW,S,I) An examination of various theories and approaches to international politics within the past and present contexts of American, Eurasian, and African continents. Special attention is given to theories of war and warfare (from Plato to NATO) and the religious, ideological, geographical, political, and economic determinants of war. Prerequisite: PS 102.
PS-340 Topics in International Politics (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; CW,S,I) Examines international politics in light of a specific topic or issue. The topics include themes such as: Global Environmental Politics, Nationalism, and Competing World Ideologies.
PS-348 Contemporary Latin America (Spring; Variable; 3.00 Credits; CW,S,I) (See HS 348)
PS-349 Senegambia III (Spring; Yearly; 1.00 Credit; I,S) This course will meet 1 hour per week in spring semester. A requirement of the course is to participate in a three week summer trip to West Africa. During the spring semester we will examine the history and contemporary politics and economic of the Senegambia region. At the conclusion of the spring semester we will spend 3 weeks exploring the political culture and society of the Gambia and Senegal in West Africa. There is a fee for the trip to Africa. Corequisite: PS350. If PS249 and PS250 are completed they will count as CA. PS349/350 will not.
PS-350 Senegambia IV (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; I,S) See PS249. Corequisite: PS349. Students must complete PS249 and PS250 to receive CA credit. A course fee is applied.
PS-399 Special Topics (Variable; Variable; 1.00-4.00 Credits; S) Offers supplements to the regular departmental program, exploring topics and areas not regularly scheduled. Examples include Religious Revivalism in the Third World, Race, Religion and Gender in American politics and Nationalism in Europe. Note: abbreviated ST:(Title); students may take each ST: course for credit.
PS-490 Legal & Public Affairs Internship (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00-9.00 Credits; S) An opportunity to apply concepts and theories learned in class and readings to a practical situation. Selected students work with chief administrative officers in State College and Huntingdon, police departments, environmental departments, legal offices or in the Court House. Note: may be repeated up to a total of 9 hours credit. Corequisite: PS 495. Prerequisite: permission and Jr. or Sr. Standing.
PS-491 Washington Interns (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00-9.00 Credits; S) (see the chapter, " Special Programs " under " Internships. " Corequisite: PS 495. Prerequisite: permission.
PS-492 Harrisburg Legislative Interns (Spring; Yearly; 2.00-9.00 Credits; S) A unique opportunity to experience the legislative process. Placements are made to the research staffs of various committees (e.g., Banking and Commerce, Education, Judiciary, Local Government and Urban Affairs) of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Committees are selected on the basis of student interests and needs in the Legislature. Corequisite: PS 495. Prerequisite: Permission and sophomore, junior or senior standing.
PS-495 Politics Res/Seminar (Fall & Spring; Yearly; 2.00-6.00 Credits; CW,S) Required of all students holding internships. The emphasis is on readings and discussions of materials relevant to the intern ship experience, e.g., professional behavior, ethical conduct, confidentiality, etc. Students produce a major research paper on a topic selected by the student in conjunction with the internship supervisor and the course instructor. Note: may be repeated up to a total of 6 hours credit. Corequisite: PS 490 or 491 or 492. Prerequisite: permission.
PS-497 Honors Research I (Fall; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; CW,S) Designed to offer exceptional students the opportunity to engage in an extensive undergraduate thesis or research project. Selected students will be invited by the faculty of the department to propose a subject of special interest to the students; working closely with at least one member of the department, students will develop and complete a research project in the first semester and present the results as a publishable paper in the second. Available by permission.
PS-498 Honors Research II (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; CW,S) Designed to offer exceptional students the opportunity to complete the research paper started in PS 497. Prerequisite: PS 497
PS-499 Senior Seminar (Spring; Yearly; 3.00 Credits; S) Intended as a capstone experience in the discipline and designed to engage students in their final year in the comprehensive study of a major question or issue confronting the discipline of political science. Prerequisites: PS101 or PS102 or PS122 and senior standing and three additional Political Science courses or departmental permission.
PS-TUT Political Sience Teaching Assistant (Variable; Variable; 1.00-3.00 Credits; S)
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