Political Science Course Descriptions

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Blue Vertical DividerPOL 100 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
Introduction to Political Science will focus upon political theory and its application to individuals, nations and the international arena. Three credit hours. Offered Spring semester (d); offered Fall semester (e).

POL 101 UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
An overview of the Constitutional basis, structure, and administrative organization of government in the U.S. Principal focus will be on the national government; various contemporary political problems will be explored. Three credit hours. Offered Spring semester (e); offered Fall semester (d).

POL 201 JUDICIAL SYSTEM IN U.S. POLITICS
Introductory survey of the major components of the courts and judicial system at the national, state and local levels. Topics may include criminal justice, factors influencing judicial decision-making and the courts in relation to other government agencies. Three credit hours. Prerequisite: POL 101. Offered Spring semester in even numbered years (d); offered Fall semester in odd numbered years (e).

POL 203 LEGISLATIVE PROCESS IN U.S. POLITICS
An analysis of the nature and functions of U.S. legislative bodies. Some of the topics covered may include politics of lawmaking, oversight and investigations, legislative campaigns, role of lobbying, and the budgetary process. Three credit hours. Prerequisite: POL 101. Offered Spring semester in odd numbered years (d); offered Fall semester in even numbered years (e).

POL 207 THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE IN U.S. POLITICS
A course which covers the evolution and development of the executive function of government at the national, state and local levels. Emphasis will be placed on analyzing leadership, power and managerial skills. Special attention will be devoted to the U.S. Presidency. Three credit hours. Prerequisite: POL 101. Offered Spring semester in even numbered years (d); offered Fall semester in odd numbered years (e).

POL 210 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
An in-depth examination of the varied and complex relations between nations in the modern world. Topics such as national power, geo-politics, demography, "the arms race," commerce, technology and national productivity will be explored. An understanding of the world as it is and the world as we would like it to be will be sought through the use of pertinent historical information and current events. Three credit hours. Prerequisite: POL 100. Offered as needed.

POL 217 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Analysis of the principles of public administration with an introduction to theories of organization and administration as they apply to government bureaucracy. Three credit hours. Prerequisite: POL 101. Offered Fall semester in even numbered years (d); offered Spring semester in odd numbered years (e).

POL 240 COMPARATIVE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Comparative analysis of formal and informal institutions and processes by which state and substate governments operate. Various problems and issues confronting state and local governments will be covered. Three credit hours. Prerequisite: POL 101. Offered Spring semester in even numbered years (d); offered Fall semester in odd numbered years (e).

POL 298 SPECIAL TOPIC IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
(Topic to be specified each semester course offered.)

POL 300 AFRICAN POLITICAL SYSTEMS
The general stages of African political systems that will be studied include traditional African political systems and European imperialism. Some of the themes that will be examined include: tribalism; the dynamics of nationalism; Pan-Africanism; and the effects of multi-national corporations on political, economic, and cultural development of various African countries. Three credit hours. Prerequisite: POL 100. Offered as needed.

POL 310 COMPARATIVE POLITICAL SYSTEMS
A study of political ideologies and systems functioning today; comparison of different political systems. Three credit hours. Prerequisites: HIS 100 and POL 100. Offered Spring semester in odd numbered years (d); offered Fall semester in even numbered years (e).

POL 330 AFRICAN-AMERICAN POLITICS
African-American Politics will examine Blacks' political attitudes, voting behavior, organizational strategies, ideology, and their influence on public policy. Study and analysis in these areas will be with an eye to how the legal system systematically restricted and expanded the civil and human rights of Blacks in America. Three credit hours. Prerequisite: POL 100.
Offered as needed.

POL 398 SPECIAL TOPIC IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
(Topic to be specified each semester course offered.)

POL 498 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

Page Updated 10/18/00 (lak)
Medaille College, 18 Agassiz Circle, Buffalo, NY 14214
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email: Academic Affairs