Political Science (POLS)

POLS 101 American National Government
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring/Summer)

This course introduces students to the American political system. The course examines the structure and operation of the institutions of the U.S. federal government; introduces students to the approach and terminology associated with the field of political science; deepens students' awareness of the role of citizens, interest groups, political parties, and politicians within the American political system; builds an understanding of the role of politics and strategy in the operation of government; and understand how they impact the processes that occur within the system. Further, the course explores and instills a sense of civic duty and citizen participation. (This CWI course meets Idaho State Board of Education GEM competency requirements for GEM 6 - Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing.). (3 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 3 credits)

POLS 102 Introduction to Political Science
(3 Credits, Fall/Spring/Summer)

This course is a basic introduction to political science, discussing the origins and evolution of government, and how and why people combine their productive efforts under the authority of a government or power structure. The course emphasizes the logic of government, the different political institutions regularly found around the world, and the common public policy problems government addresses. POLS 102 also evaluates and applies the core concepts and theories of the field of Political Science. (This CWI course meets Idaho State Board of Education GEM competency requirements for GEM 6 - Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing.). (3 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 3 credits)

POLS 199 Political Science Special Topics
(1-5 Credits, Varies)

This course is designed to permit the offering of special topics appropriate to a student's program. Regular or frequently recurring topics are not offered under this title. The course may be repeated as new topics are presented. (1 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 1 credits)

POLS 210 Introduction to Comparative Politics
(3 Credits, Fall)

Examines the political institutions and processes of countries around the world. Emphasizes how to make meaningful comparisons between systems in different countries. Covers conditions for and functions of democracy, with an emphasis on how different kinds of democracies operate. Provides a framework for comparison and considers the United States in comparative perspective. Topics include the vibrancy of democracy, the centrality of political and electoral institutions, the possibility of revolution, and the power of ethnicity. (3 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 3 credits)

POLS 221 Introduction to International Relations
(3 Credits, Spring)

The goal of this course is to equip students with the concepts, ideas, and analytical tools necessary to understand state behavior and relationships among actors in the international system. In this class students will examine various theoretical explanations for state behaviors, such as realism, liberalism, and constructivism. Students will learn how to use these theories to analyze the forces that affect state behavior and address some of the most pressing questions in international relations. In order to understand connections among states, this course may explore such vital topics as war, cooperation, international law, political economy, terrorism, human rights, and the forms of conflict that characterize the international system. (This CWI course meets the institutional competency requirements in Global Perspectives.). (3 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 3 credits)

POLS 230 Political Philosophy
(3 Credits, Spring)

This course examines the most influential thinkers in Western political philosophy. Representative government, democracy, communism, socialism, and capitalism are the institutional manifestations of such noteworthy minds as Aristotle, Plato, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Locke, James Madison, Niccolo Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbes, Adam Smith, and Karl Marx. Students taking this course will come to appreciate the powerful influence philosophy has had on the shape and structure of various competing modern political traditions and ideologies. The class will conduct a thorough examination of each thinker's perspective on such issues as the ideal structure of government; the role of human nature in political theory; the relationship between freedom and authority; the role that equality, inequality, economics, and power play in politics; and the competing definitions of political legitimacy. Students taking this course will be well-equipped to defend their own positions in contemporary debates over issues of social and political justice. (Cross-listed with: PHIL 230) (3 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 3 credits)

POLS 240 American Constitutional Foundations
(3 Credits, Fall)

This course will introduce students to important questions about the U.S. Constitution. The course will be divided into two parts to fully examine constitutional questions. The first half of the course will focus on questions relating to the division of powers under the Constitution. Key themes to be discussed will include federalism, the separation of powers, judicial review, powers granted to Congress and the President, and war making authority. The second half of the semester will focus on the critical questions surrounding the ideas of civil liberties and civil rights. (3 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 3 credits)

POLS 293 Political Science Internship
(1-3 Credits, Varies)

Internships allow students to apply learning to real-life career possibilities. Credits are earned through supervised fieldwork specifically related to a student's area of study. PREREQ: PERM/INST. (0 lecture hours, 3 lab hours, 1 credits)

POLS 296 Political Science Independent Study
(1-10 Credits, Varies)

This is a term long project. Each credit hour is equivalent to 45 hours of work on a project. Students should make arrangements with the instructor in their field of interest. Before enrolling for independent study, a student must obtain approval of the department chair and dean, acting on the recommendation of the instructor who will be supervising the independent study. An Independent Study Registration Form must be completed and turned into a One Stop Student Services location before a student may register for this course. PREREQ: PERM/INST and submission of a completed Independent Study Registration Form. (0 lecture hours, 0 lab hours, 1 credits)