Courses Offered

POL 020 International Relations -- 3 s.h.
A study of the diplomatic, organizational, military, and legal relationships among states. Designed to provide a conceptual framework leading to a better understanding of international developments, the course considers the nation-state system, sovereignty, nationalism, the sources of national power, the foreign policy making process, and conflict and conflict resolution.

POL 030 Introduction to Comparative Politics -- 3 s.h.
A comparative examination of the cultural environments, decision-making processes, leadership patterns, public policies and political development tendencies of western and nonwestern societies. Problems of methodology are reviewed. Required of all political science majors.

POL 050 State and Local Government -- 3 s.h.
A general consideration of federal, state, and interstate relations followed by a more detailed treatment of the state-local government relation in the United States. Particular emphasis is placed on the citizen's role and representation in grass-roots government. Possibilities for improvement of state and local government are explored.

POL 121--Introduction to Political Theory -- 3 s.h.
This course is a survey of classical Western political thought.  Works covered in this course are crucial for an understanding of the development of political thought in Western civilization, political culture, and government.  This course critically examines the major political philosophers from ancient Greece through the Middle Ages.  It focuses on issues such as nature, justice, the good society, and the role of the state.

POL 131 The Politics of Latin America -- 3 s.h.
An examination of the major forces which determine the politics of the Latin American states. A problem-centered approach is emphasized, designed to highlight the most important contemporary issues confronting these countries in both their domestic and external relations.

POL/SOC 150 Law and Society -- 3 s.h.
A survey of the major philosophies of law and the roles of law in society. The focus will be on how differing perspectives on the nature of law influence ideas about liberty, justice, responsibility, and punishment.

POL/CRJ 181 Criminal Law -- 3 s.h.
An in-depth analysis of criminal law in the United States. The course focuses on the nature and purposes of criminal law, the sources of classifications and limitations on criminal law, the elements of criminal liability, defenses to criminal liability, parties to crime, and the specific crimes against persons, property and public order and morals. Attention will be given to the model penal code and the criminal law of Pennsylvania.

POL/CRJ 182 Criminal Procedure -- 3 s.h.
An extensive analysis of criminal procedure in the United States. The course will focus on decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court dealing with criminal procedure principles and doctrines. This course is designed as a follow-up course to Criminal Law.

POL/PSY/SOC 200 Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences -- 3 s.h.
This course considers the application of statistical procedures for the purposes of description and inference in the social sciences. Such topics as measures of central tendency variability, correlation, prediction and the normal curve are considered. Inferential techniques such as tests, analyses of variances, trend analysis, and multiple comparisons are also considered. PREREQUISITE: PSY 011 and MAT 101 or its equivalent.

POL 205 Judicial Administration -- 3 s.h.
An analytical study of the administration of American courts. Attention is focused on the development and behavior of judicial administration, court administration, and the techniques used in court management. Contemporary problems in court management are also reviewed. Attention is given to new research and developments in this field.

POL 215 Public Administration -- 3 s.h.
The basic principles of administration in the public sector are presented and analyzed. Surveys the historical development of contemporary public administration and examines the process, both formal and informal, by which public policy is implemented.

POL 220 Public Opinion and Propaganda -- 3 s.h.
An examination of various aspects of public opinion and political influence, including: definitions of public opinion; an overview of political socialization; analysis of the structure of public opinion and propaganda in modern societies; evaluation of the ideals and realities of popular government; and an introduction to methods of public opinion measurement.

POL 221 Foundations of Political Theory -- 3 s.h.
A critical examination of the nature, means and ends of political power. The focus will be on those concerns about and responses to the human conditions which link classical and modern political philosophy.

POL 223 Modern Western Political Theory -- 3 s.h.
A critical examination of political theory as it developed in the West since Machiavelli. Emphasis will be on the development of liberalism, democracy, socialism, communism and fascism. Contemporary trends will be considered.

POL 225 Planning and Decision Making Theory -- 3 s.h.
An examination of modern techniques of rational decision-making such as cost-benefit analysis, with special attention given to how these techniques are applied to environmental problems. Problems in planning and the quantification of values are considered.

POL 226 Empirical Political Analysis -- 3 s.h.
An introduction to political analysis based on systematic social science methods. Discussion of differing approaches to Political Science but concentration on empirical analysis. Topics include the nature of social science, measurement, statistical analysis and hypothesis testing. The course is intended primarily for political science major students and is not a proper choice for a student seeking to survey the subject matter of political science. PREREQUISITE: Six (6) hours of Political Science.

POL 230 American Political Parties -- 3 s.h.
The first part of the course will examine the development of party systems from a comparative perspective. The remainder of the course will examine the development and functioning of the American party system. Such topics as interest representation, recruitment, campaigning, party organization, and electoral behavior will be examined. The role of political parties in a democracy and the concept of party responsibility will also be considered.

POL 240 American Foreign Policy -- 3 s.h.
A study of the American foreign-policy-making process with a focus upon the institutions and functions of America's foreign relations. Special emphasis is given to the period since 1945. Case studies are utilized.

POL 250 International Law and Organization -- 3 s.h.
An analytical study of the legal framework, principles, and practices of the nation-state includes the forms and functions of international organizations with special reference to the role of the United Nations in contemporary international politics with a focus on selected legal problems.

POL 253 Politics of the Middle East -- 3 s.h.
A comparative analysis of the political systems of an area that encompasses seventeen countries, including 13 Arab states, two Persian-dominated states (Iran and Afghanistan), plus Turkey and Israel. Special attention is paid to the fragmented Islamic cultural traditions of the region, the impact of Western Colonialism, the monarchical-socialist dichotomy, the special problems of Israel and the Palestinian Arabs, as well as the politics of oil. NO PREREQUISITES.

POL 255 Global Issues in International Relations: Arms, Economy and Environment -- 3 s.h.
This course will focus on three issues that are very important in the contemporary international system. The issues are the global economy, global environmental problems, and arms control. Each of these issues is a matter of global concern in that they all have impacts and aspects that can affect all nations and their populations.

POL 258 The Administration of U.S. Environmental Law -- 3 s.h.
Designed to introduce students to the legal, administrative and political dimensions that pervade national environmental disputes, laws, and regulations. The course will employ both a legal and administrative process orientation. Through the use of legal case material and legal, political, statutory and regulatory analysis, students are taught about the different ways statutes and regulations attempt to address environmental problems, including the strengths and weaknesses of each general statutory and regulatory type.

POL/CRJ 260 Judicial Process -- 3 s.h.
An analytic study of the most significant facets of the entire American legal system. Basic legal theories, basic structure of federal and state court systems. Judicial reasoning process, the system of precedents and the most basic and important substantive areas of law will be considered.

POL 305 Western European Governments -- 3 s.h.
A study of the governmental systems and politics of Western European nations. Special attention is given to Great Britain, France and German. Contrasts and comparisons are drawn among these governments and with other governments, including the United States.

POL 311 Constitutional Law I: Institutions and Functions -- 3 s.h.
A study of the development of the Constitution through the interpretations of the Supreme Court. The course emphasizes the institutional aspects of the federal system and also economic regulation within the federal system.

POL/CRJ 312 Constitutional Law II: Civil Liberties -- 3 s.h.
An analytical study of the U.S. Supreme Court cases interpreting clauses of the Constitution guaranteeing the rights of individuals: the meaning of the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment. Attention is focused on recent decisions and their impact on the governmental system and society.

POL 316 Law and Sex-Based Discrimination -- 3 s.h.
An extensive examination of the constitutional and legal bases of sex-based discrimination in the United States. The course will focus specifically on statutory law and judicial decisions realtling to discrimination of both men and women.

POL 320 The American Presidency -- 3 s.h.
A study of the development, dynamics, politics, and impact of the American Presidency.

POL 323 American Political Thought -- 3 s.h.
A critical examination of the essence and development of the American political culture. Contemporary trends in American political thought will be considered.

POL 325 The American Legislative Process: National and State -- 3 s.h.
A study of legislative institutions, processes and behavior at the Congressional and state legislative levels. Particular emphasis is given to a description and analysis of the vast quantity of legal, historical, normative and behavioral literature available in this field. Legislative processes are analyzed with emphasis on their relation to the larger environment and inclusive political system. PREREQUISITE: POL 010 or permission of the instructor.

POL/CRJ 340 Municipal Government -- 3 s.h.
The history, organization, structure, and functions of the major types of city in the United States. Modern administrative techniques and methods are examined as they apply to municipalities.

POL 345 Public Personnel Administration and Fiscal Management -- 3 s.h.
Analyzes the historical connection between personnel administration and fiscal management; defines and reviews contemporary methods and techniques designed to promote the integration of these critical functions of government.

POL 346 Public Budgeting and Fiscal Management -- 3 s.h.
This course will address all major facets of public budgeting theory including budgetary formats, governmental budgetary decision processes at the federal, state, and local levels, bargaining and politics in budget decision making, government tax policies, and strategies for fiscal management. In addition, the course will focus upon practical application of theory through the use of real-life case studies. A special section on grant writing and nonprofit fiscal management will highlight the special needs of nonprofit organizational management.

POL 347 Human Resource Management in the Public Sector -- 3 s.h.
This course will cover both the general theory of human resource management and the practical applications of this theory in the public sector. Students will be exposed to various aspects of human resource management including job analysis, worker motivation and management, labor/management relations and collective bargaining. Public sector issues such as equal worth, sexual harassment, ADA and equal employment opportunity will also be addressed. In particular, the course will highlight the constitutional, legal and political constraints and requirements which are unique to public sector management.

POL 360 Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States -- 3 s.h.
A critical analysis of the basis, development, structure, and political dynamics of Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Emphasis will be on the reasons for the disintegration of the Soviet Union, politics and emerging political structures, and new Russian roles in European and international politics. No prerequisites.

POL 361 Russian Foreign Policy -- 3 s.h.
A survey and analysis of the policy motivation of an important nation state actor as it continues its difficult adjustments following the demise of the former Soviet Union. Special emphasis is devoted to its evolving relationships with its neighbors, including Ukraine, Kazakstan, Belarus, the Baltic states, as well as Eastern and Western Europe, China, Japan and the U.S. Topics covered include arms control/disarmament, Russia's interests in the Middle East, its approach to the United Nations, and involvement in international economic organizations. No prerequisites, although it is preferred International Relations (POL 020) be taken first.

POL 370 Independent Study in Political Science -- 3 s.h.
Independent reading or research under the supervision of a member of the department in an area of political science of special interest to the student. A total of 6 semester hours may be earned in independent study, with no more than 3 semester hours taken in any one semester. PREREQUISITE: Twelve hours in political science with a Q.P.A. of at least 3.0 in political science, and approval of the faculty member and the departmental chairperson.

POL 371 Selected Topics in Political Science -- 3 s.h.
An analytic study of a selected topic in Political Science. Topics will vary depending upon interests of student and faculty, or timeliness of the subject matter. The course may be repeated for credit twice, provided that the same topic is not repeated.

POL 380 Senior Seminar in Political Science -- 3 s.h.
Readings and discussions in the area of the individual student's interest. The course serves as preparation for the comprehensive examination in Political Science. Required of all Liberal Arts students concentrating in Political Science.

POL 381 Senior Seminar in Public Administration -- 3 s.h.
Readings and discussions on the subject of the field of public administration and in the area of the individual student's interest. The seminar concentrates on the history and nature of public administration. The course serves as preparation for the comprehensive examination in public administration. Required of all Liberal Arts students majoring in Public Administration. PREREQUISITE: Senior standing, Public Administration major.

POL 390 Federal, State, and/or Local Government Internship -- 12 s.h.
A limited number of selected students participate in a study and training program on location in federal, state, or local government offices under faculty supervision for a full semester, full time. Consultation with the Political Science Department is required prior to registration for this program. Open only to Political Science or Public Administration majors.

POL 398 Honors Supplementary Research -- 1-3 s.h.

POL 425 Public Policy Analysis -- 3 s.h.
This course will study conceptual frameworks and approaches to the study of public policy, the role of the environment in the policy process, the effect of political structures and institutions on public policy, and the citizen in the policy process. 

POL 435 Technology and Contemporary Politics and Society -- 3 s.h.
This course examines the impact of technology on contemporary politics and political and social structures. Attention is focused on the computer revolution in information processing and on techniques of genetic manipulation. The course also includes discussion of public policy issues related to these technologies and questions of technology assessment and control. 

POL 465 Administrative Law -- 3 s.h.
An analytical study of the law dealing with powers, procedures, and judicial review of administrative agencies of government is undertaken. Emphasis will be placed upon federal agencies and procedures. 

POL 503 Thesis
Students register through the department chairperson for three (3) semester hours in two (2) different semesters or six (6) semester hours in one (1) semester. 

POL 509 Approaches and Methods in Political Science -- 3 s.h.
This course explores the nature and scope of political science, introduces the terminology of the discipline and describes the various approaches used in the sub-fields of the discipline, with special emphasis on quantitative analysis. It describes and analyzes the conflict between the normative and behavioral schools. 

POL 515 Principles and Problems of Public Administration -- 3 s.h.
The modern techniques of public administration with special emphasis on qualifications of administrators, administrative organization, personnel administration, and training for government service are examined. 

POL 516 Administrative and Organizational Theory -- 3 s.h.
Administrative and organizational theory within a freanework emphasizing conceptual approaches are analyzed. Both public and private organizations are studied. 

POL 517 Public Personnel and Strategic Human Resource Management -- 3 s.h.
The changing nature of public personnel administration as seen in procedural changes in recruitment, classification, evaluation, promotion, and training public employees is studied. Historical development from the spoils system through the merit system to recent trends which emphasize the positive and political nature of personnel processes and behavior, and the impact of public workers' unions, affirmative action programs, and increasing political activity of public employees are discussed. 

POL 518 Budgeting and Decision Making -- 3 s.h.
This course examines the comparison and evaluation of budgetary decision making in private and public budgeting, the concept of responsibility in budgeting, and rationality in decision making. Emphasis is placed on processes that link political and economic values basic to decision making and budgeting systems. 

POL 538 Program and Policy Evaluation -- 3 s.h.
This course is an introduction to various techniques of evaluating the effectiveness of public programs and policy implementation. Discussion of types of evaluation, the use of evaluations, and the politics of the evaluation process are renewed. However, focus is on systematic methods of program evaluation such as benefit cost analysis, statistical applications, the structure of evaluation research, and decision analysis. PREREQUISITE: POL 509 or permission of the instructor. 

POL 562 Community Politics: Urban, Suburban, Rural -- 3 s.h.
This course focuses attention on the rule of government in the management of conflict. It analyzes the structural arrangements and political processes to determine how they affect the allocation of influence and policy output of local communities. 

POL 570 Selected Topics in Public Administration -- 3 s.h.
This course will address a variety of current issues and topics in the changing field of public administration. The selected topics course will supplement the program offerings in the Master of Public Administration program. Topics will include but will not be limited to such issues as economic development, urban and rural planning, health care administration, and community development. 

POL 571 Nonprofit Organizational Management -- 3 s.h.
This course will address the specific issues associated with the management of nonprofit or not-for-profit organizations. These issues include the legal and structural differences between nonprofit and private sector or government organizations and the special fundraising and fiscal management needs of nonprofit organizations. The course will employ both lecture and case studies to explore the unique aspects of nonprofit management. Guest speakers from area nonprofit organizations and government or private funding sources will bring real world experience into the classroom. 

POL 580 Independent Study in Public Administration -- 3 s.h.
Independent reading and/or research is undertaken under the supervision of a member of the graduate faculty in an area of public administration of special interest to the student. 

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