Political Science Course Descriptions
POLS-Y 103 Introduction to American Politics (3 cr.)
Introduction to the nature of government and the dynamics of American politics. Origin and nature of the American federal system and its political party base.
POLS-Y 200 Contemporary Political Problems (cr. arr) (variable title)
Involves an intensive analysis and discussion of selected contemporary political problems. Topics vary from semester to semester. Recent topics have included the Indiana General Assembly and Elections in America. May be repeated up to a maximum of 6 credit hours.
POLS-Y 215 Introduction to Political Theory (3 cr.)
An introduction to major ideas and theories in Western political thought, including theories of democracy and the analysis of conflict and cooperation. The course also addresses the attempts made by prominent political philosophers - from Aristotle and Plato to Locke, Marx, and Rawls - to understand and describe the nature of politics.
POLS-Y 217 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 cr.)
A course that introduces students to the major political systems of the world. Students will study systems within Western and non-Western countries. Comparisons will include executive and legislative structures, elections, political parties, interest groups and key areas of public policy. Not open to students who have completed Y107.
POLS-Y 219 Introduction to International Relations (3 cr.)
An introduction to the global political system, and issues that shape relations among countries. The course looks at problems of conflict resolution, the role of international law and organizations, the challenges of poverty and development, and the other major policy issues over which nations cooperate, argue, or go to war. Not open to students who have completed Y109.
POLS-Y 301 Political Parties and Interest Groups (3 cr.)
Theories of American party activity; behavior of political parties, interest groups, and social movements; membership in groups; organization and structure; evaluation and relationship to the process of representation.
POLS-Y 311 Democracy and National Security (3 cr.)
Exploration of a basic dilemma in a democratic polity: How can demands for national security be reconciled with democratic practices and values? Concepts of civil-military relations, national security structure, professional and political commitments of the military, human resource utilization, popular control of policy, and the nature of individual liberty.
POLS-Y 322 The American Presidency (3 cr.)
This course examines the evolution of the presidency and its impact on the rest of the American political system. Students will study presidential selection, succession, and powers, the president's relationship to the rest of government, and the legacy of presidents throughout American History.
POLS-Y 338 African Politics (3 cr.)
Politics in contemporary sub-Saharan Africa. Topics include processes of nation building, dependency and underdevelopment; role of political parties, leadership, ideology, and military rule; continuing relevance of colonial heritage and traditional culture; network of international relations; and special situation of South Africa.
POLS-Y 360 United States Foreign Policy (3 cr.)
Analysis of institutions and processes involved in the formation and implementation of United States foreign policy. Emphasis is on post-World War II policies.
POLS-Y 480 Undergraduate Readings in Political Science (cr. arr.)
Every semester. Individual readings and research. May be taken only with consent of the instructor.
POLS-Y 481 Field Experience in Political Science (cr. arr.)
P: junior or senior standing and approval of instructor. Faculty-directed study of aspects of the political process through internship experience in local, state, or national government.
