This course will introduce new Americans and other interested students to the fundamentals of citizenship in American society. Students receive an overview of the historical foundations of our political system and institutions and their current structure and operations. The roles of Congress, the president, and the Federal court system are closely studied. State government and its place in American Federalism are also addressed.

The focus is on the American system of government, with particular emphasis on the nature of federalism and the changing relations between the national and state governments. It features an analysis of the principle of the separation of powers, with attention given to the roles of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Non-governmental forces such as political parties, interest groups, and the news media are studied, especially with respect to their roles in shaping public policy. Special attention is paid to the "fourth branch" of government, administrative bodies such as the independent regulatory agencies.

United States diplomacy and foreign policy making in the 20th century, with major emphasis on events in the post-World War II world. The East-West struggle, American and Soviet tensions, are analyzed against the background of shifting relations between the major powers, minor powers, and newly independent Third World countries. Also covered are U.S. relations with various regions of the world, especially the Middle East. Students are introduced to the governmental and non-governmental forces that influence the making of U.S. foreign policy.

The structure and operation of American political parties; strategies; uses of polls; the media; issues; and campaign financing. Political parties are also examined in comparison with other forces that influence nominations and elections, with emphasis on the changing roles of interest groups, pressure groups, and the news media, and candidates. campaign committees. Attention will also focus on what parties must do to regain their former primacy in the political system.

This course introduces students to the study of public international law.The Law of Nations. Elements studied include the role of treaties, international organizations, custom, judicial decisions, and sources of international law. The factors that make difficult the enforcement of international law.military, economic, political, etc..are considered, as are a variety of international legal documents, such as the charter of the United Nations, The Universal Declaration on Human Rights, charters of regional organizations, and international trade organization charters.

This is a study of the role of the Presidency and executive power in the American federal system. Students focus on the personal qualities and political styles of recent presidents and the array of formal and informal institutions that have come to constitute the modern institutional presidency. Case studies on examples of presidential decision-making are studied and discussed in class.

Students examine the United States Congress and state legislatures and their roles in the lawmaking and political process. Topics studied include the relationship between legislators and their constituencies, legislature and Congressional elections, the internal formal and informal structure of legislatures and Congress, and the nature of legislative and Congressional decision-making in various policy areas.

The behavior of nations in the world arena, with special reference to power relationships, imperialism, diplomacy and negotiations, international law, collective security, war, and the relationship between international economic issues and international politics. The impact of international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and regional agencies such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Community, the Commonwealth of Independent Nations, the African Union, and the Organization of American States (OAS) is studied. The role of the great powers in international political systems will also be emphasized. In addition, students study the impact of non-governmental organizations and multinational corporations on international systems.

The conflicting goals and interests of the various developing nations, viewed against their own internal politics and international political currents. The emergence of these nations as significant members of the international system will be studied. The effect of the end of the Cold War on the politics of developing nations will be analyzed.

The role of the Supreme Court in the American system of government is examined. Special attention is given to the role of judicial review, and the principles of checks and balances and the separation of powers are analyzed. The course also explores the issue of Federal power vs. states. rights.

Prerequisite: GPLN 200 or permission of the instructor

A study of the geopolitical regions of the world, with emphasis on the effect of geographic factors on the international relations of each region's major nation-states. Some attention will be given to the study of political and economic maps as a means of understanding the role of space, location, and material resources in a particular nation's foreign policy. The impact of weapons of mass destruction on a nation's use of war as an instrument of national policy will be considered.

This course will examine public opinion and assess its place in the American political system and democratic process. The course will analyze both how citizens’ thinking about politics is shaped by various institutions, and the effects American public opinion has on government and political processes. The course will explore historical and contemporary changes in public attitudes in the Unlisted States, developments in the mass media, and assess their effects on political leaders and policy making.

Prerequisite: Departmental Approval

Study of topics in Political Science.

Prerequisite: GPLN 200 or equivalent.

This course examines the origins of the American legal system in the constitutional framework and its common law basis. A main theme is the evolution and development of the legal system under the impact of judicial decisions, as well as under political, economic and social conditions. Students also investigate the interplay between the legal system and American society, as well as current issues, problems and pressures affecting the legal system today.

Prerequisite: Departmental and Dean permission.

Students work in political organizations or party law office or other related organizations to gain practical experience. Performance is assessed by site supervisor and department chair.

This course offers a comprehensive understanding of the interplay of media and politics in the United States and the methods by which politicians, candidates and others seek to influence the public. Students develop and refine skills in written, verbal, and visual communication using traditional and social media.