POLS 1010. Introduction to Political Science. (3 Credits)

This course surveys major themes in political thought from ancient Greece to the modern West. Students will study theorists such as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Machiavelli, Locke, and Marx, focusing on questions about the purpose of politics, the nature of the state, political authority, justice, power, and legitimacy.

POLS 1350. Voices in Democracy. (3 Credits)

This course introduces the student to the study of American government, its structure, processes and actors. Students will examine the operations of the federal government as well as the roles of state and local governments. Also, the course will examine the role of the media and of public interest groups in American politics, as well as the nature of the electoral process.

POLS 2010. American Government. (3 Credits)

An introduction to American government in both theory and practice. The course examines how Congress, the presidency, the judiciary, interest groups, and voters exercise political power. Designed as a foundation for majors and non-majors alike, it equips students to analyze U.S. politics with greater depth.

POLS 2550. Presidency. (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the history, theory, and practice of the office of the U.S. presidency. Activities will help students appreciate how the presidency has evolved, explore the powers and limitations of the contemporary presidency, and recommend improvements and modifications to the office. The course is suggested as an advanced level course for students who have taken POLS 2010 (American Government), though it is not a prerequisite.

POLS 2850. American Politics and Health Care Policy. (3 Credits)

In this course students will learn the fundamentals of the American political system as well as its origins. They will compare a federal political system to unitary and confederal systems in terms of policy outcomes and variation. Students will engage in research, both individually and in small groups, with the purpose of assessing the current state of health in the United States and formulating practical policy ideas to improve it. Students will contribute their individual data to a data pool for common use. The group projects include researching and leading a panel discussion as well as a debate in class. The final exam will require students to do further individual research on specific health policy problems and to formulate their own practical policy suggestions.

POLS 3000. Comparative Politics. (3 Credits)

A study of political systems, ideologies, economies, and societies using the comparative method. Students examine forms of government such as democracy and dictatorship, comparing institutions, actors, and themes across countries and regions. Unlike international relations, which emphasizes interactions between states, comparative politics focuses on the internal politics of specific units.
Prerequisites: (POLS 101 or 1010) and (POLS 201 or 2010).

POLS 3100. International Relations. (3 Credits)

This course explores international relations from theoretical and practical perspectives. Students will analyze how states, corporations, individuals, and international organizations use political, military, economic, and cultural power to advance their interests. The course builds a foundation in global affairs and foreign policy.
Prerequisites: (POLS 101 or 1010).

POLS 3310. American Political Thought. (3 Credits)

An exploration of American political philosophy through primary texts, especially from the Founding era. Students will examine central themes such as democracy, liberty, freedom, conservatism, and liberalism in the American context.

POLS 3320. Conservative Political Thought. (3 Credits)

This course surveys the political tradition of conservatism. Students will examine its philosophical foundations, competing schools, and evolution over time. Topics include whether conservatism is best understood as an ideology, tradition, or perspective, and what challenges and opportunities shape its future.

POLS 3400. U.S. National Security Policy. (3 Credits)

This course examines the theory, actors, and institutions that shape U.S. national security policy. Students will analyze historical and contemporary threats to American security, along with the processes of policy development and implementation.

POLS 3590. Constitutional Law. (3 Credits)

This course analyzes individual rights and responsibilities as developed by the United States Supreme Court in its interpretation of the United States Constitution.

POLS 4800. Internship/Fieldwork. (1-6 Credits)

This course provides opportunities for students to work and gain experience in a variety of political contexts. Students may intern at the local, state, national, or international level, including a Washington, D.C., semester.
Prerequisites: (POLS 101 or 1010) and (POLS 201 or 2010).

POLS 4900. Senior Seminar I. (3 Credits)

This course provides the methods and tools required to develop a significant, original undergraduate research project. Students learn how to: identify an issue worthy of further research; formulate an initial thesis; gather and evaluate relevant resources; and make a clear and coherent plan of their project. In addition, the course examines the nexus between faith and politics, and explores how Christian political and law practitioners may impact society.
Prerequisites: (POLS 100 or 1010) and (POLS 201 or 2010).

POLS 4910. Special Topics in Politics. (3 Credits)

Special Topics in Politics allows in-depth study of an area of politics and government of mutual interest to staff and students. This course may be taken more than once as long as there is substantially different content in each course. Prerequisites: POLS 1010 and POLS 2010 for Political Science majors and minors; or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisites: (POLS 101 or 1010) and (POLS 201 or 2010).

POLS 4990. Senior Seminar II. (3 Credits)

This course is a continuation of Senior Seminar I. Working with the course instructor or a faculty advisor who specializes in the subject area of their research, students draft and redraft their thesis project. Students produce an original paper that deals with contemporary politics in one of the great sub-fields of the significant (International Relations, Political Philosophy, Comparative Politics, and American Government and Politics), culminating in a public presentation and defense of their thesis and produce a final version of their written project.
Prerequisite: POLS 4900.