Division of Humanities & Social Sciences

Department of Political Science

We offer a B.A. as well as a minor in political science and, for students wishing to attend law school, the department houses the Pre-Law Professional Program. Natural complements to the political science major include minors in history, English, theology, psychology, intercultural studies, and the sciences. Political science can also be combined with a professional undergraduate minor such as business, journalism, communications, or education.

We also offer various internship and study abroad opportunities, including the International Relations: Irish Studies program and the CCCU sponsored American Studies Program in Washington DC. Involvement in these activities will provide insight into practical politics and government, as well as training and contacts that can be helpful in graduate school planning and future employment.

Courses:

POL 2003 Introduction to Political Thought (Three hours)
A study of ancient and modern political philosophies and their practical application. Topics include nature, reason, virtue, freedom, justice, right, property, legitimacy, culture, convention, law, religion, tradition, will, passions, power, custom, and the soul. (Same as RPH 2003)

Offered each semester

POL 2093H Honors: Introduction to Political Thought (Three hours)
A study of ancient and modern political philosophies that incorporates biblical assessments of political themes and Christian critiques of classical and modern political thought. Students formulate their own political views as informed by the principles and practices presented in course readings and class discussion.
Prerequisite: admission to the Honors Program or permission of the Honors
Committee

Offered spring semester

POL 2113 American Government (Three hours)
A study of the origins,institutions, and policies of national, state, and local government in the United States. The course promotes better citizenship through understanding and appreciation of American self-government.

Offered fall semester

POL 2213 Comparative Politics (Three hours)
A comparative study of major political systems focusing on the principles, institutions, and customs that constitute the various regimes of the world.

Offered spring semester (even-numbered years)

POL 2473 Methods of Political Analysis (Three hours)
This course introduces students to the logic and techniques of quantitative and qualitative analysis in political science. Special attention is given to survey research, computer applications and data analysis (using SPSSX).
Prerequisite: MTH 1113

Offered fall semester (odd-numbered years)

POL 3123 The American Congress (Three hours)
A study of the U.S. Congress focusing on its origin, development, and modern practice as a representative and deliberative institution. The Congress is examined in the context of its relationship to the other two branches of the national government and its general role in the federal constitution.
Prerequisite: POL 2113 or consent of instructor

Offered upon sufficient request

POL 3133 Politics of Social Policy (Three Hours)
An examination of the origin, logic, structure, and function of America ’s social welfare state. Public policy initiatives (and evaluations of proper impact)in areas of income support, poverty and welfare, social security, health care, affirmative action, and crime are examined. Special emphasis is placed upon assessing the competing goals of social policy in America, and how this dynamic contributes to the ongoing dialogue concerning the proper role of government intervention in the domestic realm.

Offered upon sufficient request

POL 3143 The American Presidency (Three hours)
A study of the American presidency focusing on its origin, development, and modern practice. The executive branch is examined in the context of its relationship to the other two branches of the national government and its general role in the federal constitution.
Prerequisite: POL 2113 or consent of instructor

Offered upon sufficient request

POL 3353 International Relations (Three hours)
An examination of the development of international relations and international organizations and how Christians have responded to the issues of war and peace.
Prerequisites: HST 1003, POL 2113*
*Recommended

Offered spring semester (even-numbered years)

POL 3413 Selected Topics (Three hours)
Special topics in Political Science are considered.

Offered upon sufficient request

POL 4113 Latin American Politics (Three hours)
A study of the constitutional development of Central and South American nations, with special attention given to the political principles and practices of contemporary Latin America.
Prerequisite: POL 2473 and POL 2213, or POL 3353 or permission of instructor; POL 2113 recommended

Offered upon sufficient request

POL 4213 Constitutional Law I:Institutions and Powers (Three hours)
A seminar on the origin, development, and contemporary practice of American constitutionalism as expressed through interpretations of the U.S. Constitution, with special emphasis on Supreme Court cases dealing with federalism, Congress, the Presidency, and the courts.
Prerequisites: POL 2113, junior standing, and three additional hours of political science or history

Offered fall semester (even-numbered years)

POL 4223 Constitutional Law II: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (Three hours)
A seminar on the origin, development, and contemporary practice of American constitutionalism as expressed through interpretations of the U.S. Constitution, with special emphasis on Supreme Court cases dealing with the Bill of Rights and the 14th Amendment.
Prerequisites: POL 2113, junior standing, and three additional hours of political science or history

Offered spring semester (odd-numbered years)

POL 4233 Elections and Voting Behavior (Three hours)
An examination of the role of elections in American politics. Topics include democratic electoral systems, participation, determinants of vote choice, media effects, and the influence of public opinion on the policy process. Particular attention is devoted to understanding the role and influence of Christians in the electoral process.
Prerequisite: POL 2473

Offered upon sufficient request

POL 4313 Christianity and the Legal Profession (Three hours)
A theoretical and practical study of the connection between Christian teachings and a career in American law. Students strive to determine how they will integrate their faith and the practice of law.
Prerequisites: junior standing and consent of pre-law advisor

Offered spring semester (odd-numbered years)

POL 4413 Religion and Politics (Three hours)
A study of the relationship between religion and politics, with special emphasis on various theories about the church-state question and development of the free exercise of religion and disestablishment of religion in the United States.
Prerequisite: POL 2003 or POL 2113, POL 2473, and junior standing

Offered spring semester (even-numbered years)

POL 4511, 4512, 4513 Independent Study (One to three hours)
Supervised exploration of topics of special interest to the student. The course consists of large assignments of supervised reading, regular consultation with the supervising professor, and written analysis of readings, as assigned by the professor.
Prerequisites: 15 hours of political science/history

Offered upon sufficient request

POL 4613 Seminar in United States Politics (Three hours)
An introduction to methods of political research, philosophies of political science, and the relationship between the study of political science and a Christian world view. Students research a particular topic in U.S. politics.
Prerequisites: POL 2473, consent of instructor, and nine additional hours of political science

Offered fall semester (odd-numbered years)

POL 4711, 4712, 4713 Internship in Politics and Law (One to three hours)
Fieldwork in politics or law combined with reading and writing assignments that explore the theory and practice of these fields. One credit hour is earned for each 45 hours of experience.
Prerequisite: consent of instructor

Offered upon sufficient request