High Point University » Academics » Political Science

POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSES

As of Fall 2010, all political science classes will be offered on the four-credit format. In preparation for the transition, all classes in our catalog have been revised, renumbered, and in some cases renamed. Consequently, this document contains two sets of information: 

• Courses offered on the four-credit format as of Fall 2010 (please note that the classes contained in this list are pending final approval by the University)
  
  

• Courses offered on the three-hour format prior to Fall 2010

Course List

PSC 1010: Contemporary Issues and Politics 

PSC 1011: Enduring Issues in Political Thought 

PSC/SOC 2018: Research Methods in Political Science and Sociology 

PSC 2310: American Politics 

PSC/GBS 2510: Comparing Foreign Political Systems 

PSC 2710: International Relations 

PHL/PSC 3009: Political Philosophy 

PSC 3310: American Political Institutions 

PSC 3317: Pop Culture, Media, and Politics 

PSC 3320: The Constitution, Civil Liberties, and the Courts 

PSC 3330: Public Opinion

PSC 3332: Campaigns and Elections

PSC/GBS 3510: Latin American Politics

PSC/GBS 3520: Religious Movements and Politics in a Global Perspective

HST/PSC 3701: The United States and the Middle East since 1945 

PSC 4099: Senior Seminar 

PSC 4710: International Conflict and Security 

PSC 4720: US Foreign Policy 

PSC 2088, 3088, 4088: Special Topics Courses 

PSC 4011-12: Independent Study 

PSC 4071-72: Student Intern Program

Catalog Descriptions of Current Courses

PSC 1010. Contemporary Issues and Politics. This course surveys many of the most pressing issues being explored by contemporary political scientists. Why are some communities plagued by violence while others live in peace? Why do mass poverty and war still exist on a global scale? Why do countries that have no intention of using weapons of mass destruction still seek to possess them? How are democratic values and behaviors first established in a society, and how are they passed on to future generations? Students will explore these and other central questions in political science as they learn how the systematic study of political ideas, institutions, and behaviors offers unique insights into many of humanity's most profound social and political challenges.

PSC 1011. Enduring Issues in Political Thought. This course examines how various political theorists and philosophers have attempted to answer the most fundamental and enduring of political questions. Students will analyze numerous contentious topics from multiple perspectives including questions such as whether there is ever justification for war, what are the civic obligations of citizens and government, how should democracies incorporate peoples of different backgrounds.

PSC/SOC 2018. Research Methods in Political Science and Sociology. Research in the social sciences has transformed public policy in recent decades, but how can we be confident that this research is yielding valid results rather than just the biased preferences of researchers? This course answers this question by surveying the primary techniques that political scientists and sociologists use to describe and explain individual, group, and national behaviors. Course topics will include ethical considerations, project design, hypothesis development and testing, and the reporting of results. The methodologies investigated will include practices such as interviewing and observation, focus groups, survey research, content analysis, and various types of statistical analysis. Students will gain hands-on research experience in exercises and small projects.

PSC 2310. American Politics. This course surveys the origins, institutions, and culture of the U.S. political system. What kind of democracy did the nation's founders intend to build? How and why has American democracy changed over time? How can everyday people influence government? Do the media and pop culture help or hinder good governance? How well do the nation's political institutions serve the common good? Do state and local governments advance or inhibit policy innovation? Students will explore these and other enduring questions in order to reach to their own conclusions about the health and direction of American democracy in the 21st Century.

PSC/GBS 2510. Comparing Foreign Political Systems. Using country case studies selected from Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America , and the Middle-East, this course compares the structure of political power across many of the world’s most influential nations. Students will investigate why different types of governments vary in their capacity to develop modern economies, limit political violence, protect excluded groups, and respond to their citizens’ needs.  While the primary focus is on governmental institutions and political behavior, the course covers multiple cultural perspectives on the role and optimal structure of government, and it surveys the basic geography, history, and the circumstances of everyday life in numerous foreign settings.

PSC 2710. International Relations. This course explores how global and domestic politics interact to shape foreign policy behaviors, strategic alliances, and interactions among nations.  Students will investigate why countries choose to cooperate or engage one another in conflict, how globalization and the changing fortunes of the world’s most powerful nations are reshaping the roles and power of international institutions, and whether nations are likely to work together to solve the most pressing international problems of our day.

PHL/PSC 3009. Political Philosophy. This course studies representative philosophies of Western political traditions from an historical perspective with emphasis placed upon modern European and American theories of state and society. This course is taught by faculty in Philosophy.

PSC 3310. American Political Institutions. This course offers an in-depth analysis into the three principle institutions of the US political system: the Congress, the presidency, and the courts.  The class will examine how political parties and interest groups affect these institutions in terms of public confidence, elections, and policy outcomes.  The goal of the course is to develop an advanced understanding as to how all of these institutions intertwine while attempting to function within the Constitutional framework of the United States .

PSC 3317. Pop Culture, Media, and Politics. The course explores how popular culture impacts political actors, attitudes, and outcomes through mediums such as film, magazines, television shows, and the internet.  It will also analyze how mainstream and alternative news coverage has impacted American politics, seeking to understand how the impact of popular culture has changed over time and the extent to which it enhances or detracts from the quality of American democracy.

PSC 3320. The Constitution, Civil Liberties, and the Courts. This course provides an in-depth analysis of the legal foundations of our nation. Students will analyze how and why the meaning and scope of civil liberties have evolved over time. The course considers the Constitutional framework within which federal judges operate, dozens of pivotal Supreme Court cases, and the main factors behind judicial decision-making. Course topics will include numerous enduring questions—such as what limits should be placed on freedom of speech or governmental involvement with religion—while also engaging contemporary issues and Constitutional questions.

PSC 3330. Public Opinion. This course introduces students to the origins and effects of political attitudes as well as the methods that political scientists use to measure them. Students will learn about the impact of historic events, media, and elite rhetoric on public attitudes as well as how political figures react to public opinion in order to make their own decisions. The course will also draw on the resources of the university's survey research center to illustrate important concepts in writing and fielding public opinion surveys. While U.S. political attitudes are the primary focus of the course, students will also learn about differences in public opinion across several countries. Students will gain hands-on experience analyzing and presenting the results of polls from political campaigns as well as policy areas such as education, health care, and international affairs.

PSC 3332. Campaigns and Elections. This course is a practical introduction to US elections that takes students behind the scenes of historic and on-going political campaigns. Students will learn about the challenges of running for public office, including how professional politicians build and manage campaign organizations, develop messages and strategies, and promote their candidacies using television and new media. The course will expose students to the internal workings of ongoing local, state, and federal campaigns through visits by candidates and political operatives, opportunities to work on actual campaigns, and exercises in which they will employ campaign techniques and tactics.

PSC/GBS 3510. Latin American Politics. This seminar compares the sociopolitical histories, governance systems, and policy priorities of numerous Latin American societies. Through in-depth case country studies, including a close look at regional powers Brazil and Mexico, students will investigate issues of considerable relevance throughout Latin America and beyond. Such questions include: why is poverty so widespread despite the region’s rich natural resources, why have military rule and revolution found such widespread public support, how have US security and economic preferences impacted regional politics, and what can be done to strengthen the rule of law and democracy?

PSC/GBS 3520 . Religious Movements and Politics in a Global Perspective. This course examines how different religions and religious movements have impacted political behavior, development, and policy throughout the world.  It will explore issues such as the civic assimilation of Muslims in Western Europe, the revolutionary political impact of liberation theology in Latin America, the impact radicalization of religion has had on political systems throughout the world as well as the co-existence of Christianity, Islam, and indigenous religions in Africa.

HST/PSC 3701. The United States and the Middle East since 1945. This course is a diplomatic, political, and economic history of American involvement in the Middle East and Europe since World War II.  The course presents different interpretations of the role the United States has played in the region. This course will be taught by the history faculty. Prerequisite:  HST1701, HST2701, or permission of instructor.

PSC 4099. Senior Seminar. This seminar is a capstone course to the political science and international relations majors.  Working closely with one or more faculty mentors, students will complete and publicly present a substantial original research project on an approved topic of their choice. Students will also compile a professional portfolio designed to help them transition with success to professional employment or graduate school. Prerequisites:  This course is open to INR and PSC majors only; senior standing is required except by instructor approval.

PSC 4710. International Conflict and Security. This seminar provides an in-depth analysis of why interstate war, civil conflict, genocide, and terrorism continue despite our growing capacity to address other sources of human suffering. The course will explore how international regimes, globalization, advances in military technology, and evolving human rights norms are reshaping the causes and methods of warfare. Students will evaluate a wide range of strategies to reduce inter- and intra-state violence. Prerequisite:  PSC 2310 or PSC 2710 or permission of instructor.

PSC 4720. US Foreign Policy. This course investigates how the U.S. government interacts with the world.  Topics addressed in the class include: Who are the most powerful political actors in shaping the content and priorities of foreign policy? Why do we sometimes pursue relationships with foreign actors that some Americans view to be immoral? How do interest groups, the media, and public opinion affect the way the US interacts with other countries? Why do US priorities and relations with other countries vary so much across different world regions? Students will have numerous hands-on opportunities to explore these questions and others as they apply course concepts to realistic policy-making scenarios. Prerequisite:  PSC 2310 or PSC 2710 or permission of instructor.

PSC 2088, 3088, 4088. Special Topics Courses. 

PSC 4011-12. Independent Study. Individual study and research under the guidance of the member of a department. One to four hours credit.

PSC 4071-72. Student Intern Program. Credit-bearing internships are arranged through the University’s Experiential Learning Office. Internships for political science credit are subject to departmental approval.

Classes Previously Offered Under the 3-credit Format

PSC 121: Introduction to Political Science
PSC 122: Introduction to Western Political Thought
PSC 201: United States Government
PSC 202: State and Local Government
PSC 288, 388, 488: Special Topics
PSC 301: Constitutional Law: Structure and Powers
PSC 302: Civil Liberties and Civil Rights
PSC 303: Presidency and Congress
PSC 304: Political Parties/Interest Groups
PSC 305: International Relations
PSC 306: US-Foreign Policy
PSC 309: Comparative Politics
PSC 310: Public Administration
PSC 311: Administrative Law
PSC 312: Introduction to Public Policy
PSC 314: International Security
PSC 318: Research, Writing and Statistics in Political Science
PSC 387: Latin American Politics
PSC 411-419: Independent Study
PSC 471-475: Student Career Intern Program
PSC 499: Senior Seminar

Catalog Descriptions for Previously Offered Classes 

PSC 121. Introduction to Political Science.
A study of the foundation of politics and its relation to other sciences. Emphasis will be placed upon: (1) theories pertaining to the nature and development of the state, its organization and functions; (2) the place of authority and liberty, law and rights; (3) the nature of political parties; (4) an analysis of doctrines concerned with the legitimate objectives of government; and (5) an introduction to the method and orientation of political science research with an intensive writing component. Three hours credit.

PSC 122. Introduction to Western Political Thought.
This course is an overview of the major Western political theorists. The course will emphasize the various theories on the role of government in Western thought. Three hours credit.

PSC 201. United States Government.
An analysis of the institutions and processes of government in the United States and the values on which they are based. Emphasis will be placed on the role of the individual in the political system. Three hours credit.

PSC 202. State and Local Government.
A study of local, county, municipal, and state government, its structure and functions, and powers and duties of officials and departments. Three hours credit. Prerequisite: PSC 201.

PSC 288, 388, 488. Special Topics.
Variable credit. May be repeated.

PSC 301. Constitutional Law: Structure and Powers.
A study of legal concepts, traditions, and leading court decisions relating to the application of the U.S. Constitution to separation of powers and intergovernmental relations. Three hours credit. Prerequisite: PSC 201.

PSC 302. Civil Liberties and Civil Rights.
A study of the United States Constitution, Statutes, and leading court decisions relating to individual freedom. Emphasis is placed on the application of the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment. Three hours credit. Prerequisites: Junior Standing and PSC 201.

PSC 303. Presidency and Congress.
An examination of the U.S. Presidency and Congress. Emphasis will be placed on organization, pertinent laws, developmental history, and significant personalities of each institution. Three hours credit. Prerequisite: PSC 201.

PSC 304. Political Parties/Interest Groups.
An investigation of the relationship between political parties and interest groups in the U.S. Special emphasis will be placed on political party organization, interest group categorization, campaign financing and lobbying. Three hours credit. Prerequisite: PSC 201.

PSC 305. International Relations.
An introduction to international relations, problems of population and territory, commercial rivalry, power politics and factors in war and peace. Three hours credit. For students entering the university before 2005-2006 only, this course satisfies the University's Global Studies curricular requirement.

PSC 306. U.S. Foreign Policy.
Analysis of how U.S. foreign policy is made and implemented and the political, economic, and social context of foreign policy, domestic and international. Three hours credit. Prerequisite: PSC 201.

PSC 309. Comparative Politics.
A comparative examination of political development, culture, actors, and policies within advanced-industrial, developing, totalitarian, and democratizing countries. Emphasis on how different countries are addressing the central challenges that all modern societies share: stimulating economic development, reducing severe inequality, limiting political violence, promoting political reform, overcoming ethnic and racial divisions, and building and deepening democracy. Three hours credit. This course satisfies the University's Global Studies curricular requirement.

PSC 310. Public Administration.
A study of the basic principles and theory of administrative structures, organizations, fiscal management, personnel, planning, and policy-making in the modern era.
Three hours credit. Prerequisite: PSC 201. This course has been eliminated from the catalog for students entering after spring 2008.

PSC 311. Administrative Law.
An analysis of the formation and implementation of public policies by regulatory agencies; the limits of power and the remedies against administrative action. Three hours credit. Prerequisite: PSC 201. This course has been eliminated from the catalog for students entering after spring 2008.

PSC 312. Introduction to Public Policy.
Public policy models and processes will be introduced and specific public policies will be investigated: criminal justice, health and welfare, education, economic and tax policy, international trade and immigration, civil right, etc. Three hours credit. Prerequisite: PSC 201. This course has been eliminated from the catalog for students entering after spring 2008.

PSC 314. International Security.
An analysis of the threats to international security with emphasis on protection of citizens and territory, protection of political independence and sovereignty, and protection of national economic well-being. Three hours credit.

PSC 318. Research, Writing and Statistics in Political Science.
A practical approach to research and writing in public affairs. Topics include hypothesis development, hypothesis testing and reporting of results. Emphasis will be placed on the use of empirical evidence in writing. Three hours credit.

PSC 387. Latin American Politics.
A comparative analysis of the contemporary political systems of Latin America. Emphasis on the region's ongoing struggle to build enduring democratic political institutions that are capable of addressing the region's most pressing challenges: fostering economic growth, delivering high-quality social services to all, battling political corruption, empowering everyday citizens, and strengthening democratic governance. Three hours credit.

PSC 411-419. Independent Study.
Individual study and research under guidance of a member of the department. One to three hours credit each semester. Credit at the discretion of the department.

PSC 471-475. Student Career Intern Program.
Six to fifteen hours credit.

PSC 499. Senior Seminar.
Analysis of political institutions, processes, and policies, employing empirical political science methodology in a seminar setting. Three hours credit. Prerequisite: Senior standing.