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POLITICAL SCIENCE (PSC) |
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| NOTE: It is not recommended that freshmen register for any 300 or 400 level Political Science course. |
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PSC 101 |
Introduction
to Political Science: |
3 cr |
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| The
course is an intellectual investigation of the
traditional and behavioral approaches to the five
broad areas of sub-fields that constitute the
academic study of political science, namely, political
theory, American government, comparative politics,
international relations, and public administration. |
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PSC 130 |
Introduction
to U.S. Government |
3 cr |
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| Stresses
formation and principles of the United States
Constitution and roles of Congress, the President,
and the Courts in the American system of government.
Considers popular participation in politics, rights
and responsibilities of citizens, and current
public problems. Core Course: PSC & CJ majors must pass with a "C" or better. |
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PSC 230 |
Current
Political Issues |
3 cr |
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| An
examination of the perennial political questions
as they arise in current political issues and
the arguments supporting different positions on
the issues. |
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PSC 232 |
State
and Local Governments |
3 cr |
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| An
overview of state and local government systems.
An analysis of administration and politics within
states and localities and an examination of state
and local governmental action. |
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PSC 250 |
Comparative
Politics |
3 cr |
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| Introduction
into the basic differences and similarities of
the major political systems of the world. Emphasis
is placed upon governmental structures and processes. PSC majors must pass with a "C" or better. |
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PSC 251 |
World
Leaders |
3 cr |
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| This
course introduces students to the concept of leadership
and focuses on the lives and achievements of a
number of influential 20th century leaders. |
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PSC 270 |
International
Relations |
3 cr |
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| A survey of theoretical and substantive aspects of international relations. Topics covered include power and alternative to power, war and peace, money and trade, international organization and law, North-South relations, environment and technology, human rights, and the like. PSC majors must pass with a "C" or better. |
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PSC 301 |
Public
Policy |
3 cr |
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| Examination
of selected functions and policies of the US Government,
with special emphasis on the relationship between
politics and the socioeconomic environment. Emphasis
is placed upon the political, economic, and historical
variables as they affect contemporary public policy
output. Prerequisites: PSC 130 and sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 310 |
Research Methods |
3 cr |
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| Examines
the concepts and techniques of systematic political
analyses and research methodology. (Identical to CJ 310.) PSC & CJ majors must pass with a "C" or better. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 311 |
Political
Philosophy I: |
3 cr |
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| An
examination of the central themes of classical
Western political philosophy through the reading
and discussing of the primary works of such thinkers
as Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas. Cross-listed
as PHL 311. Credit cannot be received for both
PSC 311 and PHL 311. PSC majors must pass with a "C" or better. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 312 |
Political
Philosophy II: |
3 cr |
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Renaissance
and Enlightenment |
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| An
examination of the central themes of modern Western
political philosophy through the reading and discussing
of the primary works of such thinkers as Machiavelli,
Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. Cross-listed as PHL
312. Credit cannot be received for both PSC 312
and PHL 312. PSC majors must pass with a "C" or better. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 313 |
Political
Philosophy III: 19th Century (W) |
3
cr |
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| An
examination of the central themes of modern Western
political philosophy through the reading and discussing
of the primary works of such thinkers as Hegel,
Mill, Marx, and Nietzsche. Cross-listed as PHL
313. Credit cannot be received for both PSC 313
and PHL 313. PSC majors must pass with a "C" or better. Prerequisites: EH 102 and sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 330 |
Judicial Process |
3
cr |
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| The
study of the American judicial process at the
federal and state court levels. (Identical to
CJ 330). Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 331 |
Constitutional Law (W) |
3
cr |
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| Principles
of constitutional powers and liberties will be
examined through an analysis of decisions and
opinions by the US Supreme Court. (Identical to
CJ 331). Prerequisites: EH 102 and sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 338 |
Parties and Political Participation |
3
cr |
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| Examines
the nature of participation in the political process
with special emphasis on political parties, interest
groups and voting. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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| PSC 345 |
Women and Politics |
3 cr |
| The central premise of this course is that politics cannot be fully understood without including gender as an analytical construct. From the founding to the present, politics and government reflect ideological judgments about who gets what, when, and how. As such, government has legitimized only certain individuals as political actors and certain identities as politically relevant. This course sets out to discover how gender matters in U.S. politics. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 347 |
Public Opinion and |
3
cr |
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| The
formation, composition, distribution, and measurement
of public opinions and its effect upon public
policy. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 360 |
Politics of Europe |
3
cr |
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| Comparative
study of the political institutions and policies
of the European countries, with a special focus
on Great Britain, France, Germany, and Russia. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 363 |
Politics of Latin America |
3
cr |
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| Comparative
study of the political institutions and policies
of the Latin American countries. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 364 |
Politics of Africa (W) |
3
cr |
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| Comparative
study of the political institutions and policies
of the countries of Sub-Sahara Africa. Prerequisites: EH 102 and sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 365 |
Middle East Politics (W) |
3
cr |
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| Comparative
study of the political institutions and policies
of the countries of North Africa and the Middle
East. Prerequisites: EH 102 and sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 368 |
Politics of South Asia (W) |
3
cr |
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| Comparative
study of the political institutions and policies
of the South Asian countries. Prerequisites: EH 102 and sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 372 |
American Foreign Policy |
3
cr |
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| The
traditional features, the formulation, the instruments,
and the general trends of American diplomacy. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 390 |
Special Topics |
3 cr |
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| Study of a significant topic or problem in political science. May be repeated up to two times when content varies. Only 6 credit hours may be applied to the Political Science major. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 401 |
Public Administration (W) |
3
cr |
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| National,
state, and local administration, with special
attention to the relationship between formal agency
structure and policy execution. (Identical to PSC 501). Prerequisites: EH 102 and sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 421 |
American Political Thought I (W) |
3
cr |
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| An
examination of the central themes of American
political thought through the reading and discussing
of the primary works of such thinkers as Roger
Williams, Hamilton, Madison, Jefferson, Thoreau,
Calhoun, and Lincoln. Prerequisites: EH 102 and sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 422 |
American Political Thought II (W) |
3
cr |
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| An
examination of the central themes of American
political thought through the reading and discussing of
the primary works of such thinkers as Tocqueville,
Sumner, Veblen, Lippmann, Niebuhr, Martin Luther
King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Prerequisites: EH 102 and sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 436 |
The Politics and Process of |
3
cr |
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| A
study of Urban growth with an analysis of the
major problems facing large cities of this country.
Political, administrative, social, and economic
aspects will be covered. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 437 |
Legislative Process in the United |
3
cr |
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States |
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| Principles,
procedures, and problems of law making, with special
attention given to the US Congress. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 438 |
The American Presidency (W) |
3
cr |
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| A
study of the presidency in its institutional context,
with an emphasis on competing strategies of executive
decision making and leadership. Prerequisites: EH 102 and sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 450 |
Advanced Studies in |
3
cr |
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| Advanced
study in the area of comparative politics. May
be repeated when subject matter varies. Prerequisites:
PSC 250 and sophomore standing or above. |
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| PSC 452 |
The Muslim World |
3 cr |
| This course will introduce students to Islam and Islamism in the Muslim world. In doing so, the course will cover politics, economics and sociocultural environment in Muslim countries; discuss the meaning, characteristics, causes and consequences of Islamism; profile a few of the most prominent Islamic organizations; cover the biographies of the most prominent Muslim leaders and Islamists, and offers suggestions for ameliorating relations between the Muslim world and the West in a way that promotes mutual understanding, peace, rather than misunderstanding and conflict. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 470 |
Advanced Studies in |
3
cr |
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| Advanced
study in the field of international relations.
May be repeated for credit when subject matter
varies. Prerequisites:
PSC 270 and sophomore standing or above. |
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| PSC 473 |
International Law |
3 cr |
| This course covers major issues, cases and topics in public and private international law. Topics covered include individuals and corporations, diplomatic relations, extraterritorial jurisdiction, human rights, economic relations, treaty systems, environmental law, arbitration and adjudication, and the use of force. (Identical to CJ 473 and IS 473). Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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| PSC 475 |
International Political Economy |
3 cr |
| An integrative course that combines material from political science, economics, international relations, and general business studies. Topics covered include public policy towards multinational corporations, issues of globalization, theoretical issues about international political economy, trade and finance, and the like (Identical to IS 475). Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 481 |
Public Policy and Aging |
3
cr |
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| Examines
government response to the growing number of older
Americans. The course examines the policy process
and focuses on such issues as retirement, pensions,
health care, housing, social services, and intergenerational
issues. Elder advocacy and the long term political
consequences of demographic changes are also addressed. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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PSC 490 |
Special Topics |
3
cr |
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| Study
of a significant topic or problem in political
science. May be repeated up to two times when the content varies. Only 6 credit hours may be applied to the Political Science major. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. |
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| PSC 492 |
Capstone Seminar in
Political Science (W) |
3 cr |
| Required course for all political science majors and serves as the comprehensive experience in political science. The course will be taught at the senior level and will focus on public policy issues at the national and international levels. In addition the course requirements, including a major research paper, students must take the ETS field test in political science and receive a satisfactory score. Political Science majors must pass with a "C" or better. This course serves as a capstone course for political science majors. Prerequisites: Senior Political Science Major, and EH 102. Taught in the fall semester. |
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PSC 494 |
Directed Studies |
1-3
cr |
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| Under
the guidance of a faculty member, the student
will pursue directed research or readings on an
approved topic in political science. May be repeated for a maximum of 3 credit hours. Prerequisites: Senior standing, PSC major, and a minimum GPA of "B" in PSC and overall. |
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PSC 496 |
Professional Studies: Internship |
3-12 cr |
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| Relates
the intern's classroom studies with occupational
and professional experiences in an approved government
or para-governmental agency. Written reports required.
Course may be repeated for a maximum of twelve
hours' credit. Only three hours apply to the political science curriculum. Prerequisites: Open only to political
science majors and minors with advanced standing with permission
of department chair. S/U grading only. |
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PSC 497 |
Practicum in Polling |
3
cr |
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| Supervised
experience in all aspects of the survey research
process including but not limited to literature
review, research design, questionnaire development,
sampling techniques, interviewing, data analysis,
interpretation and presentation of findings. Prerequisites:
PSC 130, PSC 310, S/U grading only, and permission of the professor. |
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PSC 498 |
Practicum in Policy Studies |
3-9
cr |
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| Students
will be exposed to a variety of experiences associated
with the operations of a fully operational research
center, including in-service and management training,
consulting, sponsored research, organizational
assessments, strategic and programming planning,
operations, program evaluations, intergovernmental
fiscal processes including the research for funding,
and grant writing. Research assignments will include
basic research design, survey and focus group
instrument development, administration of surveys,
handling focus groups, curriculum preparation
and administration, data manipulation and analysis,
and report writing. Only three hours of PSC 498 can be applied toward the requirements for the political science major or minor curriculum at the University of South Alabama. Prerequisites: PSC 130, PSC 310, or permission of professor, S/U grading only. |
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PSC 499 |
Honors Thesis (W) |
3 cr |
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| The research and writing of a major paper in the field of political science. Prerequisite: USA Honors Program. |
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| (NOTE:
PSC 130, Introduction to US Government, or its
equivalent and permission of graduate
director or department chair, are prerequisites
for each of the following courses.) |
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PSC 500 |
Public Administration |
3
cr |
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Organization Theory and Concepts |
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A review and examination of the several principal,
traditional, and contemporary theories of organization,
policy making, and administration. Field problems
and case studies are stressed. |
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| PSC 501 |
Public Administration |
3 cr |
| National, state, and local administration, with special attention to the relationship between formal agency structure and policy execution. (Identical to PSC 401). |
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PSC 510 |
Intergovernmental and |
3
cr |
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Interorganizational Relations |
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| A
review of the political, fiscal and administrative
relationships between various levels of government
in America. In addition, the emerging nexus to
3d sector non-profit organizations will be examined. |
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PSC 520 |
Research Methods and Design |
3 cr |
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| Social
science research methodologies will be used to
help students develop skills for policy analysis
and decision making in the public service. Stresses
the understanding of research methods and data
collection in a Public Administration setting.
Theoretical development and elaboration, and an
overview of the variety of research designs used
in social science research will be included. |
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PSC 530 |
Quantitative Analysis |
3
cr |
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| Focus
is on application of statistical analysis techniques
to Public Administration problems and issues.
Computer analysis and interpretation of descriptive
statistics will be emphasized. Topics will include
fundamentals of probability, sampling, hypothesis
testing, point estimation, association, correlation,
and multi variate analysis. |
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| PSC 537 |
Legislative Process in the United States |
3 cr |
| Principles, procedures, and problems of law making, with special attention given to the U.S. Congress. |
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PSC 540 |
Public Human Resource |
3
cr |
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Management |
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| This
course will cover contemporary topics in public
personnel administration, including public-employee
unionization, relevance of the traditional civil-service
approach, the challenge of employee productivity
and motivation, equal opportunity, and public
service ethics. |
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PSC 541 |
Leadership: Theory and Practice |
3
cr |
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| This
course will provide the analytical and intellectual
thought and careful examination and reflection
of the core issues in the practice of leadership.
Models and influences on leadership will be critically
examined. |
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PSC 550 |
Managing the Public Budget |
3
cr |
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| This
course emphasizes the political management and
public-policy implications of budget reform. The
conceptual framework for program and performance
budgeting will be explored, as well as the increasing
congressional role in federal budget policy. |
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PSC 560 |
Comparative Public Administration |
3
cr |
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| A
study of the operation of government systems throughout
the World-their history, features, similarities,
and differences. |
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PSC 570 |
Administrative Law |
3
cr |
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| This
course emphasizes the relationship between administrative
processes of government and the legal system.
Attention is given not only to the administrative
process involving formal adjudication, rule making,
and judicial review, but also to those processes
involving formal and unreviewed discretionary
action. Students propose legal resolutions to
contemporary administrative issues. |
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PSC 572 |
Environmental Law |
3
cr |
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| This
course will introduce the student to some of the
fundamental concepts of environmental law. It
will utilize the philosophy and history of environmental
law as it has developed from the Common Law of
England to provisions of a Municipal Code. |
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PSC 576 |
Administration Issues in |
3
cr |
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| An
overview of the relevant federal and state laws,
federal regulations, and court rulings that address
the issues of criminal justice for preserving
the rights of those citizens who suffer from mental
illness. |
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PSC 580 |
Public Policy Analysis and |
3
cr |
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Evaluation |
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| A
practical introduction to policy analysis and
program evaluation including a general overview
of conceptual frameworks by which evaluations
are conducted and an examination of the various
qualitative and quantitative techniques by which
policy outcomes and programs are analyzed. Designed
to develop skills necessary for conducting evaluations
and assessing the validity and credibility of
evaluations conducted by others. |
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PSC 581 |
Public Policy and Aging |
3
cr |
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| Examines
government response to the growing number of older
Americans. The course examines the policy process
and focuses on such issues as retirement, pensions,
health care, housing, social services, and intergenerational
issues. Elder advocacy and the long term political
consequences of demographic changes are also addressed. |
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| PSC 585 |
Health Policy |
3 cr |
| This course focuses on two distinct aspects of American health policy. First the policy making process is examined in the context of health care and the major decision making powers (congress, presidency, bureaucracy, and special interests). Second, existing health care policies are examined with an emphasis on the implications for access, financing, and quality of care. |
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| PSC 586 |
Health Administration |
3 cr |
| Applications of management principles to health care organizations with a focus on governance and leadership, human resources, control systems, strategic planning, and accountability. |
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| PSC 587 |
Health Politics and the Elderly |
3 cr |
| This course focuses on the health policy process and issues impacting the elderly, with particular attention given to the politics of legislation, financing mechanisms, and strategies for reform. |
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PSC 590 |
Special Topics |
3
cr |
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| Study
of a significant topic in Public Administration.
May be repeated for credit when the content varies. |
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PSC 594 |
Directed Studies |
1-6
cr |
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| Under
the guidance of a faculty member, student will
pursue directed study of approved topics in public
administration. For non-thesis students. |
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PSC 596 |
Professional Studies |
3-9 cr max |
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Internship in Public Administration |
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| Relates
the participants' classroom studies to occupational
and professional experiences in an approved public
agency. Written reports required. May be taken
for a total of nine hours. (For further details,
see section on internship.) |
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PSC 597 |
Practicum in Polling |
3 cr |
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| Supervised
experience in all aspects of the survey research
process including but not limited to literature
review, research design, questionnaire development,
sampling techniques, interviewing, data analysis,
and interpretation and presentations of findings.
Prerequisite: permission of professor. |
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PSC 598 |
Practicum in Policy Studies |
3-9
cr |
|
| Students
will be exposed to a variety of experiences associated
with the operations of a fully operational research
center, including in-service and management training,
consulting, sponsored research, organizational
assessments, strategic and program planning, operations,
program evaluation, intergovernmental fiscal processes
including the search for funding, and grant writing.
Research assignments will include basic research
design, survey and focus groups, curriculum preparation
and administration, data manipulation and analysis,
and report writing. Only three hours of PSC 598 can be applied toward the requirements for the MPA program at the University of South Alabama. Prerequisite: permission
of the professor. |
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