Courses
Undergraduate
The following is a current list of courses offered by the Department of Political Science, complete with brief description and Marshall Plan designation. However, students must check each semester’s course schedule to confirm International or Writing Intensive designation.
104 American National Government and Politics. 3 hrs.
The American federal government system, with emphasis on constitutionalism, governmental structure, and the political process. (Some sections Writing Intensive)
105 Fundamentals of Politics. 3 hrs.
General survey introducing the study of politics, its major concepts, processes, institutions, and fields of concern, with attention to the place of Political Science in the larger context of social science inquiry.
200 Models of Politics. 1-3 hrs.
Introduction to the use of theory in political science. Offered in one-credit (5-week) modules. Module I is prerequisite to all others. Designed to assist in the development of analytic and synthetic skills.
202 American State Government and Politics. 3 hrs.
Study of the institutions, processes, and significance of this level of political life in America. (Some sections Writing Intensive)
207 Comparative Politics. 3 hrs.
Introduction to the field of comparative politics, stressing comparative concepts and approaches to the cross-national study of politics and government, with examination of political systems, ranging from democratic to non-democratic types. (International)
209 Fundamentals of International Relations. 3 hrs.
Survey of major concepts and approaches in the study of international relations and analysis of processes, institutions, strategies, and trends in world politics. (International)
211 Scope and Method in Political Science. 3 hrs.
Study of the development of political science as a distinct science and discipline, and of the fundamentals of research in political science, such as bibliographic techniques, use of scientific method, textual and case-study approaches and data analysis. Offered only in Spring semester.
233 Introduction to Public Policy. 3 hrs.
Basic concepts and skills in the analysis of public policy problems. Use of policy as an instrument for solving problems. Application to selected fields, for example, environmental policy and urban policy.
280-3 Special Topics. 1-4 hrs.
Courses offered on special topics not adequately treated in the regular course offerings.
301 Urban Government and Politics. 3 hrs.
Political systems in American cities and metropolitan areas.
303 American Political Parties. 3 hrs.
Examination of the American party system, its origins, development and characteristics, as well as party organization, political ambition and recruitment, party impact on public policy, campaigns, elections, and voting behavior.
307 Public Opinion and Propaganda. 3 hrs.
Study of the processes by which individuals acquire politically relevant information, attitudes, values, and opinions; the consequences of these processes for political stability and conflict; and the linkage of mass opinions to elite behavior.
311 Issues in Public Policy. 3 hrs.
A course devoted to a special topic of interest in the policy field, such as energy, health care, transportation, environmental concerns, etc.
333 Introduction to Public Administration. 3 hrs.
Introduction to modern theories of administration; the relation of administration to the political system and process; and analysis of administrative organizations and functions, including planning, personnel, and finance.
376 Black Politics. 3 hrs.
Study emphasizing power structures in black communities, dissent and protest, problems and trends, and the uniqueness of black politics as compared with the politics of other ethnic groups.
381 The American Legislative Process. 3 hrs.
Structure and behavior of American national and state legislative systems; the impact of constituencies, parties, interest groups, interpersonal relations, and other factors on the legislative policymaking process; the role of the legislature as a subsystem in the larger political system; and problems and trends.
382 Student Legislative Program. 1 hr.
One week of intensive legislative observation designed to provide selected students an understanding of the organization and processes of the West Virginia legislature and its role in the making of public policy. (Prerequisite: one completed course in American Government and selection by the Frasure Singleton Committee)
383 The American Executive Process. 3 hrs.
Study of governmental executives in the American political system, with emphasis on the president, including analysis of constitutional status and powers, recruitment, administrative responsibilities, political and legislative leadership, accountability, and problems and trends.
405 International Organization. 3 hrs.
Study of world and regional organizations as reflections of world politics, as instruments of foreign policies, and as forces for change and order, with emphasis on their role as channels for management of cooperation and conflict. (International)
406 International Politics. 3 hrs.
Study of major issues in world politics, with emphasis on theoretical approaches, problems of war and peace, and contemporary trends. (International)
407 Asian Politics. 3 hrs.
Study of such nations as India, China, Japan, and Korea in the contemporary setting. (International)
408 Middle Eastern Politics. 3 hrs.
Study of the Arab States and such nations as Israel, Iran, and Turkey in the contemporary setting. (International)
409 Western Democratic Politics. 3 hrs.
Study of such nations as Canada and those of Western Europe, particularly Great Britain and France. (International)
410 Post-Soviet Politics. 3 hrs.
Study of the politics of Russia and the former Soviet Union. (International)
411 Latin American Politics. 3 hrs.
Study of Latin American politics by sectors, such as landed elites, the military, the church, etc. Various styles of governance are considered. Case examples illustrate concepts discussed. (International)
412 International Political Economy. 3 hrs.
This course will examine the evolution and structure of the global economic system with emphasis on the development of the liberal international economic order. (International)
415 International Law. 3 hrs.
Study of theories, origins, sources, development, present state, and trends of international law as a factor in various aspects of international politics. (International)
416 Politics of Development. 3 hrs.
A survey of major theories development and modernization and issues confronting developing nations around the world. (International)
417 Homeland Security and Civil Liberties. 3 hrs.
An examination of the policy issues involved in protecting the U.S. homeland from terrorist and other threats, with special attention to the impact such policies have on individual liberties.
418 American Political Thought II (Reconstruction to Present). 3 hrs.
This course is a detailed examination of the philosophical and historical roots of American politics from Reconstruction through the present with emphasis on original texts. (Writing Intensive)
419 Women and Political Thought. 3 hrs.
This course examines how women were conceptualized in the history of political philosophy and how women then began conceptualizing themselves and their relation to politics. (Writing Intensive)
420 Current World and Regional Issues. 3 hrs.
An intensive study of specific world or regional problems, such as the politics of world hunger, the role of multinational corporations, imperialism, Third World Communist movements, etc. (International)
421 American Political Thought I (Founding to Civil War). 3 hrs.
This course is a detailed examination of the philosophical and historical roots of American politics from the Colonial era through the Civil War, with emphasis on original texts. (Writing Intensive)
422 African Political Systems. 3 hrs.
The study of political systems of selected countries, blocs, or regions. (International)
423 American Foreign Policy. 3 hrs.
The study of descriptive, analytical, and normative aspects of United States foreign policy with emphasis on contemporary problems and issues. (International)
424 Comparative Foreign Policy. 3 hrs.
Application of the comparative method to foreign policy decision-making and outputs. Comparisons within or between geographic regions. (International)
425 Ancient and Medieval Political Thought. 3 hrs.
Selective study of classics of Western political theory from earliest times through the 15th century, such as that of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and Machiavelli. (Writing Intensive)
426 Modern Political Thought. 3 hrs.
Selective study of classics of Western political theory from the 16th century through the 20th century, such as that of Locke, Mill, Marx, Nietzsche and Foucault. (Writing Intensive)
427 Shapers and Definers. 3 hrs.
A study of political leaders who have shaped and defined the American constitutional tradition.
428 Islamic Political Ideas and Institutions. 3 hrs.
Study of Islamic political ideas, practices, and institutions and their impact on the rise and development of contemporary Islamic movements, organizations, and states.
429 The Politics of Conflict and Revolution. 3 hrs.
Study of major theories of conflict and revolution with emphasis on cross-national explanations and outcomes.
430 Political Ideologies. 3 hrs.
This course examines modern political ideologies including Liberalism, Conservatism, Anarchism, Socialism, Fascism, Feminism, and Environmentalism with emphasis on the original texts. (Writing Intensive)
431 Politics of Global Terrorism. 3 hrs.
An examination of terrorism globally, both in its development and its current manifestations, with attention to its attractions, the difficulties of confronting it, and its implications for democratic society. (International)
433 Public Administration and Policy Development, 3 hrs.
Examination of alternative theoretical approaches to the study of policy and administration and their implications for the use of policy to shape administrative practice.
436 The American Judiciary. 3 hrs.
Structure and behavior in American national and state judicial systems, including analysis of their decision making and policy making functions, their procedures and administration, and problems and trends. (Writing Intensive)
440 Power in American Society. 3 hrs.
Examination of some of the major theoretical approaches — pluralistic, elitist, etc. — to the study of power. A major concern is the relationship between the distribution of political resources and the performance of political systems. Efforts to transform political systems are examined on the basis of cross-national research.
442 Politics and Welfare. 3 hrs.
A comparative course examining the political institutional methods states use to assist citizens who are poor, primarily women and children. It also addresses behavioral concerns that shape welfare policy.
444 Dictatorship and Democracy. 3 hrs.
An investigation of the strengths of democracies relative to dictatorships with regard to such dimensions as economic growth, income equality, health and welfare of citizens and war reduction.
446 Politics In History. 3 hrs.
A study of politics as an order-shattering, order-restructuring force during some of America’s most transformative moments.
450 Administrative Law. 3 hrs.
A study of the basic legal framework of administrative organization, including the problems of administrative discretion, rule-making and adjudication, regulatory agencies, and administrative responsibility in the democratic state.
452 Public Personnel Administration. 3 hrs.
Survey of public personnel administration with particular attention to various facets of the merit system concept. Psychological and human relations aspects of the work situation and supervisor/subordinate interaction emphasized.
453 Governmental Budgetary Administration. 3 hrs.
Study of organization, administration, and accountability in the management of public funds, with emphasis on the political decision-making processes of budget formulation, presentation and execution.
454 Administrative Organization and Behavior. 3 hrs.
A study of the contributions of the behavioral sciences to the study of organizations with stress on such concepts as leadership, motivation, power conflict, organizational design and decision making.
460 Civil Rights and Liberties. 3 hrs.
The basic substantive and procedural elements of American constitutional liberties and civil rights with emphasis on historical development as influenced by social and political forces.
461 Urban Problems and Public Policy. 3 hrs.
Study of policy problems of metropolitan areas in terms of structures, alternatives, and outcomes.
480-3 Selected Topics. 1-4 hrs.
Courses offered on special topics not adequately treated in the regular course offerings.
484 Constitutional Law. 3 hrs
Introduction to the principles of American constitutional law and analysis of constitutional issues, emphasizing leading Supreme Court cases.
485-8 Independent Study. 1-4 hrs.
Tutorials, directed and independent readings, directed and independent research, problem reports, etc. Need permission to enroll.
489 Seminar in Public Service. 3 hrs.
490 Public Service Internship. 6 hrs.
495-6H Readings for Honors in Political Science. 2-4 hrs.
Open only to political science majors of outstanding ability.
499 Capstone Experience. 3 hrs.
This course is designed to be a culminating experience for Political Science undergraduates, combining classroom experience with service learning to address contemporary political questions. The Capstone Experience may be completed by juniors or seniors. Prerequisite: PSC 211. Offered only in the fall semester. (Writing Intensive)
Graduate
505 International Organization. 3 hrs.
Study of world and regional organizations as reflections of world politics, as instruments of foreign policies, and as forces for change and order, with emphasis on their role as channels for management of cooperation and conflict.
506 International Politics. 3 hrs.
Study of major issues in world politics, with emphasis on theoretical approaches, problems of war and peace, and contemporary trends.
507 Asian Politics. 3 hrs.
Study of such nations as India, China, Japan, and Korea in the contemporary setting.
508 Middle Eastern Politics. 3 hrs.
Study of the Arab States and such nations as Israel, Iran and Turkey in the contemporary setting.
509 Western Democratic Politics. 3 hrs.
Study of such nations as Canada and those of Western Europe, particularly Great Britain and France.
510 Politics of Russia and the Former Soviet Union. 3 hrs.
The study of the politics of Russia and the former Soviet Union.
511 Latin American Politics. 3 hrs.
This course studies Latin American politics by sectors, such as landed elites, the military, the church, etc. Various styles of governance are considered. Case examples illustrate concepts discussed.
512 International Political Economy. 3 hrs.
This course will examine the evolution and structure of the global economic system with emphasis on the development of the Liberal International Economic Order.
515 International Law. 3 hrs.
Study of theories, origins, sources, development, present state, and trends of international law as a factor in various aspects of international politics.
516 Politics of Development. 3 hrs.
A survey of major theories of development and modernization and issues confronting developing nations around the world.
517 Homeland Security and Civil Liberties. 3 hrs.
An examination of the policy issues involved in protecting the U.S. homeland from terrorist and other threats, with special attention to the impact such policies have on individual liberties.
518 American Political Thought II (Reconstruction to Present). 3 hrs.
This course is a detailed examination of the philosophical and historical roots of American politics from Reconstruction through the present with emphasis on original texts.
519 Women and Political Thought. 3 hrs.
This course examines how women were conceptualized in the history of political philosophy and how women then began conceptualizing themselves and their relation to politics.
520 Current World or Regional Issues. 3 hrs.
An intensive study of specific world or regional problems, such as the politics of world hunger. The role of multinational corporations, imperialism, third world communist movements, etc.
521 American Political Thought I (Founding to Civil War). 3 hrs.
This course is a detailed examination of the philosophical and historical roots of American politics from the Colonial era through the Civil War with emphasis on original texts.
522 African Political Systems. 3 hrs.
The study of political systems of selected countries, blocs or regions.
523 American Foreign Policy. 3 hrs.
The study of descriptive, analytical, and normative aspects of American foreign policy with emphasis on contemporary problems and issues.
524 Comparative Foreign Policy. 3 hrs.
Application of the comparative method to foreign policy decision-making and outputs. Comparisons within or between geographic regions.
525 Ancient Medieval Political Thought. 3 hrs
Selective study of classics of Western political theory from earliest times through the 15th century, such as that of Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas and Machiavelli.
526 Modern Political Thought. 3 hrs.
Selective study of classics of Western political theory from the 16th century through the 19th century, such as that of Locke, Mill, Marx, Nietzsche and Foucault.
527 Shapers and Definers. 3 hrs.
A study of political leaders who have shaped and defined the American constitutional tradition.
528 Islamic Political Ideas and Institutions. 3 hrs.
A study of Islamic political ideas, practices and institutions and their impact on the rise and development of contemporary Islamic movements, organizations and states.
529 The Politics of Conflict and Revolution. 3 hrs.
Study of major theories of conflict and revolution with emphasis on cross-national explanations and outcomes.
530 Political Ideologies. 3 hrs.
This course examines modern political ideologies including Liberalism, Conservatism, Anarchism, Socialism, Fascism, Feminism, and Environmentalism with emphasis on the original texts.
531 Politics of Global Terrorism. 3 hrs.
An examination of terrorism globally, both in its development and its current manifestations, with attention to its attractions, the difficulties of confronting it, and its implications for democratic society.
533 Public Administration and Policy Development. 3 hrs.
An examination of alternative theoretical approaches to the study of policy and administration and their implications for the use of policy to shape administrative practice.
536 The American Judiciary. 3 hrs.
Structure and behavior in American national and state judicial systems, including analysis of their decision making and policy making functions, their procedures and administration, and problems and trends.
540 Power in American Society. 3 hrs.
An examination of some of the major theoretical approaches-pluralist, elitist, etc.-to the study of power. A major concern is on the relationship between the distribution of political resources and the performance of political systems. Efforts to transform political systems are examined on the basis of cross-national research.
541 American Politics in Film. 3 hrs.
This course examines the way the American people view their political leaders and institutions through the use of film, with a critical eye towards the ebb and flow of public approval or disapproval.
542 Politics and Welfare. 3 hrs.
A comparative course examining the political institutional methods states use to assist citizens who are poor, primarily women and children. It also addresses behavioral concerns that shape welfare policy.
544 Dictatorship and Democracy. 3 hrs.
An investigation of the strengths of democracies relative to dictatorships with regard to such dimensions as economic growth, income equality, health and welfare of citizens and war reduction.
546 Politics in History. 3 hrs.
A study of politics as an order-shattering, order-restructuring force during some of America’s most transformative moments.
550 Administrative Law. 3 hrs.
A study of the basic legal framework of administrative organization, including the problems of administrative discretion, rule making and adjudication, regulatory agencies, and administrative responsibility in the democratic state. (PR: PSC 333)
552 Public Personnel Administration. 3 hrs.
Survey of Public Personnel Administration with particular attention on various facets of the merit system concept. Psychological and human relations aspects of the work situation and supervisor/subordinate interaction emphasized. (Prerequisite: PSC 333 or permission)
553 Governmental Budgetary Administration. 3 hrs.
Study of organization, administration, and accountability in the management of public funds, with emphasis on the political decision-making processes of budget formulation, presentation, and execution. (Prerequisite: PSC 333 or permission)
554 Administrative Organization and Behavior. 3 hrs.
A study of the contributions of the behavioral sciences to the study of organizations with stress on such concepts as leadership, motivation, power conflict, organizational design and decision making.
560 Civil Rights and Liberties. 3 hrs.
The basic substantive and procedural elements of American constitutional liberties and civil rights with emphasis on historical development as influenced by social and political forces.
561 Urban Problems and Public Policy. 3 hrs.
Study of policy problems of metropolitan areas in terms of structures, alternatives, and outcomes.
580-3 Selected Topics. 1-4 hrs.
Courses offered on special topics not adequately treated in the regular course offerings.
584 Constitutional Law. 3 hrs.
Introduction to the principles of American constitutional law and analysis of constitutional issues, emphasizing leading Supreme Court cases.
585-8 Independent Study. 1-4 hrs.
Tutorials, directed and independent research, problem reports, etc. Need permission to enroll.
600 Research Design. 3 hrs.
Philosophy of Science as applied to empirical political inquiry; elements of good research design, measurement theory, writing and critiquing research reports. (Prerequistie: PSC 211 or permission)
601 Readings in Political Science. 2-3 hrs.
Readings to meet the needs and interests of individual students.
604 Data Analysis. 3 hrs.
A study of quantitative methods used in empirical research with an emphasis upon applied statistical analysis; writing and critiquing research reports.
606 Seminar in Judicial Politics. 3 hrs.
609 Seminar in International Relations Theory. 3 hrs.
611 Seminar in the American Legislative Process. 3 hrs.
612 Seminar in the American Executive Process. 3 hrs.
614 Seminar in Comparative Politics. 3 hrs.
618 Seminar in Public Administration. 3 hrs.
621 Urban Administration. 3 hrs.
Principles and methods of urban administration in the U.S.
622 Constitutions. 3 hrs.
A study of constitutions, their duration, distribution of power, contribution to a stable government and the rule of law. While the course is comparative, major emphasis is on the United States.
629 Seminar in Political Thought. 3 hrs.
648 Seminar in State Government and Politics. 3 hrs.
West Virginia government and political problems will receive special attention although other states may be considered.
650-1 Seminar. 3-6 hrs.
Need permission to enroll.
652 Seminar in Political Behavior. 3 hrs.
660 Seminar in Policy Analysis. 3 hrs.
Development of theoretical and methodological skills in the analysis of public problems and the use of policy in problem solving.
675 Legislative Internship. 6 hrs
Intensive work experience in the West Virginia legislative processes coupled with a seminar involving directed reading Legislative Services with only selected students participating. (Prerequisite: One semester of graduate work and recommendation of department chairman.)
680 Master’s Essay. 3 hrs.
Need permission to enroll.
681 Thesis. 1-6 hrs.
Need permission to enroll.
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