Undergraduate
Courses
Required
Courses
PSC 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)
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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)
American
National, State and Local Politics Subfield Courses:
PSC 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)
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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)
PSC 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.
PSC 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)
PSC 427 - Shapers and Definers.
3 hrs.
A study of political
leaders who have shaped and defined the American constitutional
tradition.
PSC 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)
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC
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.
PSC 461- Urban Problems and Public Policy. 3 hrs.
Study of policy problems
of metropolitan areas in terms of structures, alternatives, and
outcomes.
PSC
484 - Constitutional Law.
3 hrs
Introduction to the
principles of American constitutional law and analysis of constitutional
issues, emphasizing leading Supreme Court cases.
PSC 489 - Seminar in Public Service. 3 hrs.
PSC 490 - Public Service Internship.
6 hrs.
Constitutional
Democracy Subfield Courses:
PSC 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.
PSC 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)
PSC 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)
PSC 427 - Shapers and Definers.
3 hrs.
A study of political
leaders who have shaped and defined the American constitutional
tradition.
PSC 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.
PSC 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)
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 484 - Constitutional Law.
3 hrs
Introduction to the
principles of American constitutional law and analysis of constitutional
issues, emphasizing leading Supreme Court cases.
International/Comparative Subfield Courses:
PSC 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)
PSC 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)
PSC 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)
PSC 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)
PSC 407 - Asian Politics.
3 hrs.
Study of such nations as
India, China, Japan, and Korea in the contemporary setting.
(International)
PSC 408 - Middle Eastern Politics.
3 hrs.
Study of the Arab States
and such nations as Israel, Iran, and Turkey in the contemporary
setting. (International)
PSC 409 - Western Democratic Politics. 3 hrs.
Study of such nations as
Canada and those of Western Europe, particularly Great Britain and
France. (International)
PSC 410 - Post-Soviet Politics.
3 hrs.
Study of the politics of
Russia and the former Soviet Union. (International)
PSC 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)
PSC 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)
PSC 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)
PSC 416 - Politics of Development.
3 hrs.
A survey of major
theories development and modernization and issues confronting developing
nations around the world. (International)
PSC 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)
PSC 422 - African Political Systems.
3 hrs.
The study of political
systems of selected countries, blocs, or regions. (International)
PSC 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)
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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)
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
Political
Theory Subfield Courses:
PSC 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)
PSC 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)
PSC 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)
PSC 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)
PSC 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)
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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)
PSC 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.
Public
Administration/Urban Studies Courses:
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
Graduate
Courses
Required
Courses
PSC 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)
PSC 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.
American National, State and Local
Politics Subfield:
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 584 - Constitutional Law.
3 hrs.
Introduction to the
principles of American constitutional law and analysis of constitutional
issues, emphasizing leading Supreme Court cases.
PSC 606 - Seminar in Judicial Politics.
3 hrs.
PSC 611 - Seminar in the American Legislative Process. 3 hrs.
PSC 612 - Seminar in the American Executive Process. 3 hrs.
PSC 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.
PSC 652 - Seminar in Political Behavior.
3 hrs.
PSC 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.)
International/Comparative Politics Subfield Courses:
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 507-
Asian Politics.
3 hrs.
Study of such nations as
India, China, Japan, and Korea in the contemporary setting.
PSC 508 - Middle Eastern Politics.
3 hrs.
Study of the Arab States
and such nations as Israel, Iran and Turkey in the contemporary setting.
PSC 509 - Western Democratic Politics.
3 hrs.
Study of such nations as
Canada and those of Western Europe, particularly Great Britain and
France.
PSC 510 - Politics of Russia and the Former Soviet Union.
3 hrs.
The study of the
politics of Russia and the former Soviet Union.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 516 - Politics of Development.
3 hrs.
A survey of major
theories of development and modernization and issues confronting
developing nations around the world.
PSC 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.
PSC 522 - African Political Systems.
3 hrs.
The study of political
systems of selected countries, blocs or regions.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 609 - Seminar in International Relations Theory. 3 hrs.
PSC 614 - Seminar in Comparative Politics. 3 hrs.
PSC 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.
PSC 652 - Seminar in Political Behavior.
3 hrs.
Political
Theory Subfield Courses:
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 629 - Seminar in Political Thought.
3 hrs.
Public
Administration/Urban Studies Subfield Courses:
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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.
PSC 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)
PSC 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)
PSC 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)
PSC 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.
PSC 561- Urban Problems and Public Policy. 3 hrs.
Study of policy problems
of metropolitan areas in terms of structures, alternatives, and
outcomes.
PSC 618 - Seminar in Public Administration. 3 hrs.
PSC 621 - Urban Administration.
3 hrs.
Principles and methods
of urban administration in the U.S.
PSC 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.