Courses

UNDERGRADUATE

Required Courses

PSC 104 – American National Government and Politics (CT). 3 hrs.

The American federal government system, with emphasis on constitutionalism, governmental structure, and the political process. (Critical Thinking, some sections Writing Intensive)

PSC 105 – Fundamentals of Politics (CT). 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. (Critical Thinking)

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 spring semester.

American National, State and Local Politics Sub-field 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 445 – Environmental Politics. 3 hrs.

This course examines multiple perspectives on the relationship between humans and nature, focusing on how particular interpretations of this relationship determin how we translate environmental concerns into political problems.

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 Sub-field 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.

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.

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 Sub-field Courses

PSC 207 – Comparative Politics (CT). 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.

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 Sub-field 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 432 – Nonprofit Management. 3 hrs.

This course examines the principles and applied practices of nonprofit administration including theories of nonprofit formation, fundraising appeals, executive leadership, marketing, budgeting, and strategic management.

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.

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.

PSC 680 – Master’s Thesis Workshop. 3 hrs. CR/NC.

A writing workshop/seminar in which the student will prepare his or her master’s thesis prospectus.

PSC 681 – Thesis. 1-6 hrs.

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.

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.

PSC 545 – Environmental Politics. 3 hrs.

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.

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.

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 Sub-field 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.

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.

PSC 532 – Nonprofit Management. 3 hrs.

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.

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.

PSC 554 – Administrative Organization and Behavior. 3 hrs.

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.

Department of Political Science

UNDERGRADUATE

GRADUATE COURSES