Political Science Department Courses
Political Science
-
PS111* SSC American National Government
- 4.00 credits. (Social Sciences Core Course) Analysis of the development of the U.S. Constitution, the federal system, civil rights and liberties; public opinion, political organizations, and elections; the presidency, Congress, federal bureaucracy and courts; and the public policy-making process.
- 4.00 credits. (Social Sciences Core Course) Analysis of the development of the U.S. Constitution, the federal system, civil rights and liberties; public opinion, political organizations, and elections; the presidency, Congress, federal bureaucracy and courts; and the public policy-making process.
-
PS150* NCH Introduction to Comparative Politics
- 4.00 credits. (Non-Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) A comparison and contrast of the political systems of selected foreign nations, emphasizing the historical development of party systems, political cultures and executive-legislative relations. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. (Non-Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) A comparison and contrast of the political systems of selected foreign nations, emphasizing the historical development of party systems, political cultures and executive-legislative relations. Spring semester.
-
PS205* WCH Western Political Heritage
- 4.00 credits. (Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) A critical assessment of the ideas and selected original works of leading Western social and political thinkers since Plato. Justice, equality, war and peace, rights, freedom, order and community are among some of the ideas to be examined from a variety of critical and historical perspectives. This course is for nonmajors only.
- 4.00 credits. (Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) A critical assessment of the ideas and selected original works of leading Western social and political thinkers since Plato. Justice, equality, war and peace, rights, freedom, order and community are among some of the ideas to be examined from a variety of critical and historical perspectives. This course is for nonmajors only.
-
PS211* SSC Political Psychology (PSY 211)
- 4.00 credits. (Social Science Core Course) This interdisciplinary course explores the intersection between political science and psychology. It introduces students to psychological theories and research findings in order to explain what people think, feel and do about contemporary political issues. Specifically, the course draws on psychological concepts regarding motivation, personality, cognition, attribution, emotion and identity to examine mass political behavior and public opinion. *A Writing and Research Intensive course.
- 4.00 credits. (Social Science Core Course) This interdisciplinary course explores the intersection between political science and psychology. It introduces students to psychological theories and research findings in order to explain what people think, feel and do about contemporary political issues. Specifically, the course draws on psychological concepts regarding motivation, personality, cognition, attribution, emotion and identity to examine mass political behavior and public opinion. *A Writing and Research Intensive course.
-
PS223 History of Western Political Thought I: Ancient to Renaissance
- 4.00 credits. A survey of major political thinkers from Plato through Machiavelli. Self, politics, nature, order and freedom are among the topics examined. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credits. A survey of major political thinkers from Plato through Machiavelli. Self, politics, nature, order and freedom are among the topics examined. Fall semester.
-
PS224 History of Western Political Thought II: Enlightenment to Modern
- 4.00 credits. Major political thinkers in the West and their writings from Thomas Hobbes to the present. Self, justice, equality, rights, sovereignty and freedom are among the topics examined. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. Major political thinkers in the West and their writings from Thomas Hobbes to the present. Self, justice, equality, rights, sovereignty and freedom are among the topics examined. Spring semester.
-
PS225* HUM Politics in Film and Fiction: Democracy in America
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Core Course) An examination of democratic theory through major films and novels depicting the American political experience from the 1930s to the present. Questions to be explored include whether political elites are accountable to the general public, whether mass control of government is desirable, and how democracies should deal with evil.
- 4.00 credits. (Humanities Core Course) An examination of democratic theory through major films and novels depicting the American political experience from the 1930s to the present. Questions to be explored include whether political elites are accountable to the general public, whether mass control of government is desirable, and how democracies should deal with evil.
-
PS230 Research Methods
- 4.00 credits. Techniques of empirical political research and the development of modern methods of analysis and data presentation in political science with reference to contributions from other social sciences. A major research project on methodology is required. Register by Instructor. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. Techniques of empirical political research and the development of modern methods of analysis and data presentation in political science with reference to contributions from other social sciences. A major research project on methodology is required. Register by Instructor. Spring semester.
-
PS245* NCH International Relations
- 4.00 credits. (Non-Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) Survey of the basic units of analysis, concepts and principles of global international relations with emphasis on the formulation and implementation of foreign policy in the context of political, economic, military and cultural factors.
- 4.00 credits. (Non-Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) Survey of the basic units of analysis, concepts and principles of global international relations with emphasis on the formulation and implementation of foreign policy in the context of political, economic, military and cultural factors.
-
PS252* NCH Latin American Society
- 4.00 credits. (Non-Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) A study of Latin American sociocultural formation in its historical, political and economic dimensions with comparison to and contrast with the United States' experience and consideration of current social issues.
- 4.00 credits. (Non-Western Cultural Heritage Core Course) A study of Latin American sociocultural formation in its historical, political and economic dimensions with comparison to and contrast with the United States' experience and consideration of current social issues.
-
PS301 Mock Trial I
- 1.00 credit. To prepare and conduct a criminal jury trial in the American Mock Trial Association regional and national competition. *May only be taken once for credit. Register by Instructor. Fall semester.
- 1.00 credit. To prepare and conduct a criminal jury trial in the American Mock Trial Association regional and national competition. *May only be taken once for credit. Register by Instructor. Fall semester.
-
PS302 Mock Trial II
- 1.00 credit. To prepare and conduct a criminal jury trial in the American Mock Trial Association regional and national competition. *Prerequisite: PS 301 in the same academic year. *May only be taken once for credit. Register by Instructor. Spring semester.
- 1.00 credit. To prepare and conduct a criminal jury trial in the American Mock Trial Association regional and national competition. *Prerequisite: PS 301 in the same academic year. *May only be taken once for credit. Register by Instructor. Spring semester.
-
PS303 Constitutional Law I: Institutions
- 4.00 credits. This course examines the Supreme Court's interpretation of the powers granted by the U.S. Constitution to the institutions of the federal government. Topics include the power of judicial review, constraints on judicial power, the sources and scope of Congressional power, the domestic powers of the President, the President and foreign affairs, and the separation of powers. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credits. This course examines the Supreme Court's interpretation of the powers granted by the U.S. Constitution to the institutions of the federal government. Topics include the power of judicial review, constraints on judicial power, the sources and scope of Congressional power, the domestic powers of the President, the President and foreign affairs, and the separation of powers. Fall semester.
-
PS304 Constitutional Law II: Rights and Liberties
- 4.00 credits. This course examines the Supreme Court's interpretation of the protections provided by the U.S. Constitution against governmental intrusion on our civil liberties. Topics include First Amendment issues, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the establishment clause; 14th Amendment issues, such as right to privacy; discrimination based on race, gender and sexual orientation; and remedies for discrimination such as affirmative action. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. This course examines the Supreme Court's interpretation of the protections provided by the U.S. Constitution against governmental intrusion on our civil liberties. Topics include First Amendment issues, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the establishment clause; 14th Amendment issues, such as right to privacy; discrimination based on race, gender and sexual orientation; and remedies for discrimination such as affirmative action. Spring semester.
-
PS305 Philosophy of Law (PH 305)
- 4.00 credits. An analysis of the major underlying philosophical issues of both criminal and civil law. Special attention is given to natural law theory, legal positivism, epistemological foundations of legal reasoning and interpretation, and the moral foundations of retributive and distributive justice.
- 4.00 credits. An analysis of the major underlying philosophical issues of both criminal and civil law. Special attention is given to natural law theory, legal positivism, epistemological foundations of legal reasoning and interpretation, and the moral foundations of retributive and distributive justice.
-
PS313 The American Presidency
- 4.00 credits. An examination of the development of the modern presidency as institution, symbol and policymaker. Topics to be covered include the nature of presidential power, the institutional presidency, relations with the public and governmental institutions in the United States, and policy leadership in foreign and domestic affairs. *Prerequisite: PS 111.
- 4.00 credits. An examination of the development of the modern presidency as institution, symbol and policymaker. Topics to be covered include the nature of presidential power, the institutional presidency, relations with the public and governmental institutions in the United States, and policy leadership in foreign and domestic affairs. *Prerequisite: PS 111.
-
PS314 Legislative Process and Behavior
- 4.00 credits. An exploration of the American legislative process, operating procedures of the United States Congress, and factors that influence congressional decision making, including constitutional constraints, congressional rules and members' own drives and ambitions. A substantial portion of the course will emphasize the techniques and methods researchers employ in the study of Congress. *Prerequisite: PS 230, or permission of instructor.
- 4.00 credits. An exploration of the American legislative process, operating procedures of the United States Congress, and factors that influence congressional decision making, including constitutional constraints, congressional rules and members' own drives and ambitions. A substantial portion of the course will emphasize the techniques and methods researchers employ in the study of Congress. *Prerequisite: PS 230, or permission of instructor.
-
PS315 Public Opinion and Political Behavior
- 4.00 credits. An examination of opinion formation and predictors of political behavior. Topics include measurement of public opinion, stability and strength of opinions, the impact of public opinion on the political process, mass political behavior, voting behavior and collective action dilemmas. *Prerequisite: PS 230, or permission of the instructor.
- 4.00 credits. An examination of opinion formation and predictors of political behavior. Topics include measurement of public opinion, stability and strength of opinions, the impact of public opinion on the political process, mass political behavior, voting behavior and collective action dilemmas. *Prerequisite: PS 230, or permission of the instructor.
-
PS316 The American Electoral Process
- 4.00 credits. Analysis of the process of recruiting, nominating and electing candidates for national office in the United States., the major participants in national elections, and the impact of elections on public policymaking.
- 4.00 credits. Analysis of the process of recruiting, nominating and electing candidates for national office in the United States., the major participants in national elections, and the impact of elections on public policymaking.
-
PS318 Mass Media and American Politics
- 4.00 credits. Analysis of the role and influence of the mass media in American politics, emphasizing the development of the media industry and its relations with government, the political communications process, and the impact of the media on public opinion, elections and public policymaking.
- 4.00 credits. Analysis of the role and influence of the mass media in American politics, emphasizing the development of the media industry and its relations with government, the political communications process, and the impact of the media on public opinion, elections and public policymaking.
-
PS323 Politics Through Film and Literature
- 4.00 credits. A study of political novels and films and how these art forms have significantly shaped our understanding of politics. Democracy, totalitarianism, social inequality, terrorism, justice and the rule of law are among some of the topics examined.
- 4.00 credits. A study of political novels and films and how these art forms have significantly shaped our understanding of politics. Democracy, totalitarianism, social inequality, terrorism, justice and the rule of law are among some of the topics examined.
-
PS324 Modern Ideologies
- 4.00 credits. A survey of Marxism, socialism, anarchism, liberalism, libertarianism, Islamic fundamentalism, feminism and conservatism, and an analysis of the motives and goals of their major proponents.
- 4.00 credits. A survey of Marxism, socialism, anarchism, liberalism, libertarianism, Islamic fundamentalism, feminism and conservatism, and an analysis of the motives and goals of their major proponents.
-
PS326 American Political Thought
- 4.00 credits. Historical analysis of major American political thinkers from the Puritans to the present with special consideration given to the founding principles of the American republic.
- 4.00 credits. Historical analysis of major American political thinkers from the Puritans to the present with special consideration given to the founding principles of the American republic.
-
PS328 Politics and Religion
- 4.00 credits. Analysis of the relationships between forms of government and religious attitudes and practices with emphasis on the influence of religion on political life and of religious interpretations of politics.
- 4.00 credits. Analysis of the relationships between forms of government and religious attitudes and practices with emphasis on the influence of religion on political life and of religious interpretations of politics.
-
PS329 American Democracy and Its Critics
- 4.00 credits. An exploration of recent critical literature on American democracy and on contemporary democratic regimes in general. Discussions will center on the similarities and differences among the political commentators who will be featured.
- 4.00 credits. An exploration of recent critical literature on American democracy and on contemporary democratic regimes in general. Discussions will center on the similarities and differences among the political commentators who will be featured.
-
PS345 American Foreign Policy
- 4.00 credits. Emphasis on the 1990s and beyond, with consideration of major international challenges and opportunities facing the United States, social and governmental processes in foreign policy decision making, and the large role of American society and the private sector in the United States' presence in the world.
- 4.00 credits. Emphasis on the 1990s and beyond, with consideration of major international challenges and opportunities facing the United States, social and governmental processes in foreign policy decision making, and the large role of American society and the private sector in the United States' presence in the world.
-
PS348 Public International Law
- 4.00 credits. Interactions among governments, organizations and individuals in the world community regarding the sources and modern development of international law.
- 4.00 credits. Interactions among governments, organizations and individuals in the world community regarding the sources and modern development of international law.
-
PS350 European Union Simulation (BA 350)
- 4.00 credits. Study of the principles and theories of European integration, the history of the current European Union (E.U.) from the Treaty of Rome to the present, and the structure and functioning of the European Union, including class participation representing an E.U. Member State in the annual Mid-Atlantic European Union Consortium E.U. Simulation in Washington, D.C. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credits. Study of the principles and theories of European integration, the history of the current European Union (E.U.) from the Treaty of Rome to the present, and the structure and functioning of the European Union, including class participation representing an E.U. Member State in the annual Mid-Atlantic European Union Consortium E.U. Simulation in Washington, D.C. Fall semester.
-
PS360 Washington Institute (BA 360)
- 4.00 credits. The course highlights relationships between the legislative, executive, independent agencies and third-party institutions that directly affect how policy is made in the United States. The course exposes students to the mechanism that is used to formulate policy for the United States. The Institute will focus heavily on International policy and the inner workings of the various institutional agents that participate in the process of making policy. Students will observe and develop a critical sense of how to weigh the various interests before policy is ultimately made. Students will learn to examine the purpose of policy and evaluate how it will impact various industries. *Prerequisite: BA 101.
- 4.00 credits. The course highlights relationships between the legislative, executive, independent agencies and third-party institutions that directly affect how policy is made in the United States. The course exposes students to the mechanism that is used to formulate policy for the United States. The Institute will focus heavily on International policy and the inner workings of the various institutional agents that participate in the process of making policy. Students will observe and develop a critical sense of how to weigh the various interests before policy is ultimately made. Students will learn to examine the purpose of policy and evaluate how it will impact various industries. *Prerequisite: BA 101.
-
PS361 Public Administration
- 4.00 credits. A study of the role and influence of executive branch departments and agencies in American politics, government and policymaking. Differences between public- and private-sector leadership, decision making, communications, organization, budgeting and human resource management will be emphasized. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credits. A study of the role and influence of executive branch departments and agencies in American politics, government and policymaking. Differences between public- and private-sector leadership, decision making, communications, organization, budgeting and human resource management will be emphasized. Fall semester.
-
PS363 American Domestic Policy
- 4.00 credits. An examination of the development and impact of selected public policies in health care, welfare, education, energy and the environment. Students will conduct policy analyses, making use of information resources in the Harrisburg area.
- 4.00 credits. An examination of the development and impact of selected public policies in health care, welfare, education, energy and the environment. Students will conduct policy analyses, making use of information resources in the Harrisburg area.
-
PS365 Women and Politics
- 4.00 credits. Examination of the role of women in the political process. Topics include feminist theory, the development of the women's movement, participation of women in the political process as voters and elected officials, and public policy issues affecting women, including the feminization of poverty, reproductive rights and equality in the workforce.
- 4.00 credits. Examination of the role of women in the political process. Topics include feminist theory, the development of the women's movement, participation of women in the political process as voters and elected officials, and public policy issues affecting women, including the feminization of poverty, reproductive rights and equality in the workforce.
-
PS370 Special Topics in Political Science
- Variable credit. Topical areas and problems of political science, subjects chosen in accord with student demand. Credit variable based upon topics.
- Variable credit. Topical areas and problems of political science, subjects chosen in accord with student demand. Credit variable based upon topics.
-
PS471 Capital Semester Internship
- Variable credit. Applied field experience in politics and public administration for state or local government agencies, the state legislature and private political organizations. Normally, four credits are given to internships contracted for two regular office-hour days a week. Full-time internships receive eight hours of credit. *Prerequisites: PS 361, junior or senior status. Register by Instructor.
- Variable credit. Applied field experience in politics and public administration for state or local government agencies, the state legislature and private political organizations. Normally, four credits are given to internships contracted for two regular office-hour days a week. Full-time internships receive eight hours of credit. *Prerequisites: PS 361, junior or senior status. Register by Instructor.
-
PS481 Independent Study in Political Science
- Variable credit. Designed to offer independent study to advanced students, making use of techniques of political science in specific problem areas not included in the department's regular offerings. *Prerequisites: approval of Department Chair and the Independent Study Committee. Register by Instructor.
- Variable credit. Designed to offer independent study to advanced students, making use of techniques of political science in specific problem areas not included in the department's regular offerings. *Prerequisites: approval of Department Chair and the Independent Study Committee. Register by Instructor.
-
PS498 Senior Seminar in Political Science
- 4.00 credits. An integrative, capstone course in political science, in which significant controversies in political theory and practice will be discussed and analyzed. Course requirements include a major research project and the ETS Major Field Test in Political Science. *Prerequisite: senior status, or permission of the instructor. Register by Instructor. Fall semester.
- 4.00 credits. An integrative, capstone course in political science, in which significant controversies in political theory and practice will be discussed and analyzed. Course requirements include a major research project and the ETS Major Field Test in Political Science. *Prerequisite: senior status, or permission of the instructor. Register by Instructor. Fall semester.
-
PS499 Senior Thesis
- 4.00 credits. An individualized study project involving research of a topic and the preparation and defense of a major paper or project in consultation with the student's honors advisor and the Department faculty. Completion of this course does not assure recognition for Honors in the Discipline. *Prerequisites: invitation to Honors in the Discipline Program and PS 498. Register by Instructor. Spring semester.
- 4.00 credits. An individualized study project involving research of a topic and the preparation and defense of a major paper or project in consultation with the student's honors advisor and the Department faculty. Completion of this course does not assure recognition for Honors in the Discipline. *Prerequisites: invitation to Honors in the Discipline Program and PS 498. Register by Instructor. Spring semester.
