Political Science Major (B.A.) - Undergraduate - 2009 University Catalog

You are viewing the 2009 University Catalog. Please see the newest version of the University Catalog for the most current version of this program's requirements.

(33 semester hours)

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

The Major involves 33 credits, including 15 credits in required courses: Introduction to Politics, American Government and Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Development of Political Thought to Machiavelli. Students then choose 18 credits in electives from a list of more than 30 courses on topics in American Government, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Thought, and Law. Among their electives, students may opt to participate in a 4 credit non-paying internship in a local political office or in Washington, D.C.

What is Political Science?

The Greek philosopher Aristotle (384-322 B.C.) once said that Political Science was the most important subject to study because it teaches us how and why people join together in communities and make the choices they do. This remains true today as we struggle to understand how to cope with many difficult problems in our society and in other countries. Political Science also helps us to understand how our choices affect the world around us.

Why Study Political Science?

Students who major or minor in Political Science will learn about the institutions, groups, leaders, policies and ideas that shape the American political system and the governments of foreign countries.

  • Understand the American political process
  • Find out how our public policies are developed
  • Learn about the role of law in U.S. society and internationally
  • Discover the philosophies that shape political ideas
  • Examine different political systems in foreign countries
  • Analyze key issues in foreign policy
  • Be a more informed citizen

Life After Political Science

Our students find that their work in Political Science leads them to variety of job options. Many of our students pursue careers in law. Others work in public service as policy analysts in federal and state governments, or as city managers or administrators. Some graduates choose to engage in politics more directly and serve as policy advocates in public interest groups, or work in non-profit organizations. Still other graduates find that their knowledge of politics and skill at analyzing complex institutions offer an excellent preparation for a career in journalism, business, or social studies education.

POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJOR

Complete 33 semester hours including the following 2 requirement(s):

  1. POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJOR REQUIRED COURSES

    Complete the following 15 semester hours:

    POLS 100 Introduction to Politics 3
    POLS 101 American Government and Politics 3
    POLS 201 Comparative Politics 3
    POLS 202 International Relations 3
    POLS 360 Development of Political Thought to Machiavelli 3

  2. POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJOR ELECTIVE COURSES

    Complete 18 semester hours from the following:

    1. POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJOR ELECTIVE COURSES

      JURI 210 United States Legal Systems 3
      POLS 203 International Organizations 3
      POLS 204 Government and Politics of Africa 3
      POLS 205 Introduction to Public Administration 3
      POLS 206 Government and Politics of China and Japan 3
      POLS 207 American Foreign Policy 3
      POLS 214 Women in Politics 3
      POLS 215 Ethnic Politics in America 3
      POLS 216 Urban Politics 3
      POLS 301 American Party System 3
      POLS 302 Public Opinion and Pressure Groups 3
      POLS 303 Politics of Development and Modernization 3
      POLS 304 State and Local Government 3
      POLS 306 Campaign Politics 3
      POLS 307 American Political Thought 3
      POLS 310 Public Personnel Administration 3
      POLS 311 Governmental Budgeting 3
      POLS 312 Black Politics in America 3
      POLS 314 Seminar in Campaign Politics 3
      POLS 315 Urban Administration 3
      POLS 317 The American Congress 3
      POLS 318 The American Presidency 3
      POLS 320 Law in Society: Civil Law 3
      POLS 321 Law in Society: Criminal Law 3
      POLS 322 American Constitutional Law: The Federal System 3
      POLS 323 American Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties 3
      POLS 324 American Public Policy 3
      POLS 339 Contemporary Western European Politics 3
      POLS 340 Government and Politics of India and South Asia 3
      POLS 341 Government and Politics of Latin America 3
      POLS 342 Government and Politics of the Middle East 3
      POLS 343 Government and Politics in the Post-Soviet States 3
      POLS 344 Government and Politics in the East European States 3
      POLS 351 Comparative Legal Perspectives: Israel and the United States 3
      POLS 409 Modern Political Thought 3
      POLS 410 Directed Study 3-6
      POLS 420 Seminar and Internship in Political Science 4
      POLS 425 Politics of Federal Bureaucracy 3
      POLS 426 Seminar and Internship in Public Administration I 4-6
      POLS 427 Seminar and Internship in Public Administration II 4-6
      POLS 429 Polling in the U.S 3
      POLS 430 International Law 3
      POLS 431 Globalization and Security 3
      POLS 432 U.S. Immigration: Law & Politics 3
      POLS 436 Political Science Washington, D.C., Internship 1-7
      POLS 497 Honors Seminar-Political Science 3

    2. POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJOR ELECTIVE COURSES

      The following may be repeated if the topic is different:

      POLS 416 Selected Topics in Political Science 3

Course Descriptions:

JURI210: United States Legal Systems

This course provides the theoretical foundations and practical applications of legislative and judicial areas in United States legal systems. Integrating readings from theorists, scholars and jurists, the course introduces students to methodologies for resolving legal problems within the evolving United States system of law. Students may take LAWS 200 or JURI 210 but not both courses. Students in the Jurisprudence and/or Political Science majors should take JURI 210, not LAWS 200. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Social Science. 3 sh.

POLS100: Introduction to Politics

This course analyzes politics from the four main vantage points of the discipline of political science, that is, political theory, comparative politics, international relations and American government. Of special concern is the U.S. Constitution, its classical and English roots, and its development to the present. This course is required for Political Science Majors. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Social Science, Social Science. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Social Science, Topic Course. 3 sh.

POLS101: American Government and Politics

This course will introduce students to the basic institutions and processes of American politics, and will do so, in part, through a focus on current policy issues. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Social Science, Social Science. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Social Science, Topic Course. 3 sh.

POLS201: Comparative Politics

Constitutional principles, governmental institutions and political processes of selected contemporary states. Meets Gen Ed 2002 - Social Science, Social Science. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Social Science, Survey Course. Meets the University Writing Requirement for POED and POLS majors. 3 sh.

POLS202: International Relations

Recent and contemporary world politics and the foreign relations and policies of selected states. 3 sh.

POLS203: International Organizations

The nature, place, need, evolution, principles, achievements and functioning of major international organizations, with emphasis upon the United Nations and selected regional organizations. 3 sh.

POLS204: Government and Politics of Africa

The salient characteristics of government and politics in the independent black African states, and the way these impinge on developmental efforts therein, are examined. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Social Science, Non-Western Cultural Perspectives. Meets the World Languages and Cultures Requirement - World Cultures. 3 sh.

POLS205: Introduction to Public Administration

Literature and developments in the field of public administration; the federal bureaucracy in the policy-making process. 3 sh.

POLS206: Government and Politics of China and Japan

Governmental and political development, institutions, and practices in contemporary China-Japan. Meets the 1983 General Education Requirement (GER) - Social Science, Non-Western Cultural Perspectives. Meets the World Languages and Cultures Requirement - World Cultures. 3 sh.

POLS207: American Foreign Policy

A consideration and analysis of the goals that the nation's foreign policy officials seek to attain abroad, the values that give rise to those objectives, and the means or instruments through with they are pursued. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 202.

POLS214: Women in Politics

The role of women in the functioning of the American political system. Meets the World Languages and Cultures - World Cultures. 3 sh.

POLS215: Ethnic Politics in America

The political behavior of American ethnic groups from the Puritans to the Puerto Ricans. Meets the Human and Intercultural Relations Requirement (HIRR). Meets the World Languages and Cultures Requirement - World Cultures. 3 sh.

POLS216: Urban Politics

The policies, processes, inter-relationships and organization of governments in heavily poulated areas of the United States. 3 sh.

POLS301: American Party System

Organization, function and practice of political parties in the U.S.; campaign functions, membership problems, political finance and policy-formation practices. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 100 or POLS 101 or departmental approval.

POLS302: Public Opinion and Pressure Groups

The nature and development of public opinion and pressure groups in the United States and their influence on public policy and political process. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 100 or POLS 101 or departmenttal approval.

POLS303: Politics of Development and Modernization

The major contemporary schools of political modernization and development theory; inter-relationship among political, social and economic variables. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 201.

POLS304: State and Local Government

State political sub-systems, including their administrative and local sub-systems, federal-state relations, political institutions and groups in the states and in New Jersey. This course helps students understand lawmaking and enforcement as functions of state and local government. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 101 or departmental approval.

POLS306: Campaign Politics

This course is taught in election years and provides the student with field experience at the local precinct or party level. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 100 or POLS 101.

POLS307: American Political Thought

The development of American ideas covering political authority from Hamilton, Madison and Marshall to the present. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 100 or POLS 101 or departmental approval.

POLS310: Public Personnel Administration

The problems and processes in the U.S. of public personnel administration at the state and local level. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 205 or departmental approval.

POLS311: Governmental Budgeting

The budgetary process in governmental agencies from the perspective of political demands and influences. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 205 or departmental approval.

POLS312: Black Politics in America

Black participation in the American political system from the colonial period to the present. Meets the Human and Intercultural Relations Requirement (HIRR). Meets the World Languages and Cultures Requirement - World Cultures. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 101 or departmental approval.

POLS314: Seminar in Campaign Politics

Seminar in Campaign Politics provides an introduction to the history and theory surrounding elections in the United States and complements students practicums in POLS 306. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

POLS315: Urban Administration

Problems and policy-making in the larger urban or metropolitan complexes. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 101 or POLS 205 or departmental approval.

POLS317: The American Congress

This course will provide a detailed examination of the United States Congress. It will allow students to explore in depth one of the key American political institutions introduced to them in POLS 101, American Government and Politics. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 101 or departmental approval.

POLS318: The American Presidency

This course will provide a detailed examination of the American presidency. It will allow students who were introduced to the presidency in POLS 101, American Government and Politics, to explore in depth one of the key institutions of the American political system. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 101 or departmental approval.

POLS320: Law in Society: Civil Law

This course will examine the American civil legal system as it affects a variety of our social institutions. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 101 or LAWS 200 or JURI 210 or departmental approval.

POLS321: Law in Society: Criminal Law

Introduces the student to institutions, processes, and social functions of criminal law. Students may take POLS 321 or PALG 301 but not both courses as part of the Political Science Major, the Paralegal Studies Minor or the Criminal Justice Minor. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 101 or LAWS 200 or JURI 210 or departmental approval.

POLS322: American Constitutional Law: The Federal System

Interpretation of supreme court decisions in the areas of the distribution of power within the national government and between the national government and the states. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 101.

POLS323: American Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties

The development of the constitution and the Supreme Court of the United States illustrated through reference to court opinions in civil rights and liberties. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 101 or LAWS 200 or JURI 210 or departmental approval.

POLS324: American Public Policy

A study of the methods used to analyze public policy and an examination of current public policy issues. Special attention is given to the use of comparative analysis in analyzing American public policies. This course deals with issues such as crime, punishment, social welfare, drug abuse, child abuse, equality, health, education and the environment. It focuses on public policy responses to these issues. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 101 or departmental approval.

POLS339: Contemporary Western European Politics

Government and politics of Great Britain, France, Germany and Italy. Institutions, parties, ideologies and interest groups. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 201 or departmental approval.

POLS340: Government and Politics of India and South Asia

The political experiences and institutions of the Indian subcontinent since 1947: The Republic of India, Pakistan, Ceylon and Bangladesh. Meets the World Languages and Cultures Requirement - World Cultures. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 201 or departmental approval.

POLS341: Government and Politics of Latin America

Governmental and political development, organization and practices in the states of Central America and South America. Meets the World Languages and Cultures Requirement - World Cultures. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 201 or departmental approval.

POLS342: Government and Politics of the Middle East

Govenment and politics in the Arab states, Turkey, Israel and Iran. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 201 or departmental approval.

POLS343: Government and Politics in the Post-Soviet States

The political and institutional organizations of the countries of the former Soviet Union; contemproary political issues; party and governmental structures. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 201 or departmental approval.

POLS344: Government and Politics in the East European States

The political and governmental organizations of the Communist countries of Eastern and Central Europe (exclusive of the former U.S.S.R.);institutions, processes and problems, including inter-regional relations. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 201 or departmental approval.

POLS351: Comparative Legal Perspectives: Israel and the United States

This seminar explores the legal and political traditions giving rise to contemporary Israeli and American legal systems. This encompasses such aspects as democratic process with its origins and influences, governmental institutions within each legal system, the role of religion and the protection of minority rights. Comparative perspectives provide an understanding of each legal system within its national context. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 201 or POLS 202 or LAWS 200 or JURI 210 or JAST 201 or permission of department.

POLS360: Development of Political Thought to Machiavelli

Selected major political philosophies from Plato and Aristotle, up to, but not including, Machiavelli. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 100 or departmental approval.

POLS409: Modern Political Thought

Selected political philosophers from Machiavelli to the present. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 360 or departmental approval.

POLS410: Directed Study

Juniors and seniors may elect three to six credits of independent study under the direction of a member of the Political Science staff. May be repeated without limit as long as the topic is different. 3 - 6 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

POLS416: Selected Topics in Political Science

This course allows the instructor to select a political problem which is either not covered in the curriculum or which deserves more in-depth treatment than is possible in a regular course. May be repeated without limit as long as the topic is different. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 100 or POLS 101 or departmental approval.

POLS420: Seminar and Internship in Political Science

In this course students will work as interns for one semester in the office of a N.J. State Legislator, U.S. Congressperson or Senator, or state or federal executive. 4 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 101 and departmental approval.

POLS425: Politics of Federal Bureaucracy

In-depth examination of the federal bureaucracy in relationship with national, state and local agencies. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 101 or departmental approval.

POLS426: Seminar and Internship in Public Administration I

A one semester public administration field experience in local government. Application must be made directly to the instructor in preceding semester. 4 - 6 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

POLS427: Seminar and Internship in Public Administration II

A one semester public administration field experience in local government. Application must be made directly to the instructor in preceding semester. 4 - 6 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

POLS429: Polling in the U.S

The main goal of this course will be to familiarize students with various polling methods used in political science research with the aim of giving them the ability to evaluate and criticize such research. A variety of polling techniques will be covered including simple descriptive statistics, tracking polls, and quota polls. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 101 or departmental approval.

POLS430: International Law

The nature, place, evolution, subjects, sources, principles, role and substance of international law in the international system of nation-states. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 202 or POLS 203 or departmental approval.

POLS431: Globalization and Security

After reviewing debates on globalization, this course covers its impact on global security through an examination of key issues such as crime, terrorism, migration, environment, and health, and a detailed case study of the Bosnian War. The course includes evaluation of the role of the international community and civil society in addressing these new security challenges. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 202 or permission of instructor.

POLS432: U.S. Immigration: Law & Politics

This course explores the interrelationships among the legal, political and societal factors in major legislative enactments of U.S. immigration and nationality law as they relate to government institutions and affected populations. The course examines the law and politics of restrictive immigration since the founding of our nation, including exclusion laws of the nineteenth century, quota systems of the twentieth century, and key legislative acts of the latter 20th and early 21st centuries. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: POLS 101 or LAWS 200 or JURI 210 or departmental approval.

POLS436: Political Science Washington, D.C., Internship

In this course students intern in Washington, D.C., at governmental offices, interest groups, party and electoral organizations, law and lobbying firms or other political organizations. Students' academic learning is assessed by faculty, and their work performance is evaluated by their placement supervisor. Students may receive up to 7.0 credits in Political Science and up to 8.0 credits in a corequisite Cooperative Education course. Cross listed with Women's and Gender Studies, WMGS 436. 1 - 7 sh.

Prerequisites: Departmental approval.

POLS497: Honors Seminar-Political Science

The course will involve intensive research in a seminar setting for junior and senior political science majors. Students will conduct original research and present reports to meetings of the seminar. 3 sh.

Prerequisites: Open only to junior and senior majors with at least a 3.2 cumulative grade point average in Political Science.

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