Political ScienceCourses & Descriptions
POLS& 101 Introduction to Political Science • 5 CR
Previously POLSC 101 Introduction to Politics
Explores the evolution of major political concepts from ancient Greece to the present. Topics include political life in the modern world and the ideas behind democratic and non-democratic forms.
POLS 121 The United Nations • 2 CR
Previously POLSC 121
Analyzes the present structure and purpose of the United Nations organization. Seminar format. Prerequisite: A course in political science.
POLS 122 The United Nations • 3 CR
Previously POLSC 122
Analyzes the present structure and purpose of the United Nations organization. Seminar format. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
POLS 123 The United Nations • 5 CR
Previously POLSC 123
Researches a country in depth and prepares students for the National Model U.N. Conference in New York. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
POLS 125 Introduction to Political Psychology • 5 CR
Previously POLSC 125
Analyzes the political world by applying basic concepts of psychology. Topics include individual actors, decision-making, group dynamics, and mass political behavior.
POLS 155 The American Presidency • 5 CR
Previously POLSC 155
Examines the American presidency and its changing role within the American system. Topics include individual presidents, presidential character, war, elections, the economy, and the Constitution.
POLS 160 Introduction to American Political Culture • 5 CR
Previously POLSC 160
Examines the structures and systems of American politics using a multidisciplinary approach. Students analyze the development of political culture and its evolution through time. Same as AMST 160. Either POLS 160 (prev POLSC 160) or AMST 160 may be taken for credit, not both.
POLS 175 Contemporary Global Issues • 5 CR
Previously POLSC 175
Explores a number of current global issues that have generated tensions and controversy and often placed the U.S. in opposition to world opinion, including nuclear non-proliferation, global warming, the problem of torture, and humanitarian intervention. The role of the United Nations and international law are examined within the framework of national sovereignty and self-interest.
POLS 194/195/196/197 Special Topics in Political Science • V1-10 CR
Previously POLSC 194/195/196/197
Covers supplementary or unusual classes related to the field. Topics are announced in the class schedule.
POLS 198 Seminar in Political Science • V1-10 CR
Previously POLSC 198
Includes seminars, workshops, etc., for which college credit is offered.
POLS 199 Individual Studies in Political Science • V1-10 CR
Previously POLSC 199
Covers direct readings, special projects, and independent study by an individual student. May be repeated for a maximum of 15 credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.
POLS 201 Introduction to Political Philosophy • 5 CR
Previously POLSC 201
Examines the values and assumptions underlying governments and political systems. Students discuss philosophical issues behind international conflicts and cooperation in the present world. Same as PHIL 201. Either POLS 201 (prev POLSC 201) or PHIL 201 may be taken for credit, not both.
POLS& 202 American Government • 5 CR
Previously POLSC 102 American Government & Politics
Analyzes constitutional government in America in terms of the theory and practices of democracy. Students investigate issues of individual rights, popular representation, and responsible leadership.
POLS& 203 International Relations • 5 CR
Previously POLSC 103
Examines the struggle for power and peace and the methods by which affairs are conducted between modern nations.
POLS 204 Introduction to Comparative Politics • 5 CR
Introduces how societies and cultures organize their political, economic and social lives. Through comparison of political systems, students discover unique characteristics, challenges and opportunities as well as how political authority operates focusing on policy process, the economy, the role of citizens, and overall performance in a time of globalization.
POLS 220 Introduction to Law • 5 CR
Examines comparatively the social, political, behavioral, philosophical, and intercultural dimensions of law and the legal and political aspects of justice, constitutionalism and rights. Explores legal reasoning and how law operates within the broader societal context. Students critically interpret and evaluate legal information.
POLS 227 Middle East Politics & Society • 5 CR
Entails an understanding of Islam as a fundamental socio-economic and political force, the European power of politics of early centuries, U.S. involvement in the region, comparative analysis of governments, political cultures, economic development, regional conflict and terrorism. Same as INTST 227. Either POLS 227 or INTST 227 may be taken for credit, not both.
POLS 230 Revolutions in the Modern World • 5 CR
Previously POLSC 230
Studies the forces that produce significant changes in a nation’s social, economic, or political ideas and institutions. Students analyze “revolutions” such as those in England, America, France, Russia, and China. Same as HIST 230. Either POLS 230 or HIST 230 can be taken for credit, not both. May be used as social science or humanities credit, not both, at BC.
POLS 294/295/296/297 Special Topics in Political Science • V1-10 CR
Previously POLSC 294/295/296/297
Covers supplementary or unusual classes related to the field. Topics are announced in the class schedule.
POLS 298 Seminar in Political Science • V1-10 CR
Previously POLSC 298
Includes seminars, workshops, etc., for which college credit is offered.
POLS 299 Individual Studies in Political Science • V1-10 CR
Previously POLSC 299
Covers direct readings, special projects, and independent study by an individual student. May be repeated for a maximum of fifteen credits. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.