Political Science Courses

Course Code	Title & Description	Credits	Schedule
PLS 112	Introduction to American Government In this course, students will be introduced to the forms and functions of American government with an emphasis on the national government. The decision-making process in Congress, the Presidency, and the federal court system are studied. The course also examines the relationship of political parties and public opinion to the electoral process. Prer...	3	View Schedule
PLS 164	Special Topics The course will enable students to gain the practical skills required to work in the field of international development. The course will explore the methods employed by practitioners in the planning, implementation, and assessment of development projects, the skills required to work in the international development arena, and the actors (and other ...	2	View Schedule
PLS 220	Politics and the Media In this course, students will critically examine the role of the mass media in the American political system. The emphasis is on the historical development of the mass media; the economic, political, and social forces that shape news coverage of political leaders and institutions; and the influence of the mass media on the public. In addition, stud...	3	View Schedule
PLS 241	Guns, God and Ganja: U.S. Federalism In this federalism course, students examine the relationship among the U.S. Constitution, state and federal lawmaking, and citizen initiatives. Topics will include the ownership and regulation of guns, the impact of religion relative to abortion and LGBT rights, and state and federal law regarding marijuana and the legalization of drugs. The 2nd an...	3	View Schedule
PLS 250	Campaigns and Elections In this course, students will be introduced to campaigns and elections in the United States. The course will provide students with an intellectual understanding and practical working knowledge of the electoral process. Students will examine key actors in the electoral system: candidates, political parties, interest groups, voters, and the mass medi...	3	View Schedule