POLS 101: Introduction to Political Science S1
An introduction to the major concepts, theories, ideas, and fields of study relating to politics and governmental systems. (4)
POLS 151: American Government S1
A survey of the constitutional foundations of the American political
system and of institutions, processes, and practices relating to
participation, decision-making, and public policy in American national
government. (4)
POLS 170: Introduction to Legal Studies S1
An examination of the nature of law, judicial process, and participant roles in the legal system. (4)
POLS 210: Global Perspectives: The World in Change C, S1
A survey of global issues: modernization and development; economic
change and international trade; diminishing resources; war and
resolution; peace and justice; and cultural diversity. Cross-listed
with ANTH 210 and HIST 210. (4)
POLS 231: Current International Issues S1
A survey course in international relations with emphasis on current events. (4)
POLS 322: Scandinavia and World Issues - S1
This
course traces the involvement of the Scandinavian countries in world
organizations, such as the United Nations and the roles the countries
have played in world politics. The focus will be on the Nordic approach
to democracy, aid to developing countries and peace making, as well as
initiatives, projects and activities in which Scandinavians are
currently involved around the world. Cross-listed with SCAN 322. (4)
POLS 325: Political Thought S1
A survey of the origin and evolution of major political concepts in
ancient, medieval, and early modern times. Can count for a Philosophy
major or minor. (4)
POLS 326: Recent Political Thought S1
A critical examination of the major ideologies of the modern world. (4)
POLS 331: International Relations S1
A systematic analysis of the international system highlighting patterns in state interaction. Intensive writing course. (4)
POLS 332: International Conflict Resolution - S1
This course will study several examples of peace processes and
compare them with conflict reduction/resolution models. At any given
time in recent years, over thirty violent conflicts, most of them
internal but some also external, tear apart societies, produce
extensive suffering, and threaten regional stability. Several
strategies have been tried, some relatively successfully, to end such
violence and begin the long, difficult process of achieving peace. Intensive writing course. (4)
POLS 338: American Foreign Policy S1
The role of the United States in international affairs. An analysis of the major factors in the formulation and execution of the United States foreign policy and its impact on other powers. (4)
POLS 345: Government and Public Policy S1
An integrated approach to the nature of public policy, with emphasis on substantive problems, the development of policy responses by political institutions, and the impacts of policies. Intensive writing course. Intensive writing course. (4)
POLS 346: Environmental Politics and Policy S1
An examination of environmental problems from political perspectives, including international and domestic political contexts and methods of evaluating policies. (4)
POLS 347 Political Economy S1
An examination of the ways that politics and economics coincide. Topics include the development of capitalism, socialist approaches, international issues, regional examples, and methods of study. Prerequisite: POLS 101 and ECON 101 or 102 or 111. (4)
POLS 353: United States Citizenship and Ethnic Relations - A, S1
This
course will focus on the political incorporation in the US polity of a
variety of ethnic communities by studying the evolution of US
citizenship policy. Intensive writing course. (4)
POLS 354: State and Local Government S1
Governmental structures, processes, and policy at state, local, and regional levels of the American system. Intensive writing course. (4)
POLS 356: Creating Community: Public Administration, S1
This
course examines public service and civic engagement. It is designed to
teach students about public administration by exploring methods of
building community through public service. Major issues in public
administration will be covered as well as its central importance in the
implementation of public policies and in sustaining a democratic
polity. (4)
POLS 361: Political Parties and Elections S1
Study of party and electoral systems with particular emphasis on American parties and elections. Examination of party roles in elections and government; party financing; interest groups and political action committees; and voting behavior. Intensive writing course. (4)
POLS 363: Politics and the Media S1
The role of mass media in American government, politics, and policy. Attention to political culture, public opinion, polls and surveys, press freedom and responsibility, and governmental regulation, secrecy, and manipulation. (4)
POLS 364: The Legislative Process S1
A study of theory, organization, and procedure of the Congress and other legislative bodies in the United States. (4)
POLS 368: The American Presidency S1
Study of the nation's highest political office in terms of the roles and expectations of the office, styles of leadership, presidential decision-making, powers and limitations, and the interaction of personality and institution. (4)
POLS 371: Judicial Process S1
An examination of legal processes in various adjudicatory settings. Primary attention given to judicial processes focusing on American civil and criminal law. (4)
POLS 372: Constitutional Law S1
The constitutional basis of governmental powers in the United States with special emphasis given to judicial review, separation of powers, federalism, interstate commerce, and political and constitutional restrictions on governmental power. Intensive writing course. (4)
POLS 373: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties S1
The constitutional basis of rights and liberties in the United States with special emphasis given to freedom of expression and association, religious freedom, rights in criminal proceedings, due process, and equal protection. Intensive writing course. (4)
POLS 374: Legal Studies Research S1
Introduction to various methods of legal analysis, research, and writing. (4)
POLS 380: Politics of Global Development - S1
Designed to provide information, concepts, and alternative
perspectives needed to study development as a global issue within the
international political context. Examples of how general world trends
manifest themselves in specific countries will be covered as well as
case studies of successful development projects. Intensive writing course. (4)
POLS 381: Comparative Legal Systems C, S1
Study of legal systems around the world as they actually work within their respective political, economic, social, and cultural contexts. Intensive writing course. (4)
POLS 383: Modern European Politics S1
A study of the origins and development of the European Union and an examination of the governmental systems and political cultures of key European states, including France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. (4)
POLS 384: Scandinavian Government and Politics - S1
This
course examines the governmental structures and political processes of
the Scandinavian countries. It does so in the context of the regions
historical development, its political cultures and ideologies, the
distinctive Scandinavian model of political economy and welfare, and
the place of Scandinavia in the international system. Intensive writing
course. (4)
POLS 385: Canadian Government and Politics S1
The governmental system and political life of Canada, with special attention to the constitution, political parties, nationalism and separatism in Quebec, self-government of native peoples, and comparative study of Canadian and U.S. political cultures. Intensive writing course.(4)
POLS 386: The Middle East C, S1
Contrasts the history and aspirations of the Arab Nations with the reality of European dominance and its legacy, the formation of the present Arab states and Israel. (4)
POLS 401: Workshops and Special Topics S1 (14)
POLS 431: Advanced International Relations S1
Examines various theories of international conflict management, including in-depth analysis of historical examples. The development of international law and international governmental organizations are also considered. Prerequisite: POLS 331. (4)
POLS 450: Internship in Politics S1
Internship in the political dimensions of non-governmental organizations. By departmental consent only. (1-8)
POLS 455: Internship in International and Comparative Politics
Internship overseas or with a US agency or organization that engages in international issues and activities. By departmental consent only. (1-8)
POLS 458: Internship in Public Administration S1
An internship with a government department or agency. By departmental consent only. (1-8)
POLS 464: Internship in the Legislative Process S1
An opportunity to study the process from the inside by working directly with legislative participants at the national, state or local level. By department consent only. (Internships with the Washington State Legislature are open only to juniors and seniors with at least one year at PLU.) (112)
POLS 471: Internship in Legal Studies S1
An internship with a private or public sector agency or office engaged in legal research, litigation, or law enforcement. By departmental consent only. (1-4)
POLS 491: Independent Studies
By department consent only. (14)
POLS 499: Capstone: Senior Seminar SR
Intensive study into topics, concepts, issues, and methods of inquiry in political science. Emphasis on student research, writing, and presentation. By departmental consent only. (4)
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