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POLITICAL SCIENCE

POLITICAL SCIENCE MINOR

(This minor is also available via the Division of Distance Education. See Philosophy, Politics and Economics)

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

The goal for study in political science is to maximize studentsÕ capacity to analyze and interpret the significance and dynamics of political events and governmental processes. The purpose is not simply to arouse curiosity, purvey factual information, or reveal the significance of political events and issues. Instead, study in political science is intended to equip students for managing the effects of politics on themselves and society, while equipping them with the tools to evaluate and shape future political action. Political Science should prepare politically interested and concerned students to deal with their political world after graduation, in ways appropriate to their individual inclinations as actively engaged citizens in our democratic society.

Courses in political science are an integral facet of a well-rounded liberal arts education and valuable to students from all academic disciplines. Students are encouraged to connect and apply their knowledge and skills to real-life political situations in off-campus settings during their time at Eastern. Political Science is an integral component of several programs at EOU, including (1) major in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, along with pre-approved Liberal Studies programs in (2) Small City and Rural County Management and (3) Environmental Studies.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Students who complete a minor in Political Science should be able to:

- Discuss different theories, concepts, methods, and analytical approaches employed by the discipline of political science.

- Identify problems of normative inquiry as well as those of empirical analysis, and learn to combine the two appropriately in the analysis of the political ideas, values, and assumptions underlying public policy conflicts.

- Identify and discuss the problems of diversity faced by different peoples in different nations (including the studentsÕ own), with the interrelated nature of the world's political, economics, and social problems.

- Read, comprehend and evaluate contemporary political analysis via the ability to recognize, research, defend or attach hypotheses and arguments through oral and written communication.

- Apply contextual knowledge and skills to the public policy process and Òreal-lifeÓ political situations via the opportunity to observe and participate as an informed citizen in a variety of off-campus settings.

MEANS OF ASSESSMENT

Political Science students are evaluated in a variety of ways across the curriculum. Evaluation modes and strategies attempt to measure program learning outcomes. Objective exams measure student mastery of the concepts, critical thinking and logic skills underlying the study of political science. Writing in a variety of formats including policy memoranda, short essay examinations, critical reading summaries, and research papers of varying length hone the studentÕs abilities in communication, persuasion, and critical thinking. Role-playing exercises and group processes improve the studentÕs ability to work in collaborative situations. Students are encouraged to self-assess their own learning as well as develop an understanding of the evaluative strategies utilized by faculty members.

OTHER PROGRAMS

The degrees that are available with an emphasis in Political Science are B.A. or B.S. in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics or a B.A. or B.S. in Liberal Studies.

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MINOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE

The taxing, spending and regulatory decisions of government affect the activities of virtually every profession, from the fine arts to the hard sciences. Therefore, a minor in Political Science is a valuable complement to any major.

A minor will consist of the following:

A. A minimum of 30 credit hours in Political Science, 20 of which must be graded.

B. At least 15 upper division credit hours in Political Science.

C. A "C-" or better in all courses counted toward the minor.

D. A 2.00 or better GPA in all Political Science courses.

E. A minimum of ten credits applied toward the minor must be completed at EOU.

POLITICAL SCIENCE

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

POLS 101 - American Nat Gov*S/HB Credits: 5.00

Gen Ed-Social Science

New Gen Ed-Human Behavior

An overview of the historical foundations of our democratic system of government, appraisal of key political institutions and actors, with the intent of promoting informed and active citizenry by students.

POLS 110 - Selected Topics Credits: 1.00 to 6.00 An in-depth presentation of a topic of interest. Topics will vary from year to year depending on the interests and availability of faculty.

POLS 200 - Comparat Politic*S Credits: 5.00

Gen Ed-Social Science

A comparative study of political culture, institutions, and processes in a selected group of countries.

POLS 210 - POLS 210 Credits: 1.00 to 6.00

An in-depth presentation of a topic of interest. Topics will vary from year to year depending on the interests and availability of faculty.

POLS 221 - International Relations*S/HB Credits: 5.00

Gen Ed-Social Science

New Gen Ed-Human Behavior

An examination of the primary issues confronting the international system, including the environment, nationalism, transition to democracy and human rights, along with attempts to regulate political, economic, social and military conflict.

POLS 310 - Selected Topics Credits: 1.00 to 6.00

An in-depth presentation of a topic of interest. Topics will vary from year to year depending on the interests and availability of faculty. Prerequisite: Upper division standing or consent of instructor.

Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

POLS 314 - State & Local Govt Credits: 5.00

This course evaluates the structural factors, actors, political economy and primary policy challenges confronting state and local government in the United States. Prerequisite: Any lower division Political Science course.

POLS 320 - The Presidency Credits: 5.00

(Writing Intensive) An evaluation of the primary sources of presidential power, including electoral politics, the presidency, media relations, along with an appraisal of the role of symbolic and political leadership in democratic societies. Prerequisite: Any lower division Political Science course

POLS 340 - Politics and Media*CO Credits: 5.00

New Gen Ed-Communication

An analysis of the political economy of the mass media, its role in the American electoral system, and the impact of new and emerging forces (Internet, e.g.) on democracy.

Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

POLS 350 - Public Policy*S/HB Credits: 5.00

Gen Ed-Social Science

New Gen Ed-Human Behavior

(Writing Intensive) An evaluation of the American political system by following individual programs through their origins, design and formation, and implementation. Prerequisite: Any lower division Political Science course. Cross listed with ECON 350

POLS 351 - Public Admin*S Credits: 5.00

Gen Ed-Social Science

An investigation of the role of public management in the political process; including the social and political environment of public administration and issues of organizational behavior, efficiency, responsiveness, and ethics. Prerequisite: Any lower division Political Science course

Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

POLS 381 - Law & Politics Credits: 3.00

(Writing Intensive) A study of the role of law, courts, and lawyers in American society with attention to the decision processes and political impact of the United States Supreme Court. Prerequisite: Any lower division Political Science course

POLS 382 - Constitutional Law Credits: 5.00

A survey of the principles of Constitutional Law, focusing on the guarantees of Federalism and Separation of Powers. Appraisal of case management tools (standing,ripeness, mootness) utilized by the court. Assessment of the judicial politics underlying constitutional development.

Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

POLS 383 - Civil Liberties Credits: 5.00

An appraisal of substantive due process and its impact on social issues (abortion, gender), along with an evaluation of the Supreme Court's treatment of freedom of expression and the impact of the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause on our diverse 'melting pot' society.

Restrictions: May not be enrolled in one of the following Class(es): Freshman

POLS 402 - Selected Topics Credits: 1.00 to 5.00

This course is recommended for advanced students wishing to gain in depth knowledge of a particular subject.