300

This course will provide students with an introduction to research methods and statistical techniques used in social science research, particularly in the fields of economics and political science. This will include basic knowledge of the concepts and models employed for conducting experimental research, policy analysis and program evaluation, and unobtrusive research from data sets. Emphasis will be placed on using and applying the qualitative and quantitative techniques most widely utilized in social science research. This course gives credit for political science and history majors. Prerequisite: MAT-112, MAT-305 or BUS-320.

The purpose of this course is to cover a variety of theoretical and ethical approaches to the problem of understanding international conflict. Strong emphasis will be placed on the evaluation of the empirical literature attempting to explain the causes of war and peace. Historical continuity and change in international conflict will be examined via the analysis of a variety of case studies of global, regional and intrastate war. By combining a theoretically sophisticated understanding of the causes, results, and resolution of conflict, coupled with concerns about the moral justification of war, students will emerge prepared to formulate thoughtful, concrete opinions on issues of global conflict. Prerequisite: POL-230.

This course is designed as an international travel seminar to observe, understand, and comparatively assess the systems and governments of select countries around the world. Course content examines the history, culture, environment, economics, governing processes, healthcare, public policy, and/or international interactions of the designated country. The course blends international travel, interdisciplinary study, intercultural interactions with peers, instructors, and nationals, lectures, site visits, and interactive meetings to provide a unique experiential learning environment. Attention is given to synthesizing course content and in-country experiences from the journey as students individually and corporately reflect upon matters that relate to their chosen areas of study and being agents of change in the world.

Directed experience in politics or law. Required of all Political Science majors. (POL-371, POL-401, or HST-450 may be substituted for this requirement.) May be repeated. Prerequisite: Consent of the department. Offered every semester.

A study of historic and contemporary types of governments in relation to their social, economic, and ideological backgrounds. Prerequisite: HST-185 and HST-190 or POL-100.

The purpose of this course is to examine the various political processes and linkages that connect citizens to political outcomes. Course content will focus on theoretical frameworks from political scientists regarding the formation, nature, and function of political parties, interest groups, and political action committees. The primary focus will be on current scholarship, including both books and journal articles from respected scholars in the field of Political Science. However, students will also be introduced to important works by political scientists that date back to the 1950s. The course format is a combination of lecture and discussion; therefore, relevant questions and other student contributions are an essential element of the course. Prerequisite: POL-215.

This course is intended as an inquiry into the process of policy formation at the national level in the U.S., in the developing country context, and at the transnational (international, multilateral) level. The emphasis will be on social and environmental policy, with some discussions of other issue areas. Prerequisites: POL-100 and POL-240 or consent of department.

The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth analysis of the connection between religion and politics. The course will explore some historical examples demonstrating various relationships between Church and State. The place of Christianity and/or involvement of the institutional church with government is central; however, students will examine other religions and political arrangements to see if there are universal principles. Course content will focus on scholarly research in these and related areas. This course is designed for Political Science and History majors, but also will have strong relevance and appeal to Religion and Education majors. Prerequisite: POL-100 or consent of department.

A survey of political thought from ancient systems to modern totalitarianism. Emphasizes Christian and modern Western-American political theory and systems. Gives credit for majors in Political Science or Philosophy. Prerequisite: HST-185 and HST-190; or POL-100.

International travel, observation, and study of the political patterns of foreign nations. Extra fee: air travel, lodging, meals, and miscellaneous. May be repeated. Prerequisite: Consent of the department.

This course examines the way international actors make decisions regarding how they will interact with other members of the international community. Students will be introduced to the variety of ways in which the foreign policy-making processes within and across countries operate and can be explained. A number of influences on foreign policy are discussed, including individual policy makers, characteristics of the domestic political environment, and international systemic factors. The course surveys these influences, concepts and theoretical approaches in preparation for the in-depth and hands-on analysis students will undertake in the later part of the semester. Prerequisites: POL-230 and POL-232.

Work with a faculty mentor and in cooperation with an Honors College advisor, producing a research thesis or creative project.