Political Science Majors & Courses
REQUIRED FOR MAJOR
- Political Science foundation courses (below)
- 24 semester hours which must include 2 courses from each of the following groups:
- American Politics
- Comparative Politics/International Relations
- One of the following:
- Collaterals – 2 12-hour collaterals
- Minor – an 18-hour minor
FOUNDATION COURSES
101 United States Government (3) An examination of the United States political institutions with particular attention to the principles, processes, structure, and functions of the national government.
103 Introduction to Political Science (3) Introductory study of the normative origins of government, structure and function of different political systems, relations between nation states, and various methods and approaches to the study of politics.
277 Sophomore Seminar: Careers in Political Science (1) (Prerequisite/Corequisite: 101 or 103; for declared political science majors, or permission of the department; does not count toward General Education Requirements or the political science minor or collateral) This course introduces political science majors to and prepares them for the variety of careers open to them after graduation. It emphasizes skills they should master as political science majors for successful careers, including research and writing, analytical thinking, resume preparation, interviewing, and networking. It will also highlight opportunities at FMU, such as internships, international programs, and student organizations.
285 Political Theory (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) This course examines questions about social and political life raised by major works in the history of political thought. It considers the ways in which thinkers have responded to the problems of their times and the ways in which they contribute to a broader conversation about human nature, justice, government, and the proper relationship of the individual to the state.
295 Methods of Political Science (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Examination of the history of the study of politics; the development and scope of political science; and the methods of conducting political research.
REQUIRED FOR CONCENTRATION IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE:
- Political Science foundation courses
- 18 hours of criminal justice coursework
- 6 hours of core courses
- Political Science 230 (Introduction to Criminal Justice)
- Sociology 341 (Criminology)
- 9 hours of political science selected from:
- Political Science 322 (Civil Rights and Civil Liberties)
- Political Science 323 (Rights of the Accused)
- Political Science 330 (Perspectives on Policing)
- Political Science 331 (Administration of Justice)
- 3 hours of sociology selected from:
- Sociology 342 (Social Deviance)
- Sociology 343 (Juvenile Delinquency)
- Sociology 344 (Violence in Society)
- Sociology 346 (Crime and Organizations)
- Sociology 347 (Alcohol, Drugs, and Society)
- 6 hours of additional coursework in political science
- 6 hours of core courses
REQUIRED FOR CONCENTRATION IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS:
- Political Science foundation courses
- 18 hours of international affairs coursework
- 6 hours of core courses
- Political Science 203 (International Relations)
- Political Science 205 (Comparative Government)
- 12 hours of international politics selected from:
- Political Science 204 (Political Geography)
- Political Science 240 (Introduction to Political Economy)
- Political Science 301 (Political Movements and Revolutions)
- Political Science 312 (International Law and Institutions)
- Political Science 314 (United States Foreign Policy)
- Political Science 315 (Politics of War and Security)
- Political Science 316 (Violence and Politics)
- Political Science 324 (Asian Politics)
- Political Science 326 (Latin American Politics)
- Political Science 327 (Middle Eastern Politics)
- Political Science 328 (Soviet and Russian Politics)
- Political Science 329 (Western European Politics)
- Political Science 333 (Central and East European Politics)
- Political Science 341 (International Political Focus)
- 6 hours of additional coursework in political science
- 6 hours of core courses
POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSES (POL)
FOUNDATION COURSES
101 United States Government (3) An examination of the United States political institutions with particular attention to the principles, processes, structure, and functions of the national government.
103 Introduction to Political Science (3) Introductory study of the normative origins of government, structure and function of different political systems, relations between nation states, and various methods and approaches to the study of politics.
277 Sophomore Seminar: Careers in Political Science (1) (Prerequisite/Corequisite: 101 or 103; for declared political science majors, or permission of the department; does not count toward General Education Requirements or the political science minor or collateral) This course introduces political science majors to and prepares them for the variety of careers open to them after graduation. It emphasizes skills they should master as political science majors for successful careers, including research and writing, analytical thinking, resume preparation, interviewing, and networking. It will also highlight opportunities at FMU, such as internships, international programs, and student organizations.
285 Political Theory (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) This course examines questions about social and political life raised by major works in the history of political thought. It considers the ways in which thinkers have responded to the problems of their times and the ways in which they contribute to a broader conversation about human nature, justice, government, and the proper relationship of the individual to the state.
295 Methods of Political Science (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Examination of the history of the study of politics; the development and scope of political science; and the methods of conducting political research.
U.S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS COURSES (CJ = Criminal Justice Track Course):
201 Political Participation in America (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Introduction to political participation, emphasizing voting, public opinion, political socialization, and the development of political cultures and subcultures in the U.S.
202 State and Local Government (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Survey of the functioning and problems of state and local government in the United States, with illustrations from South Carolina jurisdictions.
206 Introduction to the Law (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) An introduction to the legal process, including the origins and evolution of the American legal system, legal reasoning, the role of the courts in the judicial process, law as a profession, and civil and criminal procedure.
215 Introduction to Public Administration (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Study of the nature of public administration in the United States with attention to policies of organization and management and to fiscal, personnel, planning, and public relations practices.
230 Introduction to Criminal Justice (CJ) (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Survey of the fundamental concepts, institutions, and structures of the American criminal justice system.
305 Political Parties and Organizations (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Description and analysis of the role and function of political parties, lobbying groups, and political action committees. The impact of these organizations on American political life is of particular interest.
311 Southern Politics (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Examination of selected aspects of change and continuity in Southern politics from Reconstruction until the present.
317 The United States Congress (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Comprehensive study of the American legislative process emphasizing the development and operation of the U.S. Congress. The interaction of Congress with other political institutions will also be examined.
319 The American Presidency (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Examination of the office of President with attention to its historical and constitutional development, to presidential selection, and to the various roles, powers, functions, and problems attendant to the contemporary Presidency.
320 Constitutional Law (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Study of the institutional aspects of American constitutional law. Topics include judicial review, separation of powers and federalism.
322 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CJ) (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Study of civil rights in the American constitutional context with emphasis on freedom of religion and expression, freedom of association, privacy rights, and protection against discrimination.
323 Rights of the Accused (CJ) (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Focuses on the rights of persons suspected or accused of crimes with particular emphasis on criminal legal procedure, the constitutional protection against unreasonable search and seizure, the rights of the accused before and during the trial, and the rights of those convicted of crimes.
330 Perspectives on Policing (CJ) (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Examination of the legal, ethical, and administrative dilemmas which confront law enforcement professionals.
331 Administration of Justice (CJ) (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Focus on organization, management, and community relations in the criminal justice system.)
336 Politics of Sports (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) This course explores the intersection of politics and sports, both amateur and professional, at the local, state, national and international levels. Topics covered relate to equality in sports (i.e. race, gender, class, age, ability), political activism, management-labor relations, government support and government regulation of sports, nationalism in and international relations via sports, and sports governing bodies, such as the National Collegiate Athletic Association and International Olympic Committee.
338 Politics and Film (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Focuses on the relationship between films and components of the American political system. Primary emphasis is on the political messages, symbols, and values contained within particular well-known films. Additional emphasis is on theoretical approaches for studying political films.
340 U.S. Political Focus (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) In-depth examination of selected topics dealing with institutions, processes, or phenomena in U.S. politics. Students may earn up to nine hours of academic credit in focus courses bearing the 340/341 designation.
COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS COURSES:
203 International Relations (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Examines the major factors underlying international relations, the methods of conducting foreign relations, the foreign policies of the major powers, and the means of avoiding or alleviating conflicts.
204 Political Geography (3) (Prerequisite: Geography 101 or 102) (Same as Geography 204) The physical and cultural factors of various countries and regions have greatly influenced the political relations among these countries. Study of the development of the modern state and the relationships between political blocs in this context.
205 Comparative Government (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) This course introduces students to the comparison of political systems outside of the United States. The course examines theories of state formation and development, usage of the comparative method as an analytical tool in political science, and some possible dimensions for comparison across both democratic and non-democratic forms of government.
240 Introduction to Political Economy (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) This course provides a survey of the political economy subfield within political science from both a comparative and an international relations perspective. Topics include key theoretical debates in the study of political economy, the creation of domestic monetary and fiscal policies, competing approaches to trade, the international monetary system, the creation of international financial institutions, and globalization.
301 Political Movements and Revolutions (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Consideration and analysis of the major political ideologies of the modern world: socialism, fascism, communism, anarchism, nationalism, and democracy.
312 International Law and Institutions (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Introduction to central issues in international law, institutions, and organizations. Special attention is given to theoretical approaches to international cooperation, the history of international law, and the function of post-war international organizations.
314 United States Foreign Policy (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) The principles and machinery of the conduct of American foreign relations. Primary emphasis is on United States foreign policy since World War II.
315 Politics of War and Security (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Study of the causes and conduct of war. Topics include grand strategies, military doctrines, nuclear and conventional deterrence, and terrorism.
316 Violence and Politics (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Introduction to central debates about political violence, its place in society, and its public deployment. Special attention is given to theoretical approaches to violence, the roots and experiences of genocide, terrorism, ethnic conflict, and collective trauma.
324 Asian Politics (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Introduction to the political systems of Asian countries, particularly China and Japan. It examines their political institutions and processes, their social dynamics, the impact of tradition, and the demands of modernization.
326 Latin American Politics (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Introduction to the political dynamics and government structures of Latin America—a highly complex and diverse region that includes a variety of sub-regions and ethnic groups. Special emphasis is given to exploring and understanding its chronic economic problems and their relation to political development in the region.
327 Middle Eastern Politics (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Introduction to the Middle East and North Africa from a comparative perspective. It examines the geography, political structure, social structure, economic conditions and a brief history of each state in the region. Issues such as authoritarian rule, development, conflict, human rights and the role of Islam are examined.
328 Soviet and Russian Politics (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Introduction to the study of the former Soviet Union and contemporary Russia, including the stages of communist rule, the causes of the collapse of communism, and its implications for Russia and the rest of the world. Special emphasis is given to government structures and political processes in post-Soviet Russia.
329 Western European Politics (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Introduction to the study of modern democracy in Western Europe since the end of the Second World War. Special attention is given to the political institutions of the region, the formation of the supranational European Union, as well as contemporary social and political debates prevalent in the region.
333 Central and East European Politics (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Introduction to major political and economic developments in Central and Eastern Europe since the end of the Second World War. Special attention is given to the theoretical roots and empirical legacies of communism in the region, regime change and the politics of transition, and continued problems in state capacity building and democratization in the region.
341 International Political Focus (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) In-depth examination of selected topics dealing with comparative politics, international relations, or foreign policy. Students may earn up to nine hours of academic credit in focus courses bearing the 340/ 341 designation.
INTERNSHIPS:
477 Applied Politics (3), (2), or (1) (Prerequisite: Completion of 18 hours in political science and departmental approval at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester in which credit is to be received. Students are limited to a total of 3 hours in Political Science 477 and may not enroll in Political Science 487. ) Students work for a legislative, governmental, or political organization, and are expected to complete reading and writing assignments.
487 Public Administration/Criminal Justice Internship (3) (Prerequisite: Completion of 18 hours in political science and departmental approval at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester in which credit is to be received. Students enrolling in Political Science 487 may not enroll in Political Science 477.) Students work for a public or non-profit agency in an administrative capacity and are expected to complete reading and writing assignments.
OTHER COURSES:
200 Contemporary Political Issues (3) Study of current governmental and political problems of national or international scope. Students are required to report on readings from current news periodicals.
497 Special Studies (6), (3), (2), or (1) (Prerequisite: Permission of department) Open to either (A) Honors students accepted into the Washington Semester program (6 hours maximum), or (B) juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their major courses (3 hours maximum). A research product in Track B may be taken for credit (3 hours) towards the Honors degree by special arrangement.