PSI 101         AMERICAN POLITICS                                                           (3)
A survey course focusing on the development, organization and dynamics of American political processes and institutions. This course examines how the public, interest groups, the media, political parties and the constitutional branches of government work together to produce public policies. Each semester.

PSI 102           STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT                                    (3)
Introductory course providing an understanding of the way in which state and local governments function and their place within the American political system. Annually, Spring.

PSI 200           RESEARCH METHODS                                                      (3)
This course provides an introduction to how political scientists study political phenomena. The course examines the philosophy of social science as well as a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including single and comparative case studies, statistical analysis and survey research. This course is not intended as a substitute for MTH 310. Annually, Fall.

PSI 201           INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE                             (3)
A comprehensive introduction to the discipline of political science, including political theory, American politics, comparative politics and international relations. Recommended for Social Science Education majors.  Annually, Spring.

PSI 210           INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS                (3)
A study of the dynamics of the modern nation state in its relationships with other members of the international community. Annually, Fall.

PSI 220           INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS                      (3)
A comparative study of the organization and operation of both Western and non-Western governments. Alternate Years, Fall, '04.

PSI 230           INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY                             (3)
An introduction to the classical theorists, including Plato, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Mill and Marx. Alternate Years, Fall ‘05.

PSI 301           CONGRESS (W)                                                               (3)
A study of the organizational structure of Congress, the nature of its processes, and the behavior of its members. Specific topics include Constitutional powers, the role and importance of the committee and party systems, congressional decision making, and Congressional interaction with other parts of the political system. Alternate Years, Fall ’05. Prerequisite: PSI 101

PSI 302           THE PRESIDENCY (W)                                                      (3)
This course examines the historical development, organizational structure, and function of the Presidency.  Specific topics include presidential leadership in foreign and domestic policy and the relationship between the President and other political actors, including the public, the media, Congress and the bureaucracy. Alternate Years, Spring ’06. Prerequisite: PSI 101

PSI 303           CONSTITUTIONAL LAW                                                   (3)
Analyzes the role of the judiciary by examining constitutional decisions about civil rights, civil liberties, federalism, contracts, property, and the relative power of the executive and legislative branches. Alternate Years, Fall ‘04. Prerequisite: PSI 101

PSI 304           CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS                                          (3)
This course examines the American electoral process for both Congress and the Presidency.  Topics covered include voting behavior, public opinion, the nomination and general election process, and the role of interest groups, the media, and political parties in modern elections. Alternate Years, Fall ’04. Prerequisite: PSI 101.

PSI 305           POLITICAL PARTIES AND INTEREST GROUPS                     (3)
This course focuses on the origin, organization, and function of political parties and interest groups in American politics.  The course will review the dynamics of their development, theories of party identification and interest group membership, and each actor’s role in influencing elections and policy outcomes. Alternate Years, Fall ’05. Prerequisite: PSI 101.

PSI 306           PUBLIC POLICY                                                              (3)
Analyzes how American public policy is formulated and how public policies can be evaluated. Includes a series of case studies to show how the policy process works and to develop a fuller understanding of contemporary public policy issues. Examples of policy areas include the federal budget process, social security reform, welfare reform, education reform, environmental policies and criminal justice policies. Alternate Years, Spring ’05. Prerequisite: PSI 101.

PSI 309           TOPICS IN AMERICAN POLITICS                                      (3)
Offers specialized topics not covered in standing courses. As needed. Prerequisite: PSI 101

PSI 311           INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (W)                             (3)
A study of the attempt to construct “global governance” through international organizations. Focuses on the United Nations, the European Union, and non-governmental organizations. Alternate years, Spring ‘06. Prerequisite: PSI 210.

PSI 312           INTERNATIONAL LAW                                                    (3)
An analysis of contemporary international law. Specific topics include the laws of war, arms control treaties, human rights law, environmental law, and the global commons. Alternate years, Fall ‘05. Prerequisite: PSI 210.

PSI 313           INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY (W)                      (3)
Analyzes the relationship between states and markets, the nature of capitalism and globalization, international trade and finance regimes, international development and the problem of global inequality. Alternate Years, Spring ‘05. Prerequisite: PSI 210.

PSI 314           UNITED STATES FOREIGN POLICY                                   (3)
An analysis of post-World War II United States foreign policy from a variety of perspectives, including international relations theory, domestic politics, and group decision making. Alternate years, Fall '04. Prerequisites: PSI 101.

PSI 315           GENDER AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS                     (3)
An analysis of feminist understandings of the major areas of international relations, including war and conflict resolution, globalization, development, and human rights. Alternate years, Spring ’06. Prerequisite: PSI 210.

PSI 319           TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS                          (3)
Offers specialized topics not offered in standing courses. As needed. Prerequisite: PSI 210.

PSI 329           TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS                                 (3)
Offers regional concentrations. Topics vary from Middle East Politics, African Politics, Latin American Politics, European Politics, etc. As needed. Prerequisite: PSI 220.

PSI 331           SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY (W)                       (3)
Same as PHI 331. Alternate years, Fall ‘05.

PSI 339           TOPICS IN POLITICAL THEORY                                       (3)
Offers topics not covered in standing courses. Topics include American Political Thought, Contemporary Political Theory, and Critical/Postmodern Theory. As needed. Prerequisite: PSI 230.

PSI 470           INTERNSHIP IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (W)                        (3-8)

PSI 480           INDEPENDENT STUDY IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (W)           (1-4)

PSI 490           SEMINAR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (W)                               (3)
Selected topics to change yearly. Provides students with the capstone opportunity to do extensive research and present their findings in a seminar setting. Annually, Spring. Prerequisite: PSI 200.