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POLITICAL SCIENCE Poli 292. AMERICAN CONGRESS A study of the role of Congress in the American political system. The course examines the Framers’ view of legislative power and pays particular attention to the role and meaning of representation. The course also covers the organization and structure of Congress including the committee system, the law making process, and the leadership of each house. 3 credits.
Poli 317. Political Psychology This course surveys the social psychological theories of how voters form political attitudes and to what extent such attitudes translate into behaviors. Of primary focus is the ability for perspectives in political psychology to understand how citizens think about politics and why it matters for American democracy. 3 credits.
Poli 293. AMERICAN POLITICAL PARTIES AND INTEREST GROUPS An overview of the history and function of political parties and interest groups in the American political system. In addition to analyzing the influence of parties on voter behavior, elections, and the organization of government; this course explores the power, tactics, and formation of interest groups within the context of several theoretical frameworks. 3 credits.
Poli 320. ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY Examination of the philosophical aspects of environmental politics, including the underlying philosophical reasons for environmental policy and conservation. Specific topics include property rights, environmental protection, stewardship, and capitalism. The ideas of pertinent thinkers like Locke, Hobbes, Burke, Thoreau, Rousseau, Hardin, Pinchot, William Ophuls, Malthus, Ehrlich, Rachel Carson, Aldo Leopold, and John Muir are covered. 3 credits.
Poli 300. STATE AND LOCAL POLITICS A general overview of and introduction to the structure and policy making process of state and local government. It also includes some analysis of federalism – how state and local government fits into the American constitutional framework. The course addresses budget issues, political participation, and direct democracy. 3 credits.
Poli 321. ENVIRONMENTAL LAW Taught utilizing a law school style approach —including a moot court experience, the purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth look at current U.S. environmental law, as well as the underlying technology implicit in a successful environmental law framework. This course will provide an excellent opportunity to improve your oral communication skills. 3 credits.
Poli 302. POLITICS OF RUSSIA An energy exporter with one of the largest nuclear stockpiles in the world today, Russia continues to be a formidable power. Challenges facing Russia affect not only order and stability inside Russia, but potentially also international security and the global economy. This course is designed to facilitate a greater understanding of Russian domestic and foreign policy. We will examine the political institutions/legacies, political process, political culture, leadership, public opinion, and contemporary challenges facing Russia. 3 credits. Poli 303. GEOPOLITICS Investigates politics among nation-states and the conduct of international relations, with particular attention paid to the role of power and the geographic location of each country. 3 credits. Poli 313/ INTELLIGENCE RIAP 313. AND NATIONAL SECURITY An introduction to national security decision-making in the U.S. with a special emphasis on the role of intelligence in formulating policy. Historical overview of national security politics and strategy since WWII. Description of major institutions and processes involved in national security policy- making. Survey of significant national security problems and their changing nature in the 21st century. 3 credits. Poli 315. Political Behavior of the American Electorate This course is an in-depth look at the contours of the modern American electorate. The course explores analysis of American elections, political socialization, political participation,and public opinion with a focus on individual and group determinants of voting. 3 credits
Poli 322/ LEGAL RESEARCH Crjs 322. AND WRITING This course will introduce students to the legal research process through both classroom and library experience. Students will become familiar with the major sources of legal research and will complete a research assignment which will require the use of all types of sources. This course will also emphasize the principles and techniques of legal writing, including proper analysis and appropriate citation. Recommended for Pre-Law students. Prerequisites: Junior/Senior Standing or Permission. 3 credits. Poli 330/ STATISTICS IN Soc 330. SOCIAL SCIENCE This course is designed to teach the terminology and methods of descriptive statistics and to introduce students to inferential statistics so that political science, sociology, social work, and criminal justice majors can be informed consumers in their fields, carry out basic statistical tests, and to help prepare those students who go on to graduate school. 3 credits. Poli 311 Media and Politics This course outlines the influence of modern media on American politics. Topics covered include the organization of and decision making within the media, the effect the media has on attitudes and behavior, the relationship of the government to the media (censorship, freedom of the press, government regulation), and the role media plays in elections. Poli 334. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS Surveys the language, theories and concepts of international relations. Fundamental overview of 20th century diplomatic history is combined with
POLITICAL SCIENCE an examination of persistent global problems such as war and peace, international cooperation, arms proliferation, human rights, and the role of the United Nations in global problem solving. 3 credits. Poli 336. MODEL UNITED NATIONS SIMULATION This one-credit course involves an in-depth examination of the purpose and procedures of the UN. Students engage in research and participate in intercollegiate competitions simulating U.N. decision making. 1 credit. Poli 380. POLITICS OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY This course introduces students to the politics of contemporary global economic relations. Topics include trade, finance, economic development, industrial policy, and the behavior of multinational corporations. Special emphasis is placed on the role of global institutions such as the World Trade Organization, NAFTA, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. 3 credits. Poli 400/Phil 400. POLITICAL THEORY A study of major figures in the history of political theory and their particular political theories. The primary purpose of the course is to analyze the relationship between political theory and political action. The course covers the three general historical periods: ancient, Christian, and modern. Some of the political thinkers and theories covered include: Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Burke, and contemporary figures like Voegelin and Rawls. 3 credits. Poli 437. POLITICAL SCIENCE PROJECT A capstone course designed for senior majors and minors to engage in critical reflection on their political and intellectual identity. A series of readings, class exercises, and discussions will culminate in a final “intellectual memoir” wherein each student examines his or her political socialization process, major intellectual commitments, and future plans. This course is offered every Fall term and must be taken in the Fall of your senior year. 3 credits. Poli 438. SENIOR HONORS THESIS Seniors only, and only by permission of the department. Students wishing to write a traditional thesis, especially those who plan on attending graduate school, are encouraged to discuss their interests with the political science faculty. Thesis is normally only allowed after successfully completing the Political Science Project course. 3 credits. Poli 475/476. INTERNSHIPS Off-campus experiences in Erie, Washington, DC, and other sites which are individually tailored to promote the student’s career plans. Examples of typical placements are law firms, the offices of congressional representatives or local officials, government agencies, and mass media sites. 3/6 credits.
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