Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

This course outlines basic study and research techniques, the use of libraries, and the importance of research methodology and analysis for the social sciences. It is a writing intensive course that requires a sound understanding of written communication. Students enrolling in this course should be familiar with proper citations and documentation, grammar and syntax, organizing their writing, and parts of a paper. (Prerequisite: ENGL101 or ENGL102).

Pre Reqs: Proficiency in Writing(ENGL101),Effectiveness in Writing(ENGL102)

Introduces major theoretical approaches to the comparative study of politics. The student applies these approaches to government institutions, the policy-making process, political participation, economic structures and social change for both state and non-state actors.

This is the first course in a two-course sequence in American Government. The course is designed to convey basic facts about the structure and functioning of the American political system. The philosophical foundation of the U.S. Constitution is explored and the federalist construct is examined. The functions of the three separate branches of government and their roles in policy making are a major focus.

This is the second course in a two-course sequence in American Government. The course is designed to provide research tools and writing skills that will build on the academic knowledge acquired in POLS210. The student will investigate issues in American government in greater detail through use of Internet-based research, seminar discussions, and point papers. (Prerequisite: POLS210).

Pre Reqs: American Government I(POLS210)

An overview of political thought from the Ancient Greeks to the present. The course is an examination of the debate about human nature, governance regimes, justice, equality, liberty, and human rights. This course is an essential foundation for the Political Science major.

This course is a study of the various roles of political parties and interest groups in the American democratic process. Issues covered include the ideological differences among parties, the role of third party candidates, mobilization of voting blocks, the formation and types of interest groups, and political agenda development.

Comparative analysis of state and local political systems in the United States. Emphasis is placed on the contemporary role of states and localities in the development and implementation of public policies. Additionally, there is an examination of the role of grass roots social movements in shaping local politics.

Analyzes the formulation and execution of public policy in America. Includes study of decision-making theory, bureaucratic politics and other models that seek to explain how policy is made. Issues explored include social, environmental, economic, homeland security, defense, and foreign policy. Additional issue areas may be covered depending on contemporary significance.

Political Sociology examines the broad social bases of politics and identifies how politics and actions by government can influence the fate of nations and their citizens. These influences include, but are not limited to, power and authority, economic policy, equality, forms of political rule, access to the political process, and the roles of political parties. PREREQ: SOCI111

Pre Reqs: Introduction to Sociology(SOCI111)

RECOMMENDED AS SECOND PROGRAM COURSE. This course surveys the U.S. Intelligence Community, with an emphasis on its current structure. Students review the members of the community and distinguish their key roles and missions. Students also assess the impact of the post-9/11 restructuring of the intelligence community.

With states as the level of analysis, this course examines their political, economic, and social condition which allows an understanding of threats to the state and their vulnerabilities. Analytic procedures to assess a state’s military capabilities, strengths and weaknesses of their political and economic systems, and challenges presented by their social systems are included. This course is a prerequisite to any of the intelligence studies country analysis courses.

A detailed study of the history, theories, and practices of global development initiatives with particular concentration in the prevailing views and practices of the 1960’s-contemporary times. A look at development in light of broader political constructs that influence the development of nations.

This course is an introduction to constitutional law, the Supreme Court, and criminal procedure using the "case and comment" approach. Its concentration is on the study and analysis of United States Constitutional Law. It emphasizes those provisions of the Bill of Rights pertaining to criminal justice. Topics include: the historical events that led to the development of the Constitution; principles governing the operation of the Constitution and the role of the U.S. Supreme Court; characteristics and powers of the three branches of government; development of due process and individual protections; right to counsel, unreasonable searches and seizures; compulsory self-incrimination; and cruel and unusual punishment.

This course provides a systematic analysis and overview of the management of public organizations. The functions, operations, processes and tools of public management are examined to ensure the student has a broad understanding of the field and its role in American civic life. The overall theme of the course focuses on the need for results oriented management that improves the performance of public organizations.

This course will examine the basic principles of microeconomics and macroeconomics and their applications are studied. This includes supply and demand, operation of markets, consumer and enterprise behavior, competition and monopoly, income distribution, discrimination, and alternate approaches to economics. Additionally, the basic principles of national income, national security planning and objectives, unemployment, inflation, economic growth, depression, prosperity, international economics, economic development, alternative approaches to economics, and current issues and controversies are examined.

An examination of distinct cultures and ethnicities in the United States and the impact of a multicultural system on political governance and social relationships.

This course allows the students to examine an emergent issue or event in this field of study. The course will be taught in a structured seminar format. Students are required to complete a Research Paper.

This course is designed to provide a solid foundation for undergraduate study in the online environment. Students will be introduced to learning theory, the tools available in the online classroom and campus, and online research. Identification of personal learning style allows students to improve their study/learning techniques and prepares them to succeed in college level courses. Students will be introduced to formatting and citation styles. APUS policy and procedure is addressed. There is an emphasis on written communication to assist students in the transition to the online environment.

Analyses of specific issues addressed at the national level that would include a review of American political institutions and decision-making; policymaking in the economic, social, and security arenas; instruments of foreign and defense policy; federalism and democratic political theories; and the electoral process. This capstone course will provide students with the opportunity to complete an approved academic research exercise that demonstrates their knowledge of their selected field of study.This is a capstone course to be taken after all other Political Science courses have been satisfactorily completed. Student must have SENIOR standing to register.