Undergraduate Curriculum
| Introduces the different institutional structures of governance (e.g.,parliamentary versus presidential systems) in a range of different states for different types of regimes (e.g. democratic and authoritarian) and at the international level. Prerequisite: None. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Diversity Course-Global, Kent Core-Social Sciences, LER-Social Sciences, TAG - Social/Behavior Sciences, Trnfr Module-Social Sciences |
| Covers the basic elements of politics at the national level in the United States: structures, processes, behaviors, institutions, policies. Special emphasis is given to conflicting theories of power as they apply to different economic, sexual and racial groups. Prerequisite: None. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Diversity Course-Domestic, Kent Core-Social Sciences, LER-Social Sciences, TAG - Social/Behavior Sciences, Trnfr Module-Social Sciences |
| This course provides a survey of basic public policy concepts and processes within an historical context. It incorporates applied work to bridge conceptual understanding and empirical cases. Prerequisite: None. 3.000 Credit hours |
| A practical, theoretical introduction to a study of systematic patterns in international relations. Includes analysis of rules, instruments, processes, decision- making factors, conflict resolution. Prerequisite: None. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Diversity Course-Global, Kent Core-Social Sciences, LER-Social Sciences, TAG - Social/Behavior Sciences, Trnfr Module-Social Sciences |
| Introduces students to the myriad ways in which they are individually and collectively connected to the global community. Looking specifically at ways in which we are interconnected as consumers, patients, donors and participants in discourse, the course introduces students to the concepts, institutions and dynamics of globalization. Through assignments that focus on important global issues and engage students directly with the global community, students will (a) learn how to engage the global community as informed consumers of information, (b) understand the basic structure of the global political arena, (c) learn how to engage actively and consciously within that arena and (d) understand the ways in which their daily behavior impacts global trends. Prerequisite: None. 3.000 Credit hours |
| (Cross-listed with CACM 30000) Study of the events of the 1960s in the US leading up to May 4, 1970 when the Ohio National Guard killed and wounded KSU students protesting the US war in Vietnam and Cambodia. Topics are considered within their cultural, historical, social and political contexts. Also examines the aftermath of May 4th, including the controversy over constructing the Gym Annex on the May 4th site, the legal trials, the role of commemorations and memorials and the politics of remembering May 4, 1970. Prerequisite: None. 3.000 Credit hours |
| This course is designed to bring students to a basic level of "statistical literacy" by introducing the fundamentals of research design and interpretation; as well as to basic descriptive and inferential statistics. Prerequisite: None. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirem |
| This course is designed to introduce the student to basic methodological and substantive concerns in the tradition of western political thought. Prerequisite: None. 3.000 Credit hours |
| This course is designed to introduce students to the fundamental questions surrounding the relationship between the public and private sectors, considered from the perspective of the state and its major political institutions. Of central concern is the growing internationalization of capital and its consequences for both domestic and international politics. Prerequisite: None. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Major political ideas and controversies associated with the development of American political thought. Nonmajors should contact the Department of Political Science for a prerequisite override. Prerequisite: POL 10100. 3.000 Credit hours |
| This course deals with the powers of Congress, its organization, leadership of the two houses, role of the parties, relationships with the chief executive and the executive agencies and recent reforms enacted by the House and Senate. Prerequisite: POL 10100. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Intensive study of the American Presidency, focusing on personality, organization of the office, use and misuse of power and policy making. Prerequisite: POL 10100. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Intensive study of the judicial process in United States and the relationship between the judicial system and the larger American social system. Nonmajors should contact the Department of Political Science for a prerequisite override. Prerequisite: POL 10100. 3.000 Credit hours |
| The core issues of public policy process, institutional contexts and ethical considerations form the basis of this introductory survey of traditional and contemporary theories of public policy. Prerequisite: POL 10300. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Introduction to the theory and practice of governmental administration, including structure, organization, direction and control of governmental departments and agencies. Prerequisite: None. 3.000 Credit hours 3.000 Lecture hours Levels: Undergraduate Schedule Types: Lecture Political Science Department |
| Introduces students to the political and economic tools used to analyze public policies and discusses the political elements influencing that analysis. Essentially, the goal is to ensure that students understand the basic economic principles used to evaluate different public policy proposals while questioning the assumptions underlying those economic assumptions. Prerequisite: None. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Examines alternative dispute resolution principles applicable to complex, multi-party public sector disputes, especially environmental and land use disputes. Students learn about deliberative democracy, a variety of circle processes, consensus decision-making, collaborative problem-solving, digital dialogue processes, and town hall meeting structures among others. Case studies of environmental conflicts and multi-party mediation simulations are used. Prerequisite:none. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Addresses the history, structure, and current practices of politics and public policy in the state of Ohio. Prerequisite: None. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Discusses local governance in the context of metropolitan change, and issues such as governing capacity, local democracy, individual choice, and economic and racial inequality. Examines the formal and informal arrangements that shape change and public policy. Nonmajors should contact the Department of Political Science for a prerequisite override. Prerequisite: POL 10100 or POL 10300. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Introduces the theoretical and legal infrastructures of federalism and intergovernmental relations, with a particular emphasis on political and policy operations at the state level. Political behavior and institutions, as well as the specifics of selected, substantive policy areas are emphasized. Prerequisite: None. 3.000 Credit hours |
| This course introduces competing theoretical approaches to the study of international relations; an examination of the historical developments followed by an examination of current issues in world politics. Prerequisite: POL 10500. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Intensive study of major European problems handled by international organizations, including the United Nations and nongovernmental organizations. Combines classroom and field investigations. Prerequisite: registration in the Geneva Semester required. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Examines major European national political systems (British, French, German, Russian and Scandinavian) relations between the European states, the institutions of the European Union and prospects and problems of European integration. Prerequisite: POL 10004 or POL 10500. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Diversity Course-Global |
| Introduction to the political, economic, and social dynamics of Asia: from Siberia in the north to the Indian Ocean in the south, and from the Pacific Ocean in the east to the Hindu Kush in the west. The first part of the course examines Asia's modern political history (particularly the past half-century). The second part of the course focuses on contemporary issues, including the roles of the US and sub-regional actors such as ASEAN. Prerequisite: POL 10004 or POL 10500. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Diversity Course-Global |
| An analysis of major issues in African politics and international relations. The contemporary development of Africa will be analyzed in the global context of the historical forces of imperialism and colonialism. Prerequisite: POL 10004 or POL 10500. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Diversity Course-Global |
| Analysis of political culture/process in selected Latin American states, with particular emphasis on Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Columbia. Prerequisite: POL 10004 or POL 10500. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Diversity Course-Global |
| Introduces students to the theory and context of politics in the Middle East in a way that contests the often-simplistic stereotypes communicated through western media and throughout western culture, in order to encourage a more nuanced appreciation of the Middle East. Theoretical approaches utilized include modernization, dependency, structuralism and constructivism. Prerequisite: POL 10004 or POL 10500. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Diversity Course-Global |
| Examines interaction between economics and politics in international relations. Topics: poverty and uneven economic development, political prerequisites for free trade, intra-western and north-south economic conflict, and distributive justice. Prerequisite: POL 10004 or POL 10500. 3.000 Credit hours |
| This course introduces the subject matter in historical and theoretical contexts, then devotes detailed attention to the full range of international organizations that exist today. A final section addresses the role of international law in world politics. Prerequisite: POL 10004 or POL 10500. 3.000 Credit hours |
| This course introduces the diverse range of nongovernmental organizations which exist today and explores their varying roles in setting agendas, shaping legislation and implementing public policy reforms. Prerequisite: POL 10004 or POL 10300 or POL 10500. 3.000 Credit hours |
| (Repeatable for credit)Allows students to earn academic credit while performing intern's duties as part of the Semester in Geneva program. Prerequisite:none. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirem |
| This course examines the multiple roles played by the mass media in contemporary politics and analyzes the implications of those roles. Nonmajors should contact the Department of Political Science for a prerequisite override. Prerequisite: POL 10100. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Analysis of determinants of public opinion and political behavior. Study of how public makes up its mind and impact of public opinion on government policy. Prerequisite: POL 10100. 3.000 Credit hours |
| An examination of the changing roles of political parties and interest groups in the American political system, including a comparison of their respective electoral activities. Prerequisite: POL 10100. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Nature and scope of constitutional government. Study of judicial review, separation of powers, federalism, commerce and taxation. Prerequisite: POL 10100. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Nature and scope of constitutional limitations. Study of first amendment, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, criminal rights, due process, equal protection. Prerequisite: POL 10100. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Diversity Course-Domestic |
| (Repeatable with special approval A required, writing-intensive seminar for juniors and seniors in the American politics concentration. The focus of the seminar will vary depending on instructor. Prerequisites: POL 10100 or 10300; and POL 10004 or 10500; and POL 20001 and POL 20002 or POL 20003; and political science (POL) major. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Writing Intensive Course |
| The ethical obligations of public policy makers are examined in this course, within a series of applied cases. The goal is to empower students with the intellectual tools of critical analysis within diverse policy environments. Prerequisite: POL 10300. 3.000 Credit hours |
| (Repeatable with special approval) A required, writing intensive seminar for juniors and seniors in the public policy concentration. The focus of the seminar will vary depending on instructor. Prerequisites: POL 10100 or 10300; and POL 10004 or POL 10500; and POL 20001 and POL 20002 or 20003; and political science (POL) major. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Writing Intensive Course |
| Provides an advanced understanding of the nature of government regulation: its definition; the institutions and groups involved in developing it; and current practices. The focus is on analyzing why regulation exists and how regulatory agencies function. Prerequisites: POL 10100 or POL 10300. 3.000 Credit hours |
| This is a course in United States environmental politics and policies. It deals with topics such as the history of the U.S. environmental movement, public opinion and environmental issues, environmental racism and classism, and environmental policy making and implementation. Prerequisites: POL 10100 or POL 10300. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Addresses health care policy in the United States from both theoretical (political, economic as well as public policy) and substantive perspectives at the state, national and comparative-international levels. Further, the examination of health care policy takes place in the context of social welfare policy more broadly considered. Prerequisite: POL 10100 or 10300. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Examines origins, development and current record of century-old women's movement unique in U.S. annals; compares it with other contemporary social movements. Examines issues of women and public policy. Prerequisite: POL 10100 or POL 10300. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Diversity Course-Domestic |
| Examines central questions concerning the justification, explanation characteristic features and consequences of war. Specific cases are examined such as World War II, the Chinese Revolution, Vietnam's civil war and potential nuclear war. Prerequisite: POL 10004 or POL 10500. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Examines practice, record and theories of political development for less developed, developing and developed political systems. Includes extensive analysis of issues, problems through case studies. Prerequisite: POL 10004 or POL 10500. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Diversity Course-Global |
| Examines the relationship between human rights and problems of the Third World in the civic, political, social and cultural arenas. Particular attention is placed on the struggle of women. Prerequisite: POL 10004 or POL 10500. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Diversity Course-Global |
| (Repeatable with special approval) A required, writing-intensive seminar for juniors or seniors in the International Relations-Comparative Politics concentration. The focus of the seminar varies depending on instructor. International Relations (INTL) majors who have completed POL 10004, 10500, and six (6) hours from the Political Science - International Relations and Comparative Politics concentration may request a prerequisite override from the Department of Political Science. Prerequisites: POL 10100 or 10300; and POL 10004 or 10500; and POL 30002 or POL 30003; and political science (POL) major. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Writing Intensive Course |
| Examines the role of social movements both in the US and around the world. Focuses on labor, environmental, social justice and other initiatives in the push for political and economic democracy. North-South, public-private, labor-management and regional perspectives are emphasized. Prerequisite: POL 10004 or POL 10100 or POL 10500. 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Diversity Course-Domestic |
| Comparative analysis of foreign policy patterns and determinants on the basis of the examination of foreign policy of selected countries. Prerequisite: POL 10004 or POL 10300 or POL 10500. 3.000 Credit hours |
| Examines policy objectives, patterns of decision-making and foreign policy actions, roles of interest groups, public opinion, congress, executive and external influences on policy. Prerequisite: POL 10500 or POL 10100 or POL 10004. 3.000 Credit hours |
| (Repeatable for credit) Annual fall semester resident-study in Columbus. Students spend three days per week working at an internship and two days per week attending briefings and completing course studies. Prerequisite: Minimum 2.500 overall GPA; and special approval. 15.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirem |
| (Repeatable for credit) Annual spring semester resident-study in Washington, D.C. Credit hours divided among three units: lecture and course work, on-site briefings seminar and internship. Prerequisite: Junior standing; and 2.750 overall GPA; and special approval. 15.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirem |
| (Repeatable for a maximum of 6 credit hours) Allows academic credit for approved participation in variety of political processes, or as an intern with governmental or private agencies dealing with public affairs. Prerequisites: Minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA; and special approval. 1.000 TO 3.000 Credit hours Course Attributes: Experiential Learning Requirem |
| (Repeatable for credit)Prerequisite: None. 1.000 TO 6.000 Credit hours |
| (Repeatable for credit)Special course, not regularly offered. Subject varies depending on the emerging issue, staff availability and competencies. Precise title always listed in the schedule of classes. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. 1.000 TO 3.000 Credit hours |
| (Repeatable for credit) For students desiring research into subjects beyond level of completed course work, or on subjects for which no regular course is offered. A minimum GPA of 2.750 is required prior to registration for this course. Prerequisites: Any two of the following courses: POL 10004, POL 10100, POL 10300, and POL 10500; and junior standing; and special approval. 1.000 TO 3.000 Credit hours |