Political Science (PLS)

PLS 135. U.S. Government & Politics. (3 Credits)

Teaches the political structure, processes, institutions and policymaking of the US national government. Focuses on the three branches of government, their interrelationships, and how they shape policy. Addresses federalism; civil liberties and civil rights; political socialization and participation; public opinion, the media; interest groups; political parties; elections; and policymaking. The assignments in the course require college-level reading fluency and coherent communication through written reports. This is a Passport Transfer course. Lecture 3 hours per week. Total 3 hours per week.

PLS 136. State and Local Government and Politics. (3 Credits)

Teaches structure, powers and functions of state and local government in the United States as related to federalism; constitutionalism; elections; powers of legislative, executive, and judicial powers of state and local government; state-local-federal relations; fiscal matters; metropolitan issues; and policy issues, like health, education, criminal justice and welfare. The assignments in the course require college-level reading fluency and coherent communication through written reports. Lecture 3 hours per week. Total 3 hours per week.

PLS 140. Introduction to Comparative Politics. (3 Credits)

Teach concepts and methods of comparative politics. Includes empirical analyses of domestic governmental, political, and societal institutions and norms of countries around the world. The assignments in the course require college-level reading fluency and coherent communication through written reports. This is a Passport and UCGS transfer course. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

PLS 241. Introduction to International Relations. (3 Credits)

Provides an introduction to the causes of international conflict and cooperation. Focuses on the modern state, diplomacy, war initiation, crisis bargaining, international terrorism, nuclear strategy, interstate economic relations, economic growth, international law, human rights, and environmental politics. This is a UCGS transfer course. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week. Prerequisites: ENG 111 or Department Consent.