Political Science

Classes

POL 211: American National Government

Program
Political Science
Hours 3
This course surveys the background, constitutional principles, organization, and operation of the American political system. Topics include the U. S. Constitution, federalism, civil liberties, civil rights, political parties, interest groups, political campaigns, voting behavior, elections, the presidency, bureaucracy, Congress, and the justice system. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and explain relationships among the basic elements of American government and function as more informed participants of the American political system.

POL 220: State and Local Government

Program
Political Science
Hours 3
This course is a study of the forms of organization, functions, institutions, and operation of American state and local governments. Emphasis is placed on the variety of forms and functions of state and local governments, with particular attention to those in Alabama, and to the interactions between state and local governments and the national government. Upon completion, students should be able to identify elements of and explain relationships among the state, local, and national governments of the U.S., and function as more informed participants of state and local political systems.

POL 230: Comparative Government

Program
Political Science
Hours 3
This course introduces comparative analysis of political systems. Emphasis is placed on institutions and processes of contemporary national political systems in selected democratic industrial nations. Upon completion, students should be able to compare and contrast the organization, institutions, and processes of major types of governmental systems of the world.

POL 236: Survey of International Relations

Program
Political Science
Hours 3
This course is a survey of the basic forces affecting international relations. Topics include bases of national power, balance of power, causes of war, the international political economy, international law, international organization, and possible futures of international relations. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and discuss relevant terms and concepts, and identify, analyze, evaluate, and discuss the primary factors influencing the international relations of selected states.