Political Science
| Key to Course Offerings |
| Q: |
designates courses in the Quantitative Scientific Cluster |
| I: |
the Ideas and Events Cluster |
| B: |
the Human Behavior Cluster |
| L: |
the Literature, Language and Arts Cluster |
| C: |
Multicultural |
| IDIS: |
Interdisciplinary courses
Multicultural and interdisciplinary courses also fulfill a cluster designation. |
| * |
Asterisk indicates that the course may be offered less than once every two years. |
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Undergraduate Day School |
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Undergraduate Evening School |
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Courses having a more narrow focus than those taught on a regular basis of courses being taught on an experimental basis can be taught as Topics courses. These courses will be assigned numbers based on the student level for which they are intended-first, second, third or fourth year. |
United States Government
POLS 1000 3 cr. 3 hr.
In modern American government, the major political institutions, such as the presidency, the Congress, and the Supreme Court, are examined. Their constitutional antecedents and their modern functions are presented. Special attention is given to the current bureaucracy, elections and the political actors in the election process. I
Introduction to Political Science
POLS 1100 3 cr. 3 hr.
This course represents an introduction to the field of political science. Political science is the study of how people interact with one another in their communities, whether they are as small as the Fitchburg State College campus, or as large as the entire global community. The course is divided into the following three sections, each of which represents an important sub-field within the discipline: political philosophy, American government and international politics. I
State and Urban Government
POLS 1500 3 cr. 3 hr.
The class focuses upon current issues and politics in urban and state government and attempts to evaluate proposed solutions to issues. I
Global Issues
IDIS 1800 3 cr. 3 hr.
This course examines the interdependency of the world's nations by focusing on current events in the international arena and issues such as ozone depletion, pollution, the global economy, conflict and cooperation, population and hunger. I, IDIS, C
Contemporary International Relations
POLS 2200 3 cr. 3 hr.
The course studies critical problems confronting the present international system. The Cold War, armed conflict and internal violence, as well as prospects for the resolution of conflict are explored.
Introduction to the Legal Process
POLS 2270 3 cr. 3 hr.
This course serves as an introduction to the American legal system. Emphasis is placed on how courts and lawyers function, how cases are decided and the means by which courts interpret legislation.
Prerequisite: POLS 1000 or 1100.
Political Science Research Methods
POLS 2400 3 cr. 3 hrs.
Political Science Research Methods (PSRM) introduces students to the scientific and quantitative study of politics. It introduces the scientific method and concepts, measurement techniques, research design, data gathering techniques (univariate, bivariate, and multivariate), and the limitations to the study of politics via science and quantitative techniques.
Political Systems of the Modern World
POLS 2500 3 cr. 3 hr.
The course provides a comparative analysis of modern national governments. The importance of the world's political heritage and the implications for the emerging nations of liberal democracy, communism and dictatorship are explored.
Prerequisite: IDIS 1200 or IDIS 1800.
Sex, Race and the Constitution
POLS 2550 3 cr. 3 hr.
This course examines the long history of discrimination in the United States on the basis of race and gender. It examines in detail the guarantee of equal protection of the law found in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution and how the meaning of what is equal have evolved over time. Topics covered will include how to define and measure equality, affirmative action, racial preferences in college admissions, voting rights, distinction based on gender, equality based on physical differences between men and woman, the evolution of the right of privacy, abortion and sexual harassment. I, IDIS
Prerequisite: POLS 1000 or POLS 1100 or CJ 2000.
The First Amendment
POLS 2600 3 cr. 3 hr.
This course examines the basic rights and freedoms derived from the First Amendment to the Constitution. The course will examine in depth great controversies of freedom of speech, press and religion. Topics covered will include protection for hate speech, speech codes on college campuses, prior restraints on the press, and free exercises of religion, and governmental limitations on the establishment of religion. I
Prerequisite: POLS 1000 or POLS 1100 or CJ 2000.
Criminal Procedure: Rights of the Accused
POLS 2700 3 cr. 3 hr.
This course examines the basic rights and freedoms derived from the portions of the Bill of Rights addressing criminal procedure. The course will examine in depth the fourth, fifth, sixth and eighth Amendments to the Constitution. Topics covered will include protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, self-incrimination, double jeopardy, due process of law, the right to counsel, the right to confront witnesses, trial by jury and the meaning of cruel and unusual punishment. I
Prerequisite: POLS 1000 or POLS 1100 or CJ 2000.
Public Policy Analysis: Case Studies in American Politics
POLS 3000 3 cr. 3 hr.
The course covers four major divisions of public policy: health, education, labor and welfare. The aim is to attain an understanding of how the American political system works through a study of the policy that has come out of that system.
Prerequisite: POLS 1000 or POLS 1500.
The Conduct of American Foreign Policy
POLS 3400 3 cr. 3 hr.
With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States has been left as the only global superpower. As a result, American policies around the globe, and responses to such global issues as the environment, human rights or nuclear proliferation, have become increasingly significant on a national and international level. This course will introduce students to American foreign policy. I
Constitutional Law
POLS 3500 3 cr. 3 hr.
Constitutional Law is the product of interpretation, power and political calculation. The collusion and collision of these forces produces the parameters of our governmental system. The U.S. Supreme Court over the years has issued many decisions which have fundamentally shaped and altered the scope and distribution of government authority. This course is the study of the product of these decisions and the shaped our current system of government. I
Prerequisite: POLS 1000 or POLS 1100 or POLS 2000.
Asian Politics and Culture
POLS 3700 3 cr. 3 hr.
This course introduces the politics and culture of three major Asian states: China, Japan, and India. It begins with their philosophy, history and society to give students a basic understanding of the Asian peoples and then, approaches their politics. I, C
Prerequisite: IDIS 1200 or IDIS 1800.
Third World Politics, Economics, and Society
POLS 3800 3 cr. 3 hr.
The course represents an introduction to the developing nations of Africa, Asia and Latin America. These developing nations have a significant impact on global politics. Through an examination of the history, politics, economics and societies of these nations, the students will gain a greater understanding of the developing world. I, IDIS, C
Prerequisite: IDIS 1200 or IDIS 1800.
Senior Seminar in Political Science
POLS 4000 3 cr. 3 hr.
The mission of this course is twofold: first to engage original research in the field of Political Science and second to develop an integrative portfolio demonstrating that students have mastered the skills needed to graduate with a degree in Political Science. Students will engage in a semester-long research project on aspects of current importance in the discipline. This will include topic selection, literature review, methodology, and extrapolation of Political Science theory. Secondly, students will organize work products retained from previous courses in a portfolio, which must be submitted and evaluated as part of this course. Using these work products as evidence, students will complete an integrative analysis of their competencies in Political Science. This analysis will thoughtfully describe how and what they have learned as a Political Science major.
Prerequisite: Senior standing as a Political Science major
Moot Court
POLS 4350 3 cr. 3 hr.
In this course, students will intensively study a specific area of law for the purpose of arguing in a moot court competition. Moot court involves teams of student-contestants, clients burdened by a legal problem, briefs and oratory detailing the dimensions of the legal problem before an appellate court, and the judging of performances by panels of faculty and attorneys. The top teams emerging from this course will be eligible to represent the college at the national tournament. IDIS, I, L
Independent Study in Political Science
POLS 4900 3 cr. 3 hr.
The Independent Study is open to students who have the permission of the supervising instructor and the department. The course of study, meetings, and credit are arranged upon approval.
Legal Internship
POLS 4905 3 cr. 10 hr.
Internships are available in several regional law offices for those persons interested in paralegal work. These internships prepare students for positions in law offices, public administration and other human services work.
Legal Internship
POLS 4915 6 cr. 20 hr.
(See description above.)
Legal Internship
POLS 4920 9 cr. 30 hr.
Legal Internship
POLS 4925 12 cr. 40 hr.
(See description above.)
Internships in Political Science
POLS 4940 3-12 cr.
Off-campus opportunities, carrying appropriate academic credit, are available in local, state and federal government offices and with political campaigns. Internships are open to students who have the permission of the department. Credit and hours are arranged by special permission.
Directed Study
POLS 4975 1-6 cr.
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