Political Science
POL131 American Government - 4 credits
This course introduces the student to mechanics, institutions, problem and principles of American national government. It stresses the relationship of constitutional principles to American political practice. Emphasis is placed on change in the political environment and judicial interpretation of constitutional tenants as major factors in a viable and dynamic American political system. Racial and Ethnic minorities are also examined in this course.
POL231 American Political Theory - 4 credits
A general introduction to U.S. political theory. Topics might include: peace, justice, civil liberties, war and violence, and utopian ideas. Readings will be drawn from a variety of time periods. Students will read a wide range of authors.
POL232 Comparative Government and Politics - 4 credits
An introduction to the development of political institutions and the current governmental systems in selected nations and areas of the world. Special emphasis will be devoted to the impact of institutional and cultural patterns upon human rights and the quality of life in those countries. Students will also learn to compare and contrast critical aspects of different governmental systems.
POL241 International Relations - 4 credits
Survey and analysis of the major theories and approaches in the study of international relations and global politics. Students will specifically examine how the current global system is constructed and how nation-states interact. Topics include globalization, trade, war and peace, arms control, nation-building, terrorism, and the global environment.
POL242 State and Local Government - 4 credits
State and local government is the primary contact a citizen has with government. In a creative learning experience students use Minnesota Legislature as their laboratory for learning and participating in the governmental process.
POL321 Minnesota Politics - 4 credits
Examination of the political system and Constitution of the state of Minnesota. Focus will be on how the state developed, and how the political system currently operates. (Prerequisite: POL131)
POL331 The Constitution - 4 credits
Examination of American Constitutional developments and its history. Students will specifically study the major branches of government and their development. More specific topics would include: Bill of Rights, civil liberties, Judicial review, war powers, federalism, and the amendments. (Prerequisite: POL131)
POL332 The Cold War: A Global Perspective - 4 credits
This course examines the causes, actions, and results of a conflict between the world's superpowers that shaped the direction of global affairs for more than forty years. The course will allow the students to view the Cold War through the eyes of the United States, the Soviet Union, their allies, and many other countries that served as proxies during this period. The international system will be emphasized.
POL334 U.S. Foreign Policy - 4 credits
This course examines the goals and consequences of American foreign policy from the founding of the republic to the present day. Topics include commercial and territorial expansion, America's relationships with other states and nations, World Wars I and II, the Cold War, Vietnam, U.S. imperialism, and the current conflicts over terrorism and natural resources. Special emphasis will be placed on how foreign policies are formulated. The perspectives of other peoples and nations will also be emphasized.
POL337 Parties, Campaigns, and Elections - 4 credits
Analysis of party organizations, campaigns, and presidential and congressional elections in the United States. Attention will be given to state and local party structures and activities, third-party movements, and historical patterns of voting behavior. (Prerequisite: POL131)
POL390 Vietnam War - 4 credits
This course examines, from historical and political perspectives, the Vietnam War era. While an emphasis will be placed on America's role in the conflict, international geopolitical factors will also be investigated. Other topics might include the development of Vietnamese nationalism, the Cold War, French colonialism, Washington's initial commitment to Vietnam, the increase in American involvement from 1954-1965, the Gulf of Tonkin, the failure of military strategy, antiwar protests, the war's legacy, and the impact of the Vietnam War on current politics in Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand, and Southeast Asia. The plight and conditions of the Hmong people, both during and after the war, will be highlighted in this course.
POL401 Research and Writing in Political Science - 2 credits
This serves as the research and writing capstone course for all students in the Political Science program. After reading other scholars' ideas and interpretations in various classes, students will now have the opportunity to research, analyze, and write their own original work of scholarship. Students will do original research projects using primary source materials (government documents, policy reports, newspapers, election data, personal correspondence, etc.), rather than scholarly articles or books. Student can select their own topic, but must work with an instructor. Assessment goals include sound research, adequate content and coverage of the subject, strong critical analysis of sources, and writing style. (Prerequisite: Signature of instructor)
POL487 Readings Seminar: Topics in Political Science - 2 credits
Readings/Research Seminar in Political Science covering selected topics. This course will emphasize the use of scholarly and primary source materials, individual research, and student participation.
POL488 Independent Study - 2-4 credits
Independent Study provides a more flexible educational experience for the student, as well as college credit for work done outside the classroom. These courses are designed and supervised by a faculty member.
POL498 Internship or Service Learning - 2-8 credits
Students participate in an internship or perform a Service Learning project. These sites might include: legislature, government agencies, or other related fields of interest.
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