Political Science

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The general aim of the department is to teach students a deeper understanding of government and politics both in the United States and overseas. Training in the department may serve as preparation for graduate school or law school, government jobs at both the federal and state levels, law school, opportunities in business and teaching, or just being an informed citizen.

Students who successfully complete the program will demonstrate:

  • In-depth knowledge of concepts and theories of government;
  • Broad knowledge ability to apply concepts and theories across subdisciplines;
  • Skill preparation for employment, graduate, law school.

For more information about the Political Science major leading to a teaching certification, please contact the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education.

Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Program Contact: Associate Professor Guilherme Silva

 

Majors and Minors

Classes

POS100 : American Government

Introduction to the study of American political institutions and behavior, focusing on the federal (national) government.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Soc & Behav Sciences

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

POS201 : Public Opinion

A survey of public opinion polls, polling methods, opinion-holding, group differences, and public opinion and linkages between public opinion and public policies.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Soc & Behav Sciences

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

POS205 : Mass Media, Technology, and Politics

An examination of the role of the mass media and new communications technologies in the political process, with special emphasis on the constitutional protections for the press and the individual.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

POS210 : Politics and Film

An introduction to basic principles of politics through the use of film. The course analyzes several films, placing them in context and discussing the specific events depicted in the films. This course will also examine the messages (if any) these films have for contemporary politics.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Soc & Behav Sciences

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

POS260 : Trial Practice and Procedures

Students study and practice trial procedures. Topics include opening statements, direct examination, closing statements, objections, and impeaching a witness. Emphasis is on developing critical thinking skills through analysis and preparation of cases developed for mock trial competition. May be repeated, but no more than two hours of practica credit may be applied toward a major or minor.

Credit Hour(s)

1

Semester Offered

Fall

POS280 : Model United Nations

A study of the structure, processes, and operations of the United Nations with special attention given to relevant contemporary issues in order to facilitate preparation for participation in college-level Model United Nations conferences in which students will role-play various U.N. member-states. This course will supplement the Georgetown College Model United Nations Club (GMUNC). Students do not have to participate in the class to be a member of the club. This course may be repeated, but no more than two hours of practica credit may be applied toward a major or minor.

Credit Hour(s)

1

Semester Offered

Fall

POS300 : World Politics

This course is an introduction to world politics, designed to familiarize students with the ways in which states, international organizations, and non-state actors interact in the international system. It offers an analysis of the general approaches to world politics, emphasizing current issues and problems.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Soc & Behav Sciences

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

POS302 : European Politics

Political behavior and institutions of European countries and the European Union.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

POS305 : Urban Government

An examination of current urban problems, city governments, metropolitan governmental reform, and future alternatives of urban public policy.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

POS307 : Comparative Politics

This course will provide an introduction to key theoretical frameworks, concepts, and analytical methods commonly used today in comparative politics, including: the state, political culture, democracy, authoritarianism, development, and national/ethnic identity, to name a few. This course is intended to familiarize students with the most important concepts necessary for the comparison of different political systems and contexts. Students will learn how to apply this understanding in investigating different countries and regions in the contemporary world.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Area of Inquiry

Soc & Behav Sciences

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

POS309 : State Government

A survey of the structure and function of the state governments in the U.S. federal system and current problems and issues in state polities.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

POS311 : Politics of the Pacific Rim

A background analysis of government and politics of Pacific Rim from a comparative perspective, including its foreign policy and future role in international relations.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

POS315 : Public Administration

A detailed study of the theory and practice of administration in the public sector.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

POS317 : American Constitutional Politics

A study of the constitutional development of the U.S. federal court system, judicial behavior, and Supreme Court decisions.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

POS319 : Constitutional Rights

A study of Supreme Court decisions on freedom of speech, press, religion, race relations, and due process of law.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

POS325 : The American Legal System

A study of the organization and operation of the U.S. legal system; the functions and role of judges, lawyers, and juries; procedures in civil and criminal trials; jury verdicts, judgments, and sentencing; and the appellate process.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

POS330 : Globalization

This course examines the multidimensional nature of Global Relations, or what is commonly referred to as Globalization. Topics include the exploration of the nature, contents, processes, and actors involved in global capitalism, global governance, and global civil society.

Credit Hour(s)

3

POS333 : Women and Politics

Examination of the connection between gender and politics in America; topics include use and exercise of political power, historical and current social movements, political campaigns and elections, and public policy debates.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

POS335 : United States Congress

An examination of the legislative process, with an emphasis on the structure, functions, and politics of U.S. Congress.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

POS337 : Food and Politics

Systems approach to understanding the current food crisis in America. We will strive to understand the (de)evolution of agriculture and food as part of a supra-structure and/or iron triangle.

Credit Hour(s)

3

POS341 : Force and Security

In a world without higher authority than the sovereign state, war is always possible, and states must prepare to settle their disagreements through the use of force. This course will deal with the consequences of this dilemma, focusing not only on war itself, but also on the means that states use to insure their security short of war and the ethical issues involving the use of force.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

POS350 : Terrorism

This course examines the social phenomenon of terrorism, both at the national and the international levels. Topics include the nature, historic evolution, types, determinants, and motivations related to terrorism. Strategies and policies from nation-states in dealing with terrorism are also explored.

Credit Hour(s)

3

POS355 : The American Presidency

A study of the American presidency and the various parts of the executive branch of the federal government.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

POS365 : Political Parties and Elections

A study of the political party system, party organizations, the nomination process, political campaigns, elections, and voting behavior.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

POS370 : Topics

Selected topics in political science.

Credit Hour(s)

1 - 3

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

POS375 : Tutorial Topics

The study of a special topic in Political Science using a one-on-one tutorial method of instruction adapted from humanities courses at Oxford University. Please check with department for a list of current offerings.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

one course in Political Science and permission of the instructor.

POS400 : Classical Political Theory

An analysis of classical and medieval political theory, focusing on issues such as nature, law, and reason. Major theorists are covered: Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

POS402 : Modern Political Theory

An analysis of political theory from the Renaissance to the present. Major theorists are covered: Hobbes, Locke, Hegel, Rawls, and others.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (odd)

POS403 : American Foreign Policy

This course examines American foreign policy and the foreign policy process, placing special emphasis on current issues and problems.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (even)

POS407 : International Law and Organization

A study of laws among nation-states, with emphasis on rights and duties, territories, diplomacy, settlement of disputes, armed conflicts, and the United Nations system.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

POS409 : Kentucky Government

A study of political behavior and institutions of Kentucky at all levels.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

POS415 : American Political Thought

A study of major American political thinkers and the influence of their ideas on American politics and government, from colonial times to the present.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall (odd)

POS425 : Political Science Research Methods

An introduction to the methods and procedures used in quantitative political science research, such as the specification of the research questions, measurement issues, research design, data collection, and analysis.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

POS440 : Independent Study

Special research assignments by approval and appointment with the faculty.

Credit Hour(s)

1 - 3

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

POS450 : Senior Seminar

Capstone course bringing together the several sub-fields of the discipline; students conduct research in areas of political theory, American politics, international relations, and comparative politics; present research; and participate in peer evaluation.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Fall

POS460 : Internship

Supervised, practical experiences in the field of political science in appropriate agencies. Consent of instructor required for enrollment.

Credit Hour(s)

1 - 6

Semester Offered

Fall
Spring

POS461 : Kentucky, Legislative Intern Program

A one-term experience working with the Legislature in Frankfort, along with evening seminars and a research paper submitted to the Georgetown College Political Science Department.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Semester Offered

Spring (even)

SST450 : Security Studies Seminar

This course aims to develop a working knowledge of the theories and conceptual frameworks that form the intellectual basis of security studies as an academic discipline. Students will write a seminar paper in which theoretical insights are systematically applied to a current security issue. NOTE: This course will be taught in an independent study format unless demand is sufficient to offer it during the semester.

Credit Hour(s)

3

Prerequisites

Permission of the instructor.