Students majoring in political science must complete a minimum of 33 semester hours in political science, including:

• PSC 101 - American Government
• PSC 102 - Comparative Politics and Foreign Governments
• PSC 103 - State and Local Government
• PSC 260 - Introduction to International Relations
• PSC 330 - Classical Political Philosophy OR
  PSC 332 - Modern Political Philosophy
• PSC 484 - Senior Seminar in Political Science (during the junior or senior year)

In addition, each political science major must complete AHS 300 - Statistical Analysis.

A student with a major in political science must choose either a minor from another discipline or 21 hours of cognate studies involving courses from two or more disciplines, of which 12 hours must be in upper-level courses with a minimum of 6 hours from each discipline.

Freshmen considering a major in political science should consult with the chair of the department during their freshman year. Sophomores should file a program of study before the end of their sophomore year. Transfer students are advised to consult with the chair of the department before scheduling courses.

Guidelines for curriculum planning in political science are available in the department office. These guidelines are designed to consider such intellectual and vocational interests as prelaw training, international studies, public service, and graduate school preparation.

The student choosing a minor in political science must take 21 hours of course work, including PSC 101, 102, and 484 (during the junior or senior year).

The Department of Political Science offers an internship option for students. Internships bridge the gap between learning experience and entry into professional life. Normally, students must have junior status or above to be considered for this option.

101     American Government

Introductory examination of American government and politics.

102     Comparative Politics and Foreign Governments

Survey of government and politics in industrializing, post-industrial, and modernizing countries.

103     State and Local Government

Introduction to state and local politics in America. Examination of different governmental forms and their impact on public policies.

260     Introduction to International Relations

Examination of the basic factors underlying the conduct of international relations, focusing upon the forces affecting the change and direction of the present state system. Special attention is given to the forces affecting war and peace. Prerequisite: PSC 101.

280     Special Topics

Selected topics in local, state, national and world politics. Prerequisite: Permission of the chair.

302     The American Congress

Examination of the organization and role of the Congress, its leadership, internal processes, and relationship with other parts of the American political system. Prerequisite: PSC 101.

304     American Presidency

Role of the president in the American political system. Special emphasis upon internal functioning of executive branch of government through analysis of structure and techniques of the national administration. Prerequisite: PSC 101.

306     American Federalism

Examination of the theory and practice of American federalism with emphasis upon the constitutional framework, intergovernmental relations and the changing roles of state and local governments. Prerequisite: PSC 101.

309     Political Parties and Interest Groups

Reviews the roles of two major "linkage" institutions in U.S. politics. Considers the organizational features of these institutions and their impact upon the electoral and policy-making processes. Prerequisite: PSC 101.

310     Elections and Public Opinion

Consideration of American elections and public opinion with focus on national elections. Changing patterns and methods of influencing public opinion are examined. Prerequisite: PSC 101.

311     Scope and Methods in Political Science

Examination of the main concerns of political scientists and the methods used by political scientists. Students will gain an understanding of the history of the discipline and the research methods used by political scientists of all fields. Prerequisite: AHS 300. Lab Fee: $40.

330     Classical Political Philosophy

Careful analysis of the roots of political inquiry in selected works of ancient and medieval political philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine and Aquinas. Major themes include the search for the just social order, the proper relationship between the citizen and the state, and other fundamental concepts of western political institutions. Prerequisite: 9 hours of PSC, PHL and/or HY. (Same as PHL 330).

332     Modern Political Philosophy

Critical examination of the philosophical foundations for modern politics that emerged from the 15th through the 19th century in western Europe. Major themes and theorists include the concepts of individual rights, property, representation, majority rule, limited government, and revolution discussed in selected writings of Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and J.S. Mill among others. Prerequisite: 9 hours of PSC, PHL and/or HY. (Same as PHL 332).

334     American Political Thought

In-depth study of theorists, concepts, and forces that have shaped American political values from the founding of the republic to the present. Major themes include the relationship between liberty and equality, rights and democracy, and industrialization and the public good. Prerequisite: PSC 101.

340     Government and Politics of Industrializing & Post-Industrial Countries

Examination of selected advanced industrialized countries and countries that have significant influence on the developed world. Themes will vary, but will generally include presidential and parliamentary forms of democracy, political parties and mass participation, and the role of the government in the economy. Prerequisite: PSC 101 and PSC 102 recommended.

341     Government and Politics of Modernizing Countries

Examination of selected nations in Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa which are undergoing political and economic modernization. Themes will vary, but will generally include the role of democracy in development, political institutionalization, and the roles of religion and ethnicity. Prerequisite: PSC 101 and PSC 102 recommended.

351     Introduction to American Legal Systems

Structure, jurisdiction, procedures, and impact of the courts in administration of justice. Focus on the roles of the major participants in the legal system. Both criminal and civil justice topics are covered. Prerequisite: PSC 101 recommended.

412     Public Administration

Examination of public agencies and their relationships with legislative and elected executive officials. National, state, and local case studies are utilized to illustrate administrative problems including leadership, decisionmaking, communications, and staff-line conflict. Prerequisite: PSC 101.

416     Alabama and Southern Politics

Surveys the government and politics of Alabama and provides an overview of the political culture in the American South. Prerequisite: PSC 101.

418     Urban Politics

Examination of urban politics in America with attention given to urban problems, urban environment, power structures, and policy outputs. Prerequisite: PSC 101, 103, or 306 recommended.

436     Contemporary Political Ideologies

Critical examination of the nature of modern ideologies. Among the major ideologies studied will be important examples of conservatism, liberalism, socialism, communism, and fascism in theory and practice. Prerequisite: PSC 101.

438     Contemporary Political Thought

Systematic study of recent and current thinking on issues and problems of politics, social theory and ethics. Prerequisites: 9 hours PSC, PHL, and/or HY.

452     American Constitutional Law

Policymaking role of the Supreme Court in the American political system through analysis of leading cases in interpreting the constitution. Prerequisite: PSC 101, 351 recommended.

454     Civil Liberties

Judicial interpretations of contemporary questions involving rights of individuals and limits on the freedom of action in American society. Prerequisite: PSC 101, 351 and/or HY 318 recommended.

464     American Foreign Policy

Institutions, processes, interests and personalities affecting the formation of American foreign policy. Prerequisite: PSC 101, 102 recommended.

468     United States National Security Policy

Examination of the substance and decisionmaking processes behind the national security policies of the United States. The course will include a discussion of the historical rationale of the policy as well as the current military, economic, technological, and social challenges confronting the country. Prerequisite: PSC 101, 102, 260 recommended.

480     Advanced Topics in Political Science

Selected topics in local, state, national and world politics. May be repeated for up to 6 hours credit. Prerequisite: Permission of the department chair.

484     Senior Seminar in Political Science

Advanced examination into the subfields of political science offered by the department. May be repeated with different faculty for up to 6 hours credit. Prerequisites: PSC 101, advanced status in political science and permission of the department chair.

495     Internship in Government

Undergraduates may receive from 1 to 6 hours of academic credit for an internship with local, state, or federal governmental agencies. Students must attend internship seminars, keep a log of activities, and submit a report on their internship.

500     The American Polity

A comprehensive and intensive review of the foundations, institutions, and dynamics of the American polity and the relationship of these forces to the making of public policy. Junior or senior standing and permission of the department chair.

501     Approaches to Public Policy

An introduction to the study of public policy in the United States, including analysis of the various decisionmaking and process models. Prerequisite: PSC 500 or permission of the department chair.

510     Public Management Profession: Theory and Practice

Introduction to public management as a field of study and practice. Review of basic literature. Emphasis on ethics in public service. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing and permission of the department chair.

580     Special Topics in Political Science

Selected topics in local, state, national and world politics.