Political Science Course Outcomes

POLS 1000: Introduction to Politics and Government

This course is ideal for non-majors and introduces students to fundamental questions concerning the nature of the just political community. Questions concerning rights, duties, the nature of the public good, and the appropriate scope of government power will be considered. Students will critique competing historical perspectives on these questions, apply these questions in the context of contemporary American or global politics, and examine how different political systems and forms of government might develop and implement public policies to address these questions.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing any section of POLS 1000 will be able to:

1. Identify and explain fundamental political questions and their normative contexts;
2. Describe and evaluate both historical and contemporary critical perspectives on fundamental political questions;
3. Identify and evaluate how different forms of government address fundamental political questions;
4. Analyze and assess how law and public policy address fundamental political questions;
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the main subfields used in the study of political science; and
6. Engage in political inquiry using various approaches, including political theory, political philosophy, and political science.

POLS 1010: American Government and Politics

This course is a study of American government and politics at the national level. It covers the theoretical underpinnings and structure of the U.S. government, as well as the nature and scope of its powers. It also covers the governing and electoral processes, including the roles of public opinion, the mass media, political parties, and interest groups. Areas of national policy concern will be addressed in discussions of current events.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing any section of POLS 1010 will be able to:

1. Explain in writing and/or orally the theoretical and historical foundations of American constitutionalism;
2. Synthesize and present key ideas in relation to the rights and obligations of American citizenship;
3. Identify, evaluate, compare, and contrast in writing and/or orally the three branches of government by explaining their functions, the separation of powers, and checks and balances;
4. Explain and evaluate in writing the roles of political parties, interest groups, public opinion, and the mass media in American politics; and
5. Analyze and evaluate in writing and/or orally contemporary issues, problems, and events in American government and politics.

POLS 1030: State and Local Government

This course is a study of government and politics at the state and local levels. The institutional frameworks and powers of state and local governments will be considered. The various elements of state and local politics will also be considered, including voting, elections, political parties, and interest groups. Taxation, public expenditure, education, health care, community planning, and other areas of state and local policy concern will be addressed.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing any section of POLS 1030 will be able to:

1. Articulate in writing and/or orally the roles of state and local governments in American federalism;
2. Explain and evaluate in writing and/or orally the institutions, politics, processes, and services of state and local government;
3. Identify, explain, and evaluate in writing and/or orally contributions of political parties, interest groups, and other community organizations to state and local politics;
4. Identify opportunities for participation in state and local government and politics;
5. Analyze and evaluate in writing and/or orally contemporary issues, problems, and events in state and local government and politics; and
6. Examine impacts of state and local government on the lives of individuals and families.

POLS 2010: International Relations

This course studies international and global politics. It includes the study of diplomatic history, theoretical approaches, international political economy, international law and organization, and issues of war, peace, and political stability.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing any section of POLS 2010 will be able to:

1. Describe and define in writing and/or orally key ideas and concepts in international relations;
2. Explain and assess in writing and/or orally the historical development of the international system;
3. Identify, explain, and evaluate theories of international relations;
4. Demonstrate critical thinking by applying international relations theories in writing and/or orally to analyze and evaluate the roles and impacts of actors, institutions, and events in international relations; and
5. Analyze and evaluate in writing and/or contemporary issues, problems, and events in international relations.

POLS 2040: American Political Parties

This course examines the fundamental role played by political parties in the American political system from the Founding to present day. Students will trace the historical evolution of political parties to understand the emergence, endurance, and profound effect of political parties on the system, both in government and the electorate.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing any section of POLS 2040 will be able to:

1. Understand the historical significance and impact of political parties on the development of American government and politics;
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the impact of political parties on government, non-governmental organizations, and the electorate;
3. Identify and discuss the debates that animate the study of American political parties;
4. Examine and critique political parties in the context of political polarization;
5. Evaluate and analyze the role of American political parties throughout history; and
6. Apply course materials to the development and completion of an original research paper.

POLS 2045: American Politics: Theories and Applications

*Course under reconstruction

POLS 2110: Modern Political Ideologies

In this course, students study modern and contemporary political ideologies in terms of their development and applications.  This course involves intensive reading and interpretation of original works.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students successfully completing any section of POLS 2110 will be able to:

1. Define and discuss the significance of key concepts underlying political ideologies;
2. Explain and evaluate major political ideologies, including but not limited to liberalism, conservatism, socialism, fascism, environmentalism, feminism, and Islamism;
3. Identify and describe the contribution of key political thinkers to the development of political ideologies; and
4. Apply ideological frameworks to evaluate and analyze current events.