Political Science

DEPARTMENTAL COURSE OFFERINGS

NOTE: In order to enroll in a 400-level course, students must have successfully completed either POS 100, 300, or 307.

POS 100. American Government (3 hours) Introduction to the study of American political institutions and behavior, focusing on the federal (national) government.  Fall and Spring

POS 201. Public Opinion (3 hours) A survey of public opinion polls, polling methods, opinion-holding , group differences, and public opinion and linkages between public opinion and public policies.  Even Springs

POS 205. Mass Media, Technology, and Politics (3 hours) 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.  Odd Springs

POS 210. Politics and Film (3 hours) An introduction to the 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.  Odd Falls

POS 260, 261, 262.  Trial Practice and Procedure (1 hour each) Students study and practice trial procedures.  Topics include opening statements, direct examinations, 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.  Fall

POS 280, 281, 282.  Model United Nations (1 hour each)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 United Nations conferences in which students will role-play various U.N. member-states.  This course will supplement the Georgetown 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.  Fall

POS 300. World Politics (3 hours) 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.  Fall and Spring

POS 302. European Politics (3 hours) Political behavior and institutions of European countries and the European Union.  Even Springs

POS 305. Urban Government (3 hours) An examination of current urban problems, city governments, metropolitan governmental reform and future alternatives of urban public policy.  Even Springs

POS 307. Comparative Politics (3 hours) 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 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.  Fall and Spring

POS 309. State Government (3 hours) 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.  Odd Falls

POS 311. Politics of China (3 hours) A background analysis of government and politics of China from a comparative perspective, including its foreign policy and future role in international relations.  Even Falls

POS 312. Politics of Japan and Korea (3 hours) Comparative studies in political culture, institutions, and behavior of Japan and Korea and their roles in international relations.  Odd Springs

POS 315. Public Administration and Policy Process (3 hours) An examination of the processes involved in formation and implementation of public policy and a detailed study of the theory and practice of administration in the public sector.  Odd Springs

POS 317. American Constitutional Politics (3 hours) A study of the constitutional development of the U.S. federal court system, judicial behavior and Supreme Court decisions.  Even Falls

POS 319. Civil Rights (3 hours) A study of Supreme Court decisions on freedom of speech, press, religion, race relations and due process of law.  Odd Springs

POS 321. International Human Rights (3 hours) This course examines human rights and humanitarian intervention in world politics.  Even Falls

POS 325. The American Legal System (3 hours) 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.  Odd Falls

POS 333. Women and Politics (3 hours) 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.  Even Falls

POS 335. Legislative Process (3 hours) An examination of the legislative process, with an emphasis on structure, functions and politics of U.S. Congress.  Even Springs

POS 341. Force and Security (3 hours) In a world without any 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.  Odd Springs

POS 346. Politics of Latin America (3 hours) A study of major political actors and issues in Latin America.  Odd Springs

POS 355. The American Presidency (3 hours) A study of the American Presidency and the various parts of the executive branch of the federal government.  Odd Falls

POS 365. Political Parties and Elections (3 hours) A study of the political party system, party organizations, the nomination process, political campaigns, elections, and voting behavior.  Even Falls

POS 400. Classical Political Theory (3 hours) 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.  Even Falls

POS 402. Modern Political Theory (3 hours) An analysis of political theory from the Renaissance to the present.  Major theorists are covered: Hobbes, Locke, Hegel, Rawls, and others.  Odd Springs      

POS 403. American Foreign Policy (3 hours) This course examines American foreign policy and the foreign policy process, placing special emphasis on current issues and problems.  Even Falls

POS 407. International Law and Organization (3 hours)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.  Even Springs

POS 409. Kentucky Government (3 hours) A study of political behavior and institutions of Kentucky at all levels.  Odd Falls

POS 415. American Political Thought (3 hours) A study of major American political thinkers, and the influence of their ideas on American politics and government, from colonial times to the present.  Odd Falls

POS 425. Political Science Research Methods (3 hours) 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.  Even Springs

POS 430. International Political Economy (3 hours) An introduction to the basic principles of international political economy (I.P.E.), emphasizing the institutional structures and political processes governing global flows of money, goods, services, and labor.  Also provides an examination of the American role in structuring the I.P.E. of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and provides future perspectives on I.P.E.  Odd Falls

POS 440. Independent Study (1, 2, or 3 hours) Special research assignments by approval and appointment with faculty. 

POS 450. Senior Seminar (3 hours) 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.  Falls

POS 460. Internship (1-6 hours) Supervised, practical experiences in the field of political science in appropriate agencies.  Consent of instructor required for enrollment. 

POS 461. Kentucky Legislative Intern Program (3 hours) 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.

POS 470. Topics (1, 2, or 3 hours) Selected topics in political science.

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