Oct 31, 2025

2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog

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2013-2014 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Political Science - International Studies Option B (POLB) - BA Major

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42 S.H. (Minor Required)

This option enables students to earn a BA degree in political science by specializing in international relations. A degree in political science with an emphasis on international relations may be combined with either a minor or a major in international business, economics or foreign languages to broaden the scope of opportunities after graduation. Most of the requirements for this major can be met by taking electives, although a core of five courses is required.

Required Courses - POLS (15 S.H.)

POLS 120 - Introduction to American Politics (3 S.H.)
POLS 130 - Introduction to International Relations (3 S.H.)
POLS 135 - Comparative Political Systems (3 S.H.)
◆ POLS 280 - Introduction to Political Analysis (3 S.H.)
POLS 422 - American Foreign Policy (3 S.H.)

Electives (27 S.H.)

Students must take the remaining nine courses from International Politics and Comparative Politics sub-fields. No more than three 200-level courses will apply toward the major requirements.

Sub-Fields for Political Science and Public Administration Programs

American Politics

POLS 120 - Introduction to American Politics (3 S.H.)
POLS 218 - Community Service (3 S.H.)
POLS 220 - Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (3 S.H.)
POLS 221 - State and Local Government (3 S.H.)
POLS 227 - Judicial Process & Politics (3 S.H.)
POLS 228 - Public Service (3 S.H.)
POLS 315 - American Political Thought (3 S.H.)
POLS 320 - Constitutional Law (3 S.H.)
△ POLS 321 - American Presidency (3 S.H.)
△ POLS 322 - Political Parties, Interest Groups, and Special Movements (3 S.H.)
△ POLS 330 - Race & American Politics (3 S.H.)
△ POLS 333 - Media and Politics (3 S.H.)
POLS 340 - Environmental Policy (3 S.H.)
POLS 341 - Health Care Politics & Policy (3 S.H.)
POLS 360 - American Congress (3 S.H.)
POLS 419 - Constitutional Politics (3 S.H.)
POLS 420 - Administrative Law (3 S.H.)
◎ POLS 421 - The First Amendment (3 S.H.)
△ POLS 425 - Policy Studies (3 S.H.)
POLS 426 - Politics of Public Budgeting (3 S.H.)
POLS 429 - Policy Reform (3 S.H.)
POLS 430 - Agency Performance (3 S.H.)

Comparative Politics

POLS 135 - Comparative Political Systems (3 S.H.)
POLS 224 - Politics & Society in Latin American (3 S.H.)
POLS 225 - Ethnic Conflict and Nationalism (3 S.H.)
POLS 226 - Politics & Society in Africa (3 S.H.)
POLS 270 - Politics and Society in the Middle East (3 S.H.)
POLS 332 - European Political Systems (3 S.H.)
POLS 335 - Politics in Latin America (3 S.H.)
△ POLS 336 - Post Communist Political Systems (3 S.H.)
POLS 337 - Asian Political Systems (3 S.H.)
POLS 343 - Human Rights in Theory and Practice (3 S.H.)
POLS 390 - Comparing Politics in Developing Countries (3 S.H.)
△ POLS 475 - Democratization and Its Challenges (3 S.H.)

International Politics

POLS 130 - Introduction to International Relations (3 S.H.)
POLS 205 - The United Nations in World Affairs (3 S.H.)
POLS 342 - International Political Economy (3 S.H.)
POLS 346 - International Law (3 S.H.)
△ POLS 347 - International Organizations (3 S.H.)
POLS 422 - American Foreign Policy (3 S.H.)
◎ POLS 460 - North American Relations (3 S.H.)
◎ POLS 488 - Issues in International Politics (3 S.H.)

Political Theory

POLS 150 - Introduction to Political Theory (3 S.H.)
△ POLS 260 - Classical Political Thought (3 S.H.)
POLS 315 - American Political Thought (3 S.H.)
△ POLS 325 - Modern Political Theory (History of Political Thought) (3 S.H.)
△ POLS 358 - Contemporary Political Thought (3 S.H.)
△ POLS 450 - Feminist Political Theory (3 S.H.)

Research and Methodology

POLS 199 - First-Year Seminar (1-3 S.H.)
◆ POLS 280 - Introduction to Political Analysis (3 S.H.)
POLS 401 - Independent Readings in Political Science (1-3 S.H.)
◆ POLS 410 - Political Research Seminar (3 S.H.)
POLS 416 - Internship Program (1-12 S.H.)
POLS 499 - Seminar (1-3 S.H.)

Note:

◎ = Oral Intensive

◆ = Math/Critical Analysis Intensive

△ = Writing Intensive

✽ = Physical Development and Wellness Graduation Requirement

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