2009-11 Marian University Course Catalog, fall 2010 edition

PHY 330
Electricity and Magnetism 3 credits
Prerequisite: MAT 315 and PHY 212 or permission. A more
rigorous approach to the foundations of electromagnetic
theory. Classical electrodynamics and the theory of radiation,
Maxwell’s equations, magnetism, theory of synchrotrons and
cyclotrons. Three lecture hours per week. (ADD)
PHY 370
Analytical Mechanics 3 credits
Prerequisite: MAT 315 and PHY 212 or permission.
Foundations of classical mechanics: the Lagrangian
formalism, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, canonical
transformations, and variational methods. Three lecture
hours per week. (ADD)
PHY 380
Special Topics 1-3 credits
Prerequisite: PHY 111. Special courses in physics in response
to student needs. (ADD)
PHY 410
Current Topics in Physics 3 credits
Prerequisite: MAT 310 and PHY 212. Current developments in
physics including nuclear theory, elementary particle theory,
supersymmentry, and string theory. Three lecture hours per
week. (ADD)
PHY 498
Directed Research 2-4 credits
Prerequisites: Junior or senior major and instructor
permission. This course is designed for junior or senior
students to design and implement research projects or to
investigate topical issues in the field of physics. (SEM)
PHY 499
Independent Study 3 credits
Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing and permission.
Guided readings and research. (ADD)
POL 101
Introduction to Political Science 3 credits
A look at the nature, concepts, and terms of political science
and its four major subfields: American government, political
theory, international relations, and comparative politics.
Principles studied here are applied in analyses of current
events in the United States and around the world. This course
partially satisfies the general education requirement in the
individual and social understanding category. (SEM)
POL 102
Introduction to American Politics 3 credits
Introduction to the basic features and processes of American
government and politics. Examines the underlying
assumptions of American democratic theory and political
thought, the constitutional framework, and its political
institutions (the Congress, the presidency, and the courts).
Political parties and interest groups, voting behavior, public
policy formation, and foreign policy are also discussed. This
course partially satisfies the general education requirement
in the individual and social understanding category. (SPR)
POL 155
Introduction to Peace Studies 3 credits
An introduction to the study of peace and non-violence, with
a special emphasis on the perspective of political science. The
course is divided into two parts: the first will focus on
important classical texts and historical cases that address
issues of peace and non-violence; the second part will focus
on current controversies in these areas. (2SO)
POL 205
Social Science Statistics 3 credits
See SOC 205. (FAL)
POL 210
Introduction to Comparative Politics 3 credits
Prerequisite: 101 or permission. Comparative examination of
political institutions and behavior across countries in Europe,
Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Surveys the different types of
political systems found in the contemporary world, including
various forms of democracy and dictatorship. Students learn
how power is legitimized through the organization of politics
and how political life varies from country to country. (2FO)
POL 220
Introduction to International Relations 3 credits
Prerequisite: 101 or permission. Examines the international
system of sovereign states, including conflictive and
cooperative relations between states and the relationship
between states and international organizations such as the
United Nations. International law and human rights, the role
of non-governmental actors, and international economic
relationships are also introduced. (2SE)
POL 230
Introduction to Political Theory 3 credits
Prerequisite: 101 or permission. Examines thinkers and
themes central to the study of political theory. Addresses
topics such as the emergence and growth of modern
ideologies (liberalism, socialism, communism, fascism); war
and peace; political loyalty and obedience; justice, freedom,
and power. (2FE)
POL 301
Social Science Research 3 credits
See SOC 301. (SPR)
POL 324 3 credits
Global Religion and American Politics
Reflection on religion in the modern world has operated for
the most part under the assumption of its decline. The late-
20 th century changed all that: political scientists of all
different approaches and persuasions agree that a kind of
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