College's catalog - Trinity Christian College

Political Science
199
PLSC 270 Third-World (Non-Western) Politics (3) – CCs
spring, Odd
This course will survey various paradigms for politics in the Third World—democratic,
communist, fascist, totalitarian, eclectic, etc. Christian insights will be encouraged as students
reflect upon all of the issues associated with “developing” societies, such as poverty, economic
exploitation, and technology. Fulfills one of the cross-cultural studies general education requirements.
PLSC 301 Political Theory (3)
Spring, Even
Students examine the main contributors to Western political thought, such as Plato, Aristotle,
Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, the American founding fathers,
and Marx. Thinkers and systems are examined in the light of biblical principles and insights,
especially those emanating from the Reformed tradition such as Calvin, Rutherford, A. Kuyper,
and Dooyeweerd. Students also compare the significant insights available within Roman Catholic,
Lutheran, and Anabaptist communions. Prerequisite: Political Science 121.
PLSC 310 Christian Political Traditions (3)
Spring, Odd
This course will examine, in depth, the following Christian political traditions: Roman Catholic,
Anabaptist, Lutheran, Reformed, Evangelical, and Fundamentalist. Other more recent traditions
or movements, such as environmental and feminist Christian politics, may also be covered. Both
theological frameworks and particulars of history will be noted as comparisons and contrasts
unfold. Special focus will be on the Kuyperian-Reformed politics and what the insights from this
tradition imply for American politics today.
PLSC 321 International Relations (3)
Spring, Even
Students attempt to understand the changing landscape of diplomacy based on the Christian
principle of justice among nations. Students are shown how this principle relativizes the forces
of nationalism and national sovereignty, placing international relations on a new foundation.
The course focuses on the contrast between secular and Christian political science approaches to
conflict resolution and doing justice to Third World nations and cultures. Prerequisites: Political
Science 121 and either 201 or 255.
PLSC 330 Urban Politics (3)
Fall, Odd
Students examine the dynamics of urban politics, with special concentration on relationships among
urban communities and the problems of urban planning. The course considers development of
Christian insight concerning the many political problems facing modern urban America.
PLSC 338 Envisioning America: The U.S. Since the 1920s (3)
Spring
This course will examine the competing political worldviews that have shaped American cultural
development and public policy since 1920. This course will also offer Christian critique of these
diverse ideologies. This course is identical to History 338.
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