2014-15-Undergraduate-Catalog

Course Descriptions • 448PSCI 351 Politics and the Media (same as MCOM 351)An interdisciplinary introduction to the complex interrelationship between politics and the media as well asbetween media/politics and all other areas of contemporary life. This course presents principles of politics and themedia and trains students to analyze political life, issues, trends and events as they are covered, or not covered, bythe news media. Prerequisites: MCOM 101 and MCOM 130. Three credits.PSCI 401 Research Studies in Political ScienceThis course is completed as independent study course and requires research of an instructor-approved topic in thearea of Political Science that culminates in a journal-length paper. Enrollment is limited to junior and senior politicalscience majors. Three credits.PSCI 402 Internship in Political ScienceOn-the-job working experience in a Political Science-related career field. Three credits.PSCI 403 International OrganizationsThis course examines both the theoretical underpinnings of the current global governance structure and the roleof international organizations and international law in the contemporary global political system. It does so withparticular focus on trends of rapid globalization and efforts to set up a means for global governance. Prerequisite:PSCI 204. Three credits.PSCI 404 Global Human RightsThis course is designed to engage students in both a discussion of the philosophical and legal foundations of globalhuman rights and an analysis of specific-issue areas within the human rights discipline. These issue-areas will bechosen in conjunction with the students, but might include foreign policy, humanitarian law, economic policy,women’s rights or children’s rights. Three credits.PSCI 405 Senior CapstoneThe Senior Capstone course is the culmination of the student’s political science learning experience. It providessenior majors with an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of the program material by successfully applying whatwas learned to an instructor-approved project related to the field of study and germane to the student’s careerinterests. Prerequisite: Senior standing. Three credits.PSCI 406 American Political CultureThis course analyzes the various values and themes of political thought that provide the foundation of Americanpolitical culture and a distinctive global identity in comparison to the political culture of other nations. The courseexamines the origin, evolution and conflicts of core political values and themes throughout the history of Americanpolitical culture with particular attention to their relevance for the current political environment. Prerequisite: PSCI201. Three credits.PSCI 495 TopicsA study of selected topics in political science to be published in advance of the semester offered. Three credits.PSYCHOLOGY (PSY)PSY 101 General PsychologyA basic introduction to psychology with emphasis given to such ideas as measurement, testing, learning, motivation,emotions, attitudes, social influences on behavior, personality, behavior disorders, mental health and psychotherapy.Three credits.PSY 207 Quantitative Analyses in PsychologyThe course provides students with a basic understanding of how to think critically about quantitative information,including choosing the appropriate analytical techniques, conducting analyses and interpreting findings. Prerequisite:PSY 101. Three credits.PSY 208 Research Methods in PsychologyThis course introduces students to research methods in psychology. It emphasizes information literacy, scientificinquiry, scientific method, experimental and non-experimental design, ethical considerations and scientific writing.Prerequisite: PSY 101 and either PSY 207 or MATH 207. Three credits.