Microsoft Word MU 2009-2010.doc - Methodist University

United Nations/Arab League’s principal and subsidiary organs, and research strategies for countryassignments. One or more offered each semester.PSC 201 STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT3 s.h.Can a Mississippi lobbyist working in Vermont expect to encounter the same political opponents andfriends that he or she would encounter back home? Why do superstars like the Terminator get elected tooffice? How do politics shape public policy? This course is designed to take up these questions and more.Students will be introduced to theories and empirical work related to state and local politics and will applythis knowledge in an American state research paper. The course will take a comparative approach to study,examining variation in governing methods, political culture and other political phenomena. This course isoffered fall semesters in odd numbered years.PSC 210 RESEARCH METHODS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE3 s.h.An introduction to the process of political inquiry and written analysis, this course helps students developgood research and writing habits in the specialized field of political science. Topics include the steps in theresearch process, the types of papers in political research, alternative approaches to research, and thetechniques of quantitative analysis. This course is required for all political science majors, and it isrecommended for students in a pre-law curriculum and the paralegal program. This course is offered everyspring semester.PSC 227 COMPARATIVE POLITICS3 s.h.Parliaments, politburos, juntas, revolutions, Islamic jihads — this introductory course explores the politicsof other countries and regions, and compares them to the United States. Topics include political culture,geography, history, types of political systems, patterns of governance, political thought, and issues ofpublic policy. This course is offered every spring semester.PSC 305 DEMOCRATIC PRINCIPLES AND THE DEMOCRATIC STATE3 s.h.One of the most fascinating topics within the realm of political science is the interpretations of democracyheld by people around the globe and throughout modern history. This course begins with an examinationof the concept of democracy held by the ancient thinkers such as Plato and Aristotle and then fast-forwardsto modernity to investigate modern conceptions of democracy through the lens of ideologies. Students willinvestigate the assumptions of these ideologies regarding human nature and freedom and will have theopportunity to apply their knowledge in interpreting current American policy debates surrounding hotbuttonissues. This course is offered in the fall semester, even-numbered years.PSC 310 LAW AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM3 s.h.From lynchings to landmark decisions, this course examines the traditions and historical development ofthe law in America, emphasizing the judicial process. Topics include the types and sources of law, thestructure and functions of the state and federal court systems, civil and criminal law procedure, and judicialgovernance with special attention placed on the U.S. Supreme Court. This course is offered every springsemester. Cross listed as LAW 310 and JUS 310.PSC 333 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION3 s.h.What do public managers do and how do they do it? These and other questions are addressed as this courseexplores the theory and processes of the modern bureaucratic state. Topics include administrative structureand functions, organizational direction, personnel and financial management, and bureaucratic governanceand discretion. Consideration is given to the interaction of governmental and non-profit agencies. Thiscourse is offered every fall semester.PSC 341 CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENCY3 s.h.The U.S. Congress can be challenging to comprehend, even for the close follower of national politics. TheAmerican Presidency has transformed over time into the most powerful political office in the world. Thiscourse is designed to provide students a thorough background on the character of these two institutions andintroduce them to contemporary research. The course begins with an examination of Congress as both arepresentative body and a carefully designed political institution. Next the course proceeds to anexamination of the Presidency and the relationship between Congress and the Executive branch. This172