Bulletin 2007-2008 - Austin College

POLITICAL SCIENCE210 Media and PoliticsAn examination of the role of the mass mediain the American political process. Topics includevarious models and theories of politicalcommunication, the construction of news,agenda setting, mass media effects, campaigncommunications, public opinion and polling,and the impact of press coverage of politicalactors and institutions. (Each spring)212 Political PsychologyAn introduction to the interdisciplinary field ofpolitical psychology, which spans the fields ofpolitical science, psychology, sociology, andhistory. Topics include the application of contemporarypsychological theories and methodsto the study of political behavior, the introductionto the theory and extensive discussion ofreal world applications and current events,both classical debates and current trends ofresearch, and a discussion of individual andgroup decision-making, personality and politicalleadership, voting behavior, socialization,ethnic conflict, and terrorism.215 Women and PoliticsAn examination of the impact of women inthe American political and electoral processas voters, candidates, and officeholders. Specifictopics include the history of the women’smovement in the United States; the women’ssuffrage movement; the impact of gender onthe electoral process; women in power at thenational, state, and local level; women andleadership; feminism and public policy issues;and women and the economy.235 Model United NationsThis course involves an examination of theUnited Nations and includes participation ina regional or national Model United Nationsconference. Through both classroom and experientiallearning, students will be introduced tointernational organization theory and will conducta detailed investigation of the structureand role of the United Nations, the countrythey will represent, and the issues relevant tothe committee on which they will serve in theconference. The course will also include anexamination of international diplomacy andnegotiation, decision-making, and conflictresolution theory as they relate to participationin the conference. May not be repeated forcourse credit. (Each fall and spring)240 Introduction to Asian PoliticsAn introduction to the development andcurrent structures of the political systems inAsia. Topics include the influence of philosophicaland religious traditions on the developmentof modern structures, the interactionbetween economic development and politicalchange, and the conflict between traditionand modernity.250 Intermediate Topicsin Political ScienceA study of selected topics drawn from any ofthe subfields of political science and designedprimarily for students beginning the study ofpolitical science. May be repeated when topicvaries.260 Intermediate Directed Study(Variable course credit)Supervised research study in political scienceusing one or more research techniques on anissue from any of the subfields of political science.May be repeated for a total of one coursecredit unit.270 Research MethodsAn introduction to techniques for the productionof scientifically and ethically reliableknowledge concerning social/political behavior.Research design and research projectproposals included as well as an introductionto commonly used scientific techniques inthe social sciences. Social Science 120 orMathematics 120 encouraged. Prerequisite:Introductory course in the social sciences, orpermission of instructor (Each spring)310 CongressAn examination of the legislative branch andits role in policymaking within Americangovernment. Topics include the institutionalstructure of Congress, the committee system,roles of the party and leadership systems, congressionalelections and incumbency, and thecongressional/presidential relationship in thearea of policy making. Prerequisite: any 100-level political science course or permission ofinstructor.311 The PresidencyAn examination of the role of executive leadershipwithin the American political system.Topics include the foundations of presidentialpower, the presidential selection process,presidential leadership, the influences of publicopinion and the mass media on the presidency,presidential relations within a separated system,and presidential policymaking. Prerequisite:any 100-level political science course orpermission of instructor. (Each fall)136 |COURSES OF INSTRUCTION