2008-2009 Catalog - Virginia Wesleyan College

POLITICAL SCIENCE145to explore, describe, explain, present and debate thisknowledge. Students actively experience every dimension ofthe research process as they conceptualize, design andoperationalize their own projects, and communicate theirfindings in written and oral formats. Daily classes includelecture and discussion of class readings, and individualstudent research. Offered each fall.270/370 The Constitution andCriminal Procedure (3)Using the case-study method in texts and classdiscussion, media reports of current Supreme Courtactions, artifacts from popular culture, and a hands-onsimulation of the Supreme Court itself, this course surveysthe American approach to constitutionalism; the overallframework of the American legal system; the decisionmakingprocesses of the Supreme Court; and the SupremeCourt’s interpretation of those civil rights and professionalprocedures associated with the operation of the criminaljustice system. Fourth Amendment search and seizurerequirements, the Exclusionary Rule, Arrests, Fifth Amendmentdue process issues, the Miranda Warnings, SixthAmendment right to counsel and jury trail issues, andEighth Amendment bail, fine, and punishment issues,including asset forfeiture and capital punishment are ofparticular interest. Students taking this course at the 300level have the additional advantage of more comprehensivecoverage of these issues and valuable practice in briefingrelevant cases. Identical to CJ 270/370. Prerequisites: nonefor 270; for POLS 370, junior status or consent, for CJ370, either CJ 200 or 205. Offered spring of evennumberedyears.303 Urban Politics (3)Students examine scholarly perspectives on theevolution of political processes, institutions, theintergovernmental context, key actors and contemporaryissues in urban politics such as urban sprawl and economicdevelopment. A major part of this class is a six-weeksimulation of a city government where students take rolesof city councilors, lawyers, business leaders, and citizenactivists in making important decisions about the city’sfuture. Prerequisite: junior status. Offered each spring.307 The Presidency and theAmerican Political System (3)Focuses on the institutions and processes of Americangovernment in regard to the presidency. Offered intermittently.321 Political Writings of Latin America (3)Readings of the political writings of selected LatinAmerican thinkers. Relationship of political writings tocontemporary culture, society and government of LatinAmerica. Also cross-listed as SPAN 321 in which casereadings and writing are done in Spanish. Offered each fall.323 Topics in Public Policy Analysis (3) (S) WUsing policy analysis models students examine a set ofsubstantive public policy issues to establish the issuecontext, define the policy problems, and evaluatealternative solutions. Topics may differ each semester andinclude, but are not limited to, the environment, healthcare, crime, urban policy, poverty, and welfare. Identical toENVS 323. Offered each spring.326 Environmental Policy Analysis (3) (S) WExamines environmental politics and policy by studyinga set of substantive environmental policy issues to establishthe issue context, define the policy problems and evaluatealternative solutions. Offered each semester.335 American Government (3) (S)Acquaints students with the workings of our system offederal government. The Constitution, the presidency,Congress, the Supreme Court, political parties and theregulatory agencies are treated as separate units of a unifiedfocus upon our institutions of national government.Offered each fall.343 Public Administration (3) (S)Contemporary approaches to policy-making anddecision-making techniques are reviewed in light of thevalues represented in them and their promises for servingthe public interest. We review classic and modern theoriesof bureaucracy; the history, development, and philosophicalassumptions of the science of administration; the structureand functioning of American federal, state, and localadministration; the budget-making process; governmentregulations of business and society; and the majorchallenges facing governmental professionals in our time.Identical to HHS 343. Offered each spring.344 European Union in World Politics (3) (S)Examines the foreign policies of European countries,both individually and collectively through the EuropeanUnion, toward each other, regional and intergovernmentalorganizations, and other regions of the world. Exploresother issues related to Europe’s economic and politicalintegration, including national identities, democraticaccountability, the Union’s expansion, US-Europeanrelations, the European Constitution, Turkey’s bid to jointhe Union, and immigration and Islam in Europe.Prerequisite: junior status or consent. Offered on demand.353 Globalization and Its Discontents (3) (S)(Winter Session)The theoretical, political, economic, and institutionalfoundations and practices of free trade are studied. Casestudies are developed by students from Internet data on theissues and stakeholders in the globalization debate and theimpact of their activities. Included among these are humanrights, environment, and labor groups; the World Bank; theWorld Trade Organization; and global corporation. Offeredin selected Winter Sessions.