RockhuRst univeRsity 2012–2014 catalog

PS 3710. Legal Process and Systems (CL) (3)This course examines the sources and historic rootsof the American Legal System as well as selectedareas of substantive and procedural law. Thiscourse will focus on identifying legal issues andapplying legal principles to resolving those issues invarious forms.PS 3715. Law and Popular Culture (CL) (3)The common notion of the law, judges and thejustice system are to a large part shaped by orreflected in the popular media. The novels of JohnGrisham, the multiple television series, from PerryMason to Boston Legal, all contribute to the popularperceptions of “The Law.” The history of film,from To Kill a Mockingbird to The Verdict, shapethe views of the ordinary citizen. In this course weexamine the accuracy of the popular presentationand its impact both positive and negative.PS 3720. The Supreme Court (CL) (3)A study of the relationship between the Court andFederal and State governments. Following an examinationof the Court’s interaction with Congress,the President and the States, the course concludesby looking at the pressures Congress and the Presidentbring to bear on the Court. (SRII or SRI)PS 3725. The Supreme Court and Race (CL) (3)This course will analyze the Supreme Court’sevolving treatment of racial issues. The focus willbe upon the Supreme Court’s trends in the law,both historically and politically. The course willlook at the treatment of various minority groups,from Dred Scott and the Chinese Exclusion casesthrough modern race discrimination, reverse discrimination,and evolving trends in affirmativeaction. A portion of the course will analyze racialbias in the criminal justice system, including racialdisparity on death row and racial profiling. Thisclass is directed at preparing students for graduateschool and law school.PS 3750. Civil Rights (CL) (3)A study of civil rights issues (freedom of expression,press, religion, etc.) by examining Supreme Courtdecisions of these constitutional questions.PS 3860 (CT 3860). Media and Politics (AP) (3)A study of the growing importance of mass mediain American politics and their interaction withthe formal and informal elements of the decisionmakingprocess. (SRII or SRI)PS 4600 (PL 4600). Modern PoliticalPhilosophy (NT) (3)After a brief survey of ancient and medieval politicaltheories, this course examines those politicaltheories developed by major philosophers since the16th century. It also examines the ways in whichthese theories have influenced political policiesand decisions in our day. Prerequisite: PL 3100 orPL 3150.PS 4620 (PL 4620). Just War and InternationalEthics (NT) (3)An intensive study of the classical debate about the“just war,” which broadly asks on what groundsone society can, in good conscience, prosecute waragainst another. Thinkers covered will include:Thucydides, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Grotius,and Clausewitz. Consideration of the just war isstill relevant today as nations seek to apply moralprinciples to the problem of terrorism. The coursewill also examine in what ways ethical principlespertain to international relations, and will reflecton the entire spectrum of political relationsbetween countries and international groups. Questionsabout the legitimacy of one state to interferein the affairs of another will be a special focus, withattention to recent revolutions and conflicts. Prerequisite:PL 3100 or PL 3150.Department of Psychology (PY)ProfessorAssociate ProfessorAssistant ProfessorSteven W. Brown, Ph.D.Renee L. Michael, Ph.D.Risa Stein, Ph.D.William Sturgill, Ph.D.William F. Haefele, Ph.D.Katherine M. Nicolai, Ph.D.Jennifer Oliver, Ph.D.Paul D. Scott, Ph.D. (Chair)Saz Madison, Ph.D.156Psychology applies the scientific process to obtain reliable knowledge about the behaviorsand cognitions of organisms (especially human beings). Courses aim to foster scientific