2023-2024 BSC Catalog Updated_UG ONLY_FINAL[82]

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
233
PS 310 CI Women and Politics (1)
An examination of the political implications of gender in the American context. The
relationship between gender and public policy is considered with a focus on a number of
policy areas that have a notable impact on women. Next, the extent to which gender
influences political attitudes and behavior is examined with an emphasis on gender
differences in public opinion. The final section of the course focuses on women’s
participation in political life including women as political candidates and office holders.
A Community Interests and Leadership Studies designated course.
PS 325 Contemporary Southern Politics (1)
An in-depth review of the literature on Southern politics as well as an opportunity for
students to complete original research. Primary emphasis is placed on contemporary
Southern political behavior, including parties and elections, voting behavior, and the
politics of race. A Leadership Studies designated course.
PS 330 Constitutional Law: The Rights and Privileges of the Individual (1)
The guarantees of the rights of person and property as reflected by Supreme Court
decisions balancing individual and governmental power. Prerequisite: PS 101.
PS 340 CI, WR Comparative Elite Behavior (1)
A cross-national survey of political, social, and economic elites with emphasis on
industrialized societies. Topics include leadership, who governs, belief systems,
recruitment, socialization, and elite-mass relationships. A Community Interests,
Leadership Studies, and Writing Reinforcement designated course.
PS 342 Comparative Political Development (1)
An introduction to theories and strategies of political development. Emphasis is placed on
applying the theories to a developing nation or area. Prerequisite: GCS 100 or PS 238.
PS 345 WR American Political Behavior (1)
Dominant patterns in political culture analyzed for their effect on socialization, elections,
and public policy. Ideological, social, and technological change provide the substance for
a critique of methodologies. An examination of the role of the media is included. A
Writing Reinforcement designated course. Prerequisite: PS 101.
PS 348 Public Opinion (1)
An investigation of the definition, theory, sources, development, contours, and
importance of public opinion, with a focus on American politics. The course emphasizes
the opinion formation process and sources of public opinion, as well as the state of
modern public opinion on contemporary issues and the role of mass opinion in guiding
public policy.
PS 355 American Presidency and Congress (1)
An examination of the executive and legislative branches, including the relationship
between the President and Congress, as well as how both interact with the Bureaucracy,
the news media, and the public. A Leadership Studies designated course.
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2023-2024