Examines the principles of the United States Constitution and roles of Congress, the President, and the courts, the mass media, interest groups, and more in our U.S. political system. PSC majors and minors must pass with a grade of 'C' or better.

This course examines government systems across the globe, including both democracies and authoritarian systems. It analyzes strategic interactions between political actors in a diverse set of contexts, as well as the key theories that helps us to understand politics.

This introductory course in the theory and practice of International Relations includes topics such as IR's importance and principal actors, as well as causes of conflict and war, conflict resolutions, international law, globalization, global events, issues, and problems.

This course provides an overview of policy and the policymaking process in the United States. Topics include what issues rise to the public agenda; how politicians, groups, and citizens shape and implement policy; and how political scientists can analyze public policy.

This course examines research methodologies in the social sciences, covering the tools and techniques for designing and conducting research, including collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings. (Cross-listed as CJ 310).

The course examines the central themes of classical Western political philosophy through the reading and discussing of the primary works of such thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, and Aquinas.(Cross-listed as PHL 311 and CLA 311)

The course examines central themes of Renaissance and modern Western political philosophy through the reading and discussing of the primary works of such thinkers as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. (Cross-listed as PHL 312)

The course examines central themes of modern Western political philosophy through the reading and discussing of the primary works of such thinkers as Hegel, Mill, Marx, and Nietzsche. (Cross-listed as PHL 313).

The study of the U.S. judicial process at both federal and state court levels. (Cross-listed as CJ 330)

The study of the principles of constitutional powers and liberties examined through an analysis of decisions and opinions by the U.S. Supreme Court. (Cross-listed as CJ 331 and PHL 331)

An overview of what constitutes crime and of the body of law governing the punishment of crime. (Cross-listed with CJ 332.)

Explores issues and problems in the area of law, including the nature and rule of law, the aims and roles of legal systems, morality and law, obligations to obey the law, and systematic injustices related to race, ethnicity, and gender. (Cross-listed as CJ 336 and PHL 336)

Explores theoretical issues and problems in the areas of law--especially criminal law--concerning liability and punishment. Topics to be examined include diminished capacity, theories of punishment, and capital punishment. (Cross-listed as CJ 337 and PHL 337)

This course examines the role of race and gender in shaping political outcomes, experiences, and institutions.

This course examines gender as a conceptual construct in the study of politics.

The formation, composition, distribution, and measurement of public opinions and its effect upon public policy.

Examining the role and influence of mass media in politics, exploring how and why the media contribute to and shape democracy.

The course provides an overview of the political systems, institution, public policies, and actors in European Politics. Countries covered may include Germany France, Great Britain, and Russia.

An examination of the violent crime epidemic affecting many parts of Latin America, with specific focus on the themes of democratic transition, political economy, and foreign relations with the United States. Same as CJ 363 and IS 363.

The course focuses on the current politics, and the political history and political development, of several countries in the Middle East.

This course focuses on the political histories and current politics of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.

This course examines the political development and theories of U.S. foreign policy, from the Cold War to the present. Topics include power; nationalism; trade;defense; security and terrorism and other threats; and prospects and challenges in today's global society.

Study of a significant topic or problem in political science. May be repeated up to two times when content varies.

The study of the implementation of public policy at the national, state, and local levels, and the study of the planning, organization and coordination of government operations.

This course applies management and organization theories to a broad range of criminal justice institutions, actors, and agencies---including police, courts, and corrections, treatment centers, drug traffickers, and homeland security. (Cross-listed as CJ 411)

The course examines the central themes, issues, and evolution of American political thought, including how we understand our role and responsibilities in contemporary democracy. (Cross-listed as PHL 418)

An overview of the processes used by criminal investigators and the roles of those involved in the judicial process, as well as the interaction that occurs between the police, prosecutors, defense attorneys and the judiciary. (Cross-listed as CJ 430)

An overview of U.S. state and local government systems, including an analysis of the politics, public policy, and administration within the U.S. states and localities.

A study of urban growth with an analysis of the major problems facing large cities in this country. Political, administrative, social, and economic aspects will be covered

An inside view of the U.S. Congress centered on the process for passing laws and policymaking, including an examination of influential legislation.

A study of the U.S. presidency covering the political development and organization of the office; executive powers and responsibilities; elections and campaigns; and presidential communication.

Advanced study in the field of public policy.

Advanced study in the field of comparative politics.

Focuses on political communication in the context of U.S. campaigns and elections, Same as CA 453.

An examination of how and why digital information technologies are used by citizens, activists, journalists, and politicians to shape and influence individual's political participation and engagement and public policy and society.

This course examines how public policy has shaped both the criminal justice system and its results, with particular emphasis on crime control.

Advanced study in the field of international relations.

The course covers major issues, cases and topics in public and private international law. Course coverage includes individuals and corporations, diplomatic relations, jurisdiction, human rights, economic relations, treaties, environmental law, and more.

This course examines government responses to the growing number of older Americans. Topics Include retirement and pensions, health care, housing, social services, intergenerational issues, and policy advocacy for the elderly.

This course examines global connections within healthcare. Objectives include understanding health, its impact on populations, and how policy shapes healthcare. These objectives are studied within a global framework with emphasis on improving health and health equity.

The study of armed conflict from an interdisciplinary perspective incorporating criminology, political science, security studies, conflict and peace studies, and international law.

Study of a significant topic or problem in political science. May be repeated up to two times when the content varies.

This course will introduce students to the meaning, characteristics, typology, history, and causes of terrorism. The course will also summarize the biographies of the most prominent terrorists, past and present, and conclude, with a discussion of counter-terrorism strategies. Cross-listed with IS 491.

The Capstone course brings together key components from across political science. As part of the course, students will write a research paper, present their research, and take a comprehensive exam. PSC majors must earn a grade of C or better for graduation.

This course is an advanced Political Science course taught as part of a faculty-led study abroad program. Topics and credit hours vary. May be repeated when content varies. Up to 6 hours may be applied toward the PSC major or minor.

Students will pursue directed research or readings on an approved topic in political science.

An opportunity to gain experiential learning through a supervised internship offered by a variety of political science and government related agencies.

Supervised experience in all aspects of the survey research process including but not limited to literature review, research design, questionnaire development, sampling, techniques, interviewing, data analysis, & interpretation & presentation of findings. Prerequisite: Permission of professor

Students will be exposed to a variety of experiences associated with the operations of a fully operational research center, including in-service and management training, consulting, sponsored research, organizational assessments, strategic and programming planning, program evaluations, intergovernmental fiscal processes, including the research for funding, and grant writing. Research assignments will include basic research design, survey and focus group instrument development, administration of surveys, handling focus groups, curriculum preparation, data manipulation and analysis, and report writing. Only three hours apply to the political science curriculum at the University of South Alabama. Prerequisite: PSC 130, PSC 310, or permission of professor. Pass/Fail grading only.

The research and writing of a major paper in the field of political science. Registration is open to political science majors in the Honors College or those pursing Department Honors.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the field of organization theory. The course exposes students to seminal works in the field as well as covering more recent developments.

The study of the implementation of public policy at the national, state and local levels, and the study of the planning, organization, and coordination of government operations.

A review of the political, fiscal, and administrative relationships between various levels of government in America. In addition, the emerging nexus to 3d sector non-profit organization will be examined.

This course applies classical and modern management and organization theories to a broad range of institutions, actors, and agencies, including police, courts, and corrections, as well as drug traffickers, sexual offender treatment centers, and homeland security agencies.

Social science research methodologies will be used to help students develop skills for policy analysis and decision making in the public service. Stresses the understanding of research methods and data collection in a Public Administration setting. Theoretical development and elaboration, and an overview of the variety of research designs used in social science research will be included.

Focus is on application of statistical analysis techniques to Public Administration problems and issues. Computer analysis and interpretation of descriptive statistics will be emphasized. Topics will include fundamentals of probability, sampling, hypothesis testing, point estimation, association, correlation, and multi variate analysis.

An overview of U.S. state and local government systems, including an analysis of the politics, public policy, and administration within the U.S. states and localities.

Principles, procedures, and problems of law making, with special attention to the U.S. Congress.

This course will cover contemporary topics in public administration, including public-employee unionization, relevance of the traditional civil-service approach, the challenge of employee productivity and motivation, equal opportunity, and public service ethics.

The course will provide the analytical and intellectual thought, careful examination and reflection of the core issues in the practice of leadership. Models and influence on leadership will be critically examined.

This course emphasizes the political management and public-policy implications of budget reform, maintenance, and development. It explores the conceptual framework for program and performance budgeting and the increasing congressional role of Congress in federal budget policy.

A study of the operation of government systems throughout the world-their history, features, similarities, and differences.

This course examines how public policy has shaped both the criminal justice system and its results, with particular emphasis on crime control

Course teaches the fundamentals of administrative law.

This course will introduce the student to some of the fundamental concepts of environmental law. It will utilize the philosophy and history of environmental law as it has developed from the Common Law of England to provisions of a Municipal Code

An overview of the relevant federal and state laws, federal regulations, and court rulings that address the issues of criminal justice for preserving the rights of those citizens who suffer from mental illness.

This course is an introduction to policy and program evaluation incorporating various qualitative and quantitative techniques for analyzing.

This course examines government responses to the growing number of older Americans. Topics include retirements and pensions, health care, housing, social services, intergenerational issues, and policy advocacy of the elderly.

This course examines the most effective and commonly used forms of policy and program evaluation and applies them to criminal justice system. It explores policy and program evaluation related a number of subfields, including policing, drug policy, and gun control, recidivism, and police use of force.

This course examines the implications of the U.S. policy process through the lens of social construction theory as applied to the functionality of health care systems.

This course examines global connections within healthcare. Objectives include understanding health, its impact on populations, and how policy shapes healthcare. These objectives are studied within a global framework with emphasis on improving health and health equity.

This course focuses on two distinct aspects of American Health Policy. First, the policy making process is examined in the context of health care and the major decision making powers (Congress, presidency, bureaucracy, and special interests). Second, existing health care policies are examined with an emphasis on the implications for access, financing, and quality of care. Finally, existing U.S. health policies are compared and contrasted with those of similar and dissimilar political systems.

Applications of management principles to health care organizations with a focus on governance and leadership, human resources, control systems, strategic planning, and accountability.

This course focuses on the health policy process and issues impacting the elderly with particular attention given to the politics of legislation, financing mechanisms, and strategies for reform.

Study of a significant topic in Public Administration. May be repeated for credit when the content varies.

Under the guidance of a faculty member, student will pursue directed study of approved topics in public administration. For non-thesis students.

Relates the participants' classroom studies to occupational and professional experiences in an approved public agency. Written reports required. May be taken for a total of nine hours. (For further details, see section on Internship.)

Supervised experience in all aspects of the survey research process including but not limited to literature review, research design, questionnaire development, sampling techniques, interviewing, data analysis, and interpretation and presentation of findings. Requires permission of graduate director or department chair.

Students will be exposed to a variety of experiences associated with the operation of a fully operational research center, including in-service and management training, consulting, sponsored research, organizational assessments, strategic and program planning, operations, program evaluation, intergovernmental fiscal processes, including research for funding and grant writing. Research assignments will include basic research design, survey and focus groups, curriculum preparation and administration, data manipulation and analysis, and report writing. Only three hours of PSC 598 can be applied toward the requirements for the MPA degree at the University of South Alabama. Requires permission of the professor.

Completion and oral defense of a master's thesis based upon original research. May be repeated for up to six hours credit. A minimum of six hours credit is required to meet degree requirements. Prerequisite: Approval of research prospectus including IRB or Animal Use and Care Committee approval if applicable.