The Department of Political Science offers a wide range of courses in American government and politics, comparative government and politics, international politics, and political theory. The curriculum of the Political Science Department is designed to provide (1) an academic training in the theoretical, empirical, and philosophical aspects of the discipline; (2) an environment in which students can develop basic skills in analysis, critical thinking, writing and research; (3) the background and competence necessary to pursue graduate studies; and (4) a broad liberal education in politics, law, and government for all students.

A Political Science major consists of a total of 33 semester hours, including POL 101, POL 200, POL 253, POL 295, and POL 495. The six remaining courses are to be selected from among courses numbered up to 380, and distributed across the three fields of American government, international and comparative studies, and law and political theory, as follows: four courses in one field and one course selected from each of the remaining two fields. At least 18 hours (six courses) must come from courses numbered between 300 and 380.

Majors are strongly advised to schedule the required courses at the earliest possible time, and before taking any 300-level courses in the different fields. Students in political science are also encouraged to consider taking a number of related and complementary courses offered in other programs such as ECN 150, ECN 151, CSC 125, foreign languages, and any of the research methodology or statistics courses offered by the departments of sociology or psychology. Internships are encouraged, so that students can experience the practical, as well as the more theoretical, aspects of the field. In addition, majors should look into the study-abroad programs arranged through the college with reputable academic institutions worldwide.

Secondary Teacher Certification Program in Political Science

Teacher certification in Political Science (grades 6-12) is available to political science majors. Students planning to teach government and civics in secondary school should notify their advisor and contact the secondary education advisor in Tift College of Education. Required courses in education include EDUC 210, 220, 256, 283, 357, 398, 399, 430, 469, 476, 485, and 492. More information is available through Mercer's Tift College of Education. Georgia Professional Standards Commission approval of this new certification option is pending.

A minor in Political Science requires a total of 18 hours, including POL 101, POL 200, POL/IAF 253, and three courses between 300 and 380, one from each of the fields of American government, international and comparative studies, and law and political theory.

Majors may attain departmental honors in political science by meeting the following requirements: (1) achieve an over-all grade point average of 3.5, and (2) achieve a grade point average of 3.75 in the political science major.

Composition of Fields in the Major

Courses

POL 101. Introduction to American Government (3 hours)
A study of the structure, organization, power, and procedure of the government of the United States.

POL 200. Introduction to Political Theory (3 hours)
This course is designed for political science majors and non-majors alike. The course introduces students to major thinkers and themes that have shaped our thinking about politics. As a broad survey of the history of political thought, the course considers both ancient and modern authors.

POL 253. Introduction to International Relations (3 hours)
This course is designed for political science majors and non-majors alike. The course surveys the diplomatic, military, economic, legal, and organizational theories and variables that shape our understanding of relations between countries. Special emphasis is placed on contemporary world problems such as the environment, human rights, conflict, population, and poverty.

POL 295. Introduction to Political Science Research (3 hours)
Prerequisite: POL 101 or 200 or 253, or consent of the instructor.
The purpose of this course is to train students in how to analyze political phenomena in a rigorous and scientific manner. This knowledge requires an understanding of two different components: research design and statistics. In the first component, students will learn how to discriminate between theories, pose proper research questions, construct a relevant hypothesis, make valid causal inferences, operationalize concepts, and test their hypotheses. The latter component offers the student a 'statistical toolbox' to use as s/he pursues the scientific study of all things political.

POL 305. State and Local Government (3 hours)
Intergovernmental relations in the federal system, and the organization, functions, and politics of state and local governments.

POL 310.Western European Political Systems (3 hours)
An analysis of Western European political systems in terms of their institutions, political processes, and behavior. Emphasis on comparative analysis with examples drawn from the full range of European parliamentary democracies.

POL 312. Politics of Developing Nations (3 hours)
This course treats the major problems of development in Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East. Special emphasis is placed on the interaction of domestic political, social, and economic variables in determining the pace and character of the development process.

POL 313. Middle East Politics (3 hours)
This course is designed to introduce the student to the history and political trends of the region. The forces of change such as nationalism, Islamic revivalism, the Arab-Israeli peace process, and regional conflicts are given special attention.

POL 314.Women in Developing Countries (3 hours)
Prerequisite: POL 253/IAF 253
This course offers an opportunity to learn about the status of women in developing countries, in general, and the role of women in development, in particular. The course examines the substance and direction of interactions among women, their political structures, and economic systems throughout the developing world. Multiple perspectives and models are explored, including, but not limited to, dependency theory, modernization theory, globalization, feminist sociology, and post modernism.

POL 330. Race and Politics (3 hours)
This course explores the unique political experiences of racial minorities with particular emphasis on both traditional (eg., voting, office holding, and lobbying) and non-traditional (e.g., riots/protests, music, mass movements) efforts to gain political stamina. The course will focus on the quality of minority political leadership, ideology, participation, representation, and strategies for empowerment.

POL 332.Women and U.S. Politics (3 hours)
Prerequisite: POL 101
This course explores multidimensional aspects of gender and political life in America. Readings and class discussions will concentrate on the following themes: (1) how gender influences political behavior and public policy; (2) how women have challenged the political status quo; (3) the intersection of gender, race, class, and sexuality in the transformation of U.S. politics.

POL 335. Congress and the Legislative Process (3 hours)
Prerequisite: POL 101 or consent of instructor.
An examination of the United States Congress, with emphasis on recruitment and composition, styles of representation leadership, the role of interest groups, and the executive in the legislative process, organization, and functions.

POL 336. Campaigns and Elections (3 hours)
Prerequisite: POL 101 or consent of instructor.
A study of American electoral politics, with primary emphasis on the development, organization, and contemporary role of political parties in the United States.

POL 339. The American Presidency (3 hours)
Prerequisite: POL 101 or consent of instructor.
The historical development and constitutional base of the U.S. Presidency, its contemporary roles and responsibilities, and its relationships with other political institutions.

POL 345. Environmental Justice (3 hours)
(Same as AFR/EES/SOC 345)
This course examines the impact of institutional racism on environmental and health policies, industrial practices, government regulations and rule making, enforcement, and overall quality of life in people-of-color communities. The course will examine the nexus between environmental protection and civil rights, and the impact of the environmental justice national environmental groups.

POL 348. Constitutional Law: Federalism and Separation of Power (3 hours)
Prerequisite: POL 101 or consent of instructor.
An examination of the historical development of American constitutional law and of national governmental powers.

POL 349. Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties (3 hours)
Prerequisite: POL 101 or consent of instructor.
An examination of the individual's constitutional rights.

POL 350. Judicial Politics (3 hours)
An examination of contemporary political issues and the constitutional law cases establishing the legal boundaries within which these issues are given legitimacy, or by which certain practices are considered to be inconsistent with established law. The issues to be explored may include, but are not limited to, religion, speech, privacy, assembly and civil rights.

POL 351. American Foreign Policy (3 hours)
Prerequisite: POL 101 or consent of instructor.
The institutions and procedures involved in the formulation and implementation of American foreign policy, with some consideration of the important elements and strategies of American foreign policy from World War II to the present.

POL 352. U.S. National Security Policy (3 hours)
Prerequisite: POL 101 or consent of the instructor.
This course is an introduction to U.S. national security structures and issues, examining U.S. security policy in light of U.S. national interests; nuclear strategy; the connections between arms control and military planning; structures and functions of U.S. national security decision-making bodies; and national security problems and attempts at their solution.

POL 354. Principles of International Law (3 hours)
Prerequisite: POL 253 or consent of instructor.
This course considers the nature, sources, and evolution of public international law; its relation to domestic law; subjects and jurisdiction of international law; peaceful settlement of disputes; international agreements; state responsibility in treatment of aliens; the use of force; and the role of international organizations and courts.

POL 355. International Conflict and Security (3 hours)
Prerequisite: POL 253 or consent of instructor.
This course examines interactions between less-developed countries and the international system by reference to the notion of national security. Topics discussed include: colonial legacy, the international financial and trade systems, global economic inequalities, food and health security, conflict and its resolution, and nuclear proliferation.

POL 356. International Political Economy (3 hours)
Prerequisite: POL 253 or consent of instructor.
An examination of the political determinants and consequences of economic relations between the nations of the world. Topics explored include international trade, international finance, international financial organizations, regional economic organizations, and economic treaties and conventions.

POL 371. Modern Political Philosophy (3 hours)
This course examines the view that democracy is the only legitimate type of regime by studying the theoretical underpinnings of democracy as well as some of the critiques of those foundations. Readings will include both advocates and critics of democratic forms.

POL 372. Problems in Political Theory (3 hours)
Prerequisite: POL 200 or consent of the instructor.
This course examines some of the perennial questions in political theory. Topics under discussion may include freedom, tyranny, equality, justice, ethics, and citizenship.

POL 373. American Political Thought (3 hours)
Prerequisite: POL 200 or consent of the instructor.
This course introduces students to major American political thinkers such Jefferson, Paine, Madison, Lincoln, Strauss, and Rawls. In addition, the course will treat European influences upon American political thought, including, but not limited to, Hobbes and Locke.

POL 380. Seminar on Political Topics (3 hours)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor.
A seminar involving intensive study of a major political or legal topic. May be repeated with different topics.

POL 490. Internship Program (3-15 hours)
Prerequisite: consent of departmental chair.
An internship program offering to majors a practical field work experience in one of the following phases of government: local, state, national, or international. The instructor in the governmental field selected must approve and supervise the student's project. The student is responsible for all arrangements. Graded on S/U basis only.

POL 493. Supervised Independent Reading (1-3 hours)
Prerequisite: consent of departmental chair.
An intensive reading program concerning a major issue in political science under the supervision of the instructor selected. Graded on S/U basis only.

POL 495. Senior Seminar in Political Science (1-3 hours)
Prerequisite: senior status
The capstone experience in the political science discipline, providing an overview of its current intellectual state. The seminar will focus on the tensions between theory and practice, the science and art of politics. The contributions of natural and social science theories, methods, and results are highlighted for their relevance to the study of political science.

POL 496. Directed Independent Research (1-3 hours)
Prerequisite: consent of departmental chair.
An intensive research project concerning a major issue in Political Science under the direction of the instructor selected.

International Affairs (IAF)

For a description of the concentration in International Affairs, see the section on Concentrations in this catalog.

IAF 253. Introduction to International Relations (3 hours)
The course surveys the diplomatic, military, economic, legal, and organizational theories and variables that shape our understanding of relations between countries. Special emphasis is placed on contemporary world problems such as the environment, human rights, conflict, population, and poverty.

IAF 400. Senior Project in International Affairs (3 hours)
Prerequisites: POL/IAF 253 and senior status, or consent of director.
Supervised independent study, with an emphasis on the correlation of different approaches to international affairs.