COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND GEOGRAPHY

Chair: Dr. Kevin J. Lasher
Faculty: Brown, Carter, Doughty, Kirley-Tallon, Kitts, Lasher, Lockyer, Renneker, Rowell, Warters, White

MISSION STATEMENTS

GEOGRAPHY – The geography program is part of the Department of Political Science and Geography. The geography program offers a variety of courses. Many students enroll in one of the two introductory courses, Cultural Geography and World Regional Geography, to help fulfill the social science component of the General Education Requirement. Students preparing for a career in teaching also find the Cultural Geography course useful in meeting state requirements for certification. Other geography courses are topical (Physical, Economic, Political) or regional and provide students with an understanding of how the regions of the world relate to, and interact with, each other.

A geography minor and collateral are available at Francis Marion University.

Graduates with majors and minors in geography work in many areas of government and private industry. Expanding areas of employment are in the fields of planning and geographic information systems. Many students also become teachers.

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POLITICAL SCIENCE – The political science program provides instruction so as to enable all students to complete as part of their general education requirement an introductory-level course in political science that includes material dealing with the United States Constitution and Federalist Papers.

Students may earn a major, minor, or collateral in political science. The program offers its majors a broad understanding of political phenomena, including political institutions, political processes, political behavior, political thought patterns, and contemporary political issues. The course of study for the major prescribes a set of core courses in the discipline's traditional sub-fields of American government, comparative politics, international relations, political philosophy, and political methodology. Students elect the remainder of their primary work from a range of course offerings pertaining to foreign and/or domestic American government and politics. The flexibility of the curriculum permits students to pursue a program of courses tailored to their individual interests and career goals. Graduates with a major in political science receive the broad training and develop the general competence in the discipline required to equip them for successful careers in journalism, politics, the military, public service and quasi-public agencies, commerce and industry, teaching, and other occupations for which preparation in the field is desirable, or to undertake postgraduate professional study in political science, public administration, or related areas, such as law.

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GEOGRAPHY

Coordinator: Dr. C. Allan Lockyer

MAJOR

No major in geography is offered.

MINOR

A minor in geography requires 18 semester hours, including Geography 101, 102, 105, and nine hours of course work at the 200 or 300 level.

COLLATERAL

A collateral in geography requires 12 semester hours.

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GEOGRAPHY COURSES (GEOG)

101 Cultural Geography (3) Study of humans and their interrelationship with the environment as well as the development of differing cultures. The diffusion of knowledge and similarities between cultures is stressed.

102 World Regional Geography (3) Study of the regions of the world; their cultures, physical resources, populations, and economies.

105 Physical Geography (3) Study of the development and spatial distribution of land forms, climates, soils, minerals, and water resources. Interrelationships among the elements of the physical environment and regional patterns formed by these elements are analyzed against the background of human exploitation

201 Economic Geography (3) Study of the elements involved in economic production of agricultural and industrial products throughout the world. Transportation systems and locational theory are also studied.

204 Political Geography (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 102) (Same as Political Science 204) The physical and cultural factors of various countries and regions have greatly influenced the political relations among these countries. Study of the development of the modern state and the relationships between political blocs in this context.

205 Geography of South Carolina (3) An introductory-level course in the geography of South Carolina. Includes a section on the physical setting of the state (landforms, climate, soils, and vegetation), as well as a study of the contemporary situation with respect to population, urbanization, and industrialization. It should be especially helpful to those planning to teach in the public schools.

210 Geography of North America (3) Geographical study of the United States and Canada. Climate, landforms, soils, vegetation, population, industry, and economic resources are studied, as well as the trade and communications networks of the region.

215 Environmental Geography and GIS (3) Introduction to major environmental issues and sustainability through the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Emphasis is on gaining hands-on knowledge about the collection, manipulation, display and analysis of spatial data via the use of desktop GIS software.

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300 Special Topics in Geography (3) (Prerequisite: One previous geography course or permission of department). In-depth study of an area of interest in geography. Different areas of study offered on a rotating basis. May be taken twice for academic credit with departmental approval.

302 Geography of Europe (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 102) A regional survey of the European continent with a later study of the individual countries. The importance of natural resources and the role of cultural diversity in their development is stressed.

303 Geography of Latin America (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 102) Geographical study of Latin America with emphasis on population, settlement, climate, landforms, agriculture, and industry. The growth of communications, trade and urbanization are also examined.

304 Geography of Asia (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 102) General survey of the physical and cultural elements of Asia with particular emphasis on agricultural and economic developments of Asian States.

305 Geography of Central America (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 102) Study of the countries between Mexico and Panama as well as the major Caribbean islands. Considers the differing uses of physical and human resources during the past five centuries.

306 Geography of Subsaharan Africa (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 102) Introductory analysis of the geography of Africa, with particular emphasis upon cultural diversity and social organization, environmental perception, agricultural systems, economic development, and political instability.

307 Geography of the Middle East and North Africa (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 102) Geographical study of North Africa and the Middle East which includes physical and cultural factors. Special emphasis is on the Arab and Israeli conflicts of the area and the significance of the petroleum deposits there.

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POLITICAL SCIENCE

Coordinator: Dr. Kevin J. Lasher

MAJOR

General Track: A major in political science requires the following:

1. POL 101, 103, 295, and 395 and 24 semester hours of additional course work which must include at least two courses from each of the following groups:
   American Politics: POL 201, 202, 206, 215, 230, 305, 311, 317, 319, 321, 322, 340
   Comparative Politics/International Relations: POL 203, 205, 301, 314, 315, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 341
2. Minor/collateral requirements (two options)
   1. two 12-hour collaterals approved by the faculty adviser
   2. an 18-hour minor approved by the faculty adviser The minimum number of semester hours required in major courses is 36.

The minimum number of semester hours in all courses (major and non-major) required for a major in political science is 120.

Optional Track: A major in political science with a concentration in criminal justice requires the following:

1. POL 101, 103, 295, and 395
2. Eighteen hours of criminal justice course work distributed as follows: Six hours of core courses: POL 230 (Introduction to Criminal Justice) SOCI 341 (Criminology) Nine hours of political science: POL 323 (Rights of the Accused) POL 330 (Perspectives on Policing) POL 331 (Administration of Justice) Three hours of sociology selected from: SOCI 342 (Social Deviance) SOCI 343 (Juvenile Delinquency) SOCI 344 (Violence in Society)
3. Six hours of additional course work in political science

The minimum number of semester hours required in major courses is 36. The minimum number of semester hours in all courses (major and non-major) required for a major in political science is 120.

MINOR

A minor in political science requires 18 semester hours, including POL 101 and 103.

COLLATERAL

A collateral in political science requires 12 semester hours, including POL 101 or 103.

OTHER INFORMATION

Students wishing to enroll in political science 477, 487, or 497 should confer with the department chairman.

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TEACHER CERTIFICATION OPTION IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (FOR SOCIAL STUDIES CERTIFICATION)

The School of Education prepares caring and competent teachers for the 21st century.

As they grow as professional educators, students must: (1) acquire knowledge about learners, pedagogy, and content; (2) use reflection as they integrate theory, planning, and practice; and (3) engage in collaboration as they develop and hone communication and leadership skills necessary to work with diverse populations of students, parents, colleagues, and community members. Interwoven in these components are critical thinking, assessment, and the effective use of technology.

The Department of Political Science and Geography provides the knowledge base for students certifying to teach social studies in the state of South Carolina. The department supports and encourages the conceptual framework strands in the School of Education: critical thinking, collaboration, and reflection.

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Supporting Teaching Field Courses (if not previously taken as part of the major, minor, general education, or collaterals)
    ECON 250 taken as a General Education Social Science requirement
    PSY 206/216L taken as a Natural Science

International Studies Collateral consisting of the following courses:
    GEOG 101 (Cultural Geography)
    SOCI 310 (Racial and Cultural Minorities)
    HIST 205 (Modern World History)
    POL 205 (Comparative Government)

History Collateral consisting of the following courses:
    HIST 201 (U.S. to 1865)
    HIST 202 (U.S. since 1865)
    HIST 318 (Historical Focus: Ancient History)
    HIST 300 or 400 level elective

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POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSES (POL)

101 United States Government (3) An examination of the United States political institutions with particular attention to the principles, processes, structure, and functions of the national government.

103 Introduction to Political Science (3) Introductory study of the basic principles and concepts of political science with emphasis on the nature and function of political systems.

200 Contemporary Political Issues (3) Study of current governmental and political problems of national or international scope. Students are required to report on readings from current news periodicals.

201 Political Participation in America (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Introduction to political participation, emphasizing voting, public opinion, political socialization, and the development of political cultures and subcultures in the U.S.

202 State and Local Government (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Survey of the functioning and problems of state and local government in the United States, with illustrations from South Carolina jurisdictions.

203 International Relations (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Examines the major factors underlying international relations, the methods of conducting foreign relations, the foreign policies of the major powers, and the means of avoiding or alleviating conflicts.

204 Political Geography (3) (Prerequisite: Geography 101 or 102) (Same as Geography 204) The physical and cultural factors of various countries and regions have greatly influenced the political relations among these countries. Study of the development of the modern state and the relationships between political blocs in this context.

205 Comparative Government (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Comparative study of the governmental systems and political processes of nations from around the world.

206 Introduction to the Law (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) An introduction to the legal process, including the origins and evolution of the American legal system, legal reasoning, the role of the courts in the judicial process, law as a profession, and civil and criminal procedure.

215 Introduction to Public Administration (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Study of the nature of public administration in the United States with attention to policies of organization and management and to fiscal, personnel, planning, and public relations practices.

230 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Survey of the fundamental concepts, institutions, and structures of the American criminal justice system.

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295 Methods of Political Science (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Examination of the history of the study of politics; the development and scope of political science; and the methods of conducting political research.

301 Political Movements and Revolutions (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Consideration and analysis of the major political ideologies of the modern world: socialism, fascism, communism, anarchism, nationalism, and democracy.

305 American Political Parties (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Descriptive and analytical examination of the nature and function of political parties in the United States, with emphasis on the nominating process, elections, and political leadership.

311 Southern Politics (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Examination of selected aspects of change and continuity in Southern politics from Reconstruction until the present.

314 United States Foreign Policy (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) The principles and machinery of the conduct of American foreign relations. Primary emphasis is on United States foreign policy since World War II.

315 Politics of War and Security (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Study of the causes and conduct of war. Topics include grand strategies, military doctrines, nuclear and conventional deterrence, and terrorism.

317 The United States Congress (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Comprehensive study of the American legislative process emphasizing the development and operation of the U.S. Congress. The interaction of Congress with other political institutions will also be examined.

319 The American Presidency (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Examination of the office of President with attention to its historical and constitutional development, to presidential selection, and to the various roles, powers, functions, and problems attendant to the contemporary Presidency.

321 American Constitutional History (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Inquiry into the principles of the American constitutional system, with special reference to the role of the judiciary in the interpretation of the federal constitution.

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322 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Study of civil rights in the American Constitutional context with emphasis on freedom of religion and expression, freedom of association, privacy rights, and protection against discrimination.

323 Rights of the Accused (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Focuses on the rights of persons suspected or accused of crimes with particular emphasis on criminal legal procedure, the constitutional protection against unreasonable search and seizure, the rights of the accused before and during the trial, and rights of those convicted of crimes.

324 through 329 Area Studies in International Relations (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Intensive study of the governmental institutions, political development, security problems, and contemporary foreign policy patterns of nations in specific regions of the world.

324 Asian Politics (3)

325 African Politics (3)

326 Latin American Politics (3)

327 Middle Eastern Politics (3)

328 Soviet and Russian Politics (3)

329 Western European Politics (3)

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330 Perspectives on Policing (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Examination of the legal, ethical, and administrative dilemmas which confront law enforcement professionals.

331 Administration of Justice (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) Focus on organization, management, and community relations in the criminal justice system.

340 U.S. Political Focus (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) In-depth examination of selected topics dealing with institutions, processes, or phenomena in U.S. politics. Students may earn up to nine hours of academic credit in focus courses bearing the 340/341 designation.

341 International Political Focus (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or 103) In-depth examination of selected topics dealing with comparative politics, international relations, or foreign policy. Students may earn up to nine hours of academic credit in focus courses bearing the 340/341 designation.

395 Political Theory (3) (Prerequisite: Completion of a minimum of 9 hours in political science, including either 101 or 103 or permission of the department) Survey of political theory related to the nature and purpose of the state and based on the analysis of ideas of leading ancient, medieval, and modern theorists.

477 Applied Politics (3), (2), or (1) (Prerequisite: Completion of 18 hours in political science and departmental approval at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester in which credit is to be received. Students are limited to a total of 3 hours in Political Science 477 and may not enroll in Political Science 487. Students work for a legislative, governmental, or political organization, and are expected to complete reading and writing assignments.

487 Public Administration/Criminal Justice Internship (3) (Prerequisite: Completion of 18 hours in political science and departmental approval at least two weeks prior to the beginning of the semester in which credit is to be received. Students enrolling in Political Science 487 may not enroll in Political Science 477.) Students work for a public or non-profit agency in an administrative capacity and are expected to complete reading and writing assignments.

497 Special Studies (6), (3), (2), or (1) (Prerequisite: Permission of department) Open to either (A) Honors students accepted into the Washington Semester program (6 hours maximum), or (B) Juniors or seniors with a GPA of 3.0 or higher in their major courses (3 hours maximum). A research product in Track B may be taken for credit (3 hours) towards the Honors degree by special arrangement.

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