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DEPARTMENT OF
POLITICAL SCIENCE AND GEOGRAPHY Chair: Dr. Kevin J.
Lasher Faculty: Brown, Carter,
Doughty, Kirley-Tallon, Kitts, Lasher, Lockyer, Renneker, Thigpen, Warters,
White 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 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. 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. Coordinator: Dr. C.
Allan Lockyer No major in geography is
offered. 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. A collateral in
geography requires 12 semester hours. 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 210 Geography of 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. 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 303 Geography of 304 Geography of 305 Geography of 306 Geography of
Subsaharan 307 Geography of the Coordinator: Dr. Kevin J. Lasher< o:p> 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) a) two 12-hour
collaterals approved by the faculty adviser b) 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 322 (Civil Rights
and Civil Liberties) 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. A minor in political
science requires 18 semester hours, including POL 101 and 103. A collateral in
political science requires 12 semester hours, including POL 101 or 103. Students wishing to
enroll in political science 477, 487, or 497 should confer with the department
chairman. TEACHER CERTIFICATION
OPTION IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (FOR SOCIAL STUDIES
CERTIFICATION) The 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 rationale and
organizing principles that guide the The Department of
Political Science and Geography provides the knowledge base for students
certifying to teach social studies in the state of
Two courses in American Politics:
POL 201, 202, 206, 215, 230, 305, 311, 317, 319, 321, 322, 340 Two courses in
Comparative Politics/International Relations: POL 203, 205, 301, 314, 315, 324,
325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 341 And 12 additional hours
of political science courses above the 199 level
Supporting Teaching
Field Courses (if not previously taken as part of the major, minor, general
education, or collaterals)
POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSES (POL) 101 United States Government (3) An examination of the 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 202 State and Local Government (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or
103) Survey of the functioning and problems of state and local government in
the 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. 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 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 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. 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, legal reasoning, race and sex
discrimination, and the rights of defendants. 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) 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. 340 341 International Political Focus (3) (Prerequisite: 101 or
103) Indepth 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. |