Political Science

*PSCI 1104 – American Government

3 credits

This course examines the institutions, processes, and influences of American political institutions and political behavior, including history and theories of American democracy, institutions of national government, federalism, and political processes (parties, elections, interest groups and public opinion).

PSCI 1199 – Seminar

1–9 credits

This course will be a discussion of particular problems related to the student’s chosen program and areas of interest.

PSCI 2201 – American Civic Literacy

3 credits

In accordance with Ohio Revised Code §3345.382, this course provides a comprehensive, document-based study of American civic literacy through the analysis of essential primary source texts. Students will engage directly with the full texts of the U.S. Constitution, Declaration of Independence, selected Federalist Papers, the Emancipation Proclamation, the Gettysburg Address, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Letter from Birmingham Jail. The course also includes a study of capitalism and the American economic system through selected readings from Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations.

Students will critically examine these primary source documents in their historical, political, and philosophical contexts to better understand the principles of liberty, governance, civil rights, and economic freedom. The course concludes with a cumulative final assessment, as required by law, to evaluate student mastery of the required texts and concepts.

PSCI 2206 – International Relations

3 credits | Prerequisites: PSCI 1104

This course examines and applies the basic theoretical perspectives in international relations. It addresses important global issues, including the origins of war, economic relations, and human rights, as well as the role of international institutions in global governance.

PSCI 2207 – State and Local Government

3 credits | Prerequisites: PSCI 1104

This course examines the political processes and institutions of U.S. state and local government. Topics include: state and local politics; state constitutions; municipal corporations and charters; political participation; institutions and processes; intergovernmental relations; political parties and interest groups; and, policy issues and outcomes in state and local government with special reference to Ohio.

PSCI 2208 – Comparative Government and Politics

3 credits | Prerequisites: PSCI 1104

This course examines basic concepts, approaches to and comparisons of different political systems, including institutions and political processes, political cultures, ideologies, participation, and interest groups.

A * preceding a course number indicates that the course is part of Ohio Transfer 36.