Course Descriptions

Courses numbered 1000-1999 are open to freshmen; 2000-2999 to sophomores; 3000-3999 to juniors; 4000-4999 to seniors. It is recommended that students elect courses in the years for which they are listed. Freshmen will be admitted to courses above the 2000 level only with the consent of the instructor and the student’s advisor. Juniors and seniors taking freshman courses may be expected to do additional work. Any course above 4999 is a graduate course.

NOTE:
The number in parentheses following the course title indicates the semester hours of credit assigned to the course.
An H following the course number indicates an honors level course.

POLS 2000
Model U.N. [Course] (1 - 3) (Liberal Arts)
Students prepare for and participate in a Model United Nations program. This may be repeated for credit, but total credits may not exceed three. Students should expect additional expenses for participation, travel, room, and board. (By application only)

POLS 2300
American Studies: Constitutional History [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
(Also listed as HIST 2300) This course covers the background development of American constitutional theory and follows the steps of formation and implementation of the American Constitution. It then traces the development of the Constitution to the present through the examination of important cases. (Offered alternate years)

POLS 3000
Topics in Political Science [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course examines selected topics in political science.

POLS 3100
Principles of Political Science [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
In this study of the development of political theory and organization into modern political forms, emphasis is placed on the problems of law, constitutions, political parties, public opinion, organization, administration, and international law.

POLS 3200
American Government [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
The essentials of American government are studied, beginning with philosophical foundations and their exposition in constitutional forms. Chief emphasis is given to federal and state powers, functions, and institutions. Less emphasis is given to local authority and operation.

POLS 3300
New York State Government [Course] (3) (Liberal Arts)
This course will explore and analyze New York state and local government. This course will review issues of federalism and the structure of New York government on both the state and local level. This course will also explore issues such as New York's electoral process, third parties and electoral fusion, and the role of special interests. (Offered alternate years)

POLS 4950
IS:Politicial Science [Course] (1 - 3) (Liberal Arts)
Independent study provides opportunity to pursue advanced or special-interest topics not covered in the curriculum. Prerequisites: 1. Junior standing. 2. A minimum of 9 semester hours in the discipline of the Independent Study. 3. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 in the discipline. 4. Proof of motivation and ability to work independently. 5. Approval of the department in which the study is to be taken. 6. Permission from the student's advisor, the course instructor, the Department Chair, the School Dean, and the Registrar.

POLS 4980
Undergraduate Research [Course] (1 - 3) (Liberal Arts)
Students conduct research in Political Science under supervision of a faculty member. Permission of instructor is required. Guidelines for Independent Study apply. A written report is required. (May be repeated with new research) Prerequisites: 1. Junior standing 2. A minimum of 9 semester hours in History/Political Science 3. A minimum grade point average of 2.50 in the discipline 4. Proof of motivation and ability to work independently 5. Approval of the division in which the study is to be taken 6. Permission from the student's advisor, the course instructor, the Division Chair, and the Registrar