In modern American government, the major political institutions, such as the presidency, the Congress, and the Supreme Court, are examined. Their constitutional antecedents and their modern functions are presented. Special attention is given to the current bureaucracy, elections and the political actors in the election process.
POLS 1500 is an introductory survey of American state and urban politics. The course is designed to better equip students to understand the political institutions and processes of regional governments in the United States, their policy responsibilities, and their impact on the day to day lives of citizens. The general approach to this topic will be comparative in nature, i.e. we will focus on the variation among regional governments and attempt to come to some understanding of why those differences exist and what effect they have on government decision-making. The course is roughly divided into three broad sections. The first section deals with the structure of politics at the sub-national level and the mechanisms that link citizens to government in states and localities. The second section covers the basic institutions of state and local government. The third section covers some key policy areas where states and localities have critical responsibilities.
This course examines the nomination and general election processes in great detail, along with the Constitutional basis and historical evolution of these processes. In presidential election years the principal focus is on that contest, while in "off years," congressional and state elections become the subjects of interest.
Environmental Policy focuses on the science behind environmental problems and how political solutions are derived. Students in this course will review the three branches of government and their role in establishing environmental laws, discuss the history of environmental policies and laws, and investigate the role of agencies, outside organizations and influencers in environmental policy. Philosophical debates on environmental ethics, regulatory approaches and sustainable practices will also be explored.
Identity Politics and Policies in America: This course explores how Identities such as race, gender, class, and disability shape political beliefs, participation, and policy in the United States. It examines how Identities form and become politically meaningful, Influencing debates, representation, and power across the Institutions and culture of American democracy.
Political Science Research Methods (PSRM) introduces students to the scientific and quantitative study of politics. It introduces the scientific method and concepts, measurement techniques, research design, data gathering techniques (univariate, bivariate, and multivariate), and the limitations to the study of politics via science and quantitative techniques.