POL-220 Mobilizing for Justice (4 credits)
The student examines social change, especially throught the lens of social movements. They study social change in a variety of areas including demographic changes, natural changes, and technological changes. They also conduct research on national and global social movements of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries.
Prerequisite(s): BSC-215 & 1-2W
POL-225 American Politics (4 credits)
The student examines the American national government from the perspective of the allocation of resources in society. They analyze the political interrelationships of public and private institutions, interest groups, elected and appointed officials, and citizens. In addition, they study the U.S. Constitution and the major ideological perspectives in American politics today.
POL-301 Social Theory (4 credits)
The student refines their own social philosophy by analyzing the ideas set forth by social theorists and critics. They compare different interpretations of social phenomena by examining their historical context, basic assumptions and interpretations, and societal implications.
Prerequisite(s): CM-225 or Communications Level 3 ICM completed., POL-225
POL-306 Race & Ethnicity in American Life (4 credits)
Students examine from an historical perspective various racial and ethnic groups that comprise American society. Similarities and differences are analyzed in terms of social status, relative power and the dynamics of racism.
Prerequisite(s): SSC-101. Communication Level 3 ICM Offered Spring term only.
POL-330 United Nations & the World (4 credits)
Offered Fall term only. The student prepares for participation in a regional Model United Nations by learning about international issues and the role of international organizations. They learn conceptual tools in the analysis of the international system and becomes familiar with the capabilities and limitations of the United Nations and other intergovernmental organizations in managing global challenges. Students must attend a Model UN 4-day event in Chicago. Dates of the Model UN are Nov 18-21, 2023.
Prerequisite(s): For Sociology, Global Studies or Politics majors/supports: CLD/SOC-220 or POL-225 or GLS-200 completed. For other majors/supports: Effective Citizenship-Level 3, Developing a Global Perspective-Level 3, Social Interaction-Level 3 and One Communication-Level 3 ICM completed or permission of instructor.
POL-398 Community, Power & Change (3 credits)
This course introduces the student to the economics and politics of local and regional government decision making. They compare different structures of governance and planning in order to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each. For example, communities include many different economic, cultural, and political interest groups. How well do various types of local and regional government address their diverse needs? The student examines case studies of local political issues and investigates issues in their own community.
POL-399 Formal Introduction to Advanced Work (0 credits)
The Advanced-Level Event marks a significant accomplishment for each student as they proceed into the work of her major department. When a department determines that a student is ready for advanced work within a discipline, the student is invited to participate in a ceremony that is both a celebration and an explanation of future requirements of the major and support areas. They register for this experience at a point determined by their major department: for most majors the registration is connected to the taking of a particular course. Students and faculty gather for an afternoon during Mid-semester Assessment Days. Following a general program, students meet in departmental sessions with their faculty to discuss advanced outcomes, department courses, advising procedures, and so on.
Prerequisite(s): POL-225
POL-497 Independent Study (4 credits)
The student wishing to pursue a special project in political science can do so in this course. they are expected to develop whatever abilities are required for the project, as determined by mutual agreement with their mentor. The student should consult with the instructor for specific information.