Political Science (POLS)

POLS 1100. American Government (AI). 3 Hours.

Fulfills the General Education American Institutions (Utah State Code R470) requirement. Surveys the founding of the U.S. Government; the U.S. Constitution; and the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of government. Also covers politics and elections, international relations, and national security. Helps students acquire a greater understanding of the federal system and of federalism. Employs a wide variety of instructional methods including lectures, student reports, discussions, and audio-visual materials. Successful students will demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the history, principles, form of government, and economic system of the United States. ***COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Identify and understand the major topical divisions, theories, concepts, and structures of American government and the American political system. 2. Analyze governmental and political decisions and processes. 3. Argue and write analytically and coherently about significant issues and problems in American government. 4. Demonstrate understanding of American government and current political issues that relate to American government by reading significant authors and authoritative texts. Prerequisite: Reading placement score 17 or higher; or ENGL 1010, ENGL 1010D. FA, SP, SU.

POLS 2100. Introduction to International Relations (SS, GC). 3 Hours.

This course fulfills the General Education requirement of Social and Behavioral Sciences and is an approved Global and Cultural Perspectives course. Examines the military, economic, social, and political interactions between nations, including how realist, liberal, and idealist theories describe and explain the causes of war and peace, the issues concerning trade and globalization, the content and purpose of international law, and the importance of international institutions such as the United Nations and the European Union. Students will read widely and write analytically to gain a deep understanding of these theories and issues. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Identify and understand the major topical divisions in International Relations including the nature of politics and political science, realism and idealism, the nature of the state, international law and institutions, and international security, economic, human rights and environmental issues. 2. Effectively analyze decisions and processes that effect International Relations. 3. Argue and write analytically and coherently about significant issues and problems in International Relations. 4. Learn about the politics of International Relations by reading significant authors and authoritative texts. FA.

POLS 2200. Intro to Comparative Politics (SS, GC). 3 Hours.

This course fulfills the General Education requirement of Social and Behavioral Sciences and is an approved Global and Cultural Perspectives course. For students interested in politics or planning to major in political science. Examines political activities within individual countries by looking at the politics of a diverse set of nations such as the United States, England, Russia, China, Japan, Mexico, Iran, Nigeria, etc., in order to compare the political institutions and patterns in one country with those in other countries. The focus is on each country's internal politics, with a view to making generalizations about how politics work in a variety of national settings. This will allow students to understand many democratic styles and how democratic politics compares with the politics in authoritarian governments. Students will read widely and write comparatively about various government structures in various countries. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Compare and understand the politics and governmental structures of a variety of nations including democratic and authoritarian regimes in the developed and less developed world. 2. Analyze governmental and political decisions and processes in a variety of nations. 3. Argue and write analytically and coherently about significant issues and problems in Comparative Government. 4. Learn about Comparative Government and about current political issues that relate to Comparative Government by reading significant authors and authoritative texts. SP.

POLS 2300. Intro to Political Theory. 3 Hours.

Examines ideas about government from Plato to John Rawls. Covers ideas about the relationship between those who govern and those what are governed; about the nature of the good life and of the role of the government in achieving it; about ideas of how those who govern are to be chosen; about the necessity of limits, if any, on those who govern; and about the correct balance between freedom for the individual and the authority of the state. Students will read from the works of several great political thinkers, and compare and contrast their contributions. *COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Identify and understand the basic ideas of the major political philosophers in the western tradition such as Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Bentham, Marx, and Mill. 2. Analyze the ideas of selected political philosophers. 3. Argue and write analytically and coherently about significant issues and problems in Political Philosophy. 4. Learn about Political Philosophy by reading significant authors and authoritative texts.

POLS 2800. Film and Politics. 3 Hours.

This course explores the intersection of cinema and political science, examining how films reflect, shape, and critique political ideologies, power structures, and societal issues. The course addresses how effective a cinematic genre is at conveying a political message and what is "political" in cinema. Through a combination of film screenings, readings, and critical discussions, students will analyze how cinematic narratives portray political themes such as governance, justice, power, identity, journalism, campaigns, etc., while applying political science theories to interpret these representations. The course investigates the role of film as a tool for political advocacy, propaganda, or social commentary within American and global contexts, while also fostering an understanding of cinematic techniques like cinematography and editing that enhance political storytelling. By the end, students will develop critical media literacy skills, enabling them to evaluate films as both artistic works and political texts. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Identify and critically evaluate political themes, ideologies, and power dynamics portrayed in films, connecting them to real-world political events, institutions, and theories. 2. Apply key political science concepts, such as sovereignty, justice, or representation, to interpret and critique the narratives and messages presented in political films. 3. Assess how films shape public opinion, influence political discourse, and serves as tools for advocacy or propaganda within the context of American and global politics. 4. Demonstrate an understanding of cinematic techniques, such as cinematography, editing, and sound design, and analyze how these elements impact the portrayal of political issues and narratives in film.

POLS 2900R. Public Policy and Government Internship. 3-9 Hours.

Internship in Political Science designed to provide students with practical work experience in local, state or national government institutions. Potential opportunities include state legislature or congressional internship programs. Repeatable up to 12 credits subject to graduation restrictions. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Apply their knowledge of American political institutions and concepts in real-life settings to both assist their employer and strengthen their own understanding. 2. Employ analytical, writing and verbal communication skills to complete job-related tasks. 3. Learn about and understand current political issues in the context of their internship duties. 4. Develop lasting relationships with policymakers which will serve them in future career development. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. FA, SP, SU.

POLS 2960. Topics in Political Science: [Topic]. 3 Hours.

Specialty subjects in which selected topics and themes in political science will be drawn from the research specialties of faculty. Topics vary. Repeatable, with different topics, for a maximum of six credits. Offered upon sufficient student demand. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Describe human and institutional decision making from multiple perspectives. 2. Compose a well-researched, well-articulated argument about the subject of their choosing. 3. Demonstrate creativity and critical thinking in inter- and multi-disciplinary contexts.

POLS 3000. Parties, Voters, and Elections. 3 Hours.

Introduction to the study of public opinion, political participation, vote choice, political parties, campaigns, and electoral systems, both in the United States and foreign countries. ***COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs)*** At the successful conclusion of this course students will be able to: 1. Apply theoretical and empirical models of individual and collective voter behavior. 2. Analyze factors that affect the results of particular elections, including institutional, social, and economic factors. 3. Interpret surveys and election data to analyze how specific variables affect voters. 4. Compare and evaluate different electoral institutions at the local, state, national, and international levels. FA (even).

POLS 3050. Dictatorship and Democracy. 3 Hours.

This course offers a survey of the empirical and theoretical literatures on democracy and dictatorship in comparative politics. The first part of the course will be devoted primarily to examining competing theories about the conditions and causes of the transition to and consolidation of democracy. The second part of the course examines theories about democratic erosion and the emergence and strengthening of autocracy. ***COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs)*** At the successful conclusion of this course students will be able to: 1. Identify core features of both democratic and authoritarian regimes. 2. Compare and contrast democracies and dictatorships on core performance outcomes like economic and social development. 3. Identify and interpret the causes of democratization and democratic backsliding. 4. Evaluate specific cases of democratization or democratic backsliding and assess the likelihood of future regime changes in countries.

POLS 3200. Introduction to Law and Politics. 3 Hours.

Examines law as a means of social ordering, social and political functions of civil and criminal law, organization and functions of courts and the legal profession. Special emphasis will be given to applying political and moral theory to legal analysis of the Anglo-American legal tradition. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Understand and apply basic concepts of political and moral theory. 2. Analyze legal precedents set by various judicial decisions. 3. Attain the ability to develop arguments based on specific judicial opinions rooted in legal philosophy. 4. Understand aspects of legal precedents on the relations between government institutions and American citizens.

POLS 3210. Constitutional Law. 3 Hours.

Examination of the U.S. Constitution as interpreted by the Supreme Court. Constitutional principles governing war, foreign relations, commerce, judicial review, congressional and presidential powers, economic liberties, and federal-state relations. ***COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs)*** At the successful conclusion of this course students will be able to: 1. Understand the US Constitution and Supreme Court cases. 2. Explain how doctrines of law have changed over time. 3. Analyze the assumptions of courts and policy makers. 4. Understand how the Supreme Court responds to political, social, and economic factors. Prerequisites: POLS 3200 - Introduction to Law and Politics (Grade C or higher). SP (even).

POLS 3320. Introduction to Public Policy and Analysis. 3 Hours.

Examines theoretical approaches to the study of public policy with special focus on elements such as, agenda setting, policy formulation and implementation and oversight. This course also discusses aspects such as, federalism, crime, lobbying, civil rights, foreign policy, and national security. This course will aid students in gaining a comprehensive understanding of the policy making process, as well as, the effect of policy upon Americans, their government and the world. Students will be instructed through a variety of methods such as, lectures, student debate papers, discussions, and audio-visual means. Successful students will demonstrate a reasonable understanding of the various aspects involved in the formulation and augmentation of policy. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Understand and apply basic theories of public policy. 2. Analyze policy issues, options and outcomes. 3. Attain the ability to develop arguments based on specific policy. 4. Understand aspects of the policy process such as actors, institutions, instruments.

POLS 3450. War, Security, and Diplomacy. 3 Hours.

Explores international conflict processes, with a focus on crisis bargaining, war initiation and conduct, peace processes, and international interventions in interstate and intrastate wars. ***COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs)*** At the successful conclusion of this course students will be able to: 1. Evaluate the causes and consequences of interstate and intrastate wars, and identify how they differ. 2. Identify and analyze peace processes, and the factors that lead to successful and unsuccessful peace initiatives. 3. Analyze how, when, and why international actors intervene in interstate and intrastate conflicts. 4. Engage in class discussions and produce written work applying theories of war and peace to specific cases.

POLS 3700. The Politics of Development. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to how institutions and politics impact economic policy decisions. It will give students exposure to important debates in international development, both contemporary and historic, including questions around industrialization, poverty alleviation, globalization, and trade. ***COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs)*** At the successful conclusion of this course students will be able to: 1. Explain the historical evolution of policy debates around economic development. 2. Compare and contrast economic development strategies pursued in different countries and different eras. 3. Identify and debate the merits and demerits of contemporary policies on free trade, industrialization, and poverty alleviation. 4. Apply theoretical and empirically-based evidence to evaluate current development strategies in countries around the world.

POLS 3900. Public Policy and Government Internship Preparation and Research. 3 Hours.

Internship preparation and research course designed to provide political science interns with the skills necessary for success in state legislative internships. Topics covered will include: Utah's legislative process, Utah's executive branch structure, legislative research skills, constituent communication and services, constituent survey analysis, legislative scheduling, Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Excel. Week long course taught during the second week of Spring Semester. At the conclusion of the internship, students will submit a research paper based on their experience. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Learn the proper function of a legislative intern. 2. Understand the structure and function of the legislative process and policy making at the state level. 3. Navigate Utah's legislative website as well as track and research legislative bills. 4. Learn how to organize a legislator's schedule. 5. Understand the role of lobbyists, interest groups, and the media in the legislative process. 6. Demonstrate an ability to write and research clearly and succinctly in a variety of circumstances. Prerequisite: Instructor permission. Corequisite: POLS 2900R. SP.

POLS 3910. Civic Engagement and Applied Politics. 3 Hours.

This discussion based course immerses students in the dynamic world of real world politics and civic participation. Through attending events hosted by the Institute of Politics and other political forums, students will engage directly with real-world political processes and learn how to influence policy outcomes and campaigns. The course covers key political science concepts, rhetoric, and the practical application of political strategies. Students will analyze and debate current political issues, honing their critical thinking, persuasive communication, and civic leadership skills. Repeatable up to 6 credits subject to graduation restrictions. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Evaluate how politics and policy debates at the local, state, and national levels shape contemporary American society. 2. Distinguish between different forms of political argumentation and deconstruct competing argumentative approaches. 3. Generate persuasive policy proposals and political arguments related to a variety of contemporary issues. 4. Describe politics and policy both orally and in writing using appropriate formats and methodologies. Prerequisites: Writing placement score 17 or higher; or ENGL 1010 or ENGL 1010D. FA.

POLS 3960. Special Topics. 3 Hours.

Specialty subjects in which topics/themes will be developed based upon the research specialties of department faculty. Repeatable for nine credits subject to graduation restrictions. Offered upon sufficient student demand. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate an understanding of human and institutional decision making from multiple perspectives. 2. Demonstrate quantitative reasoning in application of research methods. 3. Clearly communicate ideas in written and oral form. 4. Demonstrate creativity and critical thinking in inter- and multi-disciplinary contexts.

POLS 4800R. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.

Designed to meet the individual needs of advanced students in the Political Science program who wish to pursue a specific focus of special interest not available in the existing scheduled offerings. Student work under close supervision by appropriate faculty in the design and successful completion of the course. Students are expected to meet with the faculty mentor each week and to provide the faculty member with progress reports and assignment development for feedback and grading purposes on an ongoing basis. Repeatable up to 6 credits subject to graduate restrictions. Offered by arrangement. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Explain how theories of power, politics, and/or policy explain and help us understand their political topic. 2. Develop and utilize the analytical skills necessary for understanding a variety of sources and relevant methodological techniques. 3. Improve their written and oral communication skills through course assignments, including a final paper and/or presentation. Prerequisites: Instructor permission.

POLS 4910. Senior Capstone in Politics, Policy, and Law. 3 Hours.

Senior seminar for students studying politics, policy, or law, emphasizing research literacy, research skills, and writing skills in relation to a specific topic in the study of public law, public policy, or political science. **COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLOs) At the successful conclusion of this course, students will be able to: 1. Produce a substantive written research project based on a clearly articulated, open-ended, researchable politics, policy, or law question yielding a well-argued and debatable conclusion rooted in their examination and interpretation of the primary and secondary source materials used to conduct their research. Students must share their work with others in the class by offering an oral presentation of their projects supported by any ancillary aids and enhancements they select. Prerequisites: SOC 3111 or CJ 3300 (Grade C or higher). SP.