Plattsburgh State

44 Courses Matching Search "PSC"

PSC100 - U.S. National Politics (3 cr.)

A survey of the constitutional, political, and social bases of the American political system. Structure and functions of the leading institutions--presidency, bureaucracy, congress, courts--of the national government. Political issues and ways in which governmental decisions are made. (Fall - Spring, Summer). Liberal arts.

PSC110 - Studying Politics (1 cr.)

Introduction to the subject matter and methodology of the political science discipline for entering political science majors. Students are introduced to their fellow students, to their major professors, and to the crucial subdivisions of the major including, political theory, methodology, comparative politics, international relations, public law and public policy. Further, students are made aware of post-graduate study and vocational opportunities in political science, of experiential learning opportunities related to politics, such as internships and study abroad, and of various academic and personal support services within the department and on the campus. (Fall). Prerequisite: freshmen-level political science major

PSC120 - Comparative Politics (3 cr.)

An introduction to political and governmental systems, focusing primarily on the varieties of democracy. The concept of the nation-state, including political culture and history, interest articulation through parties, public opinion and organized interests, and government. Comparison of both structure and function of government through case studies of a wide array of nations. (Spring, Fall). Liberal arts.

PSC220 - International Relations (3 cr.)

An overview of the study of international relations. The primary focus is the major theoretical approaches used to study international politics, while surveying the main topic areas within international relations. Major topics covered include the different levels of analysis used to study international politics, the state and non-state actors, the role of international law and institutions, war and national security, the international economy, and international environmental issues. (Fall - Spring). Liberal arts.

PSC231 - History of Political Ideas (3 cr.)

An examination of the history of core political ideas such as government, power, legitimacy, equality, rights and the common good through selections drawn from important works of political thought that span some 2,500 years, from the ancient Greeks to the present. A study of how the author of each selection wrestles within his or her own time and place, with the most basic questions which human beings can ask about society--perennial questions about institutions and relations of power that never lose their relevance. (Fall or Spring). Liberal arts.

PSC240 - State and Local Government (3 cr.)

An introduction to the nature and the function of state, county, and municipal governments in the United States and the political environment in which they operate. The constitutional bases and evolutionary changes of these governments are studied in the context of both political behavior and the processes of governmental decision-making. Particular emphasis on New York State government and local governments within New York. (Fall - Spring, Winter, Summer). Liberal arts.

PSC282 - Political Ideals and Ideologies (3 cr.)

A study of political ideals such as order, liberty, equality, and justice as well as an examination of systems of interrelated political beliefs--political ideologies such as liberalism, socialism, anarchism, conservatism, feminism, environmentalism, and fundamentalism. Analyses the impact of politically relevant beliefs upon our understanding of complex political realities and our desire to rationalize to ourselves and justify to others the political choices that we make. (Fall - Spring). Liberal arts.

PSC290 - Introduction to Law (3 cr.)

An introduction to the law with a primary emphasis on U.S. law and the U.S. legal system. Topics include U.S. legal history; law and society; court organization and procedure; lawyers and the legal profession; judicial powers and constraints; constitutional, statutory and common law; criminal and civil law; administrative law; and contemporary legal issues. For perspective, U.S. law is compared to law in other historical eras and in other legal systems. (Fall - Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: PSC100.

PSC311 - Political Analysis (3 cr.)

An introduction to quantitative analytical methods as applied to the study of politics and public policy. Data gathering, descriptive and inferential statistics, tests of hypotheses, simple mathematical models. Handheld calculator capable of doing bivariate statistics required. (Fall - Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: three PSC credits (MAT161 recommended).

PSC320 - Ethnic Politics (3 cr.)

Examines polyethnic societies ranging from USA and Canada to Nigeria and Sri Lanka where effective control of economic and political life is closely related to patterns of dominance-subordination. Comparative study of how politics and government in polyethnic politics in the developed as well as developing worlds impact upon ethnic identity and relations of power among ethnocultural communities. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: PSC120 or PSC220 or POI.

PSC321 - Latin American Politics (3 cr.)

An analysis of politics in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean with particular emphasis on selected nations including Cuba, Chile, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Social and economic factors influencing such phenomena as democracy, industrialization, revolution, military dictatorship, U.S. intervention and political order. (Fall, Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: 3 PSC credits or POI.

PSC323 - Japanese Politics (3 cr.)

A systematic analysis of the structure of government and process of government policy making as well as interactions between the public and private sectors in Japan. Detailed coverage of major public policy areas in the post-industrial society, ranging from civil liberties, public welfare, to national defense, along with an assessment of the role of Japan in globalization. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: three PSC credits (PSC120 recommended) or POI.

PSC325 - Canadian Politics (3 cr.)

An examination of the Canadian political system--its policy and functions of major structures ranging from Parliament and the Cabinet to political parties and federalism. The "written" and "unwritten" parts of the Canadian constitution. Strengths and weaknesses as well as proposals for reform are evaluated in light of how well political conflicts are managed. Issues range from the status of Quebec and relations with the U.S. to the justice claims of aboriginal people, other minorities, women, and the poor. (Fall, Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: three PSC credits or three CAS credits or POI.

PSC327 - European Politics (3 cr.)

A comparative political analysis of government and politics in European industrial democracies (i.e., France and the United Kingdom) as well as formerly totalitarian socialist nations undergoing political democratization and market economic reforms (e.g., Russia) within their respective contexts of history, economics, and political culture. Comparisons and contrasts between the composition and functions of selected democratic as well as democratizing European political systems as well as an overview of the supranational institutions of the European Union. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: PSC120 or POI.

PSC329 - Asia Today (3 cr.)

A study of the current status of modernization and industrialization in Asia. A comparison of different stages of nation building in terms of political, socioeconomic, and cultural variables; key factors that facilitate or impede such progress. An exploration of different goals and aspirations manifested in Asia toward modernization, industrialization, Westernization, regionalism, and globalism. (Spring, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: PSC100 or PSC120 or ASI110.

PSC334 - International Conflict and Security (3 cr.)

This course focuses on an analysis of the role that conflict and the provision for national security play in international politics. A principal focus is on the roles that factors such as the distribution of power, military technology, and domestic politics play in making international conflicts more or less likely. Other major topics include the causes and effects of civil wars, and the evolving nature of international conflict as a result of the war on terrorism. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: PSC220 or six credits of political science.

PSC335 - Politics of the World Economy (3 cr.)

This course focuses on the politics of international economic relations, in terms of both the politics of foreign economic policy and the interaction between states negotiating economic relations. The principal focus of the course is on how exposure to the international economy affects states, and in return how demands for specific policies from domestic interest groups affects how states interact with each other. Major topics include trade, capital flows, the role of international institutions and laws, the politics of development, the environment, and globalization. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: PSC220 or six credits of political science.

PSC343 - U.S. Congress and Presidency (3 cr.)

An examination of the constitutional basis for the legislative and executive branches of government. Their structures and functions with emphasis on the shared and exclusive powers of each branch. Cooperation and conflict between the branches. (Spring, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: PSC100.

PSC344 - U.S. Political Parties and Interest Groups (3 cr.)

A study of the nature of political parties and interest groups, and their impact on elections, public policy, and political change. The similarities and differences between parties and interest groups as ways to aggregate the public's views and articulate public demands on the political system. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: PSC100.

PSC345 - U.S. Public Opinion and Voting Behavior (3 cr.)

An examination of the formation and expression of mass political sentiment within the American political system and the impact of public opinion on policy making. The underlying social, economic, and cultural determinants of voting behavior, and how these have changed over time. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: PSC100.

PSC348 - Gender Politics (3 cr.)

A study of the theoretical, legal, and political roots of feminism in the U.S., comparing different feminist ideologies and their impacts on 20th century feminism. Specific questions about the role of women in modern society and about gender-related policy implications are addressed. Constitutional rights of women and the political mobilization of women are covered as well. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: three PSC credits or three WMS credits or POI.

PSC354 - Topics in U.S. Politics (1 to 3 cr.)

Course content varies based on current U.S. politics topics of sufficient importance to merit a semester's attention. Topics may be general (e.g., "Money and Politics") or specific (e.g., "Congressional Redistricting as a Political Process"). Course may be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: six PSC credits.

PSC355 - Topics in Law (1 to 3 cr.)

Course content varies based on current law topics of sufficient importance to merit a semester's attention. Topics may be general (e.g., "Ideology and the Federal Courts") or specific (e.g., "Civil Liberties in a Time of Terrorism"). Offered sporadically. Course may be repeated for credit when topics vary. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: six PSC credits.

PSC356 - Topics in Public Policy (3 cr.)

Course content varies based on current public policy topics of sufficient importance to merit a semester's attention. Topics may be general (e.g., "Shifts in Policy after Realigning Elections") or specific (e.g., "What Will the Department of Homeland Security Do?). Offered sporadically. Course may be repeated for credit when topics vary. Liberal arts. Prerequisite: six PSC credits.

PSC357 - Topics in World Affairs (1 to 3 cr.)

Course content varies based on current World Affairs topics of sufficient importance to merit a semester's attention. Topics may be general (e.g., "War in the 21st Century) or specific (e.g., "International Responses to Global Warming"). Course may be repeated for credit when topic varies. (Fall/Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: six PSC credits.

PSC380 - Public Policy and Administration (3 cr.)

Analytical treatment of types of public policy and of the models and theories of the policy making process at the national level. Particular emphasis on the implementation and evaluation of policies by the federal bureaucracy. Secondary emphasis on the budgetary process. Several important policy areas are discussed and analyzed within the framework of the models and theories. (Fall, Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: PSC100.

PSC381 - U.S. Political Economy (3 cr.)

An overview of the relationship between politics and economics in the U.S. from a variety of theoretical standpoints. Emphasis on contemporary economic problems and policy issues. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: three credits in PSC or ECO.

PSC382 - Courts, Judges & Politics (3 cr.)

This course focuses on the U.S. judiciary at all levels of U.S. government. Topics include the judicial role in a constitutional republic, judicial selection and tenure, judicial organization and jurisdiction, judicial power and judicial restraint, judicial interaction with other political actors and with the public, the roles of attorneys and jurors in the American legal process, alternatives to judicial dispute resolution, judicial process, judicial policy making, and judicial impact and importance. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: PSC100 or PSC290.

PSC383 - Domestic Policy (3 cr.)

An examination of the major continuing areas of U.S. Domestic Policy: public health, education, public welfare. The history of these areas from their emergence as policy concerns, through the growing role of the federal government, to their current status. Comparisons between the way these areas are handled politically in the U.S. compared with other modern democracies. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: PSC100 (PSC380 recommended).

PSC385 - U.S. Environmental Policy (3 cr.)

A study of the emergence of the environment as an issue in the 1960s; the rise of the environmental movement as well as opposition by business; and the establishment of federal environmental policies. Problems of policy implementation, legal battles over this implementation, and the gradual evolution of environmental policy over the ensuing decades. The expansion of environmental efforts to the global level of international conventions, agreements, accords, and treaties. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: PSC100; PSC380 recommended.

PSC390 - U.S. Constitutional Law (3 cr.)

An exploration of the origins and evolution of the U.S. Constitution from its founding in 1787 to the present. Emphasis is on the role of judicial interpretation as the principal means by which the constitution is altered and the particular role of the U.S. Supreme Court in that process. Principal topics are those relating to the constitutional separation of powers, federalism, and constitutionally based rights and liberties. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: PSC100 (PSC290 recommended).

PSC391 - U.S. Civil Liberties (3 cr.)

An examination of the crucial role of the United States Supreme Court as definer and defender of constitutionally based civil rights and liberties. Particular emphasis is on the U.S. Bill of Rights and the 13th, 14th, and 15th amendments to the U.S. constitution. Legal and extralegal influences on constitutional interpretation are assessed, including the political nature of the court's constitutional adjudication, and the impact of judicial philosophy and ideology in constitutional decisions. The Court's interactions with other political/legal actors including the states, Congress, and the executive branch is also stressed. Students read landmark Supreme Court decisions in civil rights and liberties cases. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: PSC100; (PSC290 recommended).

PSC393 - Global Law (3 cr.)

A comparative analysis of constitutional legal systems and analysis of international law through both statutory and case law approaches. Also analyzed are the International Court of Justice, the European Court, and bilateral arbitration panels. (Spring, Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: PSC290 or POI.

PSC399 - Independent Study (1 to 15 cr.)

Project individually arranged by student and faculty sponsor. Requires completion of the Independent Study form and approval by the Faculty Sponsor, Academic Advisor, Department Chair and Academic Dean. (Fall).

PSC444 - The Political Economy of National Competitiveness (3 cr.)

This seminar examines national and subsector (industry) competitiveness, the role that the State and multilaterals play in establishing in maintaining national competitiveness, the evolution of industry competitiveness and the links between industry competitiveness and regional development. Case studies will focus on peripheral nations that have close economic relationships with large diversified economies. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: junior class standing.

PSC451 - Seminar on Elections (3 cr.)

An assessment of the role of elections in democratic societies: voting systems, issues of suffrage, party and mass media roles. Electoral patterns including sectionalism, realignment, incumbency and interparty competition. Approved AWR. (Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: senior standing or POI.

PSC452 - Seminar on U.S. Foreign Policy (3 cr.)

An examination of the formulation and execution of U.S. foreign policy, past, present, and future. The constitutional struggle for the control of U.S. foreign policy and its implications for coherence and consistency in foreign policy. The impact of external events on U.S. foreign policy. Foreign policy and the American Public. Substantive issues in American foreign policy. (Fall). Liberal arts. Approved AWR. Prerequisite: senior standing or POI.

PSC453 - Seminar on Political Persuasion (3 cr.)

An examination of the use of rhetoric, symbolism, and propaganda to achieve political ends. Prominent focus is on the creation and manipulation of public opinion by government and vested interests. Secondary emphases are on the imagery of politics and the struggle within government for information control. (Fall). Liberals arts. Approved AWR. Prerequisite: senior standing or POI.

PSC456 - Seminar on the Politics of Economic Development (3 cr.)

A study of the concepts of economic and political development of "Third World", socialist, and former Soviet Bloc nations. Approaches to development in theory and practice, especially economic development in underdeveloped countries. Issues of globalization and free trade. Approved AWR. (Fall). Liberal arts. Prerequisite: senior standing or POI.

PSC489 - Washington Internship Institute (3 to 15 cr.)

(Fall & Spring).

PSC495 - Undergraduate Research (1 to 3 cr.)

Research project arranged by student and faculty sponsor. Formal application process. May be repeated no more than once. (Fall). Prerequisite: junior standing or POI.

PSC496 - Instructional Practicum (1 to 3 cr.)

Supervised tutoring and classroom instructional assistance in an introductory political science course (PSC100, PSC120, PSC220, PSC231, PSC311). Student and professor must specify exact duties by contract. Cannot be repeated. Graded on a pass/fail basis. (Fall - Spring). Liberal arts. Prerequisites: twelve PSC credits including a grade of at least a B in the course to be taught; junior/senior standing or POI.

PSC498 - Internship (1 to 15 cr.)

Advanced field work under academic supervision. Participation in the work of government offices, political campaigns, interest groups, etc. Full semester credit internships (15 credit hours per semester) have accompanying seminars. Internship credit does not replace course work requirements of PSC. Formal application process. (Fall - Spring, Summer, Winter). Prerequisites: variable.

PSC499 - Independent Study (1 to 15 cr.)

Individual work with a professor on any topic germane to political science. Independent studies cannot be used for courses that are offered normally. Formal application process. (Spring, Summer, Fall). Prerequisite: junior standing or POI

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