Pre-requisite: None
Co-requisite: None
This course sequence is designed to acquaint students with major issues and problems of contemporary society through examination of current events. Emphasis is placed on topics which contribute to student awareness of historical development and political significances of selected contemporary issues. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and explain factors in the historical development of, explain political significances of, and express informed judgments about selected contemporary social and political issues.
Credit hours: 2
Contact hours: 2
Pre-requisite: None
Co-requisite: None
This course is an introduction to the field of political science through examination of the fundamental principles, concepts, and methods of the discipline, and the basic political processes and institutions of organized political systems. Topics include approaches to political science, research methodology, the state, government, law, ideology, organized political influences, governmental bureaucracy, problems in political democracy, and international politics. Upon completion, students should be able to identify, describe, define, analyze, and explain relationships among the basic principles and concepts of political science and political processes and institutions of contemporary political systems.
Credit hours: 3
Contact hours: 3
Pre-requisite: None
Co-requisite: None
This course surveys the background, constitutional principles, organization, and operation of the American political system. Topics include the U.S. Constitution, federalism, civil liberties, civil rights, political parties, interest groups, political campaigns, voting behavior, elections, the presidency, bureaucracy, Congress, and the justice system. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and explain relationships among the basic elements of American government and function as more informed participants of the American political system.
Credit hours: 3
Contact hours: 3
Pre-requisite: None
Co-requisite: None
This course is a study of the forms of organization, functions, institutions, and operation of American state and local governments. Emphasis is placed on the variety of forms and functions of state and local governments, with particular attention to those in Alabama and to the interactions between state and local government and the national government. Upon completion, students should be able to identify elements of and explain relationships among the state, local, and national governments of the U.S. and function as more informed participants of state and local political systems.
Credit hours: 3
Contact hours: 3
