POS-POLITICAL SCIENCE
 

POS 2041         American Politics              3

Deals with the constitutional principles on which the republic was founded, the evolution of institutions which emerged after 1789, and the development of processes and policies in response to 20th Century challenges and changes in the political culture. (General Studies Course: SS/SOC)

POS 3XXX        Constitutional Law: Federalism and Seperation of Powers            3

Offers an introduction to the fundamental features of the Supreme Court and its Constitutional jurisprudence. In particular, students will examine through a case-study approach the evolution of judicial review, separation of powers, powers of the president and congress, the evolution of federalism, the national commerce power, and national taxing and spending powers.

POS 3XX1        The Presidency (Pending)              3

We begin our exploration of the American presidency with a critical overview of the constitutional parameters of the executive office. What did our founding fathers expect from an executive? From there we examine how the presidential institution has evolved since the founding. The presidency definitely has a somewhat different place now in our separated system of branches sharing power than it once did. One of the most important features we address is how individual presidents have impacted the scope and direction of the office. We highlight the important role of person style, leadership, persuasion, and charisma as an influence on American government as a whole. Finally, we evaluate competing theories of presidential power to see how useful they are in explaining contemporary presidential politics.

POS 3XX2        Analyzing Political Issues (Pending)                3

From the education of our children to the safety of our airlines, those who make the laws affect each of our lives on a daily basis. Rarely, however, is the public aware of the process by which new ideas become law or the reasons why archaic policy solutions are left unchanged. A survey of contemporary issues in American politics such as energy and the environment, education, health care, welfare programs, crime, and the economy. Throughout the semester, we will grapple with competing theories and competing methodologies for describing, analyzing, and evaluating what governments do in the political world in which we currently live.

POS 3XX3        Constitutional Law: Individual Rights and Privileges         3

Offers an introduction to Supreme Court’s role in the protection of individual rights, due process, and the equal protection of the laws. In particular, students will examine through a case study approach the evolution of the Court’s jurisprudence in cases pertaining to civil rights and individual freedoms protected under the Constitution of the United States.

POS 3122         Issues in American Government and Politics             3

Significant issues relative to the constitutional, organizational and political processes of American government and politics.

POS 3283         Judicial Process                   3

Structural-functional introduction to the judicial arena. Personnel involved in administration of justice. Impact of judicial decisions within political systems. General introduction to workings and strategies of judicial politics.

POS 3424         The Legislative Process              3

Prerequisite: POS 2041.

Politics of accommodation in formulating authoritative policies and general rules; emphasis on U.S. Congress and Florida Legislature in action; relations to other governmental processes.

POS 3448         Campaigns and Elections                  3

Practice of political campaigning. Introduces students to the history of campaigning, the concept of campaigning and the various techniques used in campaigning.

POS 3453         Political Parties and Interest Groups             3

Prerequisite: POS 2041.

Political parties, nominations, campaigns, elections, voting behavior, political recruitment, party organization and parties as managers of government. Roles and functions of interest groups.

POS 3603         American Constitutional Law          3

Growth of the constitutional system; Supreme Court as policy-making body; basic principles of constitutional law; landmark court decisions.

POS 3623         Bill of Rights                         3

Examination of protection of individual rights under the Constitution with particular emphasis on the Bill of Rights and the Due Process and Equal Protection clauses. Among specific topics to be considered will be: the rights of the defendant, racial discrimination, sex discrimination.

POS 3625         First Amendment Freedoms           3

Problem areas and doctrinal evolution in the judicial protection of First Amendment freedoms. Among specific subjects to be examined will be: free speech and press, free exercise of religion, state aid to religious schools, regulation of obscenity, freedom of association, and regulation of subversive activity.

POS 3734         Political Science Research Methods              3

Introduction to research methods in political science and the concepts associated with it. Surveys, polling, research design, sampling, data analysis and library research.

POS 4606         Constitutional Controversies           3

Focuses on contemporary and hotly debated controversies in the area of American constitutional law. Among those to be studied are abortion, affirmative action, censorship, homosexuality, and the “right to die”.

POS 4673         Jurisprudence            3

A survey of various approaches to theorizing about the Concept of Law. The Natural Law, Legal and Analytical Positivist, Sociological, Realist, and Critical Legal Studies approaches will be studied. In addition, concepts of Justice will be considered.

POS 4941         Internships                 1-6

Special “real-world” encounters programs designed for the individual student. Student must contact their advisor one semester in advance of desired date for internship. Graded on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis only. Permission is required.

POS 6006         The Study of Politics               3

Introduces the graduate study of political science. It concerns “scope” more than “method,” and the range is broad, focusing on what political scientists do—teach, research, advise, and serve. Concerns embrace every conceivable level—local, regional, national, cultural, global, planetary.

POS 6045         American Politics                3

Concept of politics: some of the principles that have led to the development of the American political system and the political order that has been created by the constitution.

POS 6704         Political Science Research Methods           3

Methods and logic of research in political science.

POS 6940         Internship           2-6

The Department of Government encourages students to intern at governmental and non-profit agencies, as well as selected private-section firms, as an opportunity to gain practical experiences in a field of endeavor related to political science. In some instances, the internship could provide the intern with an opportunity for future employment. Although students are free to find their own internships, the Department will work with students in accomplishing this task. Eligibility requirements for an internship: 3.0 or higher GPA. Students should be enrolled in the Masters of Political Science Program, and have completed all core courses. Graded on satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis only. Permission is required.

POS 6971         Thesis          1-6

Graded on satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis only. Permission is required.