Professor: Roskin
Assistant Professor: Williamson (Chairperson)
Visiting Assistant Professor: Smith
Part-time Instructor: Wishard
The major is designed to provide a systematic understanding of government and politics at the international, national, state, and local levels. Majors are encouraged to develop their skills to make independent, objective analyses which can be applied to the broad spectrum of the social sciences.
Although the political science major is not designed as a vocational major, students with such training may go directly into government service, journalism, teaching, or private administrative agencies. A political science major can provide the base for the study of law, or for graduate studies leading to administrative work in federal, state, or local governments, international organizations, or college teaching. Students seeking certification to teach secondary school social studies may major in political science but should consult their advisors and the education department.
Students interested in teacher certification should refer to the Department of Education on page 136.
A major in Political Science consists of ten courses as follows: PSCI 106, 110, and 400; two courses in American politics from PSCI 211, 212, 213, 214, 316, and 347; one course in Legal Studies from PSCI 331, 332, 334, 335, and 436; two courses in World Politics from PSCI 221, 225, 243, 327, and 439; and two additional Political Science courses. Prospective majors are encouraged to take PSCI 106 in their freshman year. An exemption will be granted only if it strengthens the student’s program.
The following courses satisfy the cultural diversity requirement: PSCI 221, 327 and 347. The following courses, when scheduled as W courses, count toward the writing intensive requirement: PSCI 210, 334, 400, and 439.
Minors
The department offers four minors:
1) Political Science—any four courses numbered 200 or above excluding PSCI 210 and 400.
2) American Politics—PSCI 110 and four courses selected from PSCI 211, 212, 213, 214, 316, or 347.
3) World Politics—four courses selected from PSCI 221, 225, 243, 327, or 439.
4) Legal Studies—four courses selected from PSCI 331, 332, 334, 335, or 436. Students are encouraged to consult with department members on the selection of a minor.
106
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICS
The U.S. political system in comparative perspective. Basic concepts, vocabulary, and examples to ground students in the objective analysis of politics.
110
U.S. GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
The ideologies, institutions, and processes of American politics at the national level, with attention to the internal workings of government and the extra-governmental actors including voters, political parties, and interest groups—that influence policy.
210
COMMUNICATION AND SOCIETY
Reviews and critiques the impact of the mass media on American society. Consideration of how the media form attitudes, nominate and elect candidates, cover news, and monitor governmental activities as well as possible remedies to media-related problems. Alternate years.
211
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
An examination of the general principles, major problems, and political processes of the states and their subdivisions, together with their role in a federal type of government.
212
POLITICAL PARTIES
The role and impact of political parties in America, focusing on theories of individual partisan attitudes and behavior, party organizations and activities, and partisan performance in government. Alternate years.
213
CONGRESSIONAL POLITICS
Study of the U.S. Congress emphasizing internal structure and operations, rules and procedures, party leadership, committee system, external influences, incentives for congressional behavior, and elections. Alternate years.
214
THE PRESIDENCY
The structure and behavior of the American presidency, including elections, organization of the office, and relation to other national institutions. Alternate years.
221
COMPARATIVE POLITICS AND GEOGRAPHY
The politics and geography of nations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and South American in a search for comparisons and patterns. Includes history, institutions, cultures, borders, regions, and map exercises.
225
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
The basic factors and concepts of international relations, such as international systems, national interest and security, wars, decolonization, nationalism, economic development, trade blocs, and international law and organizations.
243
THE VIETNAM WAR
The background and context of the war, how the United States got involved, the military lessons, and the war’s impact on U.S. society, politics, and economy. Alternate years.
316
PUBLIC OPINION AND POLLING
A course dealing with the general topic and methodology of polling. Content includes exploration of the processes by which people’s political opinions are formed, the manipulation of public opinion through the uses of propaganda, and the American response to politics and political issues. Alternate years.
327
WAR AND PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Why is the Middle East such a dangerous region? The geography, history, religions, and politics that make its wars and its chances for peace. Alternate years.
331
CIVIL RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES
What are our rights and liberties as Americans? What should they be? A frank discussion of the nature and scope of the constitutional guarantees. First Amendment rights, the rights of criminal suspects and defendants, racial and sexual equality, and equal protection of the laws. Students will read and brief the more important Supreme Court decisions. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing, or consent of instructor.
332
COURTS AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
The course consists of two components: criminal law and criminal procedure. Criminal procedure carefully explores constitutional law and procedural rules which dominate court handling of criminal cases. Criminal law explores concepts relating to criminal responsibility and the establishment of selected offenses. Emphasis is placed on “hot button” issues in the field: balancing protection of fundamental freedoms against society’s need to solve an prevent crime; plea negotiations; the politicizing of the criminal justice system; mandatory sentencing schemes; management challenges to fast handling of criminal cases; the changing line between juvenile and adult criminal court; wisdom of using criminal punishment in an attempt to control some forms of behavior. There will be two field trips to court proceedings. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing, or consent of instructor.
334
LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING
Students learn to perform legal research with realistic problems in civil and criminal cases drawing upon statutory, constitutional, regulatory, procedural and common law. They will write briefs and memoranda based upon the research in the form expected of legal interns and paralegal personnel. Some classes may be held at the Lycoming County Courthouse law library. Alternate years. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing.
335
LAW AND SOCIETY
An examination of the nature, sources, functions, and limits of law as an instrument of political and social control. Included for discussion are legal problems pertaining to the family, crime, deviant behavior, poverty, and minority groups. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing, or consent of instructor.
347
WOMEN AND POLITICS
The historical, philosophical, and practical context and conduct of women in a variety of political roles. This course considers both elective and nonelective activities, and includes analyses of women’s issues currently on legislative and court agendas. Alternate years.
400
POLITICAL ANALYSIS
Capstone course required of majors, normally taken in their senior year, integrates and deepens knowledge and methods of the study of politics by means of empirical political inquiry and quantitative techniques. Open to non-majors with consent of instructor.
436
MASS MEDIA LAW AND REGULATION
An examination of the legal structure and the system by which mass communication is controlled in this society. The forces which shape, influence, and make policy will be considered. Prerequisite: junior or senior standing, or consent of instructor.
439
AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY
The U.S. role in the world in geographic, strategic, historical, and ideological perspectives, plus an examination of the domestic forces shaping U.S. policy. Alternate years.
470-479
INTERNSHIPS (See index)
Students may receive academic credit for serving as interns in structured learning situations with a wide variety of public and private agencies and organizations. Students have served as interns with the Public Defender’s Office, the Lycoming County Court Administrator, and the Williamsport City government.
N80-N89
INDEPENDENT STUDY (See index)
Current studies relate to elections—local, state, and federal—while past studies have included Soviet and world politics.
490-491
INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS (See index)
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