Professor: Roskin (Chairperson)
Visiting Professor of Legal Studies: Raup

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 96.

A major in Political Science consists of eight courses as follows: PSCI 106, PSCI 400; two courses in American Politics from PSCI 111, 223, 333, 347, 448; one course in Legal Studies from PSCI 331, 332, 334, 335, 436; two courses in World Politics from PSCI 221, 225, 243, 327, 439; and one additional PSCI course. 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 and 327. The following courses, when scheduled as W courses, count toward the writing intensive requirement: PSCI 210, 334 and 400.

For non-majors, the department offers three minors: a minor in Political Science consists of any four courses number 200 or above excluding PSCI 210 and 400; a minor in World Politics consists of four courses selected from PSCI 221, 225, 243, 327 or 439; and a minor in Legal Studies consists of 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

PRESIDENCY AND CONGRESS

The constitutional roles, campaign styles, and interactions of the U.S. presidency and congress. Special attention is given presidents, senators, and congresspersons who substantially contribute to the democratic process. Alternate years.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

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.

327

WORLD CRISES

The study of selected current major international problems, such as the Middle East, Balkans, East Asia, India-Pakistan, or whatever new dangers arise. Alternate years.

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.

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.

The business of making government work at the administrative level. The organizational structure, relevant laws and court cases, and legislative oversight of federal, state, and local public bureaucracy. Alternate years.

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.

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.

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.

POLITICAL ANALYSIS

A capstone course required for majors in Political Science normally taken in their senior year. Students will integrate their knowledge of political phenomena and deepen their methodological sophistication by applying several analytical approaches to a series of case studies. Open to non-majors with permission of instructor.

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.

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.

PUBLIC OPINION AND POLLING

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.

INDEPENDENT STUDY (See index)

Current studies relate to elections—local, state, and federal—while past studies have included Soviet and world politics.