Political Science (POLS)

This course is an introduction to the study of American government and deals primarily with the development and contemporary functioning of American political institutions with a focus on the national government and national politics. It satisfies the state legislative requirement concerning the United States Constitution and the Georgia Constitution.

This course is an introduction to the organization, structure, and operation of American state and local governments. This includes a look at the diversity across the state and local governments in their structure, policies, and processes. A closer look at how other states compare to Georgia will also be included.

This course provides a comparative analysis of national governmental systems around the world. The focus of the course is a comparative analysis of governmental institutions, political processes and cultural forces that shape national behaviors. This course is usually offered only once every two academic years. Consult the academic dean for schedule plans.

This course examines the structure and processes of the international system, international and domestic determinants of state behavior, foreign policy analysis with emphasis on contemporary United States foreign policy, and foundations of international conflict and cooperation. This course is usually offered only once every two academic years. Consult the academic dean for schedule plans.

Analysis of the governmental process through which decisions in the United States are made and implemented. Selected issues are examined in order to illustrate the decisionmaking process and to determine policy impact.

This course provides an examination of the evolution of environmental policy in the United States, the institutions that make environmental policy in the United States, and the major policy dilemmas that surround governance of the environment. The course concludes with a look at global environmental issues as well as environmental challenges of the past and the future.

Offers a comprehensive study of American constitutional law focusing on civil rights, civil liberties, and equal protection. Constitutional claims examined include the denial of freedoms under the Bill of Rights, the equal protection of laws under the 14th Amendment, and civil rights legislation enacted by Congress since the Civil War. The course will also focus on the application and interpretation of the constitutional protections by the American courts.

An analysis of diverse public policy issues, as well as the decision process leading to the formula<on of government policy. An analysis of societal factors that influence policy, and the effect of government policy on society.

This course helps students understand the process and components of research methods in social sciences, especially in political science. It covers topics such as empirical research, research ques<on, hypotheses, research design, data collection, data analysis, and ethical issues in conducting research. It focuses on practical examples and skills by which students can develop, design, and conduct empirical research.

An introductory examination of the characteristics of the public organization and its impact on society. Analysis of the theories of public administration, personnel issues, budgetary activities, legal dynamics, as well as historical development of the field are included.

This course is designed to provide an understanding of the dynamics of and the inter relationships among and between the federal, state, and local levels of government.

This course involves an in-depth study of the equity and economic effects of government spending programs, taxes, and debt.

Various changes in the management of public organizations are identified and analyzed. Includes the role of technology, modification of the relationship between public and private spheres, and current trends in the management of change and supervision of a diverse work force.

This course is designed to explore the theoretical principles and practical applications of management for charities and/or nonprofit organizations. The underlying thesis of this course is that by understanding fundamental principles such as developing effective mission and objective statements, marketing and accounting strategies, nonprofits can become more effective and responsive to their constituency's needs. Thus, students will be provided an opportunity to examine critical issues of management faced by leaders in nonprofit organizations.

This course introduces students to the world of grant writing and management and provides an opportunity to experience writing actual grants. Students will learn the process of identifying prospective funders, developing relationship with funders, understanding the basics of writing grants, submitting proposals, working as a collaborative, and preparing for the follow-up. Students will apply course learning to write and prepare actual grant proposals.

This course will discuss the theory, principles, tools, and techniques necessary to build a solid project management foundation. The Project Management Institute's (PMI) standards for project management will be emphasized throughout the course.

This course will examine the processes, policies, procedures and laws concerning public personnel. It will also cover the issues of employee protection, motivation, efficiency and responsibility.

This course introduces the student to the relationship between Administrative Law and American Government as well as the ethics and challenges inherent in Administrative Law decision making. It is designed for undergraduates who are interested in public administration and public policy. While the course reviews and discusses the cases that form the basis of administrative law, the focus is on the understanding and application of principles rather than case law.

A systematic analysis of theories or organization, management, and administration. Special consideration will be given to institutional, behavioral, and psychological factors.