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.