Political Science (PO)
An introductory course in statistical methods of data analysis relevant to the social sciences, intended to develop students as informed and critical consumers of social science research with an emphasis on application to criminological and sociological issues. MA103 prepares students for this course, and students are strongly advised to take MA103 to fulfill their Bridge General Education requirement for quantitative analysis. This course is cross-listed with SO201.
Course materials present politics as a value allocation process constrained by the institutions and processes of American government. Major topics include the institutions of the federal government, civil liberties and civil rights, and elections. Particular focus is directed toward specific issues and problems at the discretion of the instructor and as the electoral and political cycles warrant. Course credit may be applied to the American Studies minor and the Politics, Law, and History minor.
This course examines politics at the state and local level, with a focus on New Jersey. The course covers general problems of federalism and specific issues drawn from a variety of topics including, but not limited to, law enforcement, taxation, local development/land use, and local election campaigns. Course credit may be applied to the American Studies minor and the Politics, Law, and History minor.
This course surveys political thought from the Renaissance to the present. Students will read and discuss major political thinkers and evolving articulations of liberalism, conservatism, utilitarianism, republicanism, Marxism, socialism, anarchism, fascism, and other political ideas. Feminist, religious, and environmentalist contributions to contemporary political debate will be explored.
This course surveys major theories, concepts, issues, and events in international relations. Topics include international relations theories; international organizations; international law; global war, peace, and security; terrorism and counterterrorism; international political economy; human rights; migration, global health; the environment; and past and current issues and challenges in world politics. Students will explore case studies and current issues and conflicts in the global arena.
This course prepares students to conduct their own research on various aspects of political systems, institutions or processes. Includes literature review, research design, research questions and hypotheses, quantitative and qualitative methods, data collection, drawing conclusions, and presentation of results in a research paper and orally. To satisfy the PO275 requirement for the political science major, students must earn a minimum of a C- (70%) on the research paper and earn a minimum of a C- (70%) in the course.
This course examines the organization, decision-making, and operation of the U.S. Congress and its relationship with the executive and judicial branches. It examines the leadership structure, committee system, legislative process, rules and procedures, and investigative powers of the House and Senate.
Pre/corequisite(s): PO211.
This course examines the powers, responsibilities, and operation of the presidency and executive branch in both domestic and international affairs. It explores the executive’s relationship with the legislative and judicial branches, the bureaucracy, public opinion, and political parties. It also considers how the presidency has evolved and increased its power over time.
Pre/corequisite(s): PO211.
This course considers the role of the U.S. Constitution within the U.S. legal system, with a particular emphasis on its relationship to criminal justice. We cover history, legal skills, and principles that govern constitutional law and then focus on Equal Protection under the U.S. Constitution. The course explores interpretation and evaluation of the First, Second, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments. In regard to each of these, we seek a firm understanding of constitutional law and relevant theory in addition to comprehension of the social context of the law. Topical issues and contemporary debates will be covered throughout the semester with a focus on knowledge, application, and evaluation of the law.
This course explores U.S. political parties and presidential and congressional elections. It examines the evolution of major political parties, significant third-party movements, the nomination and election process, campaigns, interest groups, public opinion, and party machinery and activities.
Pre/corequisite(s): PO211.
This course examines state and local government and politics in New Jersey. Topics include the New Jersey Constitution; state government (governor, legislature, judiciary, bureaucracy); local government; independent authorities; lobbying and special interests; voters, elections, and parties; taxation and spending; elections; and New Jersey’s role in the federal system.
Pre/corequisite(s): PO211.
This course offers a comparative study of global politics within select nations and regions of the world. It examines political institutions and systems; political ideologies, policies, models, and developments; and political, economic, and social issues and challenges.
Pre/corequisite(s): PO211.
This course will analyze the concepts of political criminality and terrorism. It will cover both the international and domestic activities of those who use terror as a political weapon. Included will be an examination of radical terrorist groups from both left and right. State-sponsored terrorism, death squads, citizen subjugation and genocide will also be explored. Homegrown activities within our society are included with a goal toward developing strategies for prevention and control.
This course will offer an in-depth exploration and analysis of a topic in political science. The course may be repeated when different topics are offered.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
tudents will complete this internship in a policy-making, legislative, campaign, constituency, or interest group setting. In addition to performing tasks assigned by their onsite supervisor, students will keep a daily journal, write a reflection paper, and complete a research project related to the internship. May be taken for 1-12 credits at a time and may be repeated up to a maximum of 12 credits, with a maximum of 3 credits of Internship applied toward the required 36 credits in political science. For 1 credit, complete 40 hours onsite.
Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior standing, 12 credits of political science, and permission of the instructor.
This seminar is the capstone course for political science majors. Students will design, research, and write a major research paper and give an oral presentation based on this paper. To satisfy the PO475 requirement for the political science major, students must earn a minimum of a C- (70%) on the research paper and earn a minimum of a C- (70%) in the course.
Prerequisite(s): PO275 with a C- or higher.