Course Descriptions |
POLS 1101 Introduction to Political Science
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3 cr |
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Introduces student to political behavior, comparative government, international relations, including causes of war and peace, and political theory. The course will also examine power, conflict, ideology, nationalism and revolution with special emphasis in structure and change in democratic and non-democratic governments.
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POLS 1111 American Government
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3 cr |
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Studies processes and policies of United States national government, political parties, campaigns and elections, public opinion, interest groups, media coverage and current political issues. The course will also examine principles of the Constitution, and the structure and behavior of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches.
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POLS 1121 State and Local Government
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3 cr |
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Examines state and local government political institutions, behavior, public policies, tax and spending problems. The course will also analyze structure and behavior of state legislatures, governors, courts, and political parties, including the nomination and election process of state and local officials. Overall the course emphasis will be on the Minnesota political system.
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POLS 1131 World Politics
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3 cr |
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Requires you to examine and compare the major issues, conflicts, and challenges facing today's global political environment. The course will focus on the following main topics: (1) causes and consequences of globalization, (2) the politics of intervention, (3) cooperation and conflict in global institutions, (4) development, foreign aid, and trade, (5) the politics of human rights and the environment, (6) the politics of arms races, and (7) contemporary case studies of international conflicts. You will learn about related institutions and processes, public policies, and social scientific theory while examining your own political values, experiences and behaviors.
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POLS 1141 Introduction To Environmental Politics
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3 cr |
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Requires you to critically consider and address the history, organizations, interest groups, and processes that shape domestic and global environmental issues. The course will focus primarily on the following areas of study: (1) political and policy processes, (2) the public lands debate, (3) the politics of waste and toxins, (4) the politics of energy, (5) the politics of water, (6) the politics of air quality, (7) the politics of endangered species and biodiversity, (8) the politics of global environmental issues, (9) the politics of human population growth, and (10) the politics of environmental sustainability. Using cutting-edge social scientific theory and research, you will be asked to examine your own political values, experiences and behavior regarding contemporary environmental problems and potential solutions.
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POLS 1161 Constitutional Law
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3 cr |
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Provides students with an overview of the nature and scope of American Constitutional rights and liberties based upon the United States Constitution as interpreted by the United States Supreme Court.
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POLS 1185 Special Topics
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2 cr |
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This course will study follow the 2004 presidential election. We will analyze the candidates and their issue positions. The course will also study campaign strategies, the debates, voter trends and media coverage. (Students should note that the course ends on Nov. 8th. If you have any questions about the course, please call Doug Griffith at 651-739-1775.)
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POLS 1190 Legislative Governmental Field Experience
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4 cr |
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Provides an opportunity for students to earn credit while serving as an intern with state legislators at the State Capitol. Prerequisite: Permission of program director necessary for registration.
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POLS 2250 Special Topics
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3 cr |
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Teaches the individual and societal benefits of the continued study of political science. Students will learn about political institutions and processes, public policies, and social scientific theory while examining personal political values, experiences and behaviors.
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