Political science courses
PSC101SS - American Government
(4 credits)(IGE option under Self and Society) A broad survey of the
major political and governmental institutions in the United States, this
course examines how citizens attempt to influence their government and
how the government responds. The course also develops the foundations for
a biblical perspective on the role of government and the task of citizens.
PSC205SS - Political Ideologies
A survey of contemporary
political ideologies such as liberalism,
conservatism, socialism, and others, with a special focus on liberalism
as the dominant political and economic ideology of our time. Students
will seek to understand the relevance of these ideologies for public
policy, and will seek to develop a Christian perspective on, and critique
of, contemporary ideologies. (4 credits)(IGE option under Self and Society)
PSC210BR - Introduction to Political Philosophy
(4 credits, alternate years, consult department)(NWCore option under Belief
and Reason) This course introduces the student to philosophy by means of an
examination of the main questions of social and political theory. It
examines such matters as the justification and purpose of government,
anarchism, justice, equality, and human rights.
Cross-referenced in political science.
PSC220 - Politics and Public Policy
A general examination of domestic and foreign policies of the United States. Education, health care, civil rights and economic policy are among the various polices explored. Particular attention is given to the differences between Christian liberal and Christian conservative policy perspectives of problems such as crime, discrimination, poverty, degradation of the environment and others. (4 credits, alternate years, consult department) (American politics)
PSC225WI - Introduction to Law
This course briefly surveys the landscape of the American legal system. Most
of the course, however, is devoted to examining significant constitutional
issues, such as government powers, civil rights and civil liberties. (4
credits; alternate years, consult department) (Writing intensive)
PSC230SS - International Relations
This course investigates
war and terrorism in a globalized world. We will examine possible causes of
international conflict and the obstacles to peaceful solutions, as well as
studying the various aspects of globalization (political, economic, social,
etc.) as the context in which these issues take place. (4 credits, alternate
years, consult department)
PSC235CC - Comparative Politics
A survey of the politics of several countries from different continents.
Special attention is paid to historical development and ideological,
religious, and cultural factors affecting a country's politics. (4
credits) (NWCore option under Cross-Cultural Engagement)
PSC250HP - The Cold War and Beyond: International History 1945-2000
A survey of international history from 1945 to 2000, with a focus on the
Cold War and its global impact. The major aim of this course is for students
to understand the time we live in now by exploring recent international
history. A major theme is the interaction between power politics and
ideology. We will also note the various possible historical narratives that
can be told about the same time period. (4 credits) (Fulfills NWCore
Historical Perspectives requirement)
PSC260CC - Human Geography
(4 credits)(NWCore option under Cross-Cultural Engagement) This course
introduces the study of political, physical and cultural features of
space and place around the world. Familiarity with major physical and
political features of the world's regions will be stressed. In addition, the
course will raise various
issues connected with the cultural aspect of geography, e.g., perceptions
of place, changes in space over time, the interactions of human
communities, the natural environment and patterns of human presence on
the land.
PSC295 - Electoral Politics Field Experience
This course provides an opportunity to explore elections as the central mechanism of democratic accountability in American government, by means of supervised reading and reflective involvement in an election campaign. Prerequisite: PSC101 or 201. (2 credits, alternate years, consult department) (American politics)
PSC310WI - History of Political Thought
(4 credits)(Writing intensive) A survey of the history of Western
political thought, through study of selected major thinkers in the
tradition. Emphasis will be placed both on each thinker's political
theory and how it fits in with the broader history of Western political
thought.
PSC320 - Christians and the Political Order
This course centers on the implications of the Christian faith for Christians in the political order. We will explore historical and current Christian interpretations of the role of government in society, distilling biblical values which undergird them. Prerequisite: junior standing, or permission of the instructor. (4 credits, alternate years, consult department) (American politics)
PSC325 - American Political Thought
A survey of the historical development of American political thought with attention to significant American political thinkers from the colonial period to the present. Special emphasis will be given to the uneasy relationship between liberalism and democracy and the interaction between American political institutions and culture. (4 credits, non-yearly, consult department) (American politics)
PSC350 - Special Topics
A study of political themes or issues not fully covered in other courses in response to student or faculty interests.(2 or 4 credits, non-yearly, consult department)
PSC398 - Directed Study
PSC417 - Internship
(4 credits may apply toward the major)