Political science courses

(4 credits) (NWCore option under Self and Society) (American politics) 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 role of citizens.

(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: Cross-referenced in political science.

(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) (American politics) 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) (Writing intensive) (American politics) 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) (NWCore option under Self and Society) 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) (NWCore option under Cross-Cultural Engagement) 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) (Fulfills NWCore Historical Perspectives requirement) 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) (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.

(2 credits, alternate years, consult department) (American politics) 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: PSC101SS. Note: Graded on a pass/no pass basis.

(4 credits) (American politics) A survey of contemporary political ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and others. 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. Cross-listed with Philosophy.

(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) (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 the broader history of Western political thought. Prerequisite: junior class standing, or permission of the instructor. Cross-Referenced: Cross-referenced in philosophy.

(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) (American politics) 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, non-yearly, consult department) (American politics) 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. Prerequisite: junior class standing, or permission of the instructor. Cross-Referenced: Cross-referenced in history.

(2 or 4 credits, non-yearly, consult department) A study of political themes or issues not fully covered in other courses in response to student or faculty interests. Note: May be taken more than once, provided a different topic is studied.

(4 credits may apply toward the major)