Course Descriptions & Syllabi



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Table of Contents | Areas of Study | Political Science - 9 courses

POLI130 Principles of Political Science (As Needed) -- 3.0 hoursAn introduction to the principles and methods of political  science, focusing on the nature and development of political science as a discipline, and the various ways of analyzing the political process and institutions.   Prerequisites: Place into ENGL101. [T] IAI: S5 903

POLI150 American Government (Fall and Spring) -- 3.0 hours Historical development and organization of the United States government and the federal system. Course meets requirement for Constitution test.
Prerequisites: Place into ENGL101.
Notes: [T] IAI: S5 900 PLS 911

POLI160 International Relations (Fall and Spring) -- 3.0 hours Introduction to basic principles and problems of international relations through a global politics approach. Through key concepts of order, welfare, and legitimacy, aims for the student to become aware of how events and processes at work throughout the world impact upon the student’s own personal existence.
Prerequisites: Place into ENGL101.
Notes: [T] IAI: S5 904N PLS 912

POLI170 American Judicial Process (Fall and Spring) -- 3.0 hours This class is an overview of the judicial system of the United States of America.  In this course, we will discuss the structure of the American judiciary, its function, and the participants within it.  These discussions will cover the following topics: civil v. criminal cases; trial courts v. appellate courts; differences in jurisdiction among courts; the recruitment of judges; how judges make decisions; how cases come to the courts and how they find their way to the Supreme Court; the impact of the courts on society; the implementation of decisions; public opinion about the courts; the relationship between the various levels of courts; and the success of litigants and interest groups in court.
Prerequisites: W40; R36
Notes: [ ] IAI:

POLI231 State and Local Government (Fall and Spring) -- 3.0 hours The practice of government and politics at the state, county, and local level, including areas of taxation and finance, law enforcement, commerce, and social and economic welfare.
Prerequisites: Place into ENGL101.
Notes: [T] IAI: S5 902

POLI238 Comparative Government (As Needed) -- 3.0 hours Analysis of the structure and function of the political systems of the United Kingdom, France, the Federal Republic of Germany, and Russia. Examination of political parties within their cultural environment and institutional framework.
Prerequisites: Place into ENGL101.
Notes: [T] IAI: S5 905 PLS 914

POLI240 Non-Western Comparative Government (As Needed) -- 3.0 hoursComparative examination of the political institutions, electoral systems, principles of governance, causes of political instability and revolution, and techniques of political analysis.  The purpose is to provide an understanding of the major problems confronting non-Western nations and to give insight into the various tools and strategies that their political leaders can use in dealing with those problems.  The course will also investigate some of the major implications of the rise of the changing non-Western world on global politics. Prerequisites: Place into ENGL101. Notes: [T] IAI: S5 906N

POLI250 Internship in Government (Fall and Spring) -- 3.0 hoursStudents will have the opportunity to work in the state representatives’ local or Springfield offices, or in the executive, legislative, or judicial branches of city or county government, depending on applicant interest and needs of the participating entities. Requires a minimum of 225 contact hours per semester.  Co-requisites include American Government, State and Local Government, and Rhetoric 101 and 102.  Permission to participate must first be obtained from the Political Science Department. Prerequisites: Place into ENGL101. Notes: [T] IAI:

POLI270 Special Topics: International Terrorism (As Needed) -- 3.0 hours This course will examine the history, causes, effects, and successes of international terrorism and the international community’s efforts to confront it.  Students will understand what terrorism is, why terrorism occurs, what factors lead to terrorist group formation and individual actions, how states and multinational organizations have responded, as well as understand the structure and abilities of modern terrorism.
Notes: [T] IAI:

[C] indicates a career course.

[T] indicates a transfer course. Transfer courses can be counted towards a transfer degree. Transferability for specific institutions and majors varies. Consult a counselor for this information.

IAI indicates Illinois Articulation Initiative course code(s).