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POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
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Political Science Course Descriptions

POL 101 Introduction to Political Science
An introduction to the variety of components of political systems. Attention is given to political institutions, their structures and roles, and the exercise of power. Government performance and results, the impact of political decisions on society and the development of political attitudes will be covered. Fulfills LAI Political Science/Economics and Writing Skills Integration course. 3 credits

POL 102 First Year Experience – Social Sciences
An orientation for the student to the academic community in general and to Carlow University in particular. The student is introduced to the history and the mission of the university, then to all its services and departments. Simultaneously, students explore their career goals and learning objectives. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis. Also listed as CM 102, PY 102, SO 102, and SW 102. Fulfills Freshman Year Experience Requirements and one service learning requirement. 1 credit

POL 120 Introduction to Leadership and Women
An exploration of theories, scholarship, and styles related to leadership behavior and skills. Students will recognize, observe, and appreciate styles of leadership, especially among women. Particular emphasis is given to the contributions and changes they make at all levels of their lives for the good of systems of various sizes. Fulfills LAI Women’s Studies requirement. 3 credits

POL 180 Political Theory
An examination of seminal literature and concepts of western political philosophy, the continuity and innovation that characterize the western tradition as well as its relevance to contemporary political problems. The consciousness of the student regarding the complexity of political realities and political thinking. The student is encouraged to think more critically about his or her personal identity within the current political parameters. Fulfills Writing Skills Integration course. 3 credits

POL 210 Introduction to International Relations
An overview of international history followed by a careful examination and comparison of competing international relations theories. Important structural processes and issues will be examined, as well as contrasting theoretical approaches and questions. Fulfills LAI Global Perspectives and Languages requirement. 3 credits

POL 225 Minorities and the Law
An exploration of the symbolic veneer of a blind goddess dispensing justice under immutable principles of law. Race is the independent variable providing the lens through which we will view America’s legal institutions. Emphasis will be placed on criminal justice, education, and employment. This course involves a critical analysis of foundations and structures of America’s legal institution as it confronts racial subjects, specifically African Americans. Also listed as SO 225. Fulfills Writing Skills Integration course. 3 credits

POL 230 Contours of American Political Development
An examination of the American system of government that is based on the notion of democracy. Questions answered during the course include: Do the formal institutions of American politics conform to democratic norms? Do the informal practices of American public life detract from democracy? Are American idealists devoted to realizing democratic norms? Are American idealists realists who accept limits on people’s freedom and equality? Does democracy demand government support of welfare at home and human rights abroad? 3 credits

POL 240 The Politics of Terrorism
An exploration of related topics such as political culture, social culture, religion, and political organizations and their links to “terrorism.” This course will explore the concept of terrorism, the use of violence, the dynamics of war, the political economy of former colonial regimes, dependent economies, and how the world’s distribution of resources affects state nations. Fulfills LAI Global Perspectives and Languages requirement and Research, Speech, and Writing skills integration courses. 3 credits

POL 278 Racism, Diversity, and Humanity
An examination of race, ethnicity, gender, class, and sexual orientation as concepts that often divide us from one another and yield tension, pain, injustice, intolerance, confl ict, violence, or indifference. Also listed as COM/PY/SO/SN 278. Fulfills the Interdisciplinary Course requirement. 3 credits

POL 287 Introduction to Public Policy
An analysis of public policy as well as an overview of how citizens identify issues and concerns and infl uence policy through lobby and advocacy efforts. The relationship of public policy legislation to social problems is explored, with attention given to women and other disadvantaged groups. The acquisition of analytical skills necessary to understand, improve, and participate in the policymaking process is emphasized. Prerequisite: POL 101 or permission of the instructor. Fulfills LAI Economics/Political Science. 3 credits

POL/IT290I Politics and Technology
This course will analyze the new opportunities and challenges that arise at the intersection between politics and technology. In addition to the discussion of the individuals (or stakeholders) to be affected by this interplay between politics and technology, topics will include regulatory aspects in areas such as e-government, data security, data mining, data privacy, telecommunications and litigation. Prerequisites: IT150 or POL101 or permission from the instructor. Fulfills interdisciplinary requirement. 3 credits

POL 303 Social Welfare Policy Analysis
This is a continuation of SW 201 Introduction of Social Welfare. Students develop an understanding of current social welfare policies and are able to analyze and discuss their implications. Prerequisite: SW 201 or permission of the instructor. Also listed as SW 303. Fulfills Research, Speech, and Writing skills integration courses. 3 credits

POL 309 Comparative Politics
An examination of the nature of various institutions and structures, processes, and issue areas involved in postwar Western European politics and society. The accomplishments and failures of governments and how the study of comparative politics can advance our understanding of the world today are examined. 3 credits

POL 313 Women in Politics: Running for Office
An exploration of women’s politics and political interest using feminist theories and genderspecific positions that lead to an understanding of what motivates individuals to run for office. Gender-specific concerns and obstacles confronted by women interested in political participation and leadership will be covered. Fulfills LAI Women Studies requirement. Also listed as WS 313 and PH 313. 3 credits

POL 328 American Women and the Law
An exploration of ways in which women’s lives intersect with the legal and criminal justice system in our society. Considers women as professionals, affenders, and victims. Fulfills LAI Women Studies requirement. 3 credits

POL 450 Internship
This internship is an experience that demonstrates the integration of theory and application in a political or social setting. In addition, this experience introduces students to career choices and advocacy roles. Open to juniors and seniors. 3 credits

Public Policy and Leadership

POL 101 Introduction to Political Science
An introduction to the variety of components of political systems. Attention is given to political institutions, their structures and roles, and the exercise of power. Government performance and results, the impact of political decisions on society, and the development of political attitudes will be covered. Fulfills LAI for Social and Behavioral Science requirement. 3 credits

POL 102 First Year Experience–Social Sciences
An orientation for the student to the academic community in general and to Carlow University in particular. The student is introduced to the history and the mission of the university, then to all its services and departments. Simultaneously the students explore their career goals and learning objectives. This course is graded on a pass/fail basis. Also listed as CM 102, PY 102, SO 102 and SW 102. Fulfills Freshman Year Experience Requirements and one service learning requirement. 1 credit

POL 120 Introduction to Leadership and Women
An exploration of theories, scholarship, and styles related to leadership behavior and skills. Students will recognize, observe, and appreciate styles of leadership, especially leadership behaviors of women and contributions and changes they make at all levels of their lives for the good of systems of various sizes. Fulfills LAI Women’s Studies requirement. 3 credits

POL 180 The History of Political Thought
An examination of seminal literature and concepts of western political philosophy, the continuity and innovation that characterize the western tradition as well as its relevance to contemporary political problems. The consciousness of the student regarding the complexity of political realities and political thinking. The student is encouraged to think more critically about his or her personal identity within the current political parameters. Fulfills Writing Skills Integration course. 3 credits

POL 210 Introduction to International Relations
An overview of international history followed by a careful examination and comparison of competing international relations theories. Important structural processes and issues will be examined, as well as contrasting theoretical approaches and questions. Fulfills LAI Global Perspectives and Languages requirement 3 credits

POL 230 Contours of American Political Development
An examination of the American system of government that is based on the notion of democracy. Questions answered during the course include: Do the formal institutions of American politics conform to democratic norms? Do the informal practices of American public life detract from democracy? Are American idealists devoted to realizing democratic norms? Are American idealists realists who accept limits on people’s freedom and equality? Does democracy demand government support welfare at home and human rights abroad? 3 credits

POL 240 The Politics of Terrorism
An exploration of related topics such as political culture, social culture, religion, and political organizations and their links to “terrorism.” This course will explore the concept of terrorism, the use of violence, the dynamics of war, the political economy of former colonialregimes, dependent economies, and how the world’s distribution of resources affects state nations. Fulfills LAI requirement for Global Perspectives and Languages requirement and Research, Speech, and Writing skills integration courses. 3 credits

POL 287 Introduction to Public Policy
An analysis of public policy as well as an overview of how citizens identify issues and concerns and influence policy through lobby and advocacy efforts. The relationship of public policy legislation to social problems is explored, with attention given to women and other disadvantaged groups. The acquisition of analytical skills necessary to understand, improve, and participate in the policymaking process is emphasized. Fulfills LAI Economics/Political Science requirement. Prerequisite: SO 152 or SW 104 or permission of the instructor. 3 credits

POL/WS/PH 313 Women in Politics: Running for Office
An exploration of women’s politics and political interests using feminist theories and gender-specific positions that lead to an understanding of what motivates individuals to run for office. Gender-specific concerns and obstacles confronted by women interested in political participation and leadership will be covered. Fulfills LAI Women’s Studies requirement. 3 credits

 

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