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2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog (As of 09-27-19) 
    
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2019-2020 Undergraduate Catalog (As of 09-27-19) [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions

 

Physics
  

  • PHYS 260L NASA Space Mission Design Lab (1)

    Lab students work on teams with engineering students at another university to design unmanned NASA satellite missions. Student teams interactively participate through presentations, assigned readings, on-line discussions, classroom exercises and dynamic activities, and compete for best mission with final projects being evaluated by a panel of NASA experts.
    Co-requisite(s): PHYS 260  
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
    Cross-listing: ASTR 260L , GEOL 260L  
  

  • PHYS 270 Nanotechnology in Medicine (3)

    An introductory level interdisciplinary course covering nanotechnology and its use in medicine. Students will learn the basic physics behind smart nanobiomaterials, nanobiosensors, and DNA motifs. They will also learn nanotechnology in cancer treatment and drug delivery, medical imaging using quantum dots, nanofabrication, characterization tools used in nanotechnology, and nanotoxicology.
    Co-requisite(s) or Prerequisite(s): PHYS 102  or PHYS 112  or HONS 158  or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 272 Methods of Applied Physics (3)

    This course is designed to develop skills in applying mathematical tools and concepts developed formally in the mathematics curriculum for use in the undergraduate physics curriculum. The focus will be on the practical problem solving process rather than the abstract or theoretical nature of techniques.
    Prerequisite(s): MATH 221  and PHYS 112  or HONS 158  
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • PHYS 298 Special Topics (1-3)

    An examination of an area in physics in which a regular course is not offered.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor and chair.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Repeatable: For up to 10 credit hours.
  

  • PHYS 301 Classical Mechanics (3)

    Newtonian dynamics of particles and rigid bodies, relativistic mechanics, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics and waves.
    Prerequisite(s): (PHYS 112  or HONS 158 ) and (MATH 323  or PHYS 272 ) or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • PHYS 302 Classical Mechanics (3)

    A continuation of PHYS 301 .
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 301 .
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 320 Intro to Electronics (4)

    Basic principles of electronics and their application to instrumentation for students preparing for research in applied mathematics, medicine, biology, physics and chemistry. Lectures three hours per week; laboratory three hours per week.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 102  and MATH 120  or PHYS 112  or HONS 158  or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 331 Introduction to Modern Physics II (3)

    A continuation of PHYS 230 . Topics include: statistical mechanics, solid state physics and nuclear physics.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 230  or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 340 Photonics (4)

    An intermediate lecture and lab-based course in modern optics. Topics covered include: the wave equation, interference, diffraction, polarization, holography, spectroscopy, lasers, second harmonic and terahertz generation, optical communication, optical materials, and biophotonics. Lectures three hours per week; laboratory three hours per week.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 112  or HONS 158  or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 350 Energy Production (4)

    The science and technology of solar, nuclear, fuel cell, geothermal, wind, hybrid, and other energy systems. A study of the nature of energy and scientific issues relating to its production, storage, distribution, and use from a physics perspective. Lecture and lab.
    Prerequisite(s): CHEM 111  + (PHYS 112  or HONS 158  or (PHYS 102  + MATH 120 ))
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 370 Experimental Physics (4)

    An opportunity for students to develop experimental, analytical and research techniques through lecture and extensive laboratory experiences. Scientific writing and associated skills, such as professional illustrations, graphics, statistical analysis, and use of computational tools are heavily stressed. Student professional goals play a significant role in experiment selection.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 230  or PHYS 225  or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • PHYS 381 Internship (1-4)

    A student will gain professional experience as an intern at a private firm or government agency. A written proposal must be approved through the Department Internship Coordinator prior to enrolling in the course. At least 40 hours of work is required for each 1 credit awarded for the course.
    Prerequisite(s): Physics or meteorology majors and PHYS 370  or permission of the coordinator.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Repeatable: For up to 4 credit hours.
  

  • PHYS 390 Research (1-3)

    Literature and/or laboratory investigations of specific problems in physics or astronomy. The topic of the investigations will be determined by the interests of the student in consultation with the department faculty. Open to exceptional students and particularly suited to those intending to continue toward a graduate degree.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor and chair.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Repeatable: For up to 6 credit hours.
  

  • PHYS 394 Digital Signal and Image Processing with Biomedical Applications (3)

    A systematic presentation of mathematical aspects and the corresponding computational techniques and tools currently used in digital signal and image processing. The topics include signal sampling, temporal and frequency domain representations, filtering, denoising, enhancing, and visualization of signals with emphasis on biomedical data.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 112  and PHYS 112L  or HONS 158  and HONS 158L  
    Co-requisite(s): PHYS 394L  
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 394L Digital Signal and Image Processing with Biomedical Applications Laboratory (1)

    A systematic presentation of mathematical aspects and the corresponding computational techniques and tools currently used in digital signal and image processing. The topics include signal sampling, temporal and frequency domain representations, filtering, denoising, enhancing, and visualization of signals with emphasis on biomedical data.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 112  and PHYS 112L  or HONS 158  and HONS 158L  
    Co-requisite(s): PHYS 394  
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 396 Biophysical Modeling of Excitable Cells (3)

    An introduction to the concepts and methods of computer modeling of excitable cells. Topics include basic electrophysiology of excitable cells, biophysics of ion conduction, mathematical modeling of activation/inactivation mechanisms using experimental data, and computer simulations.
    Prerequisite(s): BIOL 111  and (PHYS 112  or HONS 158 ) or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Cross-listing: BIOL 396  
  

  • PHYS 397 Research Experience Physics/Astronomy (0)

    A student works under faculty supervision to learn a research method, to explore possible research topics, or to continue an ongoing study. The faculty member helps the student to determine the course goals and objectives, and supervises the execution of project. The student will provide a written report to the faculty at the end of the semester. Students will receive a grade of “S” (satisfactory) or “U” (unsatisfactory) for the course.
    Prerequisite(s): Only majors may take a Zero Credit Research course. Permission of the instructor and approval of the department chair.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 399 Tutorial (3)

    Individual instruction given by a tutor in regularly scheduled meetings (usually once a week).
    Prerequisite(s): Junior standing plus permission of the tutor and the department chair.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Repeatable: For up to 12 credit hours.
  

  • PHYS 403 Introductory Quantum Mechanics I (3)

    An introduction to the principles of quantum mechanics in one, two, and three dimensions. Topics may include the wave function, the Schrodinger equation, operators, the hydrogen atom, bra-ket notation, spin, and identical particles.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 230  and (MATH 323  or PHYS 272 ) or permission of instructor.
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • PHYS 404 Introductory Quantum Mechanics II (3)

    Further development and applications of the principles of quantum mechanics. Topics may include a more mathematical formulation of quantum theory, perturbation theory, the variational method, electromagnetic radiation, scattering theory, the path integral formulation, and the EPR paradox.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 403  or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 405 Thermal Physics (3)

    An introduction to quantum statistical mechanics, thermodynamic functions, and the laws of thermodynamics. There is an emphasis on the application of the fundamental concepts to astrophysics, atmospheric physics, low-temperature physics, and solid-state physics.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 230  and (MATH 323  or PHYS 272 ) or permission of instructor.
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • PHYS 407 Introduction to Nuclear Physics (3)

    An introduction to the theory of the nucleus, including constituents of the nucleus; nuclear forces and structure; natural and induced radioactivity; properties of alpha, beta and gamma radiation; particle accelerators; and fission, fusion and nuclear reactors.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 230  or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 408 Introduction to Solid State Physics (3)

    A survey of the fundamental principles determining the macroscopic properties of solids. The lattice system and the electron system are investigated as a basis for understanding dielectric, magnetic, optical, semiconductive and superconductive behavior in solids.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 230  and (MATH 323  or PHYS 272 ) or permission of instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 409 Electromagnetism I (3)

    This is an intermediate course in electromagnetism with particular emphasis to electrostatics and magnetostatics. The major topics covered in this course are: electrostatic fields; magnetostatic fields; electric current and Lorentz force law; conductors, capacitors, and dielectric materials; magnetic materials; and electromagnetic induction.
    Prerequisite(s): (PHYS 112  or HONS 158 ) and (MATH 323  or PHYS 272 ) or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • PHYS 410 Electromagnetism II (3)

    This course is a continuation of PHYS 409 with particular emphasis given to
    applications of electrodynamics. The major topics covered in this course are: conservation laws in electrodynamics; electromagnetic waves in vacuum and in matter; retarded potentials and electromagnetic radiation; and relativistic electrodynamics.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 409 .
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 412 Special Topics (1-3)

    An examination of an area in physics in which a regular course is not offered.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Repeatable: May be repeated for credit when course content varies.
  

  • PHYS 415 Fluid Mechanics (3)

    An introduction to fluid mechanics that develops physical concepts and formulates basic conservation laws. Topics include fluid statics, kinematics, stresses in fluids, flow of real (viscous) fluids and compressible flow.
    Prerequisite(s): MATH 323  or PHYS 272  or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 419 Research Seminar (1)

    This course will normally be conducted in the fall semester of the student’s senior year and consists of successfully preparing and presenting a research proposal. This course is intended to prepare the student for PHYS 420 .
    Co-requisite(s) or Prerequisite(s): PHYS 370  or ASTR 377  or permission of the instructor.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • PHYS 420 Senior Research (3)

    Conducting, writing, and presenting the results of the research project prepared in PHYS 419 . The presentation must be at a scientific forum approved by the research advisor. This course will normally be taken during the spring semester of the senior year.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 419  and permission of the instructor and chair; no credit for both PHYS 420 and PHYS 499 .
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • PHYS 425 Mesoscale Meteorology (3)

    Applications of dynamics and forecasting techniques in diagnosing the organization of mesoscale and convective phenomena. Topics include mesoscale instabilities; boundary layer dynamics; air mass boundaries; convective initiation; convective storms; mesoscale convective systems; tornadoes; flash flooding; and various orographic mesoscale phenomena.
    Prerequisite(s): MATH 221  and PHYS 215 ; or permission of the instructor
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 457 Satellite Meteorology (3)

    Satellite meteorology is the measurement of the weather by sensors aboard Earth-orbiting satellites. Topics include satellite orbits and navigation; electromagnetic radiation; instrumentation; image interpretation; atmospheric temperature, winds, clouds, precipitation and radiation.
    Prerequisite(s): One of the following: PHYS 459 , PHYS 425 , PHYS 230 , PHYS 225 , PHYS 215 , PHYS 210 , PHYS 106L  with a grade of C- or better, PHYS 105 ; One of the following: PHYS 102  with a grade of C- or better, PHYS 112 , HONS 158 ; and one of the following: MATH 220  or MATH 229 ; or permission of the instructor    
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Cross-listing: EVSS 557
  

  • PHYS 459 Cloud and Precipitation Physics (3)

    Essential elements of the physics associated with the study of clouds and precipitation.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 112  or HONS 158  
    Co-requisite(s) or Prerequisite(s): MATH 323  or PHYS 272  or permission of the instructor
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 460L NASA Space Mission Design Leadership Lab (1)

    Lab students lead local teams and work with engineering students at another university to design unmanned NASA satellite missions. Student teams interactively participate through presentations, assigned readings, on-line discussions, classroom exercises and dynamic activities, and compete for best mission with final projects being evaluated by a panel of NASA experts.
    Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructors.
    Co-requisite(s): PHYS 260 .
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
    Cross-listing: ASTR 460L , GEOL 460L  
  

  • PHYS 481 Physics Problem Solving (1)

    Physicists are problem solvers. Often, a full solution to a system is unnecessary to grasp the central elements of a problem. This course utilizes the basic tools of a symmetry, limiting cases, scaling, and dimensional analysis to engage in problem solving exercises where speed is more important than a closed-form solution.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 370  or ASTR 377  
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • PHYS 499 Bachelor’s Essay (6)

    A year-long research and writing project done during the senior year under the close supervision of a tutor from the department. The student must take the initiative in seeking a tutor to help in both the design and the supervision of the project. A project proposal must be submitted in writing and approved by the department prior to registration for the course. A student may not receive credit for both PHYS 420  and PHYS 499.
    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 419  or permission of department chair
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Note: A student may not receive credit for both PHYS 420  and PHYS 499.

Political Science
  

  • POLI 101 American Government (3)

    American Government examines the structure, context, functions and problems of American national government.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
    Note: This course is required of all political science majors and minors and must be completed within the first 15 hours of political science courses.
  

  • POLI 102 Contemporary Political Issues (3)

    An introductory course for majors and non-majors that emphasizes the analysis of current domestic and international issues. Issues covered will vary from semester to semester.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • POLI 103 World Politics (3)

    This course examines the dynamics of international politics, including in-depth coverage of relevant actors, the nature of the state system, cooperation and conflict, global economic interdependence, international institutions and issues like the role of human rights in international affairs.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • POLI 104 World Regional Geography (3)

    This course introduces students to the key concepts of geography through the lens of different regions of the world. Students explore the dynamics of human existence in different settings, arriving at a holistic understanding of life in the region by considering the interaction of physical and human geographies. The focus is on diversity amid the commonalities of human experience.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
    Cross-listing: GEOG 101 .
  

  • POLI 119 Special Topics in Politics (3)

    This course examines special topics and issues in politics not covered in political science courses. This course may be repeated as topic changes.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Repeatable: For up to 9 credit hours.
  

  • POLI 150 Introduction to Political Thought (3)

    This course introduces both a set of key concepts in political theory and the historical development of Western political thought. The student will work with primary and secondary literature in political theory and will gain an understanding of how political theorists ancient, modern and contemporary have attempted to create theories of politics and visions of political order in response to the crises and problems of their time and in light of the work of the political theorists that preceded them.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • POLI 203 Criminal Justice (3)

    Criminal Justice analyzes the criminal justice system, from defining crimes through arrest to conviction and sentencing, with emphasis on the relationships between actors and institutions in the system and the purposes served by the system.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • POLI 205 Doing Research in Politics (3)

    An introduction to the techniques and strategies researchers in politics use to study and understand the political world. This course should be taken in the first 15 credit hours of the major.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • POLI 206 Doing Research in Politics: Introduction to Qualitative Research (3)

    This course introduces students to the qualitative methods that researches use to collect and analyze data and to make causal inferences about political phenomena.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Cross-listing: GEOG 206  
  

  • POLI 210 Introduction to Public Administration (3)

    Introduction to Public Administration analyzes the basic principles, functions and practices of public organizations and public management. Emphasis on national government.
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • POLI 211 Introduction to Public Policy (3)

    This course examines the cultural, economic, and institutional contexts that shape U.S. public policy. The course examines the processes by which policy problems are addressed and alternate solutions are adopted. Implications for solving public problems and resolving more political disagreements in a manner consistent with democratic ideas are considered.
    Prerequisite(s): POLI 101  or permission of instructor
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • POLI 213 State and Local Politics (3)

    This course examines the political institutions and processes of state and local government within the American federal system. The objective of the course is to acquaint students with the issues and complexities of state and local governments in the United States.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 214 LGBT Politics (3)

    An examination of the movement for gay, lesbian, and bisexual rights in the United States. Course material will include the emergence and evolution of gay and lesbian rights over the past half century, their roles as interest groups and an analysis of their impact on and place in American politics. The course will also include a discussion of the emerging and related struggle for transgender rights.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 240 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3)

    This course surveys theories and methodologies in comparative politics and applies these to specific country cases. It includes an examination of many comparative concepts and uses these to identify similarities and differences among various countries in the world.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 245 Cuban Revolution (3)

    This is an in-depth and experiential examination of the Cuban Revolution. Students will live in Cuba for one to three months studying the history, progress and current condition of the revolutionary process in Cuba. Offered as a travel course only.
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • POLI 260 International Relations Theory (3)

    This course is designed to familiarize students with the theoretical and analytical tools needed to explore the perennial and pressing questions of international relations. The class includes analysis of key international relations issues from a variety of theoretical perspectives.
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • POLI 261 Model UN (3)

    Model UN is a simulation of the meeting of main governing bodies of the United Nations, such as the General Assembly, Security Council, and various committees. It will focus on the issues and goals of the UN. Students will organize and execute an on campus Model UN and will prepare for the Southern Regional Model UN in Atlanta. 
    Prerequisite(s): Minimum 2.500 cumulative GPA; permission of instructor. 
    Course Frequency: Fall
    Repeatable: For up to 6 credit hours.
  

  • POLI 265 International Political Economy (3)

    The study of International Political Economy (IPE) introduces students to the integral relationship between politics and economics; how politics influences economics and vice versa. As such this course seeks to explore the rules governing global exchange and the winners and losers produced by global economic exchange.
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • POLI 267 Model African Union (3)

    This course investigates the history, structure, and operation of the African Union (AU), a regional organization comprised of 55 member states. The course culminates in a trip to Washington, D.C., where students will participate in the national Model AU, and simulate how different African states pursue their particular national/regime interests. 
    Prerequisite(s): Minimum cumulative 2.500 GPA; permission of instructor. 
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • POLI 268 Model Organization of American States (3)

    This course investigates the history, structure, and operation of the Organization of American States (OAS). The course culminates in a trip to Washington, D.C., where students will participate in the national Model OAS, and simulate how different states in the Americas pursue their particular national/regime interests. 
    Prerequisite(s): Minimum 2.500 cumulative GPA; permission of instructor. 
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • POLI 292 Topics in Gender, Theory, and Law (3)

    This class focuses on intersections of issues of gender, political theory, and the law. Topics might include sexual harassment, poverty, and discrimination. Course can be repeated if the topic changes.
    Course Frequency: Fall
    Repeatable: For up to 6 credit hours.
  

  • POLI 293 Ethics and Politics (3)

    Examines the relationship between ethics and politics by exploring ethical issues that arise in public life, including corruption, lies and deception, and organizational dissent. The political, philosophical, and psychological dimensions of these choices are assessed.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 294 Introduction to Sustainability (3)

    This course will examine the interrelated environmental, economic, and social problems facing humans at local, regional, and global scales around the theme of sustainability.
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • POLI 295 Law and Society (3)

    This is a course designed to introduce students to the legal method of deciding disputes through the study of particular areas of legal doctrine. Students will demonstrate the use of analytical principles by confronting intractable issues facing society and comparing their own analyses with that of the judicial system.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • POLI 301 Bureaucratic Politics and Policy (3)

    Examines the socio-political impacts of modern bureaucracies, how modern bureaucracy has emerged as a “fourth branch” of federal government (including historical development) and its ability to influence policy making with particular emphasis on implementation.
    Prerequisite(s): POLI 101  or permission of instructor
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 304 American Foreign Policy Process (3)

    American Foreign Policy Process surveys the process by which American foreign policy is made. The course extends beyond the traditional institutions of the presidency and Congress to encompass other actors like courts, the states, the media, the public and the international policy environment.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 305 Urbanization and Urban Geography (3)

    Urbanization and Urban Geography analyzes the process of urbanization and contemporary urban trends. Topics include the evolution of neighborhoods, social conflict over access to resources and the future or urbanism as a way of life. Students will explore the city through field trips and an analysis of a local issue.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 306 Urban Policy (3)

    Urban Policy examines the urban service system and policy formulation and implementation processes. The potential implications of policy on people in their everyday lives are assessed using a critical perspective. Specific urban issues, including urban restructuring, crime and terrorism, education, housing, economic development, and sustainability are examined.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 307 Environmental Policy (3)

    This course is intended to familiarize students with various ethical frameworks, analytical tools and policy instruments that can be used to evaluate environmental problems and policy options. Specific issues may include citizen participation, environmental equity, the uses and abuses of cost/benefit analysis, science and uncertainty in environmental policy development and the use of regulatory requirements vs. market mechanisms for environmental protection.
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • POLI 308 Education Policy (3)

    This course is designed to introduce students to the major federal policy decisions- represented in judicial decisions and federal laws and statutes, 1954 to the present- that serve as principal guidelines for the organization and administration of American public schools. Particular attention will be paid to the impact of these federal policies on the governance, implementation and outcomes of public education at the state and local levels. Issues of access, accountability, delivery systems, funding and quality will be explored. The actors, institutions, processes and influences that help to inform these policy decisions will be explored.
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • POLI 309 Health Policy (3)

    This course will focus on American health policymaking, with particular emphasis on the three pillars of health: Access, Cost, and Quality. The course will examine the financing and delivery of health care, the political environment in which health policymaking occurs and the key policy actors that drive federal and state decision-making regarding affordable health care for all Americans. Special attention will be paid to the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148), its effect on reducing the number of uninsured Americans and the challenges to its constitutionality.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • POLI 310 Applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) (3)

    This course introduces students to foundational and advanced concepts and theories used to study our physical and human environments using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Students will learn about the data and methodology for using GIS to understand and solve a variety of policy problems, including those related to environmental, urban, and/or political issues.
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • POLI 311 Policymaking in State Legislatures (3)

    This course is designed to introduce students to the methods and processes by which American state legislatures achieve public policy objectives. Attention will be paid to the structure and organization of our 50 state legislatures, decision-making among competing public policy objectives, the development of institutional and individual legislative agenda, responsiveness to electoral and interest groups and the process of moving legislation from proposals to law. The Legislatures of California and South Carolina will serve as primary case studies of two very different examples of legislative structure, organization, and operations.
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • POLI 312 Social Welfare Policy and Sustainability (3)

    Social welfare policy involves governmental actions or non-actions that impact the quality of life for its citizens. This course provides an introduction to public policymaking in the United States and to select substantive social welfare policy areas. Rational, political and sustainability frameworks for policy study and analysis are developed across multiple areas of social welfare policy including poverty, disability, welfare, hunger, water quality and resource issues, healthcare, employment, services for children and policies surrounding mental illness and substance abuse. How social welfare policy is impacted by politics, poverty, gender, race and crime and how social and economic resources can be made sustainable in order to alleviate some of these major societal problems will also be explored.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 319 Special Topics in Public Policy (3)

    This course examines an advanced topic in public administration or public policy.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Repeatable: For up to 9 credit hours.
  

  • POLI 320 Constitutional Law (3)

    This course concentrates on the American Constitution. Topics focus on the power relationships between the executive, legislature, judiciary and state governments, including the commerce clause, war powers of the executive, legislative powers to tax and spend, judicial review and the doctrines and principles of American constitutionalism.
    Prerequisite(s): POLI 101  or permission of instructor
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • POLI 321 Civil Liberties (3)

    This course is largely a study of basic individual liberties found in the American Constitution and interpreted by the U.S. Supreme Court. Typically, the rights and liberties discussed include the first amendment (freedom of speech, press and the religion clause) and the 14th amendment (equal protection of the laws - including race, gender, age and privacy).
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • POLI 322 Urban Government and Politics (3)

    Urban Government and Politics focuses on the impact of an urban society upon the forms, structure, and functions of county and municipal governments, the political problems generated by metropolitan growth, the various approaches to the governing of the metropolis, the political processes in urban communities, and community power structure and decision making.
    Prerequisite(s): POLI 101  or permission of instructor
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 323 The Congress (3)

    This course analyzes the organization, procedures and behaviors of legislative bodies in America, with emphasis on the United States Congress.
    Prerequisite(s): POLI 101  or permission of instructor
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • POLI 324 The Judiciary (3)

    This course analyzes the major legal concepts and operations of the American judicial system with an emphasis on the political as well as legal factors involved in judicial decision making.
    Prerequisite(s): POLI 101  or permission of instructor
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 325 The Presidency (3)

    The Presidency analyzes the structure, behavior, history, and roles of the federal executive branch in the American political system.
    Prerequisite(s): POLI 101  or permission of instructor
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • POLI 326 American Politics and Mass Media (3)

    Explores how political discourse and institutions are changing with the current mass communication technology and practice. This course provides a basic introduction to media law, economics and regulation, and pays special attention to the intersection of the media practices and campaigns, the presidency, public opinion, policymaking and war.
    Prerequisite(s): POLI 101  or permission of instructor
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • POLI 327 Political Parties (3)

    This course examines the nature, functions, organizations, and activities of political parties in the American political system. Emphasis is placed on parties as democratic organizations as well as their role in government and in the electorate, both historically and in contemporary electoral politics.
    Prerequisite(s): POLI 101  or permission of instructor
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • POLI 328 Campaigns and Elections (3)

    This course analyzes American elections, campaigns, and voting behavior within the context of political representation and U.S. electoral rules and procedures. Students will be introduced to the principal theories and methods of the voting behavior and have the opportunity to examine those theories empirically using recent national election data.
    Prerequisite(s): POLI 101  or permission of instructor
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • POLI 329 Public Opinion in American Politics (3)

    This course examines the formation, expression, and consequences of American public opinion in order to better understand how citizens think and react to the political world. Special emphasis will be placed on the measurement of American public opinion through the use of polling and survey research methods.
    Prerequisite(s): POLI 101  or permission of instructor
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Cross-listing: COMM 389  
  

  • POLI 330 Southern Politics (3)

    Southern Politics is a comparative study of selected political patterns and trends in the southern states since World War II.
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • POLI 331 Geography of Native Lands/Indian Law (3)

    This course examines the government-to-government relationships between Native American tribes and the United States. Case studies of legal, political, and cultural conflicts over land and resources will highlight the Indigenous Knowledge of ecological systems and the distinctive political ideas that inform Native American life and politics.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 332 Women and Politics (3)

    This course examines the development of a public role for women in the American political system through an examination of successive waves of political activism around suffrage, feminism, equality, and policy. Topics include women as voters, candidates, and policymakers. Critical attention is directed toward analyzing women’s incremental progress in achieving parity in politics.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 333 Suburbia: People, Places, and Politics (3)

    This course examines in detail the most common residential setting in the United States: the suburb. The course reviews twentieth-century accounts of suburban life, taking into account differences by gender, race, and ethnicity, as well as issues of governance, contemporary culture and questions of environmental sustainability.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 334 Political Campaign Communication (3)

    This course examines the communication strategies employed in local, state, and national political campaigns. Topics include message design, political speeches, political advertising, and media relations.
    Prerequisite(s): POLI 101  or permission of instructor.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 335 Religion in American Politics (3)

    This course examines and analyzes the interaction between politics and religion in the United States, considering both the historical and contemporary context of this relationship. Throughout the course, debates on contemporary issues related to the interaction between religion and politics will be emphasized.
    Prerequisite(s): POLI 101  or permission of instructor
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 336 Political Psychology (3)

    Instead of focusing on institutions such as Congress or the Supreme Court, Political Psychology examines the political attitudes and behaviors of the American public. Students will learn about political reasoning, partisan and ideological identity, the influence of groups on political behavior, race and politics and voting patterns, among other topics.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 339 Special Topics in American Politics (3)

    These courses examine selected topics in American politics not covered in other courses.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
    Repeatable: For up to 9 credit hours.
  

  • POLI 340 Politics of Latin America (3)

    Politics of Latin America surveys political and related economic and social dynamics in Latin American nations.
    Course Frequency: Fall and Spring
  

  • POLI 342 Politics of Africa (3)

    Politics of Africa surveys political and related economic and social dynamics in selected African nations.
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • POLI 343 Politics of East Asia (3)

    Politics of East Asia analyzes the national and international politics of China and Japan with emphasis on political, social and economic patterns and processes. Cultural tradition, policymaking, and the international context will be examined.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 344 Politics of the Middle East (3)

    Politics of the Middle East surveys the political, economic and social structures and forces that make up the essence of Middle East politics and shape the region’s place in the world.
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • POLI 345 Politics of China (3)

    This course examines contemporary Chinese politics in a comparative perspective. China is a rapidly modernizing country with growing global significance. We will address theoretical and methodological questions in China studies. Key topics include political culture, leadership transition, economic reform, environment and population, and state-society relations.
    Course Frequency: Fall
  

  • POLI 346 Politics of Southeast Asia (3)

    This course is an introduction to the politics of Southeast Asia, both the region and the separate countries of the region. Comparable in size and population to the Asian giants of China and India, the region has fascinating engagements with postcolonialism, neoliberalism, and other critically important contemporary issues.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 347 International Development: Theories and Practices (3)

    This course examines the major theories of development and underdevelopment. The class addresses the domestic and international political, social, and economic factors that promote or retard development in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 348 Politics of Protest and Revolution (3)

    This course undertakes a comparative study of protest and revolution in industrialized and non-industrialized countries. The political, economic, and social conditions that give rise to protest and revolution will be examined. Reform movements, revolts and revolutions, both historical and contemporary, will be compared from a cross-system perspective.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 350 Comparative Gender Politics (3)

    What counts as female? What counts as male? Where did our ideas about femininity and masculinity come from? Do we all answer these questions in the same way? How do we make connections among women, and across place and time?
    Course Frequency: Spring
  

  • POLI 351 Politics of Contemporary Brazil (3)

    This course introduces the student to the politics of Latin America’s largest, most populous and most important country. A brief introduction that covers the period of Portuguese colonization as well as early independence and national eras will be followed by an intensive focus on the period from the presidency of Getulio Vargas to the present. Special attention will be given to the era of military government in the 1960s to the “abertura,” which opened the door to democratization in the 1990s and the period of President Henrique Cardoso.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 352 Geographies and Politics of the European Union (3)

    A comprehensive introduction to the European Union, structured around the changing geographies of the European space and a chronology of developments in Europe from the Second World War. The course will chart the emergence of the initial European Communities and follow changes as these communities evolve into today’s European Union.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
  

  • POLI 353 Geographies and Politics of Food (3)

    Our relationship with food has changed radically over recent centuries and this continues today. This course focuses on the technologization of the production and harvesting of food, to explore the paradox of food anxiety driven by, for example, obesity, food security, and safety and to chart global food sourcing and its inequities.
    Course Frequency: Occasional
 

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