Academic Courses

Political Science

POLS 101
Introduction to Political Science
3-0-3
The science of politics and of the major institutions, processes and theories of modern government. Comparison of democratic and totalitarian systems. Focuses on the United States and selected foreign political systems.

POLS 111
American Government
3-0-3
The Constitution, the federal system and democracy, the Presidency, Congress and the Supreme Court, Political parties and special interest groups: how they work, and the decisions they make.

POLS 112
Introduction to International Relations
3-0-3
The course will cover the theories of International Relations (IR) and apply them to the broader context of “Global Politics.” Students will learn key concepts and ideologies. They will make comparative analyses of the types of political systems and ideologies found in both the developed and developing countries and identify patterns of political behavior. These patterns can then be linked to theories, concepts, and ideologies that have been studied. The contents of this course will be placed in historical and socio-cultural contexts.

POLS 114
City and State Government and Politics: The Rules, Parties and Players
1-0-1
This course introduces students to city and state political systems, with special attention to those of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. These systems include the offices, agencies, houses and courts of the executive, legislative, and judicial sides of government. The course also surveys the constituencies, political parties and other organizations that are involved in local and state politics, and examines their agendas and modes of operation. Philadelphia and Pennsylvania provide most of the illustrations and case studies, and comparisons are made with the politics of other cities and states. POLS 114, 115, and 116 together are equivalent to POLS 117.

POLS 115
City and State Government and Politics: Citizens and Interest Groups in Action
1-0-1
This course examines how citizens and interest groups become active in the political process at a local and state level. Drawing examples largely from the political culture of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, students look at the roles of activists and lobbyists, and the various types of activity such as campaigning, lobbying, demonstrating, holding meetings, and litigating in which citizens engage to influence governmental decisions. Comparisons to the political actions and political cultures of other cities and states are made. POLS 114, 115, and 116 together are equivalent to POLS 117.

POLS 116
City and State Government and Politics: Contemporary Social Policy Issues
1-0-1
Using a case and issue study approach, this course examines major policy issues that are especially significant in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania at the time the course is offered. Such issues as funding and reform of public education, tax reform, the promise and problems of regionalism, urban blight, population loss and suburban sprawl will be studied. Students will consider how political factors help or hinder solution of such problems, and how government and active citizens can best approach them. Comparisons are made to similar issues in other American cities and states. POLS 114, 115, and 116 together are equivalent to POLS 117.

POLS 117
City and State Government and Politics,With Cases from Philadelphia and Pennsylvania
3-0-3
Using a case study and problem solving approach, this course introduces students to the institutions and complex processes of city and state government and politics, with special attention to Philadelphia and Pennsylvania. By examining rules, practices and issues in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, students learn basics about how city and state governments are structured, financed and managed, how political power is sought, maintained and allocated, and how services are organized and delivered to citizens. The course surveys the governmental structures as well as the parties and other organizations involved in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania politics, and examines their constituencies, agendas, and modes of operation. Students also study and discuss current major local issues and the policies that are being proposed to address them. Comparisons are made to similar and contrasting features and issues in other American cities and states. The one credit courses POLS 114, 115 and 116 together are equivalent to POLS 117.