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Political Studies Course Descriptions

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PLST 150 Politics in Twentieth-Century America (3)

Political issues, parties, personalities, and elections since 1900. The course includes visits to Congress, Washington think tanks, and the Smithsonian Institution. Cross-listed as HIST 150. (Fall Semester)

PLST 250 American Government (3)

The structure and functions of the government of the United States with some attention to state and local levels and references to the international. Democratic institutions and principles with emphasis on the modern day. (Spring Semester)

PLST 265 Principles of Economics I - Macro (3)

An introductory course which explores topics such as economic growth, inflation, unemployment, fiscal and monetary policies, money supply, banking and the central banking system within the context of major economic theories. Cross-listed as ECON 265. (Fall Semester and Summer session odd years)

PLST 275 American Judicial System (1-3)

A seminar-style introduction to the United States judicial system and trial procedures through training for and participation in a court trial advocacy competition. Open only to declared pre-law students; enrollment only by permission of instructor.

PLST 294 Topics in Political Science (1-3)

Selected topics of current interest in political science based on student need and faculty consent. (Offered as needed)

PLST 295 Independent Study in Political Science (1-3)

Study on an independent basis in collaboration with the instructor on a topic in political science at the lower division level. (Offered as needed)

PLST 335 International Human Rights (3)

Study of theory of human rights and the issues and conflicts over their implementation in the modern world.

PLST 338 International Relations in the Twentieth Century (3)

A study of international relations during the twentieth century and the historical sources ehind modern-day foreign policy issues. Cross-listed as HIST 338

PLST 350 Social and Political Philosophy (3)

A critical and historical study of the major social and political ideals of our time, including an emphasis on the concepts of fairness, justice, liberty, law, authority, and the common good. Students will investigate general approaches, such as welfare liberalism (with its ideal of fairness), libertarianism (with its ideal of liberty), socialism (with its ideal of equality), feminism (with its ideal of androgyny), communitarianism (with its ideal of the common good), and multi-culturalism (with its ideal of respect for diversity). Specific social issues will also be explored, such as the control of technology and the environment, militarism, racism, sexism, civil disobedience, and rebellion. Cross-listed as PHIL 350.

PLST 360 American Social Movements (3)

Movements for social and political change in the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly for gender and racial equality and for social and economic justice. Cross-listed as HIST 360. (Spring Semester)

PLST 390 Religion and American Political Thought (3)

Study of how political thought in America has treated religion and how religion has influenced American political thought. Cross-listed as HIST 390. (Spring Semester)

PLST 395 Washington Experience Internship (3-6)

Internship in law, government, politics, social service, public issues advocacy, or news media with supervised reading on topics connected with the internship.

PLST 494 Topics in Political Science (1-3)

The topics of concentration will be different each semester. A typical term would consist of the special study of international organization, the presidency, Congress, or another aspect of political science. This course is designed to make use of the unique features of the Washington, D.C., area. (Offered as needed)

PLST 495 Independent Study in Political Science (1-3)

Study on an independent basis in collaboration with the instructor on a topic in political science at the upper division level. (Offered as needed)