POS 2041   American Politics

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

In this course, students will investigate how the national government is structured and how the American constitutional republic operates. It covers the philosophical and historical foundations of American government, including but not limited to the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution and all its amendments, and The Federalist Papers. The course examines the branches of government and the government s laws, policies, and programs. It also examines the ways in which citizens participate in their government and ways their government responds to citizens. Student Learning Outcomes: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles and practices of America s constitutional republic. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the nation s founding documents, including the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and its amendments, and The Federalist Papers. Students will demonstrate knowledge of landmark U.S. Supreme Court cases, landmark legislation and landmark executive actions. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the history and development of the American federal government and its impact on law and society. Students will demonstrate an ability to apply course material to contemporary political issues and debates. Students will demonstrate the ability to engage in discussion and civil debate on American politics that are associated with multiple points of view. Meets General Education requirement in Social Sciences.

POS 3033   Political Analysis

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

This course introduces students to methods of analysis used by political scientists. Students learn to approach analysis like a social scientist employing existing theories to set up the evaluation of evidence and information. Common sources of political evidence such as polls, surveys, and coded data sets may provide a basis for applied analysis in the course. Political issues are considered as students learn to apply tools such as visual data interpretation, statistical analysis, coding qualitative sources, and modeling to derive insights.

POS 3413   The Presidency

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

We begin our exploration of the American presidency with a critical overview of the constitutional parameters of the executive office. What did our founding fathers expect from an executive? From there we examine how the presidential institution has evolved since the founding. The presidency definitely has a somewhat different place now in our separated system of branches sharing power than it once did. One of the most important features we address is how individual presidents have impacted the scope and direction of the office. We highlight the important role of person style, leadership, persuasion, and charisma as an influence on American government as a whole. Finally, we evaluate competing theories of presidential power to see how useful they are in explaining contemporary presidential politics.

POS 3424   The Legislative Process

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: POS 2041

Politics of accommodation in formulating authoritative policies and general rules; emphasis on U.S. Congress and Florida Legislature in action; relations to other governmental processes.

POS 3453   Political Parties and Interest Groups

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)
Prerequisite: POS 2041

Political parties, nominations, campaigns, elections, voting behavior, political recruitment, party organization and parties as managers of government. Roles and functions of interest groups.

POS 3608   Constitutional Law: Federalism and Separation of Powers

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Offers an introduction to the fundamental features of the Supreme Court and its Constitutional jurisprudence. In particular, students will examine through a case-study approach the evolution of judicial review, separation of powers, powers of the President and Congress, the evolution of federalism, the national commerce power, and national taxing and spending powers.

POS 3613   Constitutional Controversies

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

The American Founders established a Supreme Court to resolve all cases and controversies arising under the federal Constitution and its subsequent laws and treaties. This Court would serve primarily as an appellate tribunal, a court of last resort, reviewing and remanding, reversing or upholding the rulings of lower courts in both the federal and state judiciaries. In this course we will examine those elements of the appellate process on constitutional law, including the Court's review of petitions of certiorari, of merits briefs and the corresponding amici briefs and oral argument.

POS 3624   Constitutional Law: Individual Rights and Privileges

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Offers an introduction to Supreme Court's role in the protection of individual rights, due process, and the equal protection of the laws. In particular, students will examine through a case study approach the evolution of the Court's jurisprudence in cases pertaining to civil rights and individual freedoms protected under the Constitution of the United States.

POS 3625   First Amendment Freedoms

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Problem areas and doctrinal evolution in the judicial protection of First Amendment freedoms. Among specific subjects to be examined will be: free speech and press, free exercise of religion, state aid to religious schools, regulation of obscenity, freedom of association, and regulation of subversive activity.

POS 3905   Directed Study

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

1-12 sh (may be repeated indefinitely for credit)

POS 4602   The Founders' Constitution

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Analysis of the notes of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the alternative proposals for the organization of the National Government. Examination of the merits of arguments both for and against the adoption of the Constitution and the records of the creation and adoption of the Bill of Rights in the First Congress. This course is offered concurrently with POS 5637; graduate students will have additional work.

POS 4673   Jurisprudence

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

A survey of various approaches to theorizing about the Concept of Law. The Natural Law, Legal and Analytical Positivist, Sociological, Realist, and Critical Legal Studies approaches will be studied. In addition, concepts of Justice will be considered.

POS 4905   Directed Study

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

1-12 sh (may be repeated indefinitely for credit)

POS 4941   Internships

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

1-6 sh (may be repeated for up to 6 sh of credit)

Special "real-world" encounters programs designed for the individual student. Student must contact their advisor one semester in advance of desired date for internship. Graded on a satisfactory / unsatisfactory basis only. Permission is required.

POS 5637   The Founders' Constitution

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Analysis of the notes of the Constitutional Convention of 1787 and the alternative proposals for the organization of the National Government. Examination of the merits of arguments both for and against the adoption of the Constitution and the records of the creation and adoption of the Bill of Rights in the First Congress. This course is offered concurrently with POS 4602; graduate students will have additional work.

POS 6006   The Study of Politics

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Introduces the graduate study of political science. It concerns "scope" more than "method," and the range is broad, focusing on what political scientists do--teach, research, advise, and serve. Concerns embrace every conceivable level--local, regional, national, cultural, global, planetary.

POS 6045   Seminar in American Politics

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Course content includes an overview of the institutions and processes of the American political system, the trend and tendencies of political behavior, and the diverse theoretical understandings of American government in the world of political science. Focus is on understanding and critically evaluating interpretations of the structure and function of our governmental system, including: the three branches of government, elections, political socialization and civic engagement,representation, political parties, and interest mobilization.

POS 6704   Political Science Research Methods

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

3 sh (may not be repeated for credit)

Methods and logic of research in political science. POS 6704, Political Science Research Methods provides students with the knowledge and skills required to analyze and critique, as well as design, applied research in public policy and public affairs. The course introduces the student to the enterprise of academic research in these areas, provides the student with knowledge and understanding of the various philosophical and methodological approaches to applied research and allows the student to develop and hone analytical skills. Accepted social science research designs will be introduced and an analysis of threats to the validity and reliability of these different designs will be considered. Sampling theory and statistical analysis will be introduced.

POS 6905   Directed Study

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

1-12 sh (may be repeated indefinitely for credit)

POS 6971   Thesis

Col of Arts, Soc Sci and Human, Department of Government

1-6 sh (may be repeated for up to 12 sh of credit)

Graded on satisfactory / unsatisfactory basis only. Permission is required.