Political Science

kcampbel@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6897, Piper Academic Center 203

 

bfrederk@mckendree.edu; (618) 537-6913, Piper Academic Center 204

 

The Political Science Department offers a major in political science and an interdisciplinary major in international relations. The department teaches courses that present competing perspectives on politics. Given the pervasive influence of politics on the daily lives of all citizens, it is indispensable for well-educated persons to gain an understanding of politics to enable them to critically analyze the world around them and to more effectively exercise their civic responsibilities.    

 

Both the political science and international relations majors include introductory courses in each of the subfields of political science. Upper level courses build on the theory and framework provided by the 100 and 200-level courses. The major in international relations is interdisciplinary, requiring courses in a variety of disciplines. Both majors culminate with a capstone experience which provides students with the opportunity to do extensive research and present their findings in a seminar setting.

 

Degrees in political science and international relations are a strong foundation for careers in a number of areas, including local, state or national government, law, transnational governmental or non-governmental organizations, labor and industrial relations, city management and urban planning, political consulting and campaign management, interest groups and social interest lobbying, and journalism.

 

The majors in political science and international relations require a minimum of 36 credit hours. At least 18 credit hours must be at the 300 level or higher. At least 18 credit hours must be taken at McKendree University. Only grades better than D in a major course will be accepted. The interdisciplinary requirements for the international relations major must include courses from at least two different departments.

 

The minor in political science requires a minimum of 21 credit hours, including three of the following: PSI 101, PSI 210, PSI 220, and PSI 230. At least 12 credit hours must be at the 300 level or higher. At least 12 credit hours must be taken at McKendree University. Only grades better than D in a minor course will be accepted.

 

Planning Sheets:

2002-04, 2004-06

 

PSI 200 PSI 490

RESEARCH METHODS        SENIOR SEMINAR

(3) (3)

  

PSI 101 PSI 210 PSI 220 PSI 230

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT    INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS   INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS       INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY

(3) (3) (3) (3)

PSI 102 PSI 300 PSI 301 PSI 305 PSI 307 PSI 308 PSI 309 PSI 310 PSI 331 PSI 339

STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT     CONGRESS       PRESIDENCY       CONSTITUTIONAL LAW            CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS       PARTIES AND INTEREST GROUPS    PUBLIC POLICY        TOPICS IN AMERICAN POLITICS    SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY    TOPICS IN POLITICAL THEORY

(3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

 

PSI 311 PSI 312 PSI 313 PSI 314 PSI 315 PSI 319 PSI 329

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS INTERNATIONAL LAW INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY      UNITED STATES FOREIGN POLICY             GENDER AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS    TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS        TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS

(3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

 

Supplementary requirements

---

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

(8)

    

PSI 200 PSI 490

RESEARCH METHODS     SENIOR SEMINAR

(3) (3)

   

PSI 101 PSI 210 PSI 220 PSI 230

AMERICAN GOVERNMENT      INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS    INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS        INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY

(3) (3) (3) (3)

PSI 311 PSI 312 PSI 313 PSI 314 PSI 315 PSI 319 PSI 320

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS       INTERNATIONAL LAW        INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY   UNITED STATES FOREIGN POLICY         GENDER AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS     TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS     TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS

(3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

 

ENG 253 ENG 310 HIS 241 HIS 242 HIS 343 HIS 363 MGT 340 REL 320 SPC 353

LITERATURE OF POST-COLONIAL CULTURES       WORLD LITERATURE II   ASIAN CIVILIZATIONS       AFRICAN CIVILIZATIONS     HISTORY OF LATIN AMERICA    HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE LEAST     INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS      RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD       INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION

(3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3) (3)

     

FOREIGN LANGUAGE

(8)

 

A survey course focusing on the development, organization and dynamics of American political processes and institutions. This course examines how the public, interest groups, the media, political parties and the constitutional branches of government work together to produce public policies. Each semester.

 

Introductory course providing an understanding of the way in which state and local governments function and their place within the American political system. Annually, Spring.

 

This course provides an introduction to how political scientists study political phenomena. The course examines the philosophy of social science as well as a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including single and comparative case studies, statistical analysis and survey research. This course is not intended as a substitute for MTH 310. Annually, Fall.

 

A comprehensive introduction to the discipline of political science, including political theory, American politics, comparative politics and international relations. Recommended for Social Science Education majors. Alternate years, Spring ’07.

 

A study of the dynamics of the modern nation state in its relationships with other members of the international community. Annually, Fall.

 

A comparative study of the organization and operation of both Western and non-Western governments. Alternate Years, Spring ’07.

           

An introduction to the classical theorists, including Plato, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Mill and Marx. Alternate Years, Spring ’06.

 

A study of the organizational structure of Congress, the nature of its processes, and the behavior of its members. Specific topics include Constitutional powers, the role and importance of the committee and party systems, congressional decision making, and Congressional interaction with other parts of the political system. Alternate Years, Fall ’05. Prerequisite: PSI 101.

 

This course examines the historical development, organizational structure, and function of the Presidency. Specific topics include presidential leadership in foreign and domestic policy and the relationship between the President and other political actors, including the public, the media, Congress and the bureaucracy. Alternate Years, Spring ’06. Prerequisite: PSI 101.

 

Analyzes the role of the judiciary by examining constitutional decisions about civil rights, civil liberties, federalism, contracts, property, and the relative power of the executive and legislative branches. Alternate Years, Fall ’06. Prerequisite: PSI 101.

 

This course examines the American electoral process for both Congress and the Presidency. Topics covered include voting behavior, public opinion, the nomination and general election process, and the role of interest groups, the media, and political parties in modern elections. Alternate Years, Fall ’06. Prerequisite: PSI 101.

 

This course focuses on the origin, organization, and function of political parties and interest groups in American politics. The course will review the dynamics of their development, theories of party identification and interest group membership, and each actor’s role in influencing elections and policy outcomes. Alternate Years, Fall ’05. Prerequisite: PSI 101.

 

Analyzes how American public policy is formulated and how public policies can be evaluated. Includes a series of case studies to show how the policy process works and to develop a fuller understanding of contemporary public policy issues. Examples of policy areas include the federal budget process, social security reform, welfare reform, education reform, environmental policies and criminal justice policies. Alternate Years, Spring ’07. Prerequisite: PSI 101.

 

Offers specialized topics not covered in standing courses. As needed. Prerequisite: PSI 101.

 

A study of the attempt to construct “global governance” through international organizations. Focuses on the United Nations, the European Union, and non-governmental organizations. Alternate years, Spring ’06. Prerequisite: PSI 210.

 

An analysis of contemporary international law. Specific topics include the laws of war, arms control treaties, human rights law, environmental law, and the global commons. Alternate years, Fall ’05. Prerequisite: PSI 210.

 

Analyzes the relationship between states and markets, the nature of capitalism and globalization, international trade and finance regimes, international development and the problem of global inequality. Alternate Years, Spring ’07. Prerequisite: PSI 210.

 

An analysis of post-World War II United States foreign policy from a variety of perspectives, including international relations theory, domestic politics, and group decision making. Alternate years, Fall ’06. Prerequisites: PSI 101.

 

An analysis of feminist understandings of the major areas of international relations, including war and conflict resolution, globalization, development, and human rights. Alternate years, Fall ’05. Prerequisite: PSI 210.

 

Offers specialized topics not offered in standing courses. As needed. Prerequisite: PSI 210.

 

Offers regional concentrations. Topics vary from Middle East Politics, African Politics, Latin American Politics, European Politics, etc. As needed. Prerequisite: PSI 220.

 

Same as PHI 331. Alternate years, Fall ’05.

           

Offers topics not covered in standing courses. Topics include American Political Thought, Contemporary Political Theory, and Critical/Postmodern Theory. As needed. Prerequisite: PSI 230.

 

 

 

Selected topics to change yearly. Provides students with the capstone opportunity to do extensive research and present their findings in a seminar setting. Annually, Spring. Prerequisite: PSI 200.