Political Science

A comprehensive and internationalized introduction to basic institutions, processes, problems, and developments in U.S. national government.

An exploration of U.S. and global political controversies. Appropriate for both majors and non-majors, this discussion-based course provides a forum for students to analyze issues and current events shaping their future.

An in-depth study of the operation of state and local governments. Particular attention is paid to the areas of problem recognition, policy formulation, and administration, as governmental units seek to relate to 21st century United States.

This course surveys the institutions, functions, politics, and policies of select countries such as the U.S., the U.K., Germany, China, Japan, Russia, Iran, Nigeria, South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil. Students will gain an understanding of the benefits and challenges of comparing across and within political systems.

The process of policy formulation and implementation, theories of organization, personnel administration, financial administration, and administrative responsibility in public administration and non-profit organizations. LCMC PAM I Introduction to Public Administration may substitute for this course when under seven students are registered for a semester.

This course will examine the structures and best practices of non-profit organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). It will also explore the role of non-profits and NGOs in their local communities and in politics.

Political theory seeks to contribute to the task of understanding the political world by answering conceptual and normative questions in political science. This course focuses on ethical questions of justice and/or civic virtue, with a special emphasis on developing argumentation skills appropriate for lifelong critical thinking.

This course will examine contemporary African politics, institutions, and ideologies. We will consider key factors that affect politics within African states, such as colonialism, nationalism, social movements, and regional politics. We will also consider the role of the African Union within African politics.

A course examining historical and contemporary perspectives on the origins of conflict and cooperation in the international system. Topics such as international security, international organizations, human rights, the environment, trade, and development will be explored and analyzed.

A course exploring the policymaking process, theoretical approaches to the study of policymaking, and methods of policy analysis. The evolution of public policy in key issue areas (healthcare, environment and natural resource management, welfare and social policy, national security, etc.) will be examined.

A study of war and peace emphasizing the causes of war, the nature of modern war, and the conditions for peace. The causes of war and efforts to secure the peace will be applied to historical and ongoing cases.

This course is designed as a study of the fundamental principles of personnel organization and administration in public and non-profit organizations at the local, state, federal, and, in the case of select non-profit organizations, the international level.

This course is designed as an in-depth study of budgeting in the public sector. The purpose of this course is to expose the student to both theory and to the practical aspects of budgeting in the public sector.

A survey of important Supreme Court decisions, particularly those dealing with civil liberties and civil rights as Newberry College prepares students for engaged global citizenship. Case backgrounds and political significance are covered.

The development of international law and organizations, and their impact on contemporary world politics.

A study of elections and the structure and operation of political parties and the legal framework within which they operate in the United States: the nature of voter participation in politics; electoral problems; and democratic systems of government.

Selected advanced topics in U.S. government, comparative politics, political thought, public law, public administration, international relations, public policy, and political methodology.

Concepts, emerging trends, and methods and techniques in urban planning will be studied.

This course will examine how government and non-profit organizations prepare for emergencies, mitigate emergencies, and respond to emergencies. Emergencies can include natural disasters, systems failures, or infectious diseases.

This course covers the structure, conduct, and dynamics of public opinion. Special attention is given to the conduct of public opinion polling.

An examination of the history of U.S. foreign policy with an emphasis on values shaping foreign policy, the foreign policy establishment, the foreign policy making process, and foreign policy actors.

This course examines the content of human rights, international human rights law, and human rights actors at the international, regional and local levels. Throughout the course, students gain skills which will help them identify and critically evaluate human rights issues as they arise in different time periods and settings around the world.

A survey of political ideas and ideologies. Students will build upon the argumentation skills from PSC 262 to undertake individual research within political theory. This provides an opportunity for students to bring together the ethical components of Newberry’s liberal arts tradition as they apply it to the normative concepts which are at the foundation of politics and liberal democracy.

Independent study in a selected field, or problem area of political science. Topic, or problem, to be chosen in consultation with the political science instructor under whose guidance the study will be conducted. Open to majors of demonstrated ability in the social sciences. Subject to Independent Study rules and regulations.

Independent study in a selected field, or problem area of political science. Topic, or problem, to be chosen in consultation with the political science instructor under whose guidance the study will be conducted. Open to majors of demonstrated ability in the social sciences. Subject to Independent Study rules and regulations.