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Undergraduate
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POLS-0100 Georgia Government Review
Description
The intention of this course is to provide students with the necessary information and materials needed to complete the challenge exam that satisfies Georgia State Code 20-3-68 (2014). Georgia State Code 20-3-68 (2014) mandates that all students must pass either courses in or an appropriate examination on the history of Georgia and the Constitution of Georgia. In order to be eligible for this course, you must have previously taken and passed POLS 1101 (American Government) from a school outside of the University System of Georgia, and thus, you are missing the legislative requirement for Georgia History and Georgia Constitution.
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POLS-1101 American Government
Description
A study of government and politics, including the philosophical and constitutional foundations, governing institutions, political behavior and major public policy issues. (This course satisfies the State legislative requirement concerning the United States Constitution and the Georgia Constitution). For more information on this institution's eCore courses, please see http://www.westga.edu/~ecore/
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POLS-2101 Introduction to Political Science
Description
This course is an introduction to the field of Political Science. The course surveys the general topics studied in the field (such as power, agenda-setting, collective action) as well as the sub-fields that are focuses of the discipline: American Government, Comparative Politics, and International Relations. At the core of the course is the question of how human societies decide who gets what, where, when, and how. The course will explore how common types of problems are resolved differently in different places and times. The course will use current events and other issues to explore the wider concepts of the discipline.
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POLS-2201 State and Local Government
Description
An examination of the structure, organization, and functions of state and local governments. The role of the state and local governments in the federal system is analyzed. Selected state and local problems are reviewed.
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POLS-2401 Global Issues
Description
This course introduces the student to contemporary issues in international affairs. It is designed for those who have no prior knowledge of international relations or global issues. We will examine some of the most pressing, political, environmental and economic problems currently facing the global community today. The idea is to introduce the issues and discuss different points of view on them so that students can develop and articulate informed views on possible solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.
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POLS-2601 Introduction to Political Science Inquiry
Description
Students are introduced to various qualitative and quantitative methods used in the social sciences. They learn how to find, evaluate and ethically use appropriate information to conduct political science research. They construct research questions and write research papers using case studies, comparative methods and statistics.
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POLS-3100 Constitutional Law
Description
Offers a comprehensive study of American constitutional law focusing on civil rights, civil liberties, and equal protection. Constitutional claims examined include the denial of freedoms under the Bill of Rights, the equal protection of laws under the 14th Amendment, and civil rights legislation enacted by Congress since the Civil War. The course will also focus on the application and interpretation of the constitutional protections by the American courts.
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POLS-3101 American Political Institutions
Description
An analysis of the roles of the policy making processes, power, procedures, relationships, and history of American national governmental institutions.
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POLS-3102 Gender and Politics
Description
This course is an introductory course that examines the role of gender in the field of political science. This course will explore gender oriented approaches to the range of subjects in political science (comparative politics, American politics, political theory, and international relations.)
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POLS-3103 Media and Politics
Description
Analysis of the role of the mass media in American politics, including the impact of media coverage on public and elite opinions and the interactions between the media and public institutions.
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POLS-3110 Political Parties
Description
This class will investigate the history and development of American political parties. Students will learn about why parties form, how they are organized, and the roles parties play. Changes in party identification and their relation to voting are central to the class. Students will also explore how parties act as electioneering organizations and governing bodies at both the national and state levels.
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POLS-3201 Public Policy
Description
An analysis of diverse public policy issues, as well as the decision process leading to the formulation of government policy. An analysis of societal factors that influence policy, and the effect of government policy on society.
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POLS-3301 The Judicial Process
Description
An introduction and survey of legal process in American society.
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POLS-3401 Comparative Politics
Description
Comparative Politics is the study of the political forces, institutions, and practices of countries in order to describe, explain, predict political events.
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POLS-3402 Politics of Western Europe
Description
This course explores the political systems of Western Europe. It investigates basic issues of political arrangements, political parties, and the challenges faced by each nation. It also explores the rise and expanding powers of the European Union. Topics will include government formation, the role of political parties, and how policy is made, among others. Countries will include Britain, France, and Germany, among others.
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POLS-3501 International Relations
Description
This is an analysis of the contemporary international system. The course will examine foreign policy decision-decision-making, the use of power, the causes of war, and the role of international law and organizations.
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POLS-3601 Political Analysis
Description
POLS 3601 Political Science Methods II Credits: 3.0 As a sequence of POLS 2601, this course focuses on quantitative research methods for political science. Students are introduced to quantitative data collection methods and basic statistical analyses. Lecture: 3.00 Lab: .00 College: College of Social Sciences Department: Political Science/Planning Pre-requisites: POLS 2601
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POLS-4101 Legislative Process
Description
A study of the role, functions, and organization of the U.S. Congress and state legislatures with special attention to the Georgia General Assembly. Theories of representation and legislative voting patterns are examined, and comparisons between the American political process and that of parliamentary systems made.
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POLS-4102 The Presidency
Description
This course focuses not only upon the institutional and legal frameworks set out in the constitution regarding the Presidency, but also upon the historical, philosophical, psychological, and sociological aspects of the office. The American system of checks and balances is compared to that of parliamentary democracies.
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POLS-4103 Public Opinion
Description
This course examines the nature and development of public opinion in America and the interaction between public opinion and government. The influence of public opinion on government institutions and public policy formation in America and the impact of government upon citizens' attitudes and opinions are explored.
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POLS-4186 Internship in Government
Description
Students may receive academic credit for personal experience in the political process and/or public employment. Credit hours only apply toward electives.
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POLS-4200 Principles of Public Administration
Description
An introductory examination of the characteristics of the public organization and its impact on society. Analysis of the theories of public administration, personnel issues, budgetary activities, legal dynamics, as well as historical development of the field are included.
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POLS-4202 Interorganizational Behavior
Description
An examination of the interactions between various levels of government, nonprofit and private organizations in the federal system.
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POLS-4204 Public Finance
Description
A study of the equity and economic effects of government spending programs, taxes, and debt. The course is primarily applied microeconomics. Same as ECON 4440.
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POLS-4207 Technology Policy
Description
Technology Policy will emphasize the development of national and state energy, manufacturing, information, and medical technology policies and how they structure society, business, and, in turn, government. Interactive exercises foster student understanding of the issues, groups involved and the dynamics of change.
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POLS-4208 Health Policy
Description
This course examines the health policy process at the national, state, and local levels, with a detailed look at the steps in the process, groups involved, and resultant policies. Through group exercises, each student will experience the policy process, gain an understanding of the dynamics of change, and develop the ability to form coherent policies.
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POLS-4209 Environmental Policy
Description
Environmental Policy will emphasize the national and state policy making process, focusing on the dynamics of pluralist change, policy implementation and current environmental status.
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POLS-4210 Public Management
Description
Various changes in the management of public organizations are identified and analyzed. Includes the role of technology, modification of the relationship between public and private spheres, and current trends in the management of change and supervision of a diverse work force.
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POLS-4211 State and Local Politics and Administration
Description
An in-depth study of the political process and administrative procedures used in American state and local governments to address social, economic and political issues. Comparative analysis of relevant actors and strategies across the states is incorporated.
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POLS-4212 State and Local Government Finance
Description
Exploration of rationale for public revenues and expenditures, with emphasis on practical application and current state and local finance issues.
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POLS-4213 Comparative Public Administration and Policy
Description
This course is an introduction to Comparative Public Administration and Policy. Focusing primarily on democratic states, it explores recent innovation in public administration and policy evolution and transformation within the context of the modern welfare state. It examines the institutions and political setting in several countries, which will include both advanced industrial countries and developing nations, and addresses policy areas ranging from social welfare to environmental politics.
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POLS-4215 Management of Non-Profit Organizations
Description
This course is designed to explore the theoretical principles and practical applications of management for charities and/or nonprofit organizations. The underlying thesis of this course is that by understanding fundamental principles such as developing effective mission and objectives statements, fundraising, marketing and accounting strategies, nonprofits can become more effective and responsive to their constituency's needs. The course will include a field research component.
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POLS-4217 Grant Writing for Nonprofit Organizations
Description
This course introduces students to the world of grant-writing and management, and provides an opportunity to experience writing actual grants. Students will learn the process of identifying prospective funders, developing relationships with funders, understanding the basics of writing grants, submitting proposals, working as a collaborative, and preparing for the follow up. Students will apply course learning to write and prepare actual grant proposals.
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POLS-4218 Project Management in the Public Sector
Description
This course will discuss the theory, principles, tools, and techniques necessary to build a solid project management foundation. The Project Management Institute’s (PMI) standards for project management will be emphasized throughout the course.
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POLS-4219 Public Human Resource Management
Description
This course will examine the processes, policies, procedures and laws concerning public personnel. It will also cover the issues of employee protection, motivation, efficiency and responsibility.
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POLS-4220 Administrative Law and Government
Description
This course introduces the student to the relationship between Administrative Law and American Government as well as the ethics and challenges inherent in Administrative Law decision making. It is designed for undergraduates who are interested in public administration and public policy. While the course reviews and discusses the cases that form the basis of administrative law, the focus is on the understanding and application of principles rather than case law.
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POLS-4221 Government Organization and Administrative Theory
Description
A survey of the major theories of organizational design and behavior with an emphasis on comparisons of public, private, and nonprofit agencies.
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POLS-4301 Constitutional Law I
Description
Study of the constitutional divisions of power among the branches of the national government and between the national and state governments.
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POLS-4302 Constitutional Law II
Description
Study of the application and interpretation of the constitutional protections by the American courts.
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POLS-4401 African Politics
Description
Designed to be an introductory course, this course examines, in historical perspective, the current politics systems, movements and cultures of sub-Sahara Africa. The course will also examine the African diaspora to the U.S. and its impact on the American political system.
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POLS-4402 Russian Politics
Description
This is an examination of the domestic politics and foreign policy of the Russian Federation. The course analyzes the institutions of the Russian government as well as the influence of ideological, political, social, economic and international factors in the decision-making process.
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POLS-4403 Latin American Politics
Description
This is an examination of the government and politics of Latin America. The course analyzes political culture and socialization, party and interest group activity, government structures and public policy formation, issues of political and economic development.
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POLS-4405 Politics in the European Union
Description
This course is an introduction to the history, political institutions, and policy of the European Union. In the past half-century, the EU has grown from a set of weak and poorly defined institutions with a limited policy domain and an emphasis on national sovereignty into an extensive political system with increasingly strong supranational actors influencing all aspects of political and economic life.
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POLS-4406 British Politics
Description
This course analyzes the politics of the United Kingdom, investigating the Norman roots of British politics. It focuses on the evolution and functioning of the current political system and the institutional structure of Britain. We discuss who has the power and how it is used. The course also addresses the interplay between a unitary state structure and regionalism in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England as well as cultural and political identity in those regions.
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POLS-4407 European Environmental Policy
Description
This course is a survey of the critical issues that define the relationship between environmental quality and the course of European integration. These include the historical origins of environmental policy, the difficulties of implementing changing regulations, the role of EU governance in policy implementation, and the future prospects for the EU's success in environmental regulation (with an occasional glance at environmental policy in the United States).
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POLS-4408 EU Science & Technology Policy
Description
This class will examine Science and Technology Policy, with particular attention to the European Union and (for comparison) the United States. The course begins with an overview of technological innovation, and of the current state of science and policymaking in the EU and the US. The class then examines how governments can encourage scientific and technological innovation, and concludes by asking whether government and society can (or should) try to limit or control technological innovation.
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POLS-4409 Democracy and Democratization
Description
This course analyzes the concept of democracy and the process of democratization around the world. First, we will discuss the range of definitions of democracy, and some of the difficulties associated with the concept and its measure. Second, we will examine how key regime characteristics lead to different modes of democratic transitions, and we will identify the key determinants of democratic consolidation. Finally we will study the process of democratic erosion and breakdown through the experiences of Germany, Chile, Russia, and other cases around the world. At the end of the central problems that plague transition and consolidation processes, and synthesize the key findings and conclusions about democratization.
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POLS-4411 Federalism and Multilevel Governance in the EU
Description
Students taking this course will learn about the different types of federalism in a comparative (US-Europe) context. In examining the relationship between various levels of government in the EU, the multi-level character of the Union will emerge. The complex relationship between levels of government will be examined.
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POLS-4412 Democracy & the EU
Description
This course analyzes the concepts of democracy and the process of democratization around the world. First, we will discuss the range of definitions of democracy, and some of the difficulties associated with the concept and it measures. Second, we will examine how key regime characteristics lead to different modes of democratic transitions, and we will identify the key determinants of democratic consolidation. Finally, we study the process of democratic erosion and breakdown.
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POLS-4413 Social Policy in Europe
Description
This course examines the history of social policy in the European Union, and the course focuses on the current social policy arrangements in Europe and in the European Union. We will examine gender policy, education, child care, elder care, and other policies in the context of improving social conditions in the domestic policy arena.
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POLS-4414 History of European Integration
Description
This course examines the different integrational pushes in Europe, including the EU. We will compare various regional organizations and examine the reasons that the EU has survived, grown, and prospered when several other alternatives did not.
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POLS-4501 International Law
Description
This is an introductory course designed to familiarize students with the body of international law, its applicability, and the existing organs or arbitration and adjudication. The course examines the role of international courts, laws of war and peace, human rights law, migration law and the role of the individual in international law.
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POLS-4503 International Organizations
Description
This is an analysis of international organizations with an emphasis on the United Nations. The course examines the role of the UN in peacekeeping, collective security, economic development, and human rights.
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POLS-4504 International Political Econmy
Description
This course analyzes the politics of international economic relations, investigating the roots and evolution of the international political economy since World War II, and focusing on the rise and implications of global economic governance and globalization. The course will address the interplay between politics and economics in a range of different issue areas, including the international financial system, international trade, and attempts at regional economic integration.
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POLS-4505 American Foreign Policy
Description
This course is designed as an upper division reading course in American foreign policy. This course will discuss the foreign policy process, a brief history of American foreign policy and its traditions, the inputs and outputs that make up foreign policy and a variety of approaches to understanding foreign policy. The goal of the course is to provide students with the theoretical and analytical tools needed to be intelligent consumers of foreign policy. The course will incorporate current events in American foreign policy as a means of demonstrating the academic concepts of the course in practice.
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POLS-4506 International Conflict and Conflict Management
Description
This course is about violent conflict in the international system. The course will focus on the sources of conflict in international relations and the factors that contribute to conflicts of interest escalating to violent conflict. This course will examine the types of violence in the international system (interstate war, internationalized civil war, state failure, and violence by non-state violent actors) and the steps that have been taken to reduce and eliminate armed conflict (traditional alliances, collective security, arms reduction, non-proliferation efforts, and international law). In addition, this course will explore the changing nature of violence in the international system in areas such as the privatization of military force and the increasing role of non-state violent actors in international politics.
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POLS-4507 US-EU Relations
Description
This course examines political institutions in the European Union and the United States and how the factors of culture, ideology, history, structure, and political leadership shape action in key policy arenas. The course is focused on the history of the relationship between the EU and the US and on current issues in the transatlantic relationship.
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POLS-4508 European Economic and Monetary Union
Description
This course addresses the core policies of the enlarged European Union, focusing on those relating to money and monetary decision making. It analyzes the evolution of the major policy areas and institutions, as well as the evolution of the European Monetary System as a whole. It examines the emergence of the Euro and focuses on recent economic trends and problems in the Euro-zone.
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POLS-4509 EU Law & Legal Systems
Description
This course focuses on the legal institutions that constitute the European Union and the legal processes of those institutions. The course examines the body of law, both static and dynamic, on which these institutions rest and that have been produced by the institutions themselves. This law includes the several treaties that provide the legal basis of the EU; the body of statutory law enacted by the Parliament, the Council, and the Commission; and the judicial decisions adjudicated by the Court of Justice and the Court of First Instance; and finally, the administrative rulings issued by the European Ombudsman.
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POLS-4510 Foreign Policy & the EU
Description
The course explores regionalism in international relations with a focus on how its growing complexity reflects the variations in regional political, social, and cultural contexts. The early part of the course focuses on theories of regional integration. The remainder of the course will examine these three regions of the world in light of these theories. We will explore differences in institutional design, goals, and scale across these regions and how these differences reflect the particular context of these regions. We will focus on three intergovernmental institutions: The European Union, The North American Free Trade Agreement, and the African Union (formerly the Organization of African Unity). Special attention shall be given to the role of the EU as an exemplar of regional integration and its influence in the evolution and design of the other two organizations.
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POLS-4515 Terrorism and Counterterrorism
Description
This course is an upper division reading course in terrorism and counter-terrorism. This course will discuss what terrorism is and where it fits in the contemporary conflict spectrum in international relations. We will examine the role of terrorism across time with an emphasis on the 20th and 21st centuries and particular focus on the contemporary context. We will explore the issues raised by contemporary terrorism and seek to explore how this has changed since the end of the Cold War. The course will also deal with efforts to control terrorism in various parts of the world. Primary focus will be on counter-terrorism efforts since 9/11. The course covers a wider range of information at a rapid pace.
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POLS-4516 American National Security Policy
Description
This course is a mixed upper division/graduate course in American National Security Policy. This course focuses on the formulation and implementation of American national security policy. The course will cover the basic theoretical models for the policy process as well as the conceptual foundations of national security policy. The course will cover the inter-relationship between policy-makers, institutional frameworks, and the political process. The goal of the course is to provide a solid foundation of knowledge relating to the national security apparatus of the United States.
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POLS-4517 Global Human Rights
Description
The issue of human rights is not a new one. Instead, its roots can be traced to antiquity, beginning with the Magna Charta. However, the importance of human rights in global relations if a post-World War Two phenomenon. The genocidal acts committed by Hitler’s Germany placed human rights on the international agenda. Since then, the significance of human rights in the global system has grown. In addition, the study of human rights has become a major area of intellectual inquiry. Against this background, this course is designed to examine some of the major issues in the human rights field—ranging from the conceptual and methodological tool boxes to critical issues such as the right to work, the right to education, torture, genocide, the rights of women and children, minorities, indigenous peoples, and the responsibility to protect. Importantly, these issues will be examined within the context of morality, international law, and realpolitik.
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POLS-4519 Genocide
Description
The commission of genocidal acts represents the height of human inhumanity to human. Human history is filled with cases of groups—the state, elites, dominant ethnic groups, among others—committing genocidal crimes against other groups—marginalized racial, ethnic, religious and other groups—based on the perennial “us” versus “them” serving as the motor force. Although, the international community has committed itself to the prevention of genocide as reflected in the famous expression “Never again!,” the rhetoric commitment has not been matched by consistent action. Accordingly, there have been cases of the commission of genocidal crimes as a recurring phenomenon—from the Holocaust to Sudan’s Darfur region. Against this background, this course will seek to explore the various issues that underlie genocide, such as the explanations for the commission of genocidal acts, the typology of genocide, context, international norms, the efforts to prevent and punish genocidal crimes, and various case studies. The course begins with the issues, and this is then followed by the case studies. The rationale is to link the issues to the cases.
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POLS-4520 International Relations Theory
Description
This is a course on theory, specifically theories of international politics. World leaders are continually confronted with a variety of circumstances and problems that must be addressed through the practice of statecraft and the implementation of foreign policy. This course seeks to develop an understanding of where those problems come from, what forces lead to them, and what forces influence and constrain the solutions decision-makers employ to address them.
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POLS-45XX University Syst Studies Abroad
Description
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POLS-4601 Ancient and Medieval Political Thought
Description
A critical reading of selected works by major ancient and medieval western political thinkers, e.g., Sophocles, Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and Machievelli.
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POLS-4602 Modern Political Thought
Description
A critical reading of the major works which form the basis for political thinking in modern times. Authors include such thinkers as Hobbes, Rousseau, Marx, Hegel, and Nietzsche, exploring issues like freedom, family, community,order, and the modern state.
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POLS-4603 American Political Thought
Description
A critical reading of selected essays, speeches, debates, and literary works from America's great and unique political tradition. The course will focus on various major themes, for instance, commerce, freedom, justice, race, democracy, representation, community, or family life.
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POLS-4604 Democratic Theory
Description
This course traces the evolution of democratic theory from the ancient Greeks to the present digital era. The course aims to familiarize students with the long history of democracy by exposing them to the writings of classical and contemporary democratic theorists; and to train them to understand, analyze, and evaluate competing theories of democracy.
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POLS-4606 Politics of Asia
Description
This course is an upper division reading course on the Politics of Asia. The course focuses on the wider Asian region and explores the political actors in the region. The course will focus on a range of issues salient to the actors in the region. The course will survey the major actors in the regions (China, India, Japan, etc.) and the major issue areas of greatest salience to the various actors.
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POLS-4801 Experiential/Service Learning
Description
This course provides credit for students completing an experiential or service learning project. The course must be completed under the supervision of a faculty member who will serve as the project supervisor and assign the course grade. Students must complete an assignment as evidence of satisfaction of the course requirements. This evidence can be in the form of a written assignment or a portfolio at the discretion of the supervising faculty member. This course is repeatable up to a total of 6 credit hours.
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POLS-4860 Special Topics
Description
Specialized areas of analysis in a subfield of political science with the specific titles announced in the class schedule and entered on the students' transcripts. Students may repeat the course for credit as topics change.
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POLS-4981 Directed Reading in Political Science
Description
In-depth, individualized research on specific political problems and issues.
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POLS-4984 Senior Seminar
Description
The Senior Seminar is a capstone course that offers students a broad overview of the disciple of political science. The specific purpose of this course is to identify and to concentrate on remedying deficiencies in individual student programs of study. Required of all Political Science majors.
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POLS-4985 Problems in Politics
Description
Specialized areas of analysis in a subfield of political science with the specific titles announced in the class schedule and entered on the students' transcripts. Students may repeat the course for credit as topics change.
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Masters
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POLS-5101 Legislative Process
Description
A study of the role, functions, and organization of the U.S. Congress and state legislatures with special attention to the Georgia General Assembly. Theories of representation and legislative voting patterns are examined, and comparisons between the American political process and that of parliamentary systems made.
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POLS-5102 The Presidency
Description
This course focuses not only upon the institutional and legal frameworks set out in the constitution regarding the Presidency but also upon the historical, philosophical, psychological, and sociological aspects of the office. The American system of checks and balances is compared to that of parliamentary democracies.
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POLS-5103 Public Opinion
Description
This course examines the nature and development of public opinion in America and the interaction between public opinion and government. The influence of public opinion on government institutions and public policy formation in America and the impact of government upon citizens' attitudes and opinions are explored.
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POLS-5200 Principles of Public Administration
Description
An introductory examination of the characteristics of the public organization and its impact on society. Analysis of the theories of public administration, personnel issues, budgetary activities, legal dynamics, as well as historical development of the field are included.
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POLS-5202 Interorganizational Behavior
Description
An examination of the interactions between various levels of government, nonprofit and private organizations in the federal system.
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POLS-5204 Public Finance
Description
A study of the equity and economic effects of government spending programs, taxes, and debt. The course is primarily applied microeconomics. Same as ECON 5440.
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POLS-5207 Technology Policy
Description
Technology Policy will emphasize the development of national and state energy, manufacturing, information, and medical technology policies and how they structure society, business, and, in turn, government. Interactive exercises foster student understanding of the issues, groups involved, and the dynamics of change.
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POLS-5208 Health Policy
Description
This course examines the health policy at the national, state, and local levels, with a detailed look at the steps in the process, groups involved, and resultant policies. Through group exercises, each student will experience the policy process, gain an understanding of the dynamics of change, and develop the ability to form coherent policies.
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POLS-5209 Environmental Policy
Description
Environmental Policy will emphasize the national and state policy making process, focusing on the dynamics of pluralist change, policy implementation and current environmental status.
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POLS-5210 Public Management
Description
Various changes in the management of public organizations are identified and analyzed. Includes the role of technology, modification of the relationship between public and private spheres, and current trends in the management of change and supervision of a diverse work force.
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POLS-5211 State and Local Politics and Administration
Description
An in-depth study of the political process and administrative procedures used in American state and local governments to address social, economic and political issues. Comparative analysis of relevant actors and strategies across the states is incorporated.
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POLS-5212 State and Local Government Finance
Description
Exploration of rationale for public revenues and expenditures, with emphasis on practical application and current state and local finance issues.
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POLS-5213 Comparative Public Administration and Policy
Description
This course introduces students to the field of Comparative Public Administration and Comparative Public Policy. Focusing primarily on democratic states, it explores recent innovation in public administration and policy evolution and transformation within the context of the modern welfare state. It examines the institutions and political setting in six countries: Brazil, Germany, the UK, Japan, the United States, and Sweden, and addresses policy areas ranging from social welfare to environmental politics.
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POLS-5214 Urban Politics
Description
This course provides an in-depth examination of the major areas of scholarly inquiry in urban politics. The course begins with an overview of theoretical foundations and model of urban politics. Contemporary approaches to studying urban politics from a political economy or regime perspective are given special attention. The remainder of the course is divided into two major areas of inquiry: (1) urban political institutions and (2) political behavior and political processes in urban settings.
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POLS-5215 Management of Nonprofit Organizations
Description
This course is designed to explore the theoretical principles and practical applications of management for charities and/or nonprofit organizations. The underlying thesis of this course is that by understanding fundamental principles such as developing effective mission and objectives statements, fundraising, marketing and accounting strategies, nonprofits can become more effective and responsive to their constituency's needs. The course will include a field research component.
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POLS-5216 Gun Policy
Description
Gun control policy is one of the most contentious policy issues in not just the United States, but in other advanced democracies of the world. This class is designed to analyze and assess why gun control policy exists in its current state. The course will explore a variety of arguments for the current state of gun control policy. By the end of the semester students should be able to analyze and evaluate how culture, agenda setting and formulation, institutions and policy making, interest groups, the media, parties, elections, public opinion, and other factors shape gun control policy in the United States.
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POLS-5217 Grant Writing for Nonprofit Organizations
Description
This course helps to develop the skills necessary for students to have the knowledge to be able to develop a solid funding grant proposal. This course is ideal for students who are working for nonprofit and government agencies and are seeking to develop the skills needed to become an effective grant writer. Additionally this course is ideal for students who work with and/or supervise grant based programs or agencies and who wish to acquire the knowledge of how the grant process works.
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POLS-5301 Constitutional Law I
Description
Study of the constitutional divisions of power among the branches of the national government and between the national and state governments.
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POLS-5302 Constitutional Law II
Description
Study of the application and interpretation of the constitutional protections by the American courts.
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POLS-5405 Politics in the European Union
Description
This course is a graduate introduction to the history, political institutions, and policy of the European Union. In the past half-century, the EU has grown from a set of weak and poorly defined institutions with a limited policy domain and an emphasis on national sovereignty into an extensive political system with increasingly strong supranational actors influencing all aspects of political and economic life.
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POLS-5406 British Politics
Description
This course analyzes the politics of the United Kingdom, investigating the Norman roots of British politics. It focuses on the evolution and functioning of the current political system and the institutional structure of Britain. We discuss who has the power and how it is used. The course also addresses the interplay between a unitary state structure and regionalism in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England as well as cultural and political identity in those regions.
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POLS-5408 EU Science & Technology Policy
Description
This class will examine Science and Technology Policy, with particular attention to the European Union and (for comparison) the United States. The course begins with an overview of technological innovation, and of the current state of science and policymaking in the EU and the US. The class then examines how governments can encourage scientific and technological innovation, and concludes by asking whether government and society can (or should) try to limit or control technological innovation.
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POLS-5411 Federalism and Multilevel Governance in the EU
Description
Federalism and Multilevel Governance in the EU. Students taking this course will learn about the different types of federalism in a comparative US-Europe context. In examining the relationship between various levels of government in the EU, the multi-level character of the Union will emerge. The complex relationship between levels of government will be examined.
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POLS-5412 Democracy and the EU
Description
This course analyzes the concepts of democracy and the process of democratization around the world. First, we will discuss the range of definitions of democracy, and some of the difficulties associated with the concept and it measures. Second, we will examine how key regime characteristics lead to different modes of democratic transitions, and we will identify the key determinants of democratic consolidation. Finally, we study the process of democratic erosion and breakdown.
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POLS-5413 Social Policy in Europe
Description
This course examines the history of social policy in the European Union, and the course focuses on the current social policy arrangements in Europe and in the European Union. We will examine gender policy, education, child care, elder care, and other policies in the context of improving social conditions in the domestic policy arena.
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POLS-5414 Hist of European Integration
Description
This course examines the different integrational pushes in Europe, including the EU. We will compare various regional organizations and examine the reasons that the EU has survived, grown, and prospered when several other alternatives did not.
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POLS-5462 American Politics since 1933
Description
A study of the history of American politics from the New Deal to the present, with emphasis on the history of the presidency, electoral changes, political ideologies, political parties, and national political trends.
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POLS-5501 International Law
Description
This is an introductory course designed to familiarize students with the body of international law, its applicability, and the existing organs of arbitration and adjudication. The course examines the role of international courts, laws of war and peace, human rights law, migration law and the role of the individual in international law.
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POLS-5502 Gender and Ethnicity in International Politics
Description
The course introduces students to the interconnectedness of gender roles and ethnic classifications with international relations. Thus, this course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of colonialization, war and peace, revolutionary theory, social movements, development, and human interaction with environment.
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POLS-5503 International Organizations
Description
This is an analysis of international organizations with an emphasis on the United Nations. The course examines the role of the UN in peacekeeping, collective security, economic development, and human rights.
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POLS-5505 American Foreign Policy since 1898
Description
This course is designed as graduate reading seminar in American foreign policy. The course will discuss the foreign policy process, a brief history of American foreign policy and its traditions, the inputs and outputs that make up foreign policy and a variety of approaches to understanding foreign policy. The goal of the course is to provide students with the theoretical and analytical tools needed to be intelligent consumers and practitioners of foreign policy. The course will incorporate current events in American foreign policy as a means of demonstrating the academic concepts of the course in practice. This is a seminar course and students are expected to do the required readings prior to each class meeting.
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POLS-5507 US-EU Relations
Description
This course examines political institutions in the European Union and the United States and how the factors of culture, ideology, history, structure, and political leadership shape action in key policy arenas. The course is focused on the history of the relationship between the EU and the US and on current issues in the transatlantic relationship.
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POLS-5508 European Economic and Monetary Union
Description
This course addresses the core policies of the enlarged European Union, focusing on those relating to money and monetary decision making. It analyzes the evolution of the major policy areas and institutions, as well as the evolution of the European Monetary System as a whole. It examines the emergence of the Euro and focuses on recent economic trends and problems in the Euro-zone.
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POLS-5509 EU Law & Legal Systems
Description
This course focuses on the legal institutions that constitute the European Union and the legal processes of those institutions. The course examines the body of law, both static and dynamic, on which these institutions rest and that have been produced by the institutions themselves. This law includes the several treaties that provide the legal basis of the EU; the body of statutory law enacted by the Parliament, the Council, and the Commission; and the judicial decisions adjudicated by the Court of Justice and the Court of First Instance; and finally, the administrative rulings issued by the European Ombudsman.
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POLS-5510 Foreign Policy & the EU
Description
The course explores regionalism in international relations with a focus on how its growing complexity reflects the variations in regional political, social, and cultural contexts. The early part of the course focuses on theories of regional integration. The remainder of the course will examine these three regions of the world in light of these theories. We will explore differences in institutional design, goals, and scale across these regions and how these differences reflect the particular context of these regions. We will focus on three intergovernmental institutions: The European Union, The North American Free Trade Agreement, and the African Union (formerly the Organization of African Unity). Special attention shall be given to the role of the EU as an exemplar of regional integration and its influence in the evolution and design of the other two organizations.
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POLS-5515 Terrorism and Counterterrorism
Description
This course is a graduate reading course in terrorism and counter-terrorism. This course will discuss what terrorism is and where it fits in the contemporary conflict spectrum in international relations. We will examine the role of terrorism across time with an emphasis on the 20th and 21st centuries and particular focus on the contemporary context. We will explore the issues raised by contemporary terrorism and seek to explore how this has changed since the end of the Cold War. The course will also deal with efforts to control terrorism in various parts of the world. Primary focus will be on counter-terrorism efforts since 9/11.
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POLS-5516 American National Security Policy
Description
This course is a mixed upper division/graduate course in American National Security Policy. This course focuses on the formulation and implementation of American national security policy. The course will cover the basic theoretical models for the policy process as well as the conceptual foundations of national security policy. The course will cover the inter-relationship between policy-makers, institutional frameworks, and the political process. The goal of the course is to provide a solid foundation of knowledge relating to the national security apparatus of the United States.
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POLS-5518 Arab-Israeli Conflict
Description
The course explores the historical origins of the conflict in modern Zionism and colonialism and traces is development through the various hot and cold conflicts of the post WWII era. The course will discuss the inter-relationship between the power politics of nations and the politics of identity. The Arab-Israeli conflict will be situated within the wider regional politics in the Middle East as well as temporally in the context of the post WWII international system. This course will explore the complexity of the conflict as well as various attempts at its resolution. The course will also explore the potential impact of the changes of the Arab Spring on the dynamics of the conflict.
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POLS-5601 Ancient and Medieval Political Thought
Description
A critical reading of selected works by major ancient and medieval western political thinkers, e.g., Sophocles, Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and Machievelli.
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POLS-5602 Modern Political Thought
Description
A critical reading of the major works which form the basis for political thinking in modern times. Authors include such thinkers as Hobbes, Rousseau, Marx, Hegel, and Nietzsche, exploring issues like freedom, family, community, order, and the modern state.
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POLS-5603 American Political Thought
Description
A critical reading of selected essays, speeches, debates, and literary works from America's great and unique political tradition. The course will focus on various major themes, for instance, commerce, freedom, justice, race, democracy, representation, community, or family life.
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POLS-5701 Technology and Sustainable Economic Development
Description
Examines economic development policy at all levels of government and the role technology can play in helping promote sustainable economic development.
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POLS-5705 Computers in Politics, Planning, and Management
Description
This course will acquaint students with computer-based methods that are used in the fields of political science, planning, and public administration.
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POLS-5721 Housing and Community Development
Description
Introduction to housing and community development issues, problems and policy. Attention is focused on the operation of the housing market, historical development of housing and community development problems, and the evaluation of public and private sector responses to these problems.
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POLS-5722 Environmental Planning
Description
Introduction to the concepts of environmental planning through an overview of problems, potential solutions, and their relation to methodologies, existing institutions, and other public policy areas.
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POLS-5723 Transportation Planning
Description
Introduction to the U.S. transportation system and how planning is done for it. Examines contemporary U.S. transportation problems, sources of funding, institutions, and legislation. Presents the theory and methods employed by planners in resolving transportation problems through investment decision plans, operating strategies, and government policies. Stresses the close relationship between transportation and land use decisions.
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POLS-5724 Sustainable Development
Description
This course examines both theoretical and practical aspects of sustainable development and its relationship to land use planning in an effort to provide students with the skills needed to evaluate and propose activities to plan for sustainable development.
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POLS-5985 Problems in Politics
Description
Specialized areas of analysis in a subfield of political science with the specific titles announced in the class schedule and entered on the students' transcripts. Students may repeat the course for credit as topics change.
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POLS-6200 Public Budgeting and Financial Management
Description
A hands-on practical course in how governments collect and spend tax dollars and with what effects. Theories of budgeting are examined for their usefulness in the daily realities of the government budgeting setting. Through in-class group assignments, students learn to construct budgets with economic data, write policy statements, and demonstrate an understanding of capital budgeting, cash and accounting principles.
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POLS-6201 Theory of Public Administration and Ethics
Description
What is a good administrator? An examination of dilemmas and hard choices in public administration looked at from three conflicting perspectives: the good person, the good administrator, and the good citizen. topics include personal versus organizational responsibility; professional expertise versus democratic accountability; authority and culpability; and the relation between bureaucratic knowledge and the power it fosters.
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POLS-6202 Research Methods for Public Administration
Description
Research techniques and computer applications relevant to public and nonprofit agencies. The design, data collection, and analysis component of the research process are emphasized.
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POLS-6203 Public Organizational Theory
Description
A survey of the major theories of organizational design and behavior with an emphasis on comparisons of public, private, and nonprofit agencies.
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POLS-6204 Public Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation
Description
Concepts, techniques of analysis and evaluation methods for the design and assessment of public policy and programs.
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POLS-6205 Administrative Law and Procedures
Description
A detailed study, by ways of cases and controversies of the Constitutional, legal, ethical, and administrative principles which regulate the actions of public servants, the course examines cases from both federal and state administrative experience.
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POLS-6206 Public Human Resource Management
Description
An examination of the processes, policies, and laws pertaining to public personnel, the course analyzes issues concerning personnel administrators including employee protection, motivation, and efficiency.
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POLS-6211 Disaster Management
Description
Demographic changes, human settlement patterns, land-use decisions, and political and social policy dynamics have increased vulnerability to natural and man-made disasters. Planning and policy processes and interventions can help reduce disaster vulnerabilities and increase resilience at every stage of the disaster management cycle: disaster mitigation, preparation, response, and recovery. The course will be divided into four modules relating to planning and policy processes corresponding to these four traditional phases of disaster management. Throughout the semester, particular attention will be paid to how disaster planning and policy efforts can increase and promote resilience and reduce vulnerabilities.
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POLS-6283 Continuing Research
Description
This course is for students completing degree requirements who will be using staff time of University facilities and for whom no regular course is appropriate.
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POLS-6285 Special Topics in Public Policy/Administration
Description
Specific titles announced in class schedules and entered on transcripts. Course may be repeated as topics change.
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POLS-6286 Public Administration Internship
Description
Taken at the completion of the student's degree program. Students not employed in public service will complete a 3-month internship in a governmental agency. An exit paper will be required. It will analyze an actual problem which confronts the agency, describe the problem-solving and decision-making processes involved in the solution, evaluate the supportive evidence for the decision made. Finally, the paper will evaluate linkages between the internship or work experience for the in-service student, classroom materials, and public administration literature. An oral defense of the paper before the student's committee is required. In-service students will received 3 hours credit, and pre-service students may receive 3 or 6 hours credit.
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POLS-6287 Comprehensive Research Project
Description
At the completion of the MPA program the student will submit an exit paper. This is a research paper analyzing an element of public administration and/or policy. The successful paper will be presented by the student in an oral defense.
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POLS-6290 Practicum and Assessment
Description
This course assures that students gain practical knowledge and skill in program and policy administration by applying the latest and most effective theory and practice to real-world problems. Students both identify and offer alternative approaches to meet needs of a service, community, or public organization.
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POLS-6702 Land Use Planning
Description
Examines and understands existing land use planning methods and formats. Develops land use planning skills and gains experience by developing a land use plan.
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POLS-6981 Directed Readings
Description
In-depth, individualized research on specific political problems and issues using recent, up-to-date public administration research work and journal articles.
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