Political Science (POLS)
POLS 1101 - American Government (3 Credits)
The course is an introduction to essentials of national government in the United States including modules on political institutions, elections, and political culture. The course also includes a module on the Georgia State government. This course satisfies the legislative requirement for U.S. History, U.S. Constitution, Georgia History, and Georgia Constitution. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
POLS 1101H - Honors American Government (3 Credits)
An introductory course covering the essentials of national government in the United States. This course gives some attention to the State of Georgia and satisfies the state law requiring an examination of United States history and Constitution. Offered: As Needed.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 1105 - Current World Problems (2 Credits)
An introduction to the political issues that transcend national boundaries such as the environment, population, immigration, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, religion, natural resources, etc. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Lecture hours: 2
Other hours: 2
POLS 2101 - Introduction to Political Science (3 Credits)
A survey of different areas of political science, basic concepts and approaches to the study of Political Science, the nature of the state, government and law in society. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201)
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
POLS 2102 - Introduction to Law (3 Credits)
Introduction to the nature of the law; legal mechanisms and judicial processes underlying American jurisprudence. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 2101 or PSC 205)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 2104 - Introduction to Globalization (3 Credits)
As we enter the second decade of the twenty-first century, the world in which we live is defined by two intertwined trends; constant rapid change, and interdependence between different parts of the world. Due to the continuous rapid developments of technologies in trade, travel, and communications, the world is now a global village in which boundaries are shrinking and interconnections are expanding. With this globalization comes the necessity for literacy about other societies, cultures, and countries and the common issues faced by the global community. To introduce students to the high-velocity, geopolitical border permeable, interconnected world that is blurring the lines of social, political, economic and cultural boundaries. Offered: As Needed.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 2105 - Introduction to Professional Legal Writing (3 Credits)
This course explores writing methods appropriate to the legal profession. It emphasizes critical reading, logical thinking, cogent analysis and argument, and clear, exact language. Introduction to Professional Legal Writing is not designed to teach substantive law, rather, the course provides an opportunity to develop skills in expository and argumentative writing. Students will develop strong legal writing skills including precision and clarity, legal citation and format, drafting of law office and trial memoranda, trial court briefs, appellate briefs, and abstracting depositions. Offered: As Needed.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 2106 - Introduction to Legal Research (3 Credits)
This course provides students with a practical understanding of the types of legal authority, including how to access and use them in print and online formats. Advantages and disadvantages of online and print resources will be covered as each type of authority is discussed. Methods for making research more efficient will also be discussed. Offered: As Needed.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 2201 - American State & Local Govt (3 Credits)
Organization, structure, and operation of American state and local governments, with Georgia used as a basis for study. Offered: As Needed.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 and Learning Support English Code with a score of 4 and Learning Support Reading Code with a score of 4)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 2301 - Intro. to Comparative Politics (3 Credits)
A comparative survey of the politics and structure of government in major nation-states. Offered: As Needed.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or POLS 101 and Learning Support English Code with a score of 4 and Learning Support Reading Code with a score of 4)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 2401 - Introduction to Global Issues (3 Credits)
An overview of the structure and processes of the international political-economic system, including topics such as economic and social interdependence, international trade, war and power, oil politics, green politics and the problems associated with developing countries. Offered: As Needed.
Prerequisites: (Learning Support English Code with a score of 4 and Learning Support Reading Code with a score of 4 and POLS 1101)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3201 - Public Policy (3 Credits)
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. Offered: Spring, Summer.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 and (eMajor Introduction Quiz with a score of M)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3511 - Comparative Government (3 Credits)
A survey of political structures, institutions, and ideologies of major governmental systems. This course also analyzes the decision-making processes, political conflicts and change, and group interactions. Theories and basic concepts that political scientists use in comparative analysis. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 2101 or PSC 205 or POLS 1101)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3600 - Intro to Public Administration (3 Credits)
A focus on the study of public administration processes and underlying theories within American government structures. Emphasis is on the pragmatic aspects of current government leadership and public agency management. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: eMajor Introduction Quiz with a score of M
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3601 - Political Science Methods II (3 Credits)
This course helps students understand the process and components of research methods in social sciences, especially in political science. It covers topics such as empirical research, research questions, hypotheses, research design, data collection, data analysis, and ethical issues in conducting research. It focuses on practical examples and skills by which students can develop, design, and conduct empirical research. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 and eMajor Introduction Quiz with a score of M
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior, Junior, Senior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3602 - State and Local Government (3 Credits)
A study of the forms and structures of state and local government, the formal and informal political and administrative processes of state legislatures, municipal chambers, and judicial bodies. This course also addresses social, community, economic, and political issues that are relevant to both types of government. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3609 - Amercan Foreign Policy (3 Credits)
An analysis of the formulation and execution of American Foreign Policy, its purposes and trends. This course covers historical backgrounds, economic and political factors, domestic and international determinants, and major contemporary problems in American Foreign Policy. It also examines the roles of the major institutions such as the presidency, congress, and the media in the policy making process. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201) and (POLS 2101 or PSC 205)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3610 - Public Admin & Policy Form (3 Credits)
Development of desktop publishing concepts and their application to the modern office. Basic, intermediate, and advanced features of a variety of application programs for page design will be used to create various business-related documents. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: ACED 2400 or CISM 2210 and (eMajor Introduction Quiz with a score of M)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3611 - Urban Politics (3 Credits)
Study of urban political processes concentrating on the problems of government and administration of cities, as well as key issues of public policy in the urban arena. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3612 - African-American Politics (3 Credits)
This course addresses the historic and contemporary roles that African Americans have played in the American political process from 1865 to the present. Designed to provide a holistic approach, this course explores the impact of slavery, political, social and economic movements, as well as the impact of key leaders in the civil rights movement and landmark legal decisions. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3614 - The Presidency (3 Credits)
Nature and problems of presidential leadership, including the historical evolution of the office, contemporary power, and relationships with other institutions and agencies of government. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3616 - Political Parties/Pressure Group (3 Credits)
History, organization and functioning of American political parties and pressure groups, with emphasis upon their roles in the formation of public policy. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3617 - The Legislative Process (3 Credits)
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(s): Junior, Senior. Introduces the elements of the legislative process, the role and behavior of lawmaking officials and interest groups with which they interact in the process of making law at the national and state levels. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
POLS 3618 - Elections & Electoral Behavior (3 Credits)
Considers elections, electioneering in the American democratic process and current research on American electoral behavior. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3701 - Judicial Process (3 Credits)
Nature of the judicial process in the United States with special emphasis on the functions of the courts and court personnel in the pursuit of justice. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201) and (POLS 2102 or PSC 208)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3702 - American Constitutional History (3 Credits)
Study of judicial interpretation of the Constitution of the United States, through the review of selected decisions of the United States Supreme Court. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3703 - Constitutional Law I (3 Credits)
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(s): Junior, Senior. Federal system in Constitutional law. Uses a case by case approach to uncover the meaning and dimension of federalism. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 and POLS 2102) or PSC 201 or PSC 208
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3704 - Constitutional Law II (3 Credits)
Focus is on the Constitution and the individual. Treats basic rights of the individual in the Bill of Rights, the 14th, 15th and 19th Amendments, using a case by case approach. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101) and (POLS 2102)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3705 - Trial Advocacy (3 Credits)
A hands-on participatory course designed to introduce students to the planning, analysis and strategy in presenting civil and criminal litigation at the trial stage. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201) and (POLS 2102 or PSC 208)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
POLS 3708 - Civil Rights & Minorities (3 Credits)
Constitutional rights as they pertain to minorities in American society, through a case-by-case approach. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 3813 - Public Administration (3 Credits)
Introduction to the basic theories of the administration of the public's business. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
POLS 3815 - Municipal Government (3 Credits)
Forms and structures of municipal governments in America and the problems of administering the delivery of services to citizens. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201) and (POLS 3601 or PSC 302)
POLS 4200 - Principles of Public Admin (3 Credits)
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. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 and (eMajor Introduction Quiz with a score of M)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4202 - Interorganizational Behavior (3 Credits)
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the dynamics of and the interrelationships among and between the federal, state, and local levels of government. Offered: Spring, Summer.
Prerequisites: (eMajor Introduction Quiz with a score of M) and POLS 1101
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4204 - Public Finance (3 Credits)
A study of the equity and economic effects of government spending programs, taxes, and debt. The course is primarily applied microeconomics. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 and eMajor Introduction Quiz with a score of M
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4210 - Public Management (3 Credits)
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. Offered: Spring, Summer.
Prerequisites: (eMajor Introduction Quiz with a score of M) and POLS 1101
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4215 - Mgmt of Non-profit Orgs (3 Credits)
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. Offered: Fall, Summer.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 and (eMajor Introduction Quiz with a score of M)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4217 - Grant Writing Nonprofit Orgs (3 Credits)
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. Offered: Fall, Summer.
Prerequisites: eMajor Introduction Quiz with a score of M and POLS 1101
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4218 - Project Mgmt in Public Sect. (3 Credits)
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. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 and (eMajor Introduction Quiz with a score of M)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4219 - Public Human Resource Mgmt (3 Credits)
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. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 and (eMajor Introduction Quiz with a score of M)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4220 - Administrative Law and Government (3 Credits)
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. Whiel 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. Offered: Fall.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 and eMajor Introduction Quiz with a score of M
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4221 - Gov. Org and Admin Theory (3 Credits)
A systematic analysis of theories or organization, management, and administration. Special consideration will be given to institutional, behavioral, and psychological factors. Offered: Spring, Summer.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 and (eMajor Introduction Quiz with a score of M)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4371 - Research Methods I (3 Credits)
Two- part course provided as enrichment experience for senior level students. Structured to provide enrichment on two levels-extension of methodology for studying political behavior and substantive knowledge about the political system. Particular emphasis will be on the experience of planning and executing research projects. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4372 - Research Methods II (3 Credits)
Two-part course provided as enrichment experience for senior level students. Structured to provide enrichment on two levels- extension of methodology for studying political behavior and substantive knowledge about the political system. Particular emphasis will be on the experience of planning and executing research projects. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 2101) and (SSCI 2402)
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4401 - History of Political Thought (3 Credits)
This Course explores the philosophies of such men as Plato, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Marx, and Hegel. Focus will be on the assumptions that each thinker makes about human nature and the vision of a good society that flows from those assumptions. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 (may be taken concurrently) or PSC 201) and (POLS 2101 or PSC 205)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior, Junior, Senior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4512 - Politics and Institutions in Developing Countries (3 Credits)
An examination of the institutions and political processes in developing countries, with an emphasis on the economic, cultural, and political trends in these states. Problems arising in transitions from traditional to modern industrial state will be examined. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4513 - Issues in Global Politics (3 Credits)
An examination of the institutions and political processes in developing countries, with an emphasis on the economic, cultural, and political trends in these states. Problems arising in transitions from traditional to modern industrial state will be examined. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
POLS 4514 - International Relations (3 Credits)
The historical and analytical study of basic concepts and theories of International Relations, such as realism, idealism, pluralism, and globalism. This course also focuses on the study of the diplomatic, ideological and imperialistic rivalries in the contest for world power. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201) and (POLS 2101 or PSC 205)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
POLS 4515 - International Organizations (3 Credits)
A study of national and international organizations utilized in the conduct and regulation of international transactions and their procedures. Emphasis is placed on a critical survey of the major themes, ideas and trends of international organizations. Special attention will be paid to the United Nations and related organizations. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201) and (POLS 2101 or PSC 205)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4600 - Govt Org & Admin Theory (3 Credits)
A systematic analysis of theories of organization, management, and administration. Special consideration will be given to institutional, behavioral, and psychological factors. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4610 - Public Personnel Admin (3 Credits)
An examination of procedures and problems of governmental personnel administration. Studies of governmental agencies are encouraged to give students first-hand knowledge of governmental personnel administration. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: eMajor Introduction Quiz with a score of M
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4619 - Legislative Internship (9 Credits)
Albany State is one of several university system schools to participate in the legislative internship program that allows students to serve as interns with members of the Georgia General Assembly during the legislative session (usually Jan to the 1st of April). Most schools converted to a 9 hour credit (15 hours under the quarter system) during the semester conversion. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201) and (POLS 3617 or PSC 314)
Lecture hours: 9
POLS 4620 - Public Finance Admin. (3 Credits)
A study of the activities involved in the collection, custody, and expenditure of public revenue, such as the assessment and collection of taxes, public borrowing and debt administration, the preparation and enactment of the budget, financial accountability and the audit. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4650 - Intergovernmental Relations (3 Credits)
A study of federal, state, and local governmental interactions, with an emphasis on the implications of these interactions for public management. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4814 - Theory & Practice of Public Administration (3 Credits)
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(s): Junior, Senior. Study of organizational theory, bureaucratic behavior, administrative structures, process, and planning. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201) and (POLS 3813 or PSC 306)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
POLS 4816 - Model United Nations (3 Credits)
Designed to provide an orientation to the activities of the United Nations, as well as provide an understanding of the modalities of international diplomacy. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4817 - Politics of Globalization (3 Credits)
A critical analysis of the trends and contradictions that produce increasing interconnectedness of economics, cultures, and peoples in today's "borderless world." Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4818 - Public Administration Internship (3 Credits)
Independent study course utilizing the service-learning experiences as a basis for intensive study of public administration and the political process. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: (POLS 1101 or PSC 201) and (POLS 3813 or PSC 306)
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
Other hours: 3
POLS 4819 - International Political Economics (3 Credits)
This course focuses on the social, political, and economic arrangements affecting the global systems of production, exchange, and distribution of goods and services. The course also seeks to examine the dynamic interactions between market and state, and how they are impacted by ideology, culture, and values. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4820 - Area Studies of Africa, Caribbean, Eastern Europe & Latin America (3 Credits)
This Area Studies course explores the historical, cultural, political, and economic factors that underscore the relations of African states, the Caribbean states, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. The course also examines the systemic obstacles that mitigate against a more sustainable interface of these nation-states as a result of their insertion into the world system. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4821 - International Internship/Seminar (3 Credits)
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(s): Junior, Senior. This course deals with experimental education through work-study, field research, and study abroad for students. Participants will work side by side with experienced professionals in the international area. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: POLS 2101
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
POLS 4822 - Politics & Culture of Developing World (3 Credits)
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(s): Junior, Senior. The course will focus on the study of politics and cultures of all developing economies and will be organized around the theme that globalization is accelerating change in developing countries. Students will also be exposed to the theories of dependence and interdependence. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4823 - International Relations of Sub-Saharan Africa (3 Credits)
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(s): Junior, Senior. This course focuses on the relations of sub-Saharan Africa, and other nation-states and non-state actors in the international system. Considerable attention is given to the foreign policies of sub Saharan African states as well as key social, economic, and political issues shaping the international relations of African states. Offered: Fall, Spring.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
POLS 4824 - Political Economy of African and the Caribbean (3 Credits)
Must be enrolled in one of the following Class(s): Junior, Senior. Aimed at bridging politics and economics, this course explores the historical evolution of the economics of African and the Caribbean states and the constraints and strategies of economic growth following political independence. The course also provides a critical review of the global economic system with the view to charting a road map to political stability, sustainable economic development, and social equity in that region.
Restrictions:
Enrollment limited to students with a semester level of Junior or Senior.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4826 - Special Topics in Political Science (3 Credits)
This course is aimed at alerting students not only to the current events that occupy the attention of world leaders, but also to the complex interplay of historic, cultural, environmental, economic, and political factors that account for global upheavals, harmonies, and apprehensions. The transitory nature of the world - marked by the break-up of the former Soviet Union, the systematic diminution of state sovereignty, globalization, narco-trafficking, terrorism, and the AIDS pandemic - makes these exciting times to study politics. This course is deliberately designed to challenge students to develop critical reading, analytical thinking, and moral reasoning.
Lecture hours: 3
POLS 4860 - Special Topics: Selected Topics of political and current interest in public administration. (3 Credits)
Selected topics of political and current interest in public administration. The course may be repeated for credit if topics are different. Offered: As Needed.
Prerequisites: POLS 1101 and eMajor Introduction Quiz with a score of M
Lecture hours: 3