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• PSC 230: Introduction to Political Thought

  3.00 Credits

  West Chester University of Pennsylvania

  
  Examination of key ideas that animated the great thinkers of Western thought. Special emphasis will be placed both on specific historical context and possibility of continuing relevance of considered ideas. Class will conclude with in-depth "case study" of contemporary dilemma that forces student to examine to what extent past ideas can aid our understanding of our present political landscape.
  SharePSC 230 - Introduction to Political Thought

• PSC 240: Introduction to Comparative Politics

  3.00 Credits

  West Chester University of Pennsylvania

  
  An introduction to the comparative study of political systems at various stages of cultural, social, economic, and political development. The course enables critical assessment of these developments through comparative examination of distinct political systems around the world. Important topics and questions to be examined: political contestation and participation, types of government, forms of electoral systems, models of democracy and processes of democratization, political economy, and many others.
  SharePSC 240 - Introduction to Comparative Politics

• PSC 250: The Politics of the Judicial Process

  3.00 Credits

  West Chester University of Pennsylvania

  
  The courts are the least democratic of the major American political institutions. Yet, the role of the courts is also essential to maintaining not only the rule of law, but the basic rights necessary to maintain a functioning democratic republic. In this course, we will critically analyze the American legal system in terms of its democratic nature and its essential functions for society. Topics explored include, the role of law in society, the structure and functioning of judicial institutions, the selection and behavior of judges, the function and role of lawyers and interest groups in the legal process, and the role of judges in the policy making process. We will examine both state and federal courts and both trial and appellate courts, including the United State Supreme Court. Our focus in this course will be on legal actors and institutions rather than legal doctrine or specific court decisions.
  SharePSC 250 - The Politics of the Judicial Process

• PSC 255: State and Local Government

  3.00 Credits

  West Chester University of Pennsylvania

  
  This course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of how state and local governments operate in the United States, with some emphasis on Pennsylvania. It examines the political and cultural development that has taken place across the nation in these laboratories of democracy. The functions of state and local governments are examined. Emphasis is placed upon constitutions, legislatures, chief executives, courts, political parties, attitudes, and the interrelationships between federal and state governments as well as issues and problems faced by metropolitan areas.
  SharePSC 255 - State and Local Government

• PSC 301: Gender and Politics

  3.00 Credits

  West Chester University of Pennsylvania

  
  This course examines the role of gender within political frameworks in the United States and abroad. It explores how gender can shape political engagement and representation, as well as analyzing the role and impact of women in politics, including women's policy interest and access to the political system. Students will examine the meaning of gender, intersectionality, sexism, and feminism in a political context. The course aims to provide students critical tools to analyze the complexity of political structures through a gendered lens.
  SharePSC 301 - Gender and Politics

• PSC 304: Urban Politics

  3.00 Credits

  West Chester University of Pennsylvania

  
  This course examines the politics of governing American urban areas. In doing so, a number of social science perspectives are explored. Particular attention is paid to theories of urban power and democracy and the politics of urban development.
  SharePSC 304 - Urban Politics

• PSC 310: The United States and Latin America

  3.00 Credits

  West Chester University of Pennsylvania

  
  This course examines U.S. relations with the nations of Latin America. Emphasis is on understanding the goals of U.S. policies and the real impact of those policies. U.S. views of Latin America, both contemporary and historical, are explored as are Latin American attitudes and views toward the United States. The extent to which the United States has been motivated in its dealing by great power hegemonic concerns, economic self interests (dollar diplomacy), cultural imperialism, human rights, and desire to champion democratic governance are all examined. Contemporary concerns with promoting market economics, narcotic trafficking, and immigration are also considered.
  SharePSC 310 - The United States and Latin America

• PSC 311: Russian Foreign Policy

  3.00 Credits

  West Chester University of Pennsylvania

  
  Emphasis on Soviet-American relations since 1945 and a comparison of the two societies. Topics treated include the influence of Marxism, Great Russian nationalism, and historical experience on Soviet foreign relations.
  SharePSC 311 - Russian Foreign Policy

• PSC 315: The European Union

  3.00 Credits

  West Chester University of Pennsylvania

  
  This course examines the politics, policies, and institutional processes of the European Union. Theoretical and analytical approaches will be employed to understand the historical and institutional development of the EU as well as current EU-US relations. Experiential learning via a simulation will be part of the course.
  SharePSC 315 - The European Union

• PSC 317: Contemporary International Relations

  3.00 Credits

  West Chester University of Pennsylvania

  
  Recent issues and problems with special emphasis on superpower behavior around the world. Also, third world revolutions, international terrorism, human rights, international law and the United Nations, and the changing international economic order.
  SharePSC 317 - Contemporary International Relations