Academic Catalog

Political Science (POLS)

POLS 1101  American Govt  
Prerequisite: None.  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3).  
A study of government and politics, including the philosophical and constitutional foundations, governing institutions, political behavior and major public policy issues. (Successful completion satisfies the legislative Constitution requirement.)   
POLS 1101H  Honors American Govt  
Prerequisite: Acceptance into the Honors Program or permission of the Honors Program Coordinator.  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3)  
This course is an honors introduction to American Government, examining the foundation and fundamentals, the political institutions, and political behavior of the American political system. Students will learn basic political science skills and concepts, in order to explain and grasp the structure, procedures, and outcomes of our political system.  
POLS 2201  State & Local Government  
Prerequisite: None  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3)  
An examination of the structure, organization and functions of state and local governments. The role of state and local governments in the federal system will be analyzed. Particular attention will be paid to Georgia government.   
POLS 2301  Comparative Politics  
Prerequisite: None.  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3).  
A comparative survey of the politics and structure of government in major nation-states.   
POLS 2401  Global Issues  
Prerequisite: None.  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3).  
A study of international relations and politics that explores foreign policies and geopolitical issues.   
POLS 3000  Special Topics in Poli Science  
Prerequisite: Grade of C or better in HIST 2111, HIST 2112, or POLS 1101  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3)  
This course allows the student to undertake an in-depth study of political phenomena that occur within the country as well as those that transcend national boundaries.  
POLS 3100  Constitutional Law  
Prerequisite: POLS 1101  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3)  
This course 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 constitutional protections by the American courts.  
POLS 3201  Public Policy  
Prerequisite: POLS 1101  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3)  
Public Policy 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.   
POLS 4200  Principles of Public Administr  
Prerequisite: POLS 1101  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3)  
Principles of Public Administration 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.   
POLS 4202  Interorganizational Behavior  
Prerequisite: POLS 1101  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3)  
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.   
POLS 4204  Public Finance  
Prerequisite: POLS 1101  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3)  
Public Finance This course involves an in-depth study of the equity and economic effects of government spending programs, taxes, and debt.   
POLS 4210  Business and Public Management  
Prerequisite: POLS 1101  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3)  
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 workforce.   
POLS 4215  Management of Nonprofit  
Prerequisite: POLS 1101  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3)  
Management of Nonprofit Organizations 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 objective statements, marketing and accounting strategies, nonprofits can become more effective and responsive to their constituencys needs. Thus, students will be provided an opportunity to examine critical issues of management faced by leaders in nonprofit organizations.   
POLS 4217  Grant Writing for Nonprofit  
Prerequisite: POLS 1101  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3)  
Grant Writing for Nonprofit Organizations 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 relationship 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.   
POLS 4218  Proj Mgmt in the Public Sector  
Prerequisite: POLS 1101  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3)  
Project Management in the Public Sector This course will discuss the theory, principles, tools, and techniques necessary to build a solid project management foundation. The Project Management Institutes (PMI) standards for project management will be emphasized throughout the course.   
POLS 4219  Public Human Resource Mgmt  
Prerequisite: POLS 1101  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3)  
Public Human Resources Management 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.   
POLS 4220  Administrative Law & Governmen  
Prerequisite: POLS 1101  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3)  
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.   
POLS 4221  Gov't Org & Admin Theory  
Prerequisite: POLS 1101  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3)  
A systematic analysis of theories or organization, management, and administration. Special consideration will be given to institutional, behavioral, and psychological factors.   
POLS 4470  Alternative Dispute Resolution  
Prerequisite: POLS 1101  
Credit Hours: (3-0-3)  
Alternative Dispute Resolution This course offers a survey of theories and methods related to alternative dispute resolution and conflict management through lecture, discussion, and experiential activities. Emphasis will be placed on interpersonal conflict and mediation skills.