POLS 135 - Introduction to Political Science - 3.00 credits
An introduction to the theory of politics, government, and administration, with emphasis on the United States and Missouri constitutional systems. Comparison of governmental systems, institutions, ideologies and participation among nations and states.
POLS 136 - Introduction to U.S. National Politics - 3.00 credits
Principles of political science. Examination of the development, organization, and function of the national government. Its relationship to the cultural, economic, and social institutions of the United States, Federal and Missouri constitutions. (MOTR POSC 101)
POLS 139 - Urban Politics and Policy - 3.00 credits
This course provides an introduction to issues and challenges confronting American cities and metropolitan areas and the policy remedies and options available to government and the private sector. The course will examine political, social, and economic, and cultural explanations for the origin and evolution of urban environments. The course will trace the historical development of local government institutions, analyze urban coalitions, and investigate distributions of power. Finally, the course also analyzes urban policies in the areas of growth, education, culture wars, housing, and poverty particularly in the postwar period. (MOTR URBN 202)
POLS 153 - The Missouri Constitution - 1.00 credits
Directed study of the Missouri Constitution. This course fulfills the state constitution requirement.
POLS 202 - Introduction to Comparative Politics - 3.00 credits
Prerequisites: POLS 136 or POLS 234 or HIST 134 with a grade of “C” or higher. Comparative politics examines the diverse government, politics, and culture of nation-states around the world and examines the use of power to explain economic, political, and social outcomes. Comparative politics examines what kinds of institutions and policies support transformative economic growth, how democracies come to be, what maintains authoritarian regimes in power, and how citizens come to identify themselves in terms of particular ethnic groups and nationalities. Comparative politics derives insights not only by studying a specific case in detail, but also by comparing the diverse experiences of many states to identify patterns and test hypotheses. Comparing diverse experiences provides a better understanding of the key factors that explain economic, political, and social outcomes—not just in one case, but across countries. (MOTR POSC 202)
POLS 234 - Introduction to International Relations - 3.00 credits
This course acquaints students with the core concepts, processes, issues, and analytical tools of international relations. The course details the actors in international relations, how foreign policy is made, and the role of power. The course examines past, contemporary, and future problems in the international system, including military conflict, economics, demography, and the environment. Upon completion of this course, students should have a strong basic understanding of international relations. (MOTR POSC 201)