Political Science (POLS)

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of the discipline of political science, and an introduction to the study of political institutions, ideas, and behavior. The course will focus on basic theories,concepts, approaches, and enduring questions in the study of politics and government.  Students will become familiar with the analytical tools used in the examination of political issues, institutions, and problems.

An introduction to the structure and functioning of American national political institutions with an emphasis on the theory and practice of American democracy.  Students will study the political principles established by the U.S.Constitution and the roles played by the major institutions of the state: Congress, the Judicial Branch, and the Executive branch.  Special attention will also be placed on such areas as interest groups, political ideologies, public opinion, and mass media.

This course provides an introduction to the organization and functioning of American state and local governments. It focuses on the theory, institutions, processes, and problems of state and local governments, with special emphasis on the governance of the state of Connecticut and its towns and cities. Among the topics discussed will be the evolution of American federalism, the functions of state constitutions, the roles of state legislatures and governors in the policy-making process, the influence of political parties and interest groups, the role of state bureaucracies in the implementation of public policies, and the governance of towns and cities.

An introductory course in comparative politics in which students will examine the political processes of established democracies ,developing democracies and non-democracies. The elements of culture, socialization, voting, political parties, and the institutional structures of a variety of nation-states wil lbe studied.

An introductory survey course in international relations designed to help students place international political events into a theoretical framework that allows for analysis of current events. Considerable attention will be given to the inevitable interconnectedness of our world, and how world events are studied.

This course serves as an introduction to the study of law with anoverview of fundamental concepts and principles of our legal system. Avariety of legal topics, terminology, and areas of law are discussed inorder to assist students in acquiring an appreciation of the dynamic roleof law in our changing society. Students are introduced to the roles oflegal professionals, including paralegals. Legal reasoning, legal ethics,andlegalresearchmethodsare alsopresented.

Students participate in student government, as well as create, manage, and participate in student-led activities. Students will also participate in the management of Student Senate funding for those activities and serve as student representatives in areas of shared governance.Can be taken for credit as many as three times.

This is a survey course of the African political experience, looking attraditional institutions, the colonial experience and post-colonial politicalsystems. We will also spend significant time looking at current political systems by focusing on specific countries' political approaches to modern issues in Africa.Through your examination of the politicalprocess, we will study the history of African development, and learn why,inaninterconnectedworld,weneedtounderstandthedynamicsofwhatishappeninginAfrica.

This course will explore all sides of the various issues that are currently being discussed by politicians and the electorate in America. Since this is a seminar class, students will be expected to prepare presentations and participate in political debates to encourage independent thinking, critical analysis, and scholarly discussions.

This course will explore the meaning of democracy and responsible citizenship in American life. It will focus on the basic structure and evolution of democratic institutions in the United States, the history of civic activity in America beginning with the early national period, extending to the vibrant 19th century, and the decline of civic associations in the 20th century. The course also will center on the necessity of rebuilding a culture of civic life in a 21st century consumer society and the importance of civic activity in a modern age of social division and discord, political polarization, and cultural upheaval. Issues such as poverty, race relations, and equality will be explored through the prism of civic activity. Emphasizing respect for diverse points of view as a necessity for democracy to flourish also will be of prime importance. 

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the United States Constitution, with emphasis on those amendments to the Constitution that affect the administration of justice and police power. This course will conduct intensive analysis of principles andtheories that limit the authority and powers of state and local governments as well as a review of court decisions which interpret the Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Examines both the historical foundation of the U.S. Constitution and its current implementation. Provides students with an opportunity to understand and discuss some of the major Supreme Court decisions in American history and their impact on American society. 

Includes an intensive introduction to the Connecticut General Assembly, the legislative process, research and legislative monitoring techniques, and constituent casework. Begins with a two-day orientation and continues with research and IT classes, technical workshops, and information seminars throughout the semester. Available in the spring semester only. Offered in Hartford and only open to students accepted into the Connecticut General Assembly Legislative Internship Program. See your Legislative Internship Program Campus Liaison for more information. Must have earned 20 college credits by program start, with no more than 3 of those credits being AP credits from high school. Minimum of 2.7 cumulative GPA. Must be 18 years of age or older by program start.

Interns are assigned to legislators to assist in bill analysis and tracking, research, drafting news releases and speeches, constituent casework, etc. Available during spring semester only. Part-time interns (3 credits) work two full days each week. Occasionally, three-full-day (6-credits), or five-full-day, full-time (9 credits) internships are available. Offered in Hartford and only open to students accepted into the Connecticut General Assembly Legislative Internship Program. See your Legislative Internship Program Campus Liaison for more information. Must have earned 20 college credits by program start, with no more than 3 of those credits being AP credits from high school. Minimum of 2.7 cumulative GPA. Must be 18 years of age or older by program start.

A faculty-developed seminar course dealing with a specific period, region, theme and/or interpretive thread in political science. Approved by the instructor.