Political Science - 2009-2011 Course Catalog - Green River Community College

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Political Science (POLS)

POLS& 101 Introduction to Political Science (5)

Students explore and analyze political philosophies, ideologies, the historical development of political thought, democracy, authoritarianism, and major "isms" (liberalism, conservatism, capitalism, socialism, communism, fascism, political-religious fundamentalism, etc). Students assess how well each ideology has dealt with social, economic, and political problems. Students explore and analyze why people choose any ideology over others. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL 100 or instructor's permission. Satisfies social science distribution requirement for AA degree. Formerly P SCI 101

POLS 194 Special Topics – Political Science (5)

An in-depth study of specific topics in political science or direct involvement in a politically-oriented project. May be in a seminar format or be research focus. Student may be involved in selecting projects and research topics. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL 100 and instructor's permission required for individual researcher projects. Formerly P SCI 194.

POLS& 200 Introduction to Law (5)

Introduces the legal system through an examination of several substantive areas that interest both business and non-business students. Covers constitutional law, contracts, torts, product liability, and criminal law. Uses business environment perspective, but also considers general social context within which these laws have emerged. Discusses structure of American legal system and investigates sources of law for that system. PREREQUISITE: READ 094 with a grade of 2.0 or higher; or eligible for READ 104. Satisfies a social science requirement for AA degree. Formerly B A 200.

POLS& 202 American Government (5)

Introduces students to the American political system -- its origins, institutions, and operations. Students analyze and understand politics, power, and resulting policy. Examines formal and informal institutions of government, conventional and unconventional means of citizen participation, and political outcomes. Explores the strengths and weaknesses of various interpretations of American democracy. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL& 101 or instructor's permission. Satisfies a social science requirement for AA degree. Formerly P SCI 202.

POLS& 203 International Relations (5)

Introduces students to major theoretical approaches in field of international relations. Explores nations and nationalism, the nature of the interstate system, and power. Includes topics such as diplomacy, trade, economic sanctions, increasing technological and economic globalization, international law, international political economy, labor, the environment, and war. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL&101 or instructor's permission. Satisfies a social science requirement for AA degree. Formerly P SCI 203.

POLS& 204 Comparative Government (5)

A comparative analysis of politics and types of governing systems around the globe (e.g., democratic, authoritarian, theocratic, parliamentary, presidential). Examines power relationships (e.g., race, ethnicity, religion, sex) and citizen rights. Explores and analyzes the political issues and problems in their international, historical, economic, and cultural contexts. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL& 101 or instructor's permission. Satisfies a social science and the diversity course requirement for AA degree. Formerly P SCI 201.

POLS 207 American Political Participation (5)

Examines forms of American political participation. Focuses on such activities as elections, social movements, civil disobedience, political violence, as well as political mobilization activities via the Internet. Also examines the causes and effects of nonparticipation. A central goal is to investigate the democratic theories that underpin American politics. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL& 101 or instructor's permission. Satisfies a social science requirement for AA degree. Formerly P SCI 207.

POLS 209 State and Local Government Politics (5)

Explores and analyzes histories, structures, processes, policies, administration, and politics of state and local governments. Washington state receives close attention. Explores interest groups, lobbying, campaign finance, electoral politics, policy development and implementation, legislatures, executives, judiciary systems, ballot measures, political personalities, and inter-governmental relations. Students engage current political issues. PREREQUISITE: Eligible for ENGL&101 or instructor's permission. Satisfies a social science requirement for AA degree. Formerly P SCI 204

POLS 298 Independent Study–Political Science (1-5)

Enables students to individually pursue special interests or opportunities to study in political science under guidance of an instructor. PREREQUISITE: POLS& 101 or 202, or instructor's permission. Formerly P SCI 298.

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