This course introduces students to the political, historical, and economic foundations of the United States Constitution.; Through examining and critically analyzing primary sources, students will develop a deeper understanding of the varied ideas and forces that founded, reinforces, and challenges our current constitutional system. This process will enable students to engage in all levels of politics as more informed and deliberate actors.

This course is an introduction to the structure, function, and political dynamics of the major institutions within the American governmental system.

Students will examine the international political system; analyze the cause of conflict and the various approaches to peace through a study of balance of power theories, disarmament, diplomacy, and international organizations. Also, students will examine economic forms of power, political economy, environmental concerns, and humanitarian issues within an international framework.

This course introduces students to the concepts and theories of comparative politics. Emphasis is placed on the historical, ideological, cultural, and ethnic practices and perspectives that have the greatest impact on political institutions and political behavior in countries of the world. Students will explore the attributes of highly developed democracies, totalitarian regimes, and authoritarianism by considering case studies in such countries as the United Kingdom, China, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.

Law exerts a massive influence on modern society. It structures the way we interact in business, as consumers, and in a variety of private affairs. Law also appears heavily in our popular culture. Along with the dominance of law in modern life comes a heightened concern with the role that courts play in developing and administering that law. This course will introduce students to the study of law and courts. We will examine the basic nature of law, legal training, the structure of the legal process, and the impact that law and courts have on, and their role in shaping politics and society.