POLS 1000 Introduction to Political Science

Credits: 3
Goal Areas: 05,09
Course Outline 1000 (PDF)
This course provides an overview of major topics, approaches, and methods in the study of political science. Students are introduced to key terms and concepts, quantitative and qualitative research methods, core political institutions and behavior, as well as the discipline subfields of American government, comparative politics, world politics, and political theory.

POLS 1100 American Government and Politics

Credits: 3
Goal Areas: 09,05
Course Outline 1100 (PDF)
This course is a general introduction to American politics with emphasis on the Constitution, citizen participation, elections, and the role of the major governmental institutions - Congress, presidency and judiciary - in the formulation of public policy in the United States.

POLS 1140 State and Local Politics

Credits: 3
Goal Areas: 05,09
Course Outline 1140 (PDF)
This course studies the operation and structure of state governments including executive, legislative, judicial functions as well as elections and policy formation, with an emphasis on Minnesota.

POLS 1600 Comparative Politics

Credits: 3
Goal Areas: 05,08
Course Outline 1600 (PDF)
This course examines and compares the organization and politics of modern governments around the world. Countries studied exemplify larger course themes of political institutions, political culture, elections, public policy, democratization, economic development, and comparative methodology.

POLS 1700 World Politics

Credits: 3
Goal Areas: 05,08
Course Outline 1700 (PDF)
This course is a general introduction to international relations with emphasis on great power politics, international organizations, security studies, international political economy, and global environmental politics.

POLS 1990 Political Science Special Topics

Credits: 1-4
Goal Areas: n/a
Course Outline 1990 (PDF)
This course will provide flexibility in offering an in-depth review of topics of immediate importance and topical interest. These topics will go beyond the introductory courses in examining specific aspects of the subject matter.