Courses | B.A. in Political Science
Below are some of the courses you'll have an opportunity to take as a student in this program. Take a look at the list below to get an idea of the types of available courses. Also, be sure to review core curriculum requirements and the official program requirements in the Biola University catalog.
General Education
| HIST 100 | World Civilizations I |
Highlights in the development of World civilization with an overview of Western, Asian, African and Latin American civilizations to 1500. Examination of comparative cultural contributions made in the arts, sciences, government and religions. Includes regional geographic studies. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum World History credit. Grade Mode: A. | |
| HIST 101 | World Civilizations II |
Highlights in the development of World civilization with an overview of Western, Asian, African and Latin American civilizations since 1500. Examination of comparative cultural contributions made in the arts, sciences, government and religions. Includes regional geographic studies. Lecture/Lab Hours: Three hours lecture, one hour discussion. | |
| HIST 200 | United States History to 1865 |
A survey of U.S. History from the time of European settlement, to the colonial period, to independence from Britain, the formation of the republic and the constitution, the issues of the early 1800s, and the Civil War. | |
| HIST 201 | United States History Since 1865 |
A survey of U.S. history from Reconstruction, to the gilded age and progressive era, to the world wars, the cold war, and the present age. Major Supreme Court cases will be covered as will social and ethnic issues. | |
Major Courses
| POSC 204 | Principles of Economics |
| Micro and macro economic terms and concepts of economic reasoning with an emphasis on the application of these concepts to current economic issues, including: the elements of America's market economy including supply and demand, profit, competition, pricing, incentives, private property and the debate between free market and regulation; the relationship between politics and economics; the U.S. labor market and aggregate economic behavior and policy; and international trade, and global regulation and cooperation. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 225 | Survey of American Government |
| The history, organization and function of the legislative, judicial and executive branches of the American government. Includes one hour per week involving students in a local government civic service or life experience activity. Satisfies the state requirement in institutions in American history. Notes: Approved for Core Curriculum US History credit. Meets the requirement for United States Constitution for California teacher certification. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 290 | Political Science Research Methods |
| This course will introduce students to the major elements of the research process in Political Science. Students will learn the distinction between a more general research topic and research question more appropriate to research in Political Science. As part of the overall research process students will be introduced to the major elements of a Political Science research paper among them being: a thesis, a literature review, an annotated bibliography, and proper citations using the notes-bibliographic style from the Turabian/Chicago style guide. Each student will produce and develop a research project around their research question and produce a significant research paper that is the result of several drafts. Notes: Required course for all Political Science majors. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 301 | Fundamentals of Public Administration |
| Fundamentals of public administration; overview of the concepts, nature and scope of the field. Role of government in modern society and the nature of public business. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 305 | Comparative Government |
The elements and theories of states, citizenship, political parties and representation as illustrated in various political systems. Special emphasis on current elections, political movements and challenges to the political order. | |
| POSC 307 | International Relations |
A survey of national-state system; forces affecting international relations; sources of conflict in world politics, and their solution by power politics and international cooperation. An historical view of theoretical frameworks and diplomatic history along with a survey of contemporary topics including: globalization, state-building, public diplomacy and engagement in issues of religious and political freedom and human rights. | |
| POSC 320 | The American Presidency |
| Historical development of the office of the presidency; formal and informal powers of the president in executive, legislative, judicial, military, diplomatic and political areas. Studies in contemporary and historic presidential biography and critical issues. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 350 | Political Philosophy – Ancient |
| A study of selected works of ancient and medieval political philosophy. Emphasis on such writers as Plato, Aristotle, Hebrew Scripture, Early Church Fathers and Augustine. Careful reading in primary sources, class discussion and written interpretation. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 351 | Political Philosophy – Modern |
| A study of selected works of Renaissance and modern political philosophy. Emphasis on such writers as Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Nietzsche and others. Careful reading in primary sources, class discussion and written interpretation. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 400 | Political Parties and the Electoral Process |
| Analysis of the history, philosophy, organization and functioning of America's political parties. The mechanics of the electoral process including issue formation and campaign strategy, organization development, redistricting, polling, campaign financing. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 405 | Problems in American Diplomacy |
Growth and development of American foreign relation from the Revolution to the present. Analysis of the conduct of foreign relations, its objectives and limitations. | |
| POSC 406 | Legislation |
| The mechanical rules, procedures and customs in the making of laws in American government. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 407 | International Organizations and Political Economy |
| An overview of historical developments and current trends in international cooperation. Emphasis on League of Nations and United Nations history, structure, functions and assessment. A survey of current trends in global trade, development, international regulation and dispute resolution, NGO's and informal networks influencing the global political economy. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 410 | American Constitutional Law |
| An examination of the principles of the American Constitutional system looking primarily at U.S. Supreme Court decisions and the historical development of Constitutional Law. Attention also given to the judicial branch and its role in American government and politics, particularly its continuing interpretation of the U.S. Constitution as the framework for American democracy. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 470 | Political Science Research and Writing |
| Research and writing for Political Science majors (Political Science or Public Administration concentration). In-depth research of original sources and/or empirical studies, culminating in the development of a research paper. Special studies in public administration for majors utilizing the techniques of problem solving, research and effective communication and writing. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 480 | Studies in Political Science |
| Specialized study in political science in such areas as American government, the U.S. Constitution, legislation, state and local government, foreign affairs, international relations, the Arab- Israel conflict, political theory, comparative governments, the American presidency, the citizen and the law, political parties, law and public administration. Notes: May be taken for a total of 12 credits with different content. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 485 | Public Law |
| Function of law in protecting the public's interest in preserving the environment. Environmental laws, administrative action, freedom of information, air and water quality, noise pollution, solid waste, pesticides, land use, zoning, energy and agency decision making. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 495 | Honors Seminar in Political Science I |
| First semester of a year-long independent research project for political science majors culminating in an honors thesis. First semester: reading and research under supervision. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 496 | Honors Seminar in Political Science II |
| Second semester of a year-long independent research project for political science majors culminating in an honors thesis. Drafting and writing final paper. Grade Mode: A. | |
Concentrations
Public Administration
| POSC 301 | Fundamentals of Public Administration |
| Fundamentals of public administration; overview of the concepts, nature and scope of the field. Role of government in modern society and the nature of public business. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 306 | Public Policy |
| An analysis of public policy process and the political context of its formation. Systematic review of the diverse financial systems in making and implementing public policy. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 485 | Public Law |
| Function of law in protecting the public's interest in preserving the environment. Environmental laws, administrative action, freedom of information, air and water quality, noise pollution, solid waste, pesticides, land use, zoning, energy and agency decision making. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 486 | Personnel and Human Resources Management |
| Government personnel systems, merit concepts, classification, compensation, training, examinations, organizations, labor relations and collective bargaining. Grade Mode: A. | |
| POSC 488 | Internship and Research Project |
| Provides an opportunity to complete an internship and a research project in a public agency. Project consists of identification and analysis, with guidance, of a chosen area in public organization. Grade Mode: A. | |