Political Science

Associate Professor Barbara Wells, Chair, Division of Social Sciences

Political science is concerned with the analysis of political processes and institutions. The Major in Political Science helps the student prepare for several fields of endeavor including law, public administration, diplomatic service, teaching, journalism and business.

The Major in Political Science requires 46 hours in the principal and related fields. Required courses are Political Science 121, 122, 211, 212, 232, 306, 311 or 312, 321 or 322, 345 or 349, 351-352, Economics 201, Mathematics 221 or 222, Social Science 301, and one course from Psychology 101, Sociology 101 or 211.

The Major in Political Science/History for Teacher Licensure leads to licensure in political science with a secondary emphasis in history. The track requires 39 hours. Courses required in political science are 121, 122, 211, 212, 321, 322, 351 and 352; courses required in history are 112, 203, 242, 251 and three hours chosen from 333, 334, and 335. Additional liberal studies requirements are Psychology 101 and Sociology 271. Students pursuing this track must complete 29 credit hours of professional courses in teacher education. The professional courses are listed under Education in this catalog.

The Minor in Political Science consists of 15 hours, including 121, 122, 211 or 212, and six additional hours in political science.

Course Descriptions

121. Contemporary Political Issues
3 credit hours
Emphasis on learning basic political processes. Attention to major political issues of the day. Consideration given to the origins, consequences, and possible solutions of the problems under consideration.
122. American Government and Politics
3 credit hours
Introduction to the government and politics of the American national political system. Attention is given to the historical and philosophical setting, the formal governmental structure, and the behavioral bases of the American polity.
211. Comparative Government and Politics
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
Study of political systems of selected countries. Illustration of major polity types, such as Western and non-Western, democratic and authoritarian, developed and less-developed. Examinations of political cultures, institutions, processes, and current political problems.
212. International Politics
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
Study of the scope and methods of international politics. Emphasis on the underlying principles governing international relations and the major techniques for the implementation of foreign policies.
232. Public Policy
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing
Consideration of social, cultural, historical, political, behavioral, and structural aspects of the public policy process. Particular attention is given to the character of decision-making.
306. Political Philosophy
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Political Science 121 or 122 or permission of the instructor
Thematic and/or chronological consideration of perennial issues in political science, such as liberty, justice, political obligation, and political authority. Philosophical approaches to the understanding of politics are also examined.
311. Government and Politics of East Asia
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Political Science 121 or permission of instructor
Comparative study of political background and governmental systems of China, Japan, and Korea with emphasis on traditional and contemporary political behavior, ideas, and institutions.
312. Comparative Foreign Policy
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Political Science 122 or permission of instructor
Comparative analysis of foreign policy processes and issues of selected nation-politics.
321. American Political Process
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Political Science 122 or permission of instructor
American political and governmental institutions and processes including: public opinion, interest groups, political parties, Congress, and the presidency.
322. The Judicial Process
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Political Science 122 or permission of instructor
Consideration of the role of the federal judiciary in the American political process. Approaches include case laws and social science research. Topics covered include political power of the judiciary, judicial recruitment, scope of government power, and civil liberties.
337. Internship in Political Science
7 to 15 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing and permission of the Division of Social Sciences Chair
Field experiences that provide practical applications in appropriate work settings. Internships require a time commitment equivalent to full-time employment, with credit allotted on the basis of one credit hour for each week of full-time employment.
343. Practicum in Political Science
2 to 6 credit hours
Prerequisites: Junior standing and permission of Political Science faculty
Practical experience enabling students to apply classroom knowledge in an organizational setting. Open only to political science majors. One credit hour is associated with each three hours of work every week for a 14-week semester.
345. Environmental Politics
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Junior standing
A study of the political history, stakeholders, and topical issues related to American and global environmental policymaking. Comparison of environmentalism (conservation, sustainable development, deep ecology). Investigation of structure and actors making environmental policy. Survey of current global/eco-systemic issues in environmental policy (air, sea/water, energy and waste, land). Special emphasis on Tennessee and East Tennessee issues, such as acid rain in the Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee Valley energy development, and water management in conflict with the snail darter.
349. Selected Topics in Political Science
3 credit hours
Prerequisite: Six hours in political science or permission of the instructor
Examination of topics in political science. Topics vary depending on interests of faculty and students. Offered as demand warrants.
351-352. Senior Thesis
6 credit hours
Prerequisites: FRS 140, English Proficiency Exam, and junior standing
The Senior Study requirement is fulfilled with this two-course sequence. Individual study, with the guidance of a faculty supervisor, that provides experience in independent research and the preparation of a formal paper.