Courses
PH 278 APPLIED ETHICS PRACTICUM 1.0-3.0 Credit(s)
This course is for the study, preparation, and participation in the Intercollegiate Northeast Regional Ethics Bowl debate competition. Students spend at least three hours a week examining contemporary ethical situations. They learn how to frame an ethical dilemma. They learn various ethical approaches such as consequentialist ethics, duty-based ethics, virtue ethics, social contract theory, discourse ethics, the principle of double-effect, paternalism, biocentric and anthropocentric approaches to environmental ethics, principles of autonomy and benevolence. The students also research each case to understand the various relevant factors of each case and how they impact the analysis of the case. Finally, the students participate in an intercollegiate debate competition in which they articulate, defend, analyze, and comment on the cases in a timed, competition format. The approximate time spent on case preparation, study, and participation, averages out to 3 hours/week for a period of 15 weeks. 2-3 hour-weekly meetings are guided by a professor in a seminar format. The students also spend at least one hour a week on independent research and consultations. The competition day itself lasts 7-12 hours, depending on how far the team advances. The purpose of the course is to engage the students socratically and teach them to apply theoretical learning, to engage in research, and to articulate their opinions in an organized fashion that considers all sides of an issue before coming to an ethical conclusion. The goal is to teach students how to think and analyze situations ethically in a critical and fair manner.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
PH 299 SPECIAL TOPICS IN PHILOSOPHY 3.0 Credit(s)
Designates new or occasional courses that may or may not become part of the department's permanent offerings. Courses capitalize on a timely topic, a faculty member's particular interest, an experimental alternative to existing courses, etc. Prerequisites established by the department as appropriate for the specific course. Course title is shown on the student's transcript. Consult the current course schedule for available topics and prerequisites. Prerequisite: Take a 3 credit PH 100 level course
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
PO 212 FEDERALISM AND AMERICAN POLITICS 3.0 Credit(s)
Examines the subnational level of American politics. Topics include the constitutional position of state governments, federal-state interaction, financing of state governments, political parties, group activity, and public policies.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
PO 215 AMERICAN POLITICAL PARTIES 3.0 Credit(s)
Focuses on the role of political parties in American democracy. Examines the structure and function of party organization, behavior of the American electorate, and effectiveness of parties in the governing process. Platforms and categories of minor parties are also discussed.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
PO 216 CONGRESS & THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS 3.0 Credit(s)
Examines the constitutional powers of Congress, historical development, legislative process, and relationship with executive branch of government.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
PO 217 THE AMERICAN PRESIDENCY 3.0 Credit(s)
Traces the role of the chief executive in the American political system. Attention is given to the evolution, functions, and limits of executive leadership. Relationship with Congress, public opinion, and impact of individual presidents are explored. Prerequisite: Pre: PO-121
Offered: Fall Semester Even Academic Years
PO 218 CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS 3.0 Credit(s)
Explores the various dimensions of presidential elections and controversial issues associated with the selection process. Topics include delegate selection, national conventions, voting behavior, role of media, campaign finance, the electoral college, campaign strategies, and presidential debates.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
PO 219 MEDIA, POLITICS, SOC JUSTICE 3.0 Credit(s)
This course offers an overview of how media and politics are essential for social justice. Students will explore the current state of media practices, political organizing, message development, and policy efforts as part of social change.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
PO 220 CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVES ON LAW & JUSTICE 3.0 Credit(s)
Catholic intellectuals and jurists have exerted deep influence on political and legal traditions in Europe as well as the United States. This course examines Catholic perspectives on law and justice in terms of their historical trajectory as well as their impact on contemporary American society.
Offered: Spring Semester Even Academic Years
PO 240 ARMIES AND ALLIES 3.0 Credit(s)
Topics include the causes of war, case studies of major wars, theories of instinctual aggression, psychological behavior, ethnicity, national interests, imperialism, economics, international systems, and other topics.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
PO 242 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS 3.0 Credit(s)
Focuses on the role of international organizations in coordinating relations between countries with specific reference to the United Nations. Impact of other international organizations on international relations including WTO, IMF, and EU is also examined. Course includes a trip to the United Nations.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
PO 243 TERRORISM AND POLITICAL VIOLENCE 3.0 Credit(s)
Course explores both the history of armed political dissent and current forms of terrorism. Case studies range from the Irish Republican Army, Hamas, and African National Congress among others. Examines definitions of terrorism and methods employed by governments to suppress dissent. Balance between liberty and security during "war on terror" is also examined.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
PO 244 AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY 3.0 Credit(s)
Examines themes of American foreign policy. Topics include containment, deterrence, detente, changing bases of national power, foreign policy development, terrorism, narcocriminality, and environmental issues.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
PO 299 SPECIAL TOPICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE 1.0-3.0 Credit(s)
Designates courses that may or may not become part of the department's regular offerings.
Offered: As Needed Contact Department
PS 201 RESEARCH DESIGN & ANALYSIS I 3.0 Credit(s)
Students are introduced to research design and analysis concepts within the field of psychology, including the scientific method, sampling, measurement, research designs, ethics, and quantitative analysis. Analysis will include the use of SPSS computer software, interpreting output, and writing up statistical results. Prerequisite: Take MA 131with minimum grade of C, P
Offered: Fall & Spring Semesters All Years