Political Science Course Descriptions
POLS 5103: Environmental Politics
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor or department head.
An examination of environmental issues from a policy perspective. Although scientific questions are involved, emphasis is
on the political process of environmental issues. Topics discussed include the actors, their power, limits to their power,
and their impact on the environmental policy process.
Note: May not be taken for credit after completion of POLS 4103 or equivalent.
POLS 5403: Current Issues in Global Politics
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor or department head.
Contemporary issues in global politics studied through participation in ICONS, an international intercollegiate computer
simulation network. One country will be studied in depth as a vantage point from which to assess global affairs.
Note: May not be taken for credit after completion of POLS 4403 or equivalent.
POLS 5983: Social Sciences Seminar
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor or department head.
A directed seminar in an area of social sciences. The specific focus will depend upon research under way, community of
student need, and the unique educational opportunity available. Course requires the production of substantial written work
based upon disciplined inquiry and the exploration and analysis of primary and secondary sources.
Note: Subtitle will appear on students' transcripts. Students are limited to a maximum of three (3) hours credit at the
graduate level.
POLS 6891,6892,6893,6894: Independent Study
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor or department head.
Open to graduate students who wish to pursue individual study or investigation of some facet of knowledge which
complements the purpose of the University's graduate program. Students will be required to plan their studies and prepare
formal written reports of their findings.
Note: The selected topic may not constitute any duplication of study leading to the accomplishment of a thesis.