Jun 26, 2024  
2022-2023 SUNY Potsdam Academic Catalog 
    
2022-2023 SUNY Potsdam Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Course Descriptions


@ = Indicates a non-liberal arts course. Please refer to College Credit Policies  for a description of non-liberal arts credits.

 

Physical Education

Present course offerings are as follows. Other activities are offered at various times based on student interests and faculty expertise.

  
  • PE 133 - Physical Education Activities: Tennis


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 135 - Physical Education Activities: Volleyball


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 136 - Physical Education Activities: Weight Training


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 148 - Cooperative Activities


    1 Credit(s)

    Non-academic credit. Course instructs future teachers how to utilize free time in the classroom by incorporating the entire class in cooperative activities. Develops the knowledge to facilitate games and execute them safely and effectively. Students participate in daily activities and on two occasions teach two activities of their choice.

  
  • PE 195 - Special Topics


    1-12 Credit(s)

  
  • PE 198 - Tutorial


    1-3 Credit(s)

  
  • PE 210 - Intercollegiate Sports: Women’s Varsity Softball


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 211 - Intercollegiate Sports: Men’s Varsity Basketball


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 215 - Intercollegiate Sports: Men’s Varsity Golf


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 216 - Intercollegiate Sports: Men’s Varsity Soccer


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 218 - Intercollegiate Sports: Men’s Varsity Swimming


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 223 - Intercollegiate Sports: Women’s Varsity Basketball


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 224 - Intercollegiate Sports: Women’s Varsity Soccer


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 225 - Intercollegiate Sports: Women’s Varsity Swimming


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 228 - Intercollegiate Sports: Women’s Varsity Ice Hockey


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 229 - Intercollegiate Sports: Men’s Varsity Ice Hockey


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 231 - Intercollegiate Sports: Women’s Varsity Lacrosse


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 232 - Intercollegiate Sports: Men’s Varsity Lacrosse


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 233 - Intercollegiate Sports: Women’s Varsity Volleyball


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 234 - Men’s Varsity Volleyball


    1 Credit(s)

    Gen Ed: Y
    Men’s Varisty volleyball participation Fall and Spring.

  
  • PE 240 - Intercollegiate Sports: Women’s Varsity Cross Country


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 241 - Intercollegiate Sports: Men’s Varsity Cross Country


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 242 - Intercollegiate Sports: Men’s Track and Field


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 243 - Intercollegiate Sports: Women’s Track and Field


    1 Credit(s)

    Development of skill for appreciation of a variety of activities for fitness and lifetime recreation. Count toward General Education Physical Education/Health and Wellness requirement.

  
  • PE 295 - Special Topics


    1-12 Credit(s)

  
  • PE 298 - Tutorial


    1-3 Credit(s)

  
  • @PE 300 - Lifeguarding


    2 Credit(s)

    Provides Lifeguard training and Waterfront certification.

    Prerequisite(s): Must be able to swim 500 yards continuous (200 yds. freestyle, 100 yds. breast stroke, 200 yds. combination of freestyle & breaststroke).
  
  • @PE 303 - Techniques of Coaching


    2 Credit(s)

    Theory, strategy and skill development at various grade levels. Fall.

  
  • @PE 305 - Personal Training Fundamentals


    4 Credit(s)

    The Personal Training Fundamental course provides an overview of the personal training profession and aids students in preparation to sit for the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer exam. Key course topics include: exercise science and theory; health and fitness assessment, administration; program design and implementation; nutrition and lifestyle modification and professional administrative considerations. The course is delivered in both classroom and practical settings. Registration for the ACSM exam is optional. Exercise Science majors and Fitness minors.

  
  • @PE 326 - Health and Sports Medicine


    4 Credit(s)

    Anatomical, physiological and psychological factors in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of pathological processes which occur in athletic participation.

  
  • @PE 335 - Philosophy, Principles and Organization of Competitive Athletics in Education


    3 Credit(s)

    Establishing guidelines for current programs, organization at elementary, junior high and senior high school levels; local, state and national regulations; legal considerations; moral and ethical standards. Spring.

  
  • PE 395 - Special Topics


    1-12 Credit(s)

  
  • PE 398 - Tutorial


    1-3 Credit(s)

  
  • PE 495 - Special Topics


    1-12 Credit(s)

  
  • PE 498 - Tutorial


    1-3 Credit(s)


Physics

Note about frequency of course offerings: Physical Science is offered each term while the introductory sequences of College and University Physics are offered yearly. Some upper division course are offered yearly; others at intervals of more than a year or “as warranted.”

  
  • PHYS 100 - Physical Science


    3 Credit(s)

    Gen Ed: NW
    An introductory physics course for non-science majors. This course focuses on basic physics concepts and their connections to everyday life. Course topics include Newtonian Mechanics, Energy, Fluids, Heat, Vibration and Waves, Sound and Music, Electricity and Magnetism, Light, Quantum Phenomenon, Nuclear Radiation, and Astronomy. Connections to everyday life and society include energy conservation, global warming, nuclear energy and the origin of the universe. While advanced mathematics is not required for this course, basic mathematics, including some trigonometry and simple algebra, will be utilized. Proportional reasoning, estimating, and graphing skills are emphasized throughout the course. Fall and Spring.

  
  • PHYS 101 - College Physics I


    4 Credit(s)

    This is first of the two terms sequence (PHYS 202  as the second sequence) of algebra based introductory physics covering a wide range of topics in translational and angular motion, force, gravity, work-energy, solids, waves, sound, heat and thermodynamics. It places a greater emphasis on inquiry based conceptual understanding and development of problem solving skills. The laboratory work is an integral part of the course, which provides hands-on experience on designing and investigating the laws of physics by performing a number of experiments. Lab required. Fall.

  
  • PHYS 103 - University Physics I


    4 Credit(s)

    This is the first course in the sequence intended for physics majors, 3/2 engineering, and other science majors who want a more detailed introduction to physics with calculus as a corequisite. Topics covered fall under the heading of mechanics; i.e. motion, Newton’s laws, dynamics, work, energy, momentum, and rotation. Emphasis is given on Inquiry based learning, hands-on experience, and problem solving skills. Lab required. Fall.

    Corequisite(s): MATH 151 .
  
  • PHYS 104 - University Physics II


    4 Credit(s)

    Part II of the calculus-based sequence focusing on the studies of electric charges, potential, fields, circuits, magnetism and electromagnetic interactions. Accompanying laboratory activities span the topical coverage. Lab required. Spring.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 103 .
    Pre/Corequisite(s): MATH 152 .

  
  • PHYS 111 - Laser and Light


    3 Credit(s)

    Studies of ordinary light that led to the development of the LASER, a wonderful invention of modern times. Studies, including lab experiments, of the nature and behavior of light: reflection, refraction, polarization, interference, diffraction, absorption and emission, the formation of images, color science, holography, fiber optics, the human eye and optical phenomena in the natural world such as rainbows, Northern lights and mirages. As warranted, usually in Winter.

  
  • PHYS 120 - Physics and Poets


    3 Credit(s)

    Like poetry, physics is a creative activity that engages the emotions and intellect. In this course, mathematics is kept at a minimum and great effort is made to illuminate the concepts, structure, and developments as well as beauty in the guiding principles of basic physics. Creative activities of a physicist will be compared to those of a poet. Elementary mathematics will be used in solving problems, which illustrate the concepts. Lecture demonstrations and laboratory projects are integral parts of the course. As warranted, usually in Winter.

  
  • PHYS 130 - Musical Acoustics


    3 Credit(s)

    The physics of music and sound. A study of the physical properties and processes related to the production of sound with particular attention to musical sounds: vibrations and oscillations as the sources of waves and wave properties, and those of sound waves in particular; the mathematical and psychophysical basis of musical scales; the structure and function of the human ear and how it detects and processes sounds; how musical instruments produce the sounds that they do and the similarities and differences among them; the physical properties behind musical characteristics, such as pitch, loudness and timbre (quality): aspects of environmental sound, including loudness, reflection and absorption. Examples of the phenomena are furnished by classroom demonstrations using oscillation and wave apparatus and actual musical instruments. Neither high school physics nor prior musical instruction is expected or required. Students enrolling in this course are encouraged to register at the same time for PHYS 131 , when it is offered.

  
  • PHYS 131 - Musical Acoustics Laboratory


    1 Credit(s)

    Laboratory activities are designed to complement the topics studied in PHYS 130  and furnish the student with the experience of making and interpreting measurements of musical properties. Registration in PHYS 131 without co-registering in PHYS 130  is possible with permission of the instructor. As warranted.

  
  • PHYS 195 - Special Topics


    1-12 Credit(s)

  
  • PHYS 198 - Tutorial


    1-3 Credit(s)

  
  • PHYS 202 - College Physics II


    4 Credit(s)

    Algebra based introductory physics course covering a wide range of topics in electricity, magnetism, AC circuit, optics, relativity, quantum and nuclear physics. It places a greater emphasis on inquiry based conceptual understanding and development of problem solving skills. The laboratory work is an integral part of the course, which provides hands-on experience on designing and investigating the laws of physics by performing a number of experiments. Lab required. Spring.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 101 .
  
  • PHYS 205 - University Physics III


    4 Credit(s)

    Part III of the calculus-based sequence and covering statics, fluid, wave motion, sound, heat, and thermodynamics. Emphasis is given on inquiry based learning, hands-on experience and problem solving skills. Lab required. Fall.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 104 .
  
  • PHYS 295 - Special Topics


    1-12 Credit(s)

  
  • PHYS 298 - Tutorial


    1-3 Credit(s)

  
  • PHYS 306 - Modern Physics


    4 Credit(s)

    Study of the phenomena that emerged from the revolutionary developments that occurred in physics around 1900. Relativity, atomic particles and structure, wave-particle duality and quantum behavior. Accompanying laboratory work includes exercises in the pioneering discoveries and experiments of the era. Lab required. Spring.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 205 .
  
  • PHYS 320 - Mathematics, Science, and Philosophy


    3 Credit(s)

    Selected writings by scientists and philosophers studied with concurrent progress in mathematical and scientific thought from ancient to modern times. Credit not counted toward Physics major or minor. One year of calculus required. As warranted.

  
  • PHYS 325 - Energy and the Environment


    3 Credit(s)

    Presents basic physical and quantitative concepts which are needed to understand energy and its environmental interaction. The physical laws come from mechanics, heat and thermodynamics, electricity, and nuclear reactions. A recurring theme is the extraction, transportation, conversion, distribution, end use, and dispersal of energy and the environmental impact of each step. Credit not counted toward the Physics major or minor. One semester of college science required. As warranted.

  
  • PHYS 330 - Meteorology


    3 Credit(s)

    Components of the atmosphere, atmospheric dynamics, weather elements, weather phenomena and their physical courses, weather maps, weather predictions, operation and use of weather instruments. One semester of college science required. Fall or as warranted.

  
  • PHYS 335 - Astronomy


    3 Credit(s)

    Gen Ed: NW
    This course presents the astronomical phenomena of the universe in the context of physical science and examines Newton’s laws governing force and motion, the laws of thermodynamics governing temperature and energy, the role of electromagnetism and light in nature, and the atomic structure of matter, in the context of current issues in planetary and space sciences. Spring or as warranted.

  
  • PHYS 335L - Astronomy


    4 Credit(s)

    This course presents the astronomical phenomena of the universe in the context of physical science and examines Newton’s laws governing force and motion, the laws of thermodynamics governing temperature and energy, the role of electromagnetism and light in nature, and the atomic structure of matter, in the context of current issues in planetary and space sciences. Sophomore standing required. Spring as warranted

  
  • PHYS 350 - Einstein’s Relativity


    2 Credit(s)

    Basic principles of special relativity and their application to four-dimensional space-time and particle reactions. As warranted.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 306  and MATH 152  or equivalent.
  
  • PHYS 355 - Electronics


    4 Credit(s)

    This course involves the study of electronic components and their function in electronic circuits, the application of that information to the design of circuits, and a study of the circuits themselves. Topics include: the theory, design, and function of common passive circuit elements, active discrete and integrated solid state devices, analog, and digital circuits. Lab required. As warranted.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 306  and MATH 152  or equivalent.
  
  • PHYS 360 - Advanced Physical Laboratory I


    3 Credit(s)

    Advanced experimental work in electricity, magnetism, optics, and atomic, nuclear, and solid state physics. Fall or as warranted.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 306 .
  
  • PHYS 361 - Advanced Physical Laboratory II


    3 Credit(s)

    Continuation of PHYS 360 . Spring or as warranted.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 360 .
  
  • PHYS 370 - Mathematical Physics


    3 Credit(s)

    A course that integrates conceptual understanding of physics with mathematical framework. Important topics include differential calculus, integral calculus, complex variables, vector calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations. The emphasis is on learning the mathematical models of important concepts and developing skills to solve problems. Fall or Spring.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 104  and MATH 152 .
  
  • PHYS 386 - Optics and Optical Instrumentation


    3 Credit(s)

    A study of geometrical and wave optics. Topics include: reflection, refraction, dispersion, diffraction, polarization, lenses, mirrors, optical systems, and fiber optics. As warranted.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 205  and MATH 152  or equivalent.
  
  • PHYS 390 - Nuclear Physics


    3 Credit(s)

    A study of nuclear and particle physics. Topics include: natural and artificial radioactivity, nuclear detection devices, particle scattering, models of the nucleus, and modern developments in particle physics. As warranted.

    Concurrent: PHYS 205  and MATH 152  or equivalent.
  
  • PHYS 395 - Special Topics


    1-12 Credit(s)

  
  • PHYS 398 - Tutorial


    1-3 Credit(s)

  
  • PHYS 440 - Physics Laboratory Techniques


    1-3 Credit(s)

    Senior Physics Majors gain experience as supervisors of physics laboratories at various levels and/or serve as interns gaining experience in the college planetarium. Instructor permission required. As warranted.

  
  • PHYS 450 - Condensed Matter Physics


    3 Credit(s)

    Studies of what made the computer revolution possible. Course materials are directed towards understanding of the physics of condensed matter, formerly known as Solid State Physics. Major topics are studies of crystalline structure, electromagnetic optical properties of matter, conductors, insulators and semiconducting materials as in diodes and transistors, present day research and applications. As warranted.

    Prerequisite(s): CHEM 106  and PHYS 306 .
  
  • PHYS 465 - Physics Research I


    1-3 Credit(s)

    Designing, performing, interpreting, and summarizing research project in a field of pure or applied physics. Instructor permission required. Fall and Spring.

  
  • PHYS 466 - Physics Research II


    1-3 Credit(s)

    A continuation of PHYS 465 .

  
  • PHYS 475 - Mechanics


    3 Credit(s)

    A study of classical mechanics following the theories of Newton, Lagrange, and Hamilton. Topics include: single and multiple particle motion, central forces, rigid body dynamics, moving coordinate systems, and particle interactions. Fall.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 205  and PHYS 370  or equivalent.
  
  • PHYS 480 - Electromagnetic Theory I


    3 Credit(s)

    The Industrial Revolution in Europe and elsewhere was the result of progress in theoretical and experimental work in electromagnetism. The course explores the fundamental and experimental work in electromagnetism and the developments at the forefront of the technological worlds. Major Topics are electrostatics, magnetostatics, Maxwell’s equations, electromagnetic waves and their interactions with matter, electromagnetic optical properties and their applications. As warranted.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 205  and PHYS 370  or equivalent.
  
  • PHYS 481 - Electromagnetic Theory II


    3 Credit(s)

    Continuation and further development of topics in PHYS 480 . As warranted.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 480 .
  
  • PHYS 484 - Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics


    3 Credit(s)

    A study of heat, thermodynamics, and statistical mechanics. Topics include: heat, heat engines, entropy and the second law of thermodynamics, thermodynamic potentials, phase transitions, and an introduction to statistical mechanics. Spring, or as warranted.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 205  and PHYS 370  or equivalent.
  
  • PHYS 490 - Quantum Physics I


    3 Credit(s)

    Exploring the world of quantum physics that cannot be explained by classical physics based on Sir Isaac Newton’s work. Seeking answer to why it came to be accepted as the best description of physics. Learning the techniques of problem solving that include computational work. Major topics include old quantum theory, wave particle duality, uncertainty principle, Schrodinger’s equation, square well potential, harmonic oscillator, the hydrogen atom problem, angular momentum theory, electron spin, fine structure, hyperfine structure, spin-orbit interaction, angular momentum coupling schemes and quantum theory of scattering of particles. As warranted.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 306  and PHYS 370  or equivalent.
  
  • PHYS 491 - Quantum Physics II


    3 Credit(s)

    Continuation and further development of topics in PHYS 490 . As warranted.

    Prerequisite(s): PHYS 490 .
  
  • PHYS 494 - Physics Seminar


    1-3 Credit(s)

    Students study and discuss contemporary research problems and results in the fields of pure and applied physics. 22 semester hours of physics courses required. As warranted.

  
  • PHYS 495 - Special Topics


    1-12 Credit(s)

  
  • PHYS 498 - Tutorial


    1-3 Credit(s)


Politics

Note: Most required courses are offered each semester, and most electives are offered every year or every other year. Also, a number of courses satisfy requirements in interdisciplinary programs such as Criminal Justice, Environmental Studies, Human Services, U.S. and Global Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies. Contact the department chair for more information.

Pre-Law Electives (w/in Politics Dept.)

Note:  Please check w/the Pre-Law adviser about any 395 and 495 courses.

  
  • POLS 100 - Power and Influence


    4 Credit(s)

    Gen Ed: TF
    Explores the nature of justice and the content of the good life by focusing on phenomena of power, influence, and authority. More specifically, students are introduced to fundamental questions competing answers about the nature of power, influence, authority, interests, freedom, rights, coercion, manipulation, culture and persuasion. Students also examine possible methods of discerning the existence of power via reasoning, observation, and measurement. Finally, students study some of the basics of critical thinking, with a focus on how to evaluate arguments.

  
  • POLS 110 - Introduction to U.S. Politics


    4 Credit(s)

    Gen Ed: SW
    Gives an introduction to the major political institutions in U.S. national politics and the behavior of individuals and groups involved with these institutions.  Fall and Spring.

  
  • POLS 122 - Bioethics & the Law


    3-4 Credit(s)

    Examines the ethical issues raised by the developments in human biology and medicine. Topics discussed will include: withdrawal of life support, abortion, and genetic privacy.

  
  • POLS 130 - Introduction to Comparative Politics


    4 Credit(s)

    Gen Ed: SW
    Gives an introduction to basic concepts in comparative political analysis and application of them to selected countries from diverse regions of the world. We will explore the formal political institutions in each country, as well as less formal aspects including political values and culture. We will also examine how society, economy, and globalization help shape domestic politics.  Fall

  
  • POLS 140 - Introduction to International Relations


    4 Credit(s)

    Introduces students to fundamental issues in the study of global politics. We look at today’s international politics in a historical perspective by reading different theoretical approaches within the discipline of International Relations and discussing their main arguments and “world views.” The course covers important topics such as the role of international organizations, war and peace, globalization, and environmental cooperation.  Spring.

  
  • POLS 195 - Special Topics


    1-4 Credit(s)

  
  • POLS 198 - Tutorial


    1-4 Credit(s)

  
  • POLS 200 - Political Ideas


    4 Credit(s)

    Considers major perennial political problems. Introduces concepts and analytical techniques used in the search for appropriate responses to those problems. Spring.

  
  • POLS 289 - Approaching Political Puzzles


    4 Credit(s)

    Gen Ed: CM
    Introduces students to the process of writing an original undergraduate research paper in the field of Political Science. Part 1 of the course is devoted to reading and understanding professional research reports. The focus of part 2 is writing a literature review in response to a research question. In Part 3, students become familiar with common research designs and methods of analysis. Spring.

    Prerequisite(s): any 2 of the following: POLS 110 , POLS 130 , POLS 140 , or POLS 200 , and either STAT 100  or MATH 125  or CIS 125 .
  
  • POLS 295 - Special Topics


    1-4 Credit(s)

  
  • POLS 298 - Tutorial


    1-4 Credit(s)

  
  • POLS 301 - U.S. Parties, Elections & Interest Groups


    4 Credit(s)

    Examines the historical and contemporary understandings of parties, elections, and interest groups. Their historical development, institutionalization, and importance to our political system are explored within the context of citizen participation. This course falls under the sub-field of U.S. Politics.  Occasionally.

    Prerequisite(s): POLS 110 .
  
  • POLS 302 - American Media & Politics


    4 Credit(s)

    Allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the interrelationships between mass media, the mass public and public officials. We will study the reciprocal relations between the media, the public and public officials in an effort to think more systematically and become better consumers of political news. This course falls under the sub-field of U.S. Politics.  Occasionally.

    Prerequisite(s): POLS 110 .
  
  • POLS 303 - Policy & Protected Areas


    3 Credit(s)

    Conservation has long been taking place in protected areas of all varieties, from national parks and forests preserves to seashores and monuments. In this course we will look at both local and global protected areas and examine what policies have been successful conservation strategies and why. The course will use CIS, research, and discussion to create a project on a park of international importance. We will begin the course with a focus on the Adirondack State Park as a model for the world. Counts as a Political Science Elective for both the International Studies major and minor. This course falls under the sub-field of U.S. Politics. Equivalent to ENVR 320. Spring.

    Prerequisite(s): ENVR 110   or POLS 110  or BIOL 101 .
  
  • POLS 306 - Congress and the Presidency


    4 Credit(s)

    Examines the historical and contemporary understandings of the Congress and presidency. We explore each institution separately as well as their relationship with each other, with particular emphasis on presidential-congressional budgeting and policy-making. This course falls under the sub-field of U.S. Politics. Occasionally.

    Prerequisite(s): POLS 110 .
  
  • POLS 312 - Crime and Justice


    4 Credit(s)

    Gives an introduction to the U.S. legal system with emphasis on the criminal justice system.  This course will focus on the rights of the accused as found in the 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, and 14th Amendments.  This course falls under the sub-field of U.S. Politics. Every year.

    Prerequisite(s): POLS 110  or SOCI 103 .
  
  • POLS 313 - U.S. Public Opinion


    4 Credit(s)

    Examines public opinion and mass political behavior in the United States. Among the topics to be explored are the ways in which ordinary citizens make sense of their political world, the quality and sophistication of public opinion, the interplay between mass attitudes and public policy, and the motivations that underlie political participation and electoral choice. This course falls under the sub-field of U.S. Politics.

    Prerequisite(s): POLS 110 .
  
  • POLS 316 - Power and Democracy


    4 Credit(s)

    Considers the structure of power; the effects of social class, economic structure and political ideology on the distribution of political power; and the implications for democratic theory and practice. This course falls under sub-fields of U.S. Politics and Political Theory.  Occasionally.

    Prerequisite(s): POLS 110  or POLS 200 .
  
  • POLS 318 - Congress & Legislative Process


    4 Credit(s)

    Advances student understanding of the legislative process of the U.S. Congress and analyzes the many institutions that affect both the Congress and the various state legislatures: elections rules, committees, political parties, organized interests, the media, party leaders, chief executives, and courts. This course falls under the sub-field of U.S. Politics.

    Prerequisite(s): POLS 110  
  
  • POLS 319 - U.S. Presidency


    4 Credit(s)

    Designed as a survey of the presidency of the United States, the course analyzes the office within ‘our separated system,’ sources of presidential power, formal and informal, the process of institutionalization, and presidential elections. The course examines the role of the office in domestic and foreign policy areas. An emphasis is placed on reviewing the latest scholarship and student centered research. This course falls under the sub-field of U.S. Politics. Occasionally.

    Prerequisite(s): POLS 110 .
  
  • POLS 321 - Politics and the Judicial Process


    4 Credit(s)

    Gives a legal-political analysis of the institutions and factors shaping judicial behavior and decision-making. Emphasis is placed upon the federal political system, particularly the Supreme Court of the U.S. . This course falls under the sub-field of U.S. Politics. Alternate years.

    Prerequisite(s): POLS 110 .
  
  • POLS 322 - State and Local Government


    4 Credit(s)

    Examines the conflict and cooperation between the state, local, and federal units of government in the United States. Students are asked to develop an understanding of American state and local politics, institutions, and public policy, and also consider how and where they, as a community member and (for most) a citizen - can engage politically. This course falls under the sub-field of U.S. Politics.  Occasionally.

  
  • POLS 323 - Welfare Policy Research


    4 Credit(s)

    Examines U.S. welfare policy with an emphasis on factors influencing the development of the modern social welfare state and its effects on the poor. Students engage in original research in order to analyze and assess contemporary welfare policy in the light of the historical, economic, and regional contexts in which it operates. Each student group orally presents its research results at the end of the semester and each student writes a paper summarizing his or her contribution. This course falls under the sub-fields of U.S. Politics and Political Theory. Occasionally.

    Prerequisite(s): POLS 110 ,  or SOCI 101 , or SOCI 325 .
 

Page: 1 <- Back 1016 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26