George Fox University

2007-2008 Academic Catalog

 

Political Science

PSCI 150 Introduction to Political Science
3 hours. An introduction to the study of the use of political processes to decide public policy and the distribution of resources within and among communities and nations. Systems of government, and individual behaviors and informal political processes within those systems, will be examined using examples from various parts of the world throughout history. In the process, students will begin to explore the major questions of political philosophy, civic leadership, and Christian public ethics.

PSCI 190 American Government
3 hours. The theory and practice of the federal government and the study of key issues in government in general.

PSCI 220/420 War and Conscience in the United States
3 hours. An exploration of American thought on the subject of war, both today and in past crises such as the American Revolution, Civil War, wars with the American Indians, and the world wars; a study of the official position major church bodies have taken in regard to war; and the experiences of individuals who refused to fight. (Identical to HIST 220/420.)

PSCI 230 Introduction to International Relations
3 hours. Introduction to the principles and study of interstate relations in the contemporary world. Special attention is given to the issues of sovereignty, the United Nations, and international law. (Identical to INTL 230.)

PSCI 240 State and Local Government
3 hours. The origins, evolution, structure, and present functions of state, county, and city government, with particular reference to Oregon. Special attention is given to the rising problems of urban government and regional planning.

PSCI 243 Introduction to Public Administration
3 hours. Introduces the theory and practice of managing public agencies with a focus on the unelected levels of the executive branch in local, state, and federal government. The course examines both external dynamics (including relations with legislatures, elected officials, clients, interest groups, and voters) and internal issues (including budgeting, program management, and organizational theory as applied to not-for-profit agencies).

PSCI 253 Introduction to Comparative Government
3 hours. This course introduces students to the field of comparative government and politics through an examination of selected political systems.

PSCI 260 Introduction to Law
3 hours. A general study of the role of law and the legal profession in American life, and a survey of the major topics addressed by the law. Attention also is given to the values promoted by our legal system and the Christian's interaction with it.

PSCI 275/475 Field Experience
1-3 hours. Supervised experiences in varied political agencies. A maximum of three hours of credit can be gained through one internship. No more than six hours of internship credit will be counted toward major requirements, and of these no more than three hours may be upper-level credit.

PSCI 280 Introduction to Political Philosophy
3 hours. A study of great political thinkers and issues from Socrates to the present. Students are encouraged to understand and evaluate these thinkers in their historical contexts, and to consider them as philosophers whose insights are relevant for contemporary debates. (Identical to HIST 280 and PHIL 280.)

PSCI 285/485 Selected Topics
1-3 hours. A seminar dealing with various topics as announced that represent current faculty interests and competencies.

PSCI 300 American Political Theory
3 hours. A survey of the major developments in U.S. political theory from the Puritans to the present. The relationship between Christianity and American political theory is given special attention. (Identical to HIST 300 and PHIL 300.)

PSCI 303 International Conflict and Peace
3 hours. This course considers the causes of international conflict and possible approaches to their resolution. An emphasis is placed on strategies to prevent and resolve conflicts without the use of violence. (Identical to INTL 303 and SOCI 303.)

PSCI 310 Conflict Resolution
3 hours. A study of communication principles found useful in managing conflict productively. Focus is given to conflict occurring in institutional and organizational settings between individuals and groups. Attention also is given to conflict in social, national, and international settings. (Identical to COMM 310.)

PSCI 320 Constitutional Law: Issues of National Power
3 hours. Considers the powers of the federal judiciary, Congress, and president; the distribution of authority between the national and state governments; and how the Constitution has reflected our evolving theories of politics.

PSCI 353 Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties
3 hours. This course focuses on the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment. Special emphasis is placed upon the religion clauses of the First Amendment.

PSCI 380 American Foreign Policy
3 hours. An inquiry into relationships between the social structure and ideological tradition of the United States and its conduct in world affairs. Attention is given to the substance of American foreign and military policy; to the roles of the White House, State Department, CIA, the military, Congress, private elites, and mass opinion; and to foreign policy impacts on domestic life.

PSCI 390 Peace Research
1-3 hours. Directed research on peace subjects, both current and historical. Students will normally write a major research paper. (Identical to HIST 390.)

PSCI 410 Community Mediation
3 hours. A study of mediation skills and their uses in community disputes, including neighborhood conflicts, public policy issues, and as court-annexed alternatives to litigation. Students also will examine the impact of mediation on democratic political theory, on the theory underlying our adversarial legal system, and on Christian views of conflict in the public arena.

PSCI 430 Women and Politics in American History
3 hours. Considers the role of women in politics from colonial days to the present. Special consideration is given to the role of Quaker women and grassroots organizers.

PSCI 440 Christianity and Politics in America
3 hours. This course considers how Christianity and politics have been related throughout American history, how they are related today, and how they should be related. Quaker contributions in each area are carefully considered.

PSCI 450 Campaigns and Elections
3 hours. Considers issues surrounding American campaigns and elections. Special emphasis is placed on the role of political parties and the voting behavior of individuals and groups.

PSCI 490 Senior Seminar
3 hours. This capstone course requires majors to think in a sophisticated manner about the relationship between their Christian faith and politics. In addition, students will complete a major project that requires them to draw together skills and information they have learned in lower-level courses.

Undergraduate
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