Be Known at Oregon's Christian University

2012-2013 Academic Catalog and Handbook

Political Science (PSCI) Courses

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 230 Introduction to International Relations
 3 hours. An introduction to the core issues and problems that affect the entire world, including threats to security such as war and terrorism, the rise of globalization, the persistence of inequality between rich and poor countries, and the degradation of the environment. (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 253 Introduction to Comparative Government
3 hours. Whoever knows only one country knows none. This course introduces students to the field of comparative government and politics by examining the variety of political systems in the world. Particular attention will be paid to contrasting democratic and non-democratic governance, exploring the nature of democracy and the processes of democratization, and evaluating how American institutions and processes compare to other countries.

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

PSCI 290 Political Science Research and Writing
 3 hours. Explores the methods and resources for undertaking research in political science and writing persuasive and sound analytical papers. A required course for all political science majors and minors. Students are strongly encouraged to take this course during their sophomore year whenever possible.
Prerequisite: PSCI 150 Introduction to Political Science.

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. Why do wars and conflicts occur and how do we prevent these? This course considers the causes of global insecurity (from wars between countries to transnational terrorism to genocide) and examines the various approaches to their resolution, including the creation of international institutions and military alliances. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of religion in global political conflict. (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 330 Politics of the Developing World
 3 hours. This course covers the main issues faced by developing countries in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. Special attention is given to economic development and the impact of globalization on these nations.

PSCI 343 Environmental Politics and Policies
 3 hours. This course explores the range of national and international environmental problems (from toxic chemicals to nuclear waste to climate change) and the politics that have been created to deal with these issues. A key focus of the course is the development of a faith-based, Christian perspective to caring for creation and responding to environmental realities in this country and around the world.

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 354 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. Special attention is given to Quaker contributions to America's political development.

PSCI 363 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 363.)

PSCI 380 American Foreign Policy
3 hours. Why and when do Americans go to war? How do American governments relate to other countries? This course gives students the skills necessary to identify and explain the major influences in American foreign policy, including the roles of various institutions (the White House, Congress, CIA, military, etc) as well as social factors such as mass public opinion and Christian fundamentalism. Special consideration will be given to discussion and evaluation of the "American Empire" in the international system.

PSCI 383 International Organizations and International Law
3 hours. This course provides students with a solid theoretical and practical understanding of the nature of international organizations (i.e. their origins, structure, and function in world politics) and relation to emerging international law. The practical component of this course examines the historical development, activities, and performance of specific institutions and agencies on a diverse set of policy issues including: security, economics (trade and development), humanitarian assistance, and human rights.

PSCI 399 Cross-Cultural Study
 3 hours. This course offers in-depth discipline specific cross-cultural study designed to enhance the intercultural emphasis of various academic majors. The course includes class meetings followed by travel to various locations throughout the world. Students will use core disciplinary knowledge to serve, learn and interact with other cultures. (Offered in May Term. Students must meet eligibility requirements.) Additional course fee is required.

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 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 460 Peace Theory
 3 hours. An advanced study of the main theories of peace and nonviolence: what peace is; how it emerges in human, civil, and international relationships; what sustains it; what causes it to break down; and the potential and practice of active nonviolence. Emphasis is given to theories articulated by both scholars and prominent activists (such as Woolman, Gandhi, King, and Dix), and to ideas embodied in such practices as South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commissions and Christian Peacemaker Teams.

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

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.

Up Down