Political Science (POLI)

Study the historical development of American government and politics from its philosophical and societal roots before the American Revolution as well as its development and evolution over the last two and a half centuries. Examine key aspects of government including institutions (U.S. Constitution, federalism, Congress, the courts, the presidency), politics (political parties, interest groups, media, social movements), political economy (regulation, federal bureaucracy) and political culture (citizenship and identity, public opinion, political behavior). 3 credits (3 lecture hours). This course satisfies the Liberal Arts and Sciences requirement and the SUNY General Education Requirement for United States History and Civic Engagement.

Topics include state and local government structures-grass roots politics, parties, and policies on state, county, city, township, village, and special district levels. Interrelationships, structures, functions, financing, problems and how they are approached today. Participation directly and indirectly in these governments by the average citizen. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), spring semester This course satisfies the Liberal Arts and Sciences requirement and the SUNY General Education Requirement for Social Science.

This course introduces students to the operations of criminal, civil, and appellate courts and their key participants and includes an evaluation of the American Judiciary System. 3 credits (3 lecture hours) fall or spring semester This course satisfies the Liberal Arts and Sciences requirement.

This is an introductory course in comparative government that examines both the theoretical and real-life issues confronting governments today. It discusses such basic concepts as: the social contract, democracy, authoritarianism, capitalism, and socialism. Concepts and structures are presented in the context of actual contemporary (non-U. S.) world governments. 3 credits (3 lecture hours) This course satisfies the Liberal Arts and Sciences requirement and the SUNY General Education Requirement for Other World Civilization and World History & Global Awareness.