Politics and Government Courses 2008-2009
Course lists from previous catalogs are available at the Registration Services Catalog page.
POLS 117 Introduction to Political Ideas 3 credits
An introduction to political analysis through a study of important political concepts and theories, as well as their historical development. Students study the ideas and practices of the public and philosophical development of concepts such as citizenship, democracy, equality, justice, liberty, or power.
POLS 180 Introduction to American Government 3 credits
Introduces the structure and functioning of the government of the United States. Students study the ideas behind American governmental design and their structural effects on institutions and formation of policy processes. Questions of effectiveness, accountability and the degree and nature of popular control are examined.
POLS 182 Issues in State and Local Government 3 credits
One of the most enduring legacies of American constitutional democracy is the preservation of, and respect for, diversity among state and local governments. Cultural and ideological differences have contributed to some of the most fascinating, as well as unfortunate, periods of American history. The manifestation of this diversity can be seen today in the institutions and processes of state and local governments. Students examine the policies state and local governments favor, adopt, implement, and enforce. Such policies include: education, economic development, and environmental protection. Particular attention is paid to the unique and representative qualities of Colorado.
POLS 255 Introduction to Comparative Government 3 credits
An introduction the challenges and problems encountered in the study of comparative politics. Students examine the various historical paths to political development taken by nations. By looking at similar political phenomena in several contexts students explore the question of why some countries have experienced either democracy, communism or fascism.
POLS 260 Introduction to World Politics 3 credits
An introduction to some of the more important concepts and approaches to understanding world politics. Students examine the politics between different countries and seek to answer questions about the promise and peril of the global future. Questions contemplated include: What are the sources of political conflict and how can they be minimized? Under what conditions will nation states cooperate with each other to accomplish common goals? Should tyranny and human rights violations justify humanitarian intervention?
POLS 297 Special Topics 3 credits
POLS 300 Constitutional Law I 3 credits
A study of the historical development of the United States Constitution and Supreme Court through the most important Supreme Court decisions. The course focuses on the areas of jurisdiction of the courts, development of the common law, the separation of powers, federalism, and the inter-state commerce power. Prerequisite: POLS 180 recommended.
POLS 301 Constitutional Law II 3 credits
A continuation of POLS 300. An examination of the constitutional protections of individual liberties as defined by the Supreme Court. Students study the historical development of the Supreme Court’s point of view in such areas as freedom of speech, subversion and disloyalty, religious freedom, church-state separation, and equal protection of the law. Prerequisite: POLS 180 recommended.
POLS 309 Political Theory I–Ancient to Early Modern 3 credits
A survey of the historical development of western political theories from their origins in ancient Greece to the development of early modern political theories such as liberalism and republicanism. Students study thinkers such as Sophocles, Plato, Aristotle, William Shakespeare, Niccolo Machiavelli, John Locke, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau.
POLS 310 Political Theory II–Late Modern and Contemporary 3 credits
A survey of the historical development of modern and contemporary political theories since the French Revolution. Issues investigated might include the rise of liberal democracy and its critics, the impact of the industrial revolution on modern politics, and how technological change and environmental limitations have affected contemporary political thought. Students study thinkers such as Mary Wollstonecraft, John Stuart Mill, Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, Hannah Arendt, and Michel Foucault.
POLS 330 Congress and the Politics of Representation 3 credits
Congress has been in the business of national government for two centuries—spanning in full the nation’s life, its growth and trials, times of crisis and expanded responsibilities. And yet, through all the changes, Congress has shown a marked persistence in theory, structure, and practice. This course examines the dynamic tension between the constituency-oriented, individualistic Congress that emphasizes the representation of particular interests and the Congress that acts as a collegial body, debating legislative issues and writing the nation’s laws.
POLS 331 The Politics of the Presidency 3 credits
After more than two centuries of change and development, the presidency stands not only as the nation’s preeminent public office but also its most problematic. This course examines the design and creation of the office, the impact various officeholders have made on shaping future expectations, and the problems of contemporary leadership.
POLS 360 American Foreign Policy 3 credits
Not since the Roman Empire has any nation had as much economic, cultural and military power as the United States does today. Yet, as has become all too evident through the problems of terrorism, environmental degradation and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, that power is not enough to solve many global issues. This course examines the way in which U.S. foreign policy is made and the variety of ongoing and emerging foreign policy problems the U.S. faces in the context of their evolution.
POLS 376 American Political Thought I–From Puritans to Slaveholders 3 credits
A study of the development of early American political thought including enduring themes such as the Puritans and community, the ideas behind the Declaration of Independence, and the significance of the arguments found in the Federalists Papers or the work of Alexis de Tocqueville. Students also engage political ideas often challenging and reshaping the accepted order from sources such as Jacksonian workingmen and Abolitionism.
POLS 397 Special Topics 3 credits
POLS 476 American Political Thought II–American Capitalism and Democracy 3 credits
A survey of American political thought and practice since the Civil War focusing on how democracy and capitalism have enabled and constrained one another in the course of the development of the American polity. Surveys key thinkers, social movements, and institutional developments such as Reconstruction, Populism, Progressivism, the Labor Movement, the Women’s movement, the New Deal, and the Civil Rights Movement. Prerequisite: instructor permission.
POLS 485 Studies in Political Theory: 3 credits
Senior seminar in political theory with varying topics. This course meets the Capstone requirement. Prerequisite: senior standing or instructor permission.
POLS 486 Studies in American Politics: 3 credits
Senior seminar in American politics with varying topics. This course meets the Capstone requirement. Prerequisite: senior standing or instructor permission.
POLS 487 Studies in International Relations: 3 credits
Senior seminar in International Relations with varying topics. This course meets the Capstone requirement. Prerequisite: senior standing or instructor permission.
POLS 488 Studies in Comparative Politics: 3 credits
Senior seminar in Comparative politics with varying topics. This course meets the Capstone requirement. Prerequisite: senior standing or instructor permission.
POLS 492 Independent Study 1-3 credits
POLS 499 Internship in Politics and Government 1-12 credits
Credit earned in an internship may be applied to the Major or Minor with advisor approval.