Apr 16, 2026  
2024-2025 Undergraduate Academic Catalog-June 
    
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2024-2025 Undergraduate Academic Catalog-June [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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PSC 2010 - Foundations of Political Science

3 lecture hours 0 lab hours 3 credits
Course Description
This course provides basic information concerning the nature and scope of political science; the theory, organization, and characteristics of the state; the forms of government; the philosophy and institutions of democracy; and the processes and functions of modern government. The governments of various nations are compared and contrasted. Theories and methodologies of political science are introduced. Students are encouraged to keep themselves informed and to apply their understanding of political science as a discipline to current developments in these areas. 
Prereq: None
Note: None
This course meets the following Raider Core CLO Requirement: Exhibit Curiosity
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
  • Demonstrate understanding of the theories and methodologies of political science
  • Compare political ideologies
  • Exhibit objectivity and openness toward political experience
  • Connect political ideas with personal experiences to synthesize foundational concepts
  • Describe the nature of government, its functioning, and its purpose
  • Demonstrate understanding of various forms of government worldwide, including different types of electoral systems and different embodiments of the branches of government
  • Analyze a political issue in depth, using a variety of tools and research methods
  • Exhibit the ability to make more appropriate decisions consistent with the student’s own political needs and the political needs of others
Prerequisites by Topic
  • None
Course Topics
  • Nature of the State
  • Power/authority/legitimacy
  • Political socialization
  • Political ideologies
  • Forms of government
  • Electoral systems
  • Branches of government: legislative, executive, and judiciary functions 
  • Public opinion, interest groups, political parties
  • International politics, including the United Nations, treaties, trade relationships, transnational corporations, nongovernmental organizations, and geopolitical concepts
Coordinator
Dr. Katherine Wikoff


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