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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2016-2017
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PS 342 Comparative Political Development (1)
An introduction to theories and strategies of political development. Emphasis is placed on
applying the theories to a developing nation or area. Prerequisite: GCS 100 or PS 238.
PS 345 American Political Behavior (1)
Dominant patterns in political culture analyzed for their effect on socialization, elections,
and public policy. Ideological, social, and technological change provide the substance for
a critique of methodologies. An examination of the role of the media is included.
Prerequisite: PS 101.
PS 355 American Presidency and Congress (1)
An examination of the executive and legislative branches, including the relationship
between the President and Congress, as well as how both interact with the Bureaucracy,
the news media, and the public. A Leadership Studies designated course.
PS 361 Politics in China and Japan (1)
An examination of the current political systems of the two countries with focuses on
political culture, elites and masses, political institutions and processes, current issues, and
political change. (Also listed as HON 361.) Prerequisite: GCS 100 or PS 238.
PS 366 Politics of Mexico and Central America (1)
An exploration of the political culture and institutions of Mexico and Central America,
focusing on the effects of globalization, economic integration, regime type, political
change, and the role of the United States. The region’s vast diversity and complexities are
examined but with an emphasis on the interdependent nature of country relationships.
Prerequisite: GCS 100, PS 238, or PS 240.
PS 368 Political Violence (1)
An examination of the sources, evolution, and outcomes of political violence and
revolution, emphasizing the reasons, justifications, and rationalizations for violence in its
various manifestations within nation-states. The intersection between violence, religion,
and politics will be explored, as well as sources and types of terrorism. Prerequisites:
GCS 100 or PS 238; and at least junior standing.
PS 400 International Political Economy (1)
An advanced seminar course that surveys the relationships between international politics
and economics. Contending theoretical approaches to explaining a variety of IPE
phenomena, from mainstream to radical, will be considered and critically examined.
Topically, this course covers issues ranging from trade, debt, aid, and development to the
role of states, multinational corporations, and international institutions. An emphasis will
be placed upon threats to political and economic stability in developing countries.
Prerequisites: GCS 100, PS 235, or PS 238; and at least junior standing.
PS 434 Introduction to International Human Rights Law (1)
A seminar course on international law with an emphasis on human rights. Concepts and
principles, functions and processes associated with international law are applied to