Southwest Baptist University Course Catalog 2006-2007
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POL 2101. Prelaw Seminar - 1 hour (Spring) A career oriented course which identifies the major fields of law; also includes a study of the requirements for admission to law school with emphasis on the Law School Admission Test; in addition, students usually visit a law school.
POL 2223. American State and Local Government - 3 hours (Spring) Organization, administration and problems of state, county, municipal and other local governments in the United States. Prerequisite: POL 1113.
POL 2951-4. Special Topics in Political Science - 1-4 hours Prerequisite: POL 1113.
POL 3313. International Relations - 3 hours (Spring, odd years) An in-depth study of relations among the nations of the world and the problems which arise with their constantly increasing interactions. Prerequisite: POL 1113.
POL 3323. Comparative Government - 3 hours (Fall, odd years) A comparison of different kinds of political systems in the various regions of the world. The U.S. style of democracy will be compared with parliamentary systems, middle eastern and African authoritarianism, socialist systems, Asian democracies and Latin American corporatism. Prerequisite: POL 1113.
POL 4453. Congress and the Legislative Process - 3 hours (Spring, even years) Major topics include: origin and powers of the United States Congress; relation of Congress to the other branches of government and to the public; leadership, partisanship, the committee system and policy making; comparison with the state legislatures. Prerequisite: POL 1113 or consent of instructor.
POL 4563. The Supreme Court and Constitutional Development - 3 hours (Fall, odd years) Focuses on landmark Supreme Court decisions and judicial interpretations of the U.S. Constitution from the 1790's until the present; topics addressed include origins of the Constitution, powers of the three branches, separation of powers, regulation of commerce and individual rights based on the Bill of Rights. Prerequisite: POL 1113 or consent of the instructor.
POL 4673. The American Presidency - 3 hours (Fall, even years) Explains the role of the President in the American Federal System. Focuses on relations with the public and the press, the Congress and the Courts, the bureaucracy and public policy. Prerequisite: POL 1113.
POL 4883. Political Philosophy - 3 hours (Spring, even years) A study of the political themes in the classical philosophies from Platonism to Marxism in comparison with biblical teachings on the same themes. Major topics addressed include: the nature of man, the ideal form of governments, the citizen's responsibility to the government, the government's responsibility to the citizen, the definition of liberty and the nature of human rights. Prerequisites: POL 1113 and 60 or more hours of credit.
POL 4951-4. Intensive Studies in Political Science - 1-4 hours (Fall, Spring) A seminar investigating a selected topic or theme in the light of previous and current interpretations. Areas of study will vary with each offering; therefore, the student may elect to repeat the course when different content is offered. Prerequisite: Six hours of political science and/or consent of instructor.
POL 4981-8. Internship - 1-8 hours (On demand) Credit for participation in approved off-campus internship, training, or in-service training experience in government related activity. Prerequisite: 12 hours of political science, 60 or more hours of credit, minimum GPA of 2.25, and approval of the department.
POL 4991-3. Independent Studies - 1-3 hours (Fall, Spring) Advanced studies of specific topics. Prerequisites: 15 hours of political science and 60 or more hours of credit.