Please visit the catalog archive for details about 2022-23 degrees and programs.

 
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Course Descriptions

 

View real-time listing of classes and sections offered.

NOTE: Individual course fees are subject to change. See your account summary in myUVU for accurate charges.

POLS-Political Science
POLS 1000AS
American Heritage
3 Credit Hours

Studies the founding of American constitutional government. Considers the cultural, economic, legal, political, and social ramifications of the Constitution of the United States.

POLS 1010SS
Introduction to Political Science
3 Credit Hours

Explores the nature of politics and power. Compares constitutional systems of government with closed totalitarian systems such as the Communist Bloc nations. Examines public opinion, political communications, interest groups, party politics, ideologies, governmental institutions, bureaucracies, and government legal systems. Studies the role of violence and revolution. Emphasizes the influence of these political elements on the average citizens.

POLS 1020
Political Ideologies
3 Credit Hours

Surveys the major historical and current political ideologies including liberalism, Marxism, fascism and Islamism.

POLS 1100AS
American National Government
3 Credit Hours

Studies history and structure of American National Government, rights and responsibilities of citizens, political institutions, political processes, and governmental policies.

POLS 1440
Introduction to Middle East Politics
3 Credit Hours

Studies social, historical, political and religious influences affecting the Middle East. Explores forces that motivate policy and decision-making. Examines current issues such as the Arab-Israeli conflict, political Islam, petroleum power and U.S. foreign policy. Presents profiles of selected modern Middle East states and the balance of power in the region.

POLS 2100SS
Introduction to International Relations
3 Credit Hours

Discusses logic of power in international relations. Studies idealistic and realistic theories of international relations. Examines reasons why nations go to war. Compares geopolitical thrust and response.

POLS 2200SS
Introduction to Comparative Politics
3 Credit Hours

Studies comparative politics and looks at attitudes and causes of political problems. Examines methods and means employed by selected countries to solve political problems, and studies successes and failures of different approaches. Examines the means which different nations employ to deal with political problems. Explores the politics, institutions, and governments of seven selected nations.

POLS 2220
Introduction to Chinese Commerce
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1010 or ENGH 1005

Surveys the current situation of the Chinese economy, starting with Chinese economic geography and the historical background of economic development in the post-1978 era. Concentrates on economic transition, development strategies, and basic situations of various sectors in the post-reform era, discussed in a comparative framework with the economic transition and development experience of other countries. Discusses some current eye-catching issues associated with economic development and having international impacts, such as international trade and investment transactions, energy competition, and environmental degradation of China.

POLS 230G
Introduction to Political Theory
3 Credit Hours

Surveys major Western political theories, from Athenian democracy to the 21st century welfare state. Analyzes such ideologies as republicanism, liberalism, socialism, and fascism, and considers how these ideas have shaped the ways in which people think and nations act. Explores how global cultures have used and abused these ideas, and how students' own political beliefs fit into the history of political ideologies.

POLS 2400
Peace and Justice Studies Basics
3 Credit Hours

Examines the complexities and consequences of efforts to deal with conflicts between individuals, groups, and nations through a variety of techniques, including violence, war, and peace building. Introduces techniques used in the non-violent resolution of conflicts. Promotes techniques to avoid resorting to violence as a means of conflict resolution.

POLS 3000
Political Analysis
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Covers the analytical and quantitative methodologies used in political science and public policy research. Includes statistical analysis, database research, and writing exercises.

POLS 3010
Political Analysis II
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): POLS 3000 and University Advanced Standing

Covers advanced political data analysis techniques, including: advanced multiple regression analysis and diagnostics, measurement reliability and validity, the use of statistical-analysis software and presentation of analysis results.

POLS 3020
Public Program Analysis
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Serves as an introduction to evaluation methodology and evaluation tools commonly used to assess publicly funded programs. Provides training and practice in the field of public program analysis. Familiarizes students with different types of program evaluation, including needs assessment, formative research, process evaluation, monitoring of outputs and outcomes, impact assessment, and cost analysis.

POLS 3030
State and Local Government
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Examines the operation and structure of American State and Local Government with special attention to the Utah experience. Explores the local political process, administrative practices, and intergovernmental relations.

POLS 3040
Survey Research and Design Methods
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Focuses on the role of polling in the political process. Introduces the theory and methods used in survey research. Includes how survey-research firms produce polls, analysis of polling for campaigns and public opinion, the psychology of survey response, survey construction, and sampling. Covers other data-collection techniques commonly used in politics and political science such as focus groups and experiments.

POLS 3050
Experimental Methods in Political Science
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): POLS 3000 and University Advanced Standing

Provides an overview of experimental methodology currently being utilized in the field of Political Science. Dissects the multiple stages of experimental research design and data analysis. Teaches critical thinking in terms of the benefits and dangers of causal inference using experimental research.

POLS 3060
Qualitative Analysis
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): POLS 3000 and University Advanced Standing

Offers a hands-on opportunity for students to experience the practice of qualitative research. Provides training and practice in a broad set of qualitative methods as applied to public sector organizations, such as state and federal agencies, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations.

POLS 3070
Policy Analysis
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): POLS 3310 and University Advanced Standing

Provides an introduction to the objectives, functions, and techniques of policy analysis in democratic societies, with an emphasis on the United States. Emphasizes policy analysis in government organizations. Considers policy analysis in nongovernmental settings, such as nonprofit organizations and think tanks.

POLS 3100
Survey of International Terrorism
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

A survey course of political violence and terrorism in the modern world. Studies terrorism and other forms of political violence and how they relate to fundamentalism, such as the Shiite Islamic, and Christian identity movements in the United States and Western Europe. Examines the concept of religious and political terrorism, as well as the ideologies, tactics, and organizations common to most terrorist groups.

POLS 3120
Political Parties
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): (POLS 1100 or instructor approval) and University Advanced Standing

Examines the American political party system with special attention given to the history, structure, functions, and role of American political parties.

POLS 3150
US Presidency
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): (ENGL 1010 or ENGH 1005) and University Advanced Standing

Studies the executive branch of American national government. Examines the basic functions, tenets, and institutions of the federal executive branch. Special attention given to the powers, roles, and structure of the presidency. Analyzes the various complexities of executive politics and policies.

POLS 3160
Campaigns and Elections
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Examines the role of elections in the democratic process. Analyzes the effects of campaigns on voter behavior at the national, state, and local levels.

POLS 3170
Political Psychology WE
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): POLS 1000 or POLS 1100 or HIST 1700 and University Advanced Standing

Examines the integration of political science and psychology to better understand the political world. Analyzes the theories and methods that have been developed to explain political behavior. Studies how dynamic conscious and unconscious processes collectively shape political outcomes.

POLS 3180
Public Opinion and Political Behavior
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Explores the formation and role of public opinion in politics and its impact on political behavior. Topics covered are: how, and to what extent, individuals form their attitudes about politics; how researchers go about attempting to measure public opinion; the distribution and determinants of public opinion regarding a broad range of political issues; and how political attitudes affect political participation.

POLS 3200
US Congress
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): (ENGL 1010 or ENGH 1005) and University Advanced Standing

Examines the legislative branch of American national government. Explores concepts of legislative theory, examining basic structure, functions, powers and roles of Congress. Gives special attention to the legislative process, constitutional structure, and modern development of federal legislature.

POLS 3210
World Diplomacy
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2100 and University Advanced Standing

Examines diplomacy as the conduct of relations between sovereign states through the medium of officials based at home or abroad. Explores processes and procedures of the diplomatic art that focuses chiefly on the recent past but is rooted in history. Emphasizes negotiation (the most important function of diplomats), as well as unconventional diplomatic methods.

POLS 3220
Interest Groups
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Provides an introduction to interest groups and their role in American politics. Examines the ways that citizens, firms, and institutions struggle to gain representation through organized interest groups in the United States. Includes the reasons why interest groups are formed, the reasons why people join organized interests groups, and the importance of leaders and leadership in attracting members and maintaining the stature of the group.

POLS 3250
Introduction to Law and Politics
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): POLS 1100 and University Advanced Standing

Examines the relationship between law and politics. Addresses the impact politics have on the judiciary and the strengths and weaknesses of law as a means of social order. Focuses on general issues of legal and political theory and the social and political function of law.

POLS 3260
American Federalism
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Examines the origin and development of the American federal system of government. Explores the historical phases and changing conceptions of federalism in the United States. Applies theoretical debates to the study of public policy, including education policy, marijuana regulation, civil rights and civil liberties, and economic development. Analyzes the ways in which decentralized government promote or inhibit other public goods like equality, diversity, and unity.

POLS 3300
Introduction to Public Administration
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Introduces basic concepts and principles in the implementation of public policy, as opposed to the formation of public policy. Includes concepts such as chain of command, hierarchy, and span of control.

POLS 3310
Introduction to Public Policy WE
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 1010 or ENGH 1005 and University Advanced Standing

Provides an introduction to the process of public policy-making in the United States and to the substance of policy in areas like health policy, environmental policy, and education policy. Introduces students to the fundamental skills of policy analysis and to some of the difficult choices involved in identifying, addressing, and resolving public policy problems.

POLS 3320
Nonprofits and The Public Sector
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): (ENGL 1010 or ENGH 1005) and University Advanced Standing

Explores the historical background, development, role, and purposes of nonprofit organizations. Expands awareness of the scope and breadth of the nonprofit sector in the United States, and examines the inner workings of nonprofit organizations as the foundation for further study.

POLS 3330
Environmental Politics and Policy
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Examines current environmental problems' political character, attempts to comprehend their causes, and discusses how governments, organizations, movements, communities, and individuals are responding to environmental degradation and the rapidly escalating climate crisis. Identifies and analyzes the guiding principles that inform policy choices and the different tools available to policymakers to address these challenges, with a focused examination of state government, federalism, and the roles of the three branches of the national government.

POLS 3340
Public Innovation
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): (ENGL 1010 or ENGH 1005) and University Advanced Standing

Presents an overview of the background, methods, and, techniques associated with public sector innovation. Equips students who wish to be innovators with the knowledge and skills necessary to imagine and implement innovative solutions to public problems.

POLS 3350
Health Politics and Policy
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Explores the politics of public health and health care policy in the United States, with a focus on current issues and controversies. Compares health policy in the United States to other countries on a variety of issues, including access and cost. Examines various legal issues surrounding health policy.

POLS 3360
The Politics of Economic Inequality
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Explores the relationship between economic inequality and the American political system. Examines how the public has responded to the growth of income inequality. Explores public policies that are closely connected to growing inequality and analyze previous policy debates concerning economic inequality in the contemporary United States.

POLS 3370
Leading Cities
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): (ENGL 1010 or ENGH 1005) and University Advanced Standing

Provides an introduction to and overview of what leadership is within the public sector. Examines the skills required to successfully lead and manage cities for both elected and appointed leaders (mayors, city managers, city council members, etc.). Considers related topics, including the diverse functions of a city and common challenges faced by city leaders.

POLS 3380
Local Economic Development
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): (ENGL 1010 or ENGH 1005) and University Advanced Standing

Introduces the context, theory, process, and practice of local economic development policy. Examines facets of local economic development such as tax increment finance, job creation, economic analysis, business expansion and retention, and economic gardening.

POLS 3390
Urban Planning
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Provides a broad introduction to the field of urban planning as a profession, a process of decision-making, and a government function. Explores the limitations and benefits of planning, primarily in areas such as climate adaptation, economic development, and natural disasters.

POLS 3400
American Foreign Policy
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): POLS 1100, POLS 2100, and University Advanced Standing

Examines the development and theories of American foreign policy with special emphasis on the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. Surveys the process by which American foreign policy is formulated and examines major events and trends in policy since World War II.

POLS 3410
Globalization and Sustainable Development
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Examines major measurements of sustainability indicators, approaches and institutions in disaster management, and the roles of environmental assessment, management and policy. Considers the impacts of infrastructure development, economics, and market failures, in addition to major approaches and linkages to poverty reduction. Examines the importance of governance, democratic institutions and civil society for sustainable development (SD). Considers the role of international financial and political institutions; international environmental agreements for SD.

POLS 3420
Islam in World Affairs
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Examines the history, traditions, and pillars of Islam as the latest among monotheistic religions in the world. Studies the role of women in Islam and its roots of diversity, including the historic split to Shia and Sunnis. Examines the influence of Islam in the politics and economies of Muslim nations around the world and examines the challenges presented by radical Islam for the modern world.

POLS 3480
Race in Politics
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Analyzes the role of race and ethnicity in global, national, and local politics. Focuses on the ways race has been socially constructed to promote the power of some and the domination of others.

POLS 3490
Race and Politics in the U.S.
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): POLS 1000 or POLS 1100 or HIST 1700 and University Advanced Standing

Examines the major theories that have attempted to explain the roles of race and ethnicity in American politics. Studies how race, ethnicity, and gender are used as resources for organization in the political development of the United States. Analyzes the political attitudes and behaviors of racial and ethnic populations in order to measure their contemporary political influences.

POLS 3500
International Relations of the Middle East
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): (POLS 2100 or instructor approval) and University Advanced Standing

Covers the impact of the West on the Middle East, the Arab-Israeli wars, the rise of Islamic fundamentalist terrorist groups and regimes, the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988), the Iraq-Kuwait-US war (1990-1991), the Impact of 9/11, as well as the foreign policies of several major states in the Middle East.

POLS 3510
Post Soviet Politics
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Examines relations of the Russian Federation to its neighbors and other strategic international actors. Focuses on the dynamics of key bilateral relationships by highlighting such key areas as oil and energy, defense policy, economic policy priorities, and the role of international institutions.

POLS 352G
Chinese Politics
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Reviews the historical background in which Chinese Communist Party established its governance. Examines the politics of the People's Republic of China since 1949. Analyzes important aspects of Chinese political and economic institutions and governance, such as party-state, political economy, judicial system, military, dissent politics, and foreign policy. Explains Chinese geographic and demographic features and how those features affect Chinese politics and economy. Discusses significant effects and implications which China's political modernization and economic growth might have across its border.

POLS 353G
Asian Politics
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Explains the demographic features in India, China, and Japan and how those features affect politics in the three countries. Reviews the historical background in which India, China, and Japan established their national identities. Surveys and compares the state-building efforts and development strategies in India, China, and Japan. Examines and compares domestic political system and government structure in these three countries. Discusses significant effects and implications which Asian politics might have across their borders.

POLS 356G
Comparative Politics of Central Asia
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): (ENGL 1010 or ENGH 1005) and University Advanced Standing

Introduces students to the region of Central Asia with its complex nature and origins of instability. Places regional conflicts to the context of global political developments. Analyzes the historical background of its problems and challenges in combination with studies of its dynamically developing politics.

POLS 3600
International Relations of East Asia WE
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Examines the historical, structural, geopolitical, institutional, and normative dynamics that have shaped the international relations and orders in East Asia. Surveys the geopolitical dynamics for war and peace, and the impact of East Asian culture, civilization, and identity. Studies industrial development and the development of trans-border production networks. Focuses on the dynamics, characteristics and problems of economic regionalism and cooperative security, with special attention to domestic structures and their influence on international relations in the region.

POLS 3610
International Organization WE
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2100 and University Advanced Standing

Focuses on the the role of international institutions in the modern state system. Analyzes procedures of international cooperation in key issue areas including: the peaceful settlement of disputes and international security, human rights, economic development, and the environment.

POLS 3620
Latin American Politics
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Studies the development of modern political institutions as an outcome of colonial practice in Latin America, such as slavery and economic dependency. Examines national politics in Latin America, focusing on issues such as political power, democratization, indigenous rights, border politics, neo-colonialism, and Latin American socialism. Explores the consequences for Latin America of neo-liberalism, Eurocentrism, narco-trafficking,and globalization on the international level.

POLS 362G
Modern Chinese Political Economy
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Examines the Chinese experience in economic transition and economic development in general and in several domestic sectors, which cross the conventional boundaries between political and economic analysis and through a comparative lens vis-à-vis other transition economies and developing economies. Presents the basic historical and current developments of Chinese economy. Probes the interaction between economic development and political institutions in China, and considers the international effects and implications of Chinese economic development in a critical way.

POLS 3630
Sustainable Mountain Development
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Considers the issues of sustainable mountain development (SMD) as a part of the globalization process and one of the important priorities of the multilateral agenda of the United Nations. Includes discussion of the problems of mountain ecosystems, such as sources of goods, food, and services for mountain populations. Examines special economic development issues in rural, isolated mountain communities in the contexts of recreation and tourism, biological and cultural diversity, and religious significance.

POLS 3640
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Examines the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the role the UN Economic and Social Council plays in the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals. Considers the role of the sustainable mountain development agenda in the UN 2030 Development Agenda and in promotion of Utah as the model of economic development among mountain nations worldwide. Examines the practical aspects of the UN Sustainable Development Goals advocacy through an engaged learning activity by visiting the UN Economic and Social Council forums.

POLS 3650
Model United Nations
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Focuses on the issues, goals and procedures of the United Nations. Incorporates research on political, economic, and social issues of assigned countries in preparation for a simulation of the United Nations. Includes debate on important international political issues accompanied by negotiation and drafting of resolutions to address global problems.

POLS 3680
International Political Economy
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2100 and University Advanced Standing

Focuses on the connection between politics and economics in international relations, including an overview of some of the major issues in the area of international political economy, the international trade and financial systems, the role of multinational corporations, economic development, and economic globalization.

POLS 420R
Issues and Topics in Political Science
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 2010 and University Advanced Standing

Surveys a specific topic in political science. Topic varies each semester. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits toward graduation.

POLS 4500
International Conflict and Security
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2100 and University Advanced Standing

Focuses on causes and theories of conflict in international relations. Includes traditional and emerging threats to international security, as well as policy responses to them.

POLS 4610
International Law
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): POLS 2100 and University Advanced Standing

Focuses on theories, sources, and foundations of international law. Includes discussion of rights and duties of states, the relationship between international and domestic law, interstate settlement of disputes, and extraterritorial jurisdiction. Explores international law in the areas of human rights, the environment, and the use of force.

POLS 480R
Internship WE
2 to 9 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing

Provides opportunities for internship experience in political organizations, government offices, and non-governmental organizations. Gives practical experience in oral and written communication in an applied professional setting. May be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits toward graduation.

POLS 4850
State Legislative Internship Seminar
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): University Advanced Standing
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): ENGL 1010 or ENGH 1005

Prepares students who have been selected to serve as interns to the Utah State Legislature. Focuses on legislative behavior and organization; bill and law making; research and policy; comparative state government and politics and internship requirements.

POLS 490R
Independent Study
1 to 4 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 2010 and University Advanced Standing

Provides independent study for students unable to secure a desired class within regular semester curriculum offerings. With the approval of dean and/or department chair, student and instructor design and complete readings and other projects at the upper division level. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits toward graduation.

POLS 4990
Senior Seminar WE
3 Credit Hours
Prerequisite(s): POLS 3000, Senior standing in Political Science, and University Advanced Standing

Includes readings and discussions about fundamental political science problems and issues. Offers directed research project tailored to each student's special interests.