POLS 1000 - Introduction to Politics and Government
(3 Credits)
This course is ideal for non-majors and introduces students to fundamental questions concerning the nature of the just political community. Questions concerning rights, duties, the nature of the public good, and the appropriate scope of government power will be considered. Students will critique competing historical perspectives on these questions, apply these questions in the context of contemporary American or global politics, and examine how different political systems and forms of government might develop and implement public policies to address these questions.
Lecture: 3 hours
Course completes the following requirements:
Gen.Ed. Ability 2A
Gen.Ed. Ability 4B
Social Sciences Requirement
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes
POLS 1010 - American Government and Politics
(3 Credits)
This course is a study of American government and politics at the national level. It covers the theoretical underpinnings and structure of the U.S. government, as well as the nature and scope of its powers. It also covers the governing and electoral processes, including the roles of public opinion, the mass media, political parties, and interest groups. Areas of national policy concern will be addressed in discussions of current events.
NOTE NEW COURSE NAME: American Government and Politics
Lecture: 3 hours
Course completes the following requirements:
Gen.Ed. Ability 2A
Gen.Ed. Ability 4B
Social Sciences Requirement
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes
POLS 1030 - State and Local Government
(3 Credits)
This course is a study of government and politics at the state and local levels. The institutional frameworks and powers of state and local governments will be considered. The various elements of state and local politics will also be considered, including voting, elections, political parties, and interest groups. Taxation, public expenditure, education, health care, community planning, and other areas of state and local policy concern will be addressed.
Lecture: 3 hours
POLS 2010 - International Relations
(3 Credits)
This course studies international and global politics. It includes the study of diplomatic history, theoretical approaches, international political economy, international law and organization, and issues of war, peace, and political stability.
Lecture: 3 hours
Course completes the following requirements:
Gen.Ed. Ability 2A
Gen.Ed. Ability 4A
Social Sciences Requirement
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes
POLS 2040 - American Political Parties
(3 Credits)
This course examines the fundamental role played by political parties in the American political system from the Founding to present day. Students will trace the historical evolution of political parties to understand the emergence, endurance, and profound effect of political parties on the system, both in government and the electorate.
Lecture: 3 hours
POLS 2110 - Modern Political Ideologies
(3 Credits)
In this course, students study modern and contemporary political ideologies in terms of their development and applications. This course involves intensive reading and interpretation of original works.
Lecture: 3 hours
Course completes the following requirements:
Gen.Ed. Ability 2A
Gen.Ed. Ability 4B
Social Sciences Requirement
URI/RIC Transfer General Education Transfer Opportunity: Yes
