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2025-26 Academic Draft Catalog

PSCI Course Descriptions

Table of Contents

PSCI 150 Introduction to Political Science

3 credit hours

This course provides students with an overview of the discipline of political science, and an introduction to the study of political institutions, ideas, and behavior. The course will focus on basic theories, methods, and approaches across the four subfields of political science: political theory, American politics, international relations, and comparative politics.

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PSCI 190 American Government

3 credit hours

This course introduces students to the structure and processes of American government. Students learn the theoretical foundation for the existence of government, examine the key institutions of the American political system, and explore the mechanisms by which political behaviors are expressed in a democracy, such as public opinion, voting, and political parties.

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PSCI 230 Introduction to International Affairs

3 credit hours

This course is meant to familiarize students with important concepts, common approaches, and current debates in international relations. Students are introduced to the three main schools of thought in international relations: realism, liberalism, and constructivism. Contemporary topics in this course will include: international security, international political economy, human rights, and environmental politics.

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PSCI 240 State and Local Government

3 credit hours

This course introduces students to the origin, evolution, and structure of state, county, and city government, with a particular focus on Oregon politics. Special attention is given to the nature of political problems at the local level and shared governance and tension between national, state, and local politics.

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PSCI 253 Introduction to Comparative Politics

3 credit hours

This course introduces students to the central concepts, themes, and questions in comparative politics. As a major subfield of political science, comparative politics focuses on the internal dynamics of states and proposes theories that explain political behavior. Major topics in this course will include: state formation, regimes and regime transitions, rebellion and revolution, institutions, economic development, and state-society relations.

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PSCI 260 Introduction to Law

3 credit hours

A general study of the role of law and the legal profession in American life, and a survey of the major topics addressed by the law. Attention also is given to the values promoted by our legal system and the Christian's interaction with it.

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PSCI 275 Field Experience

1-3 credit hour

Supervised experiences in varied political agencies. A maximum of three hours of credit can be gained through one internship. No more than six hours of internship credit will be counted toward major requirements, and of these no more than three hours may be upper-level credit. Pass/No Pass.

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PSCI 280 Introduction to Political Philosophy

3 credit hours

A study of great political thinkers and issues from Socrates to the present with special attention paid to the role that they play in the formation of modern political ideologies. Students are encouraged to understand and evaluate these thinkers in their historical contexts, and to consider them as philosophers whose insights are relevant for contemporary debates.

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PSCI 285 Selected Topics

1-3 credit hour

A seminar dealing with various topics as announced that represent current faculty interests and competencies.

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PSCI 295 Individualized Study

1-3 credit hour

Individualized study or supervised research in an area of special interest to the student which is outside the regular offerings of the major. Additional course fee (per credit) is required.

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PSCI 300 Contemporary Political Philosophy

3 credit hours

A survey of the major issues in contemporary political theory. Topics may include recent developments in liberal and conservative thought, distributive justice, property rights, theological accounts of rights, state neutrality, religious liberty and rights of conscience, global inequality, globalization, and nationalism.

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PSCI 303 International Conflict and Peace

3 credit hours

This course examines the causes and consequences of political conflict within and among states, as well as efforts by domestic and international actors to limit the use, frequency, and severity of violent conflict. The course also evaluates various peace and non-violence traditions.

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PSCI 310 Conflict Resolution

3 credit hours

A study of communication principles found useful in managing conflict productively. Focus is given to conflict occurring in institutional and organizational settings between individuals and groups. Attention also is given to conflict in social, national, and international settings.

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PSCI 330 Politics of the Developing World

3 credit hours

This course is an advanced seminar in comparative politics exploring an enduring puzzle: why do some states successfully develop their economies and establish stable governance while others do not? The course tackles this question by providing students with a rigorous introduction to the comparative method and analyzing the origins of the modern state. Students are expected to grapple with competing theories of economic and political development and to critically evaluate these theories in their own final research project.

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PSCI 333 Immigration Nation

3 credit hours

This course investigates American history from the colonial period to the present through the topic of immigration. It provides much-needed historical context for ongoing debates over immigration, citizenship, Americanization, race, ethnicity, and national belonging.

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PSCI 353 Constitutional Law

3 credit hours

The first half of this course considers constitutional design, especially separation of powers and federalism, and includes a close analysis of Supreme Court cases involving issues of national power. The second half focuses on the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment, especially the process of selective incorporation and civil liberties and civil rights case law.

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PSCI 380 American Foreign Policy

3 credit hours

This course is an advanced seminar in the formation and conduct of foreign policy in the United States. The course explores the main actors participating in the foreign policy-making process as well as central themes in U.S. foreign policy from the late 19th century to present day. The course also examines several contemporary topics that dominate the foreign policy agenda of the near future.

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PSCI 383 International Organizations and International Law

3 credit hours

This course provides students with a solid theoretical and practical understanding of the nature of international organizations (i.e. their origins, structure, and function in world politics) and relation to emerging international law. The practical component of this course examines the historical development, activities, and performance of specific institutions and agencies on a diverse set of policy issues including: security, economics (trade and development), humanitarian assistance, and human rights.

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PSCI 385 Selected Topics

3 credit hours

Occasional special courses are scheduled to fit the interests of students and faculty and the needs of a shifting society.

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PSCI 390 Political Science Research Methods

3 credit hours

This course introduces students to the quantitative research methods used by contemporary political scientists. Topics include the logic of social inquiry, theory-building, research design, operationalization and measurement of variables, and common statistical techniques for bivariate hypothesis testing. Students are also introduced to existing data sources and provided practical training on building, managing, and analyzing datasets.

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PSCI 399 Cross-Cultural Experience

3 credit hours

This course offers in-depth discipline specific cross-cultural study designed to enhance the intercultural emphasis of various academic majors. The course includes class meetings followed by travel to various locations throughout the world. Students will use core disciplinary knowledge to serve, learn and interact with other cultures. Additional course fee is required.

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PSCI 450 Campaigns and Elections

3 credit hours

Considers issues surrounding American campaigns and elections. Special emphasis is placed on the role of political parties and the voting behavior of individuals and groups.

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PSCI 460 Peace Theory

3 credit hours

An advanced study of the main theories of peace and nonviolence: what peace is; how it emerges in human, civil, and international relationships; what sustains it; what causes it to break down; and the potential and practice of active nonviolence. Emphasis is given to theories articulated by both scholars and prominent activists (such as Woolman, Gandhi, King, and Dix), and to ideas embodied in such practices as South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commissions and Christian Peacemaker Teams.

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PSCI 475 Field Experience

1-3 credit hour

Supervised experiences in varied political agencies. A maximum of three hours of credit can be gained through one internship. No more than six hours of internship credit will be counted toward major requirements, and of these no more than three hours may be upper-level credit. Pass/No Pass.

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PSCI 485 Selected Topics

1-3 credit hour

A seminar dealing with various topics as announced that represent current faculty interests and competencies.

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PSCI 495 Individualized Study

1-3 credit hour

Individualized study or supervised research in an area of special interest to the student which is outside the regular offerings of the major. Additional course fee (per credit) is required.

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