207
Political Science
Associate Professors: Dr. Thornton (Director of Political Science Studies), Dr. Schroeder
Assistant Professor: Dr. Mero
Adjunct Faculty: Mr. Slattery
Requirements for a Major in Political Science (CIP 45.1001)
Candidates for a major in Political Science must complete with a "C" average or better, at least 37 hours
of political science courses. Included in the 37 hours must be POLS 229, 230, 260, at least three hours in
public policy and administration (POLS 334, 337, 338, or 340), three hours in American government
(POLS 323, 324, 336), three hours in international studies (POLS 343, POLS 345, POLS 403, or HIST
448), three hours in political theory (POLS 443, 445, 446, or 447), three hours of constitutional
development (POLS 449 or 450), and the four hour senior seminar (POLS 451 or POLS 481).
Requirements for a Minor in Political Science
Students pursuing a minor in Political Science must complete, with a "C" average or better, 24 semester
hours of political science courses, including POLS 229, POLS 230, and one course from at least three of
the following five areas: public policy and administration; international studies; political thought;
constitutional development; or American government and politics.
Pre-law with a Major in Political Science (45.1001/22.0001)
Law schools want students who think rationally and logically, express themselves clearly and coherently
in both oral and written form, possess a broad education in the liberal arts, and have specialized in an
appropriate academic major. Campbell University's Department of History, Criminal Justice and Political
Science has a curriculum to aid students wishing to demonstrate such qualifications. The program meets
all college requirements for a Bachelor of Arts degree and gives the students a major in political science.
The program, which is broad enough to provide students the specific courses needed to prepare them for
the study of law, includes 6 hours of United States history, 3 hours of British history, 3 hours of political
thought, 3 hours of logic, 6 hours of economics, 3 hours of public speaking, 3 hours of psychology, 6
hours of constitutional development, 3 hours of business and/or accounting classes, and 3 hours of
advanced writing (ENGL 302) or argument and persuasion (ENGL 424). The curriculum also includes
POLS 300, Introduction to Law, with presentations by faculty of the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of
Law.
Public Administration/Public Policy with a Major in Political Science
(CIP 45.1001/44.0401)
The concentration in Public Administration/Public Policy is designed for those Political Science majors
interested in pursuing graduate degrees in public administration and/or public policy, with the ultimate
goal of working in either the public or non-profit sectors. In addition to three hours in each of the
following fields: American Government (POLS 323, 324, or 336), International Relations (POLS 343,
345, 403 or HIST 448), Political Thought (POLS 443, 445, 446, or 447), and Constitutional Law (POLS
449 or 450), the Political Science major with a Public Administration/Public Policy concentration takes
the majority of the required 37 semester hours of political science in public administration and policyrelated courses. These include: Introduction to Public Administration (POLS 338), Public Policy (POLS
340), Internship (POLS 454) and Senior Seminar (POLS 481). In addition, the Public
Administration/Public Policy student is encouraged to take the following classes: Public Budgeting
(POLS 334), Municipal Government (POLS 337), Ethics in Government (POLS 339), Organizational
Theory (POLS 442), Principles of Management (BADM 331) and Human Resource Management
Academic Catalog 2013-2015
208
(BADM 332). Open electives should include accounting, business administration, communication,
economics, psychology, sociology or other appropriate courses.
International Studies with a Major in Political Science (CIP 45.1001/45.0901) or History (CIP
54.0101/45.0901)
The program in International Studies adapts the Political Science major by requiring more of the required
37 semester hours of political science or history focus on international relations. International Studies
students are required to take GEOG 113 or 114, POLS 343, POLS 345, POLS 403, one of the POLS 443,
445, 446, or 447 series, HIST 448, POLS 449 or 450, RELG 251, and SOCI 345 (recommended). The
students should advance through the 221/222 level of a foreign language and include an economics class
in addition to the two required for the Political Science major. Political Science majors with an
International Studies concentration will complete POLS 481 as their senior seminar, while History majors
will complete HIST 451.
Requirements for a B.S. with a Major in Social Sciences (Concentration in Political Science) (CIP
45.0101)
Candidates must complete, with a "C" average or better, at least 54 semester hours in the social sciences
distributed as follows: 24 hours in political science; 12 hours of history (111-112, 221-222); and six hours
each in economics, geography, and sociology. Those political science courses must include POLS 229,
POLS 230, POLS 260 and one course each in three of the five following areas: American government,
public policy and administration, international studies, political thought, or constitutional development.
Requirements for Teaching Licensure in Social Studies (CIP 13.1318)
Students majoring in Social Sciences (concentration in Political Science) who desire licensure to teach
social studies in North Carolina secondary schools must complete, with a "C" average or better, at least
24 semester hours in political science. Those political science courses must include POLS 229, POLS
230, POLS 260, HIST 451 and one course each in three of the five following areas: American
government, public policy and administration, international studies, political thought, or constitutional
development. Students must also take 12 semester hours in history, and 6 semester hours each in
economics, geography, and sociology. All prospective teachers must possess a 2.5 average overall in
order to be admitted to the teacher education program where they will complete the School of Education
requirements for licensure.
Double Major
Along with guidelines set forth in this catalog in the Chapter entitled "Academic Programs and
Regulations", students wanting to pursue two majors must choose a "governing" major and meet the
additional requirements of: (1) maintaining a 3.0 average and (2) taking the Seminar for the "governing"
major, and possibly an additional seminar depending on the adopted curriculum (see your adviser).
Political Science Course Listing (POLS 000)
229 The National Government (3)
This general introduction to the study of American government focuses on the federal level with special
attention to the framing of the U.S. Constitution, the general organization and functioning of the national
government, the nature of federalism, political parties, elections, and current issues of public policy at the
national level. Prerequisite for most political science courses.
Academic Catalog 2013-2015
209
230 State and Local Government (3)
This course gives special attention to federal-state relations and to the workings of state government in
policy areas such as taxation, budgeting, and education. The politics of state government are closely
examined. Local government is considered, but to a lesser degree. Prerequisite: POLS 229.
232 State Legislative Politics (3)
This independent course teaches the legislative process while preparing student-delegates for the
convocation of the North Carolina Student Legislature held annually in Raleigh. Students are required to
gain a working familiarity with Robert‘s Rules of Order, participate in the research and writing of the
bill(s) to be introduced at the state meeting, and (for full credit) write a formal policy position paper.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
260 Scope and Methods of Political Science (3)
An introduction to theory, hypothesis generation, data collection, data analysis, computer usage, and
research methods of political science. This course culminates with student preparation of a research
project or grant proposal. Prerequisites: POLS 229 and MATH 160.
300 Introduction to Law (3) (Also HIST 300, CRIM 300)
An introduction and survey of the field of law for students interested in understanding the diverse nature
of the field of jurisprudence and legal studies. Prerequisites: POLS 229, 230, and junior status.
315 The Cold War (3)
An introduction to the Cold War era in 20th century East-West diplomatic history, with emphasis on the
period 1945-1991. Prerequisites: POLS 229 and HIST 112.
317 The Vietnam War (3)
This class provides a political, strategic, diplomatic, and military analysis of the Vietnam War and its
history from the origins of America‘s incremental involvement during the 1940s and 1950s, through
America‘s indirect and increasing direct combat participation during the 1960s and early 1970s, to the
war‘s tragic ending in 1975 and its far-reaching political, diplomatic, and domestic social impact then and
decades later. The course will examine US political, geo-strategic, and diplomatic interests, motives, and
rationale for America‘s involvement with Vietnam, the evolving nature of US National Security Policy
and Strategy for supporting the French and later directly prosecuting the war, and the mismatched military
strategy and tactics employed in a failed attempt to achieve America‘s political and strategic aims for a
noncommunist South Vietnam and containment of communism in Southeast Asia. Finally the course will
examine and evaluate key aspects of the War‘s lessons as they were initially ignored, later relearned, and
eventually applied to America‘s recent foreign policy challenges and conflicts, particularly in Iraq and
Afghanistan.
323 The Presidency (3)
An interdisciplinary approach to the study of the United States Presidency. Prerequisite: POLS 229.
324 Congress (3)
An interdisciplinary approach to the study of the United States Congress. Prerequisite: POLS 229.
332 Emergency Preparedness and Response (3)
The course is comprised of two components. Broadly, it is a comprehensive study of the systems
involved in the management of disasters—beginning with the historical context of Emergency
Management. Current practices, strategies, and the key personnel involved in emergency management
will be examined. There will be a larger conversation focused on how emergency planning and
management exists within the system of American federalism—covering local and state issues and their
Academic Catalog 2013-2015
210
interaction with the federal government (FEMA and Homeland Security). Specifically, this course
explores disasters from a public health perspective, examining the response systems and the populations
impacted by disasters.
334 Public Budgeting (3)
An in-depth study of public finance and budgeting; theory, practice and political context. Prerequisites:
POLS 229 and 230.
335 Congress and the Presidency (3)
This course analyzes two of the major branches of our national government in terms of their structure,
motivations, and processes, placing them within the context of the American political system.
Prerequisite: POLS 229.
336 American Political Parties (3)
The main topics considered are the origins and development of American political parties, their functions,
organizations, regulations, campaign methods, and conduct of elections. Prerequisite: POLS 229.
337 Municipal Government (3)
The history, organization, and administration of American municipal corporations are studied in some
detail. Special attention is given to intergovernmental relations and the current concerns of metropolitan
governance. Prerequisite: POLS 230.
338 Introduction to Public Administration (3)
This course explores philosophies and processes of administration of public and quasi-public
organizations as they manifest themselves in the American bureaucratic structure. Detailed attention will
be given to identifying those tasks best accomplished by the public sector, the problems of organizing and
staffing government agencies, the efforts to keep governmental agencies politically accountable, and the
means and mechanisms for implementing governmental decisions. Prerequisites: POLS 229 and 230.
339 Ethics in Government (3) (CRIM 339)
This course will help students better understand the ethical and moral dilemmas pressed upon government
in today‘s society. The most notable approaches to ethics, values, and morality in government by
prominent theorists in the field will be studied. Important concepts will be examined, such as
administrative responsibility, mental attitudes, public interest, personal codes, paradoxes of procedure,
and ethical and moral value systems. Prerequisites: POLS 229 and 230.
340 Introduction to Public Policy (3)
This course inquiries into the nature of the public policy-making process as it reveals itself in the
initiation, formulation, and implementation of policy. Students will also analyze and evaluate selected
national policies while examining and utilizing various analytical approaches. Prerequisites: POLS 229
and 230.
343 Introduction to Comparative Foreign Government (3)
This course introduces students to the recent histories, political cultures, government structures, political
processes, and current situations of selected democratic, totalitarian, and developing countries.
Prerequisite: POLS 229.
Academic Catalog 2013-2015
211
345 International Relations (3)
An introduction to politics among nations. Emphasizing the historical development of the international
state system, this course focuses on the problems of war, development, and trade in the international
system, while also including some attention to international organizations and international law.
Prerequisite: POLS 229.
403 History and Politics of International Economic Relations (3)
This course will investigate at the international level the interaction of political and economic factors in
the creation and distribution of wealth and power. Adopting a historical approach, the course will
examine the forces and trends involved in the emergence of today‘s global political economy and then
turn to current issues, including production, trade and protectionism, monetary and financial relations, and
problems of economic development and environmental degradation. Prerequisites: HIST 112 and POLS
345.
442 Organization Theory and Behavior (3)
This course enables students to increase their understanding of how organizations can more effectively
meet their objectives. Several major concepts will be examined, clarifying how organizations work and
what alternative organizational strategies and structures exist. The concepts of power, resource allocation,
work environment, and goals will be closely examined. Prerequisite: POLS 338 or 340.
443 Medieval Political Thought (3)
A survey of the major political thinkers of the medieval period, this course focuses on the Christian
writers of Western Europe, including St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, Marsilius of Padua, John Duns
Scotus, and William of Ockham. There is some analysis of Muslim and Jewish thinkers as well.
Prerequisites: POLS 229 and HIST 111.
445 Modern European Political Thought (3)
This course analyzes the main currents of European political thought in terms of their historical setting
and philosophical background. Prerequisites: POLS 229 and HIST 111-112.
446 American Political Thought (3)
The main currents of American political thought, from colonial beginnings to the present, are analyzed in
terms of their historical setting and philosophical background. Prerequisites: POLS 229 and HIST 221222.
447 Ancient Political Thought (3)
A survey of the political writings of Plato and Aristotle, this course focuses on analyses and evaluations
of political ideas as well as their historical settings. Prerequisites: POLS 229 and HIST 111.
449, 450 The Development of the American Constitution (3, 3)
This account of the living Constitution traces practices, customs, traditions, and fundamental legal ideas
in their historic setting as they make up the body of American constitutionalism today. Prerequisites:
POLS 229 and HIST 221 or 222, as appropriate.
451 Seminar on Constitutional Law (4)
This seminar requires students to make a detailed examination of the Supreme Court‘s landmark cases
and their implications. Prerequisites: POLS 449 or 450 and approval of the instructor.
Academic Catalog 2013-2015
212
454 Internship (3)
An internship is a supervised work experience with selected law firms, public agencies, political
campaign, noted public figures and non-profit agencies. Approval of instructor is required.
459 Contemporary Issues and Conferences (1-3) (HIST 459)
This course is designed to encourage student participation in such programs as the Model United Nations,
Model Arab League, and other intercollegiate conference activities and special programs of study. A
student must secure the permission of the instructor in order to enroll in POLS/HIST 459.
460 Special Topics (3)
Special Topics is a tutorial course established at the request of the student and faculty member when
special needs or circumstances require examination of subject matter not otherwise included in the
academic program (by arrangement with the instructor.)
481 Seminar in Research and Writing (4)
This seminar serves as the capstone course for students majoring in Political Science, especially those
intending to pursue post-graduation opportunities other than law school. Under the active guidance of a
faculty director, students will conceive, develop, research, and write a substantial piece (40 pages) of
scholarly work. Through this process, students will hone skills crucial to success in graduate school or the
professional arena, to include: definition of an relevant and feasible research topic, identification and
appropriate use of primary and secondary sources of information, effective organization and presentation
of ideas and information, development and application of appropriate research methodology, analysis and
interpretation of findings, and evaluation of policy implications. Prerequisite: Permission of the
instructor.
Academic Catalog 2013-2015