Fall 2025 Courses

POLS 102: Introduction to Comparative Politics
MWF 10:20PM - 11:20PM (Ben Gaskins)

MWF 11:30PM - 12:30PM (Leah Gilbert)

Introduction to the central questions in comparative politics. Fundamental differences in the organization of states, democratic political institutions (presidentialism versus parliamentarianism, for example), and domestic social forces (for example, social capital, ethnic versus nonethnic identities). The impact of political organization on economic performance and social peace.

Prerequisites: None.

POLS 103: Introduction to American Politics
MWF 9:10AM - 10:10PM (Todd Lochner)

The politics of the founding period; interactions within and among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches; the federal division of institutionalized powers; public opinion, interest groups, and political parties; the policy process in areas such as defense, welfare, civil rights and liberties, and international affairs.

Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: None.

POLS 201: Research Methods in Political Science

MWF 11:30PM - 12:30PM (Matt Scroggs)

Introduction to the methodological principles and issues in political science research, using readings within and beyond political science. Identifying variables and mechanisms, developing and testing theories, collecting and measuring data, and assessing a study’s ability to achieve causal inference. Introduction to different approaches to research, including experiments, case studies, and regression analysis. Strongly
recommended for sophomores or juniors who have declared a POLS major, as this course is a
prerequisite for thesis and some senior capstone courses.

Prerequisites: POLS 102 or POLS 103
Restrictions: Sophomore standing required.

POLS 255: Law, Lawyers, and Society 
MWF 12:40PM - 01:40PM (Todd Lochner)

The role of law and legal institutions in the American political system. Examination of institutional actors such as lawyers, judges, and juries, as well as an examination of discrete case studies such as “mass torts” and the criminal justice system. What features define the American legal system; how does this system compare to those of other countries; what are its respective advantages and disadvantages?

Prerequisites: POLS 103
Restrictions: Sophomore standing required.

POLS 301: American Constitutional Law: Equal Protection and Due Process
MW 03:00PM - 04:30PM (Todd Lochner)

The U.S. Supreme Court and judicial review from 1787 to the present. The court’s landmark constitutional decisions, as well as the theory and techniques of constitutional interpretation. The court’s authority within the wider political and social context of American government, with emphasis on the court’s jurisprudence in the areas of equal protection (including segregation and desegregation, affirmative action, gender
discrimination, and sexual orientation discrimination) and due process (including privacy and abortion rights). Discussions of actual Supreme Court rulings, majority opinions, and dissenting arguments, as well as the political and historical context of those decisions in an effort to understand how and why the Supreme Court has played such an influential role in American politics and political thought.

Prerequisites: POLS 103
Restrictions: Sophomore standing required

POLS 312: Pillars of Western Political Thought: The Fate of Democracy
TTH 11:30AM - 01:00PM (John Holzwarth)

Democracy aspires to level the political playing field, but when power is taken from the hands of
elites, where does it go? How thoroughly can democratic politics transform a culture, and what, if anything, can check its influence? Is the democratic age safer from radical evil, or does it help produce fascism and totalitarianism? This course examines the pros, cons, and prospects of the democratic age, with primary
emphasis on foundational thinkers from the early 19th century to the present. Readings may include Alexis de Tocqueville, John Stuart Mill, Friedrich Nietzsche, Walt Whitman, Hannah Arendt, Isaiah Berlin, and Michel Foucault, among others.

Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Sophomore standing required.

POLS 359: Religion and Politics
MWF 12:40PM - 01:40PM (Ben Gaskins)

Measuring religiosity and how or if religious participation affects political participation. The role of the church as a political institution. Religious leaders as political leaders. Emphasis on religion in American politics.

Prerequisites: POLS 103.
Restrictions: Sophomore standing required.

POLS 400: Senior Thesis 
(Ben Gaskins)

Choosing a definitive topic and narrowing it; developing a research design, doing the research, submitting drafts, revising drafts, polishing final copy. Presenting thesis to political science faculty and seniors for critique, rewrite of thesis. Final form due at end of semester. Normally taken for 2 credits in both fall and spring semesters of senior year for a total of 4 credits. A deferred grade will be issued for the first semester of the yearlong series. When the full sequence is completed, the given grade applies to both semesters.

Prerequisites: POLS 102, POLS 103, POLS 201

Restrictions: Sophomore Standing

POLS 402: Problems in Political Theory
TTh 01:50PM - 03:20PM (John Holzwarth)

Advanced analysis of a specific problem, theme, or concept intriguing to political theorists. Specific content varies. Themes have included revolution, utopia, the American founding, Nietzsche, identity and self-creation, and the philosophy of history.

Prerequisites: None.
Restrictions: Junior standing required. Open to sophomores only with consent of instructor.