Course Descriptions


Politics (POL) Courses

POL 100 American Government (3-0) 3 credits

This course explores the nature and dynamics of the American political system, including the basic structure, functions, and processes of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government, the roles of political parties and special interest groups, the mechanics of political campaigns and elections, the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and prominent issues in U.S. domestic and foreign policy. This course carries SUNY General Education Social Sciences and US History and Civic Engagement credit.  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


POL 110 State and Local Government (3-0) 3 credits

An exploration of the organization, functions and processes of State and Local Government, highlighting the activities of governors, mayors, legislatures, bureaucrats and courts, the role of political parties and lobbies, the mechanics of campaigns and elections, public administration and finance, and important areas of public policy such as taxes, health, education, welfare, immigration, energy, housing, infrastructure, environmental conservation, crime and policing. This course carries SUNY General Education Social Sciences credit.  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF


POL 130 International Relations (3-0) 3 credits

This course introduces students to the field of contemporary international relations, focusing upon the political, diplomatic, social, military, economic, and cultural interaction of state and non-state actors at the global level. By exploring a diverse array of global topics, from international diplomacy and security, to nuclear proliferation, terrorism, nationalism, pandemic disease, immigration, population growth, world trade and finance, regional economic integration, natural resource access and management, modernization, democratization, Third World poverty, human rights, and the role of the U.N. and other international organizations, this course will equip students with the knowledge necessary to understand, evaluate, and respond to a complex array of problems in the contemporary world.  View Course Syllabus Adobe Acrobat, PDF