Social Sciences

Political Science

Course Descriptions

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POL 211 AMERICAN NATIONAL GOVERNMENT: 3 credits
Prerequisite: permission of the instructor
This course surveys the background, constitutional principles, organization, and operation of the American political system. Topics include the U.S. Constitution, federalism, civil liberties, civil rights, political parties, interest groups, political campaigns, voting behavior, elections, the presidency, bureaucracy, Congress, and the justice system. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and explain relationships among the basic elements of American government and function as more informed participants of the American political system.

POL 220 STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT: 3 credits
This course is a study of the forms, functions, institutions, and operation of American state and local governments. Emphasis is placed on the variety of forms and functions of state and local governments, with particular attention to those in Alabama and to the interactions between state and local government and the national government. Upon completion, students should be able to identify elements and explain relationships among the state, local, and national governments of the U.S. and function as more informed participants or state and local political systems.