Political Science (POLS)

Students who enroll in political science courses must have placed in ENGL 101 and are encouraged to either have completed ENGL 101 or be enrolled in that course when scheduling a political science course.

POLS 100 Comparative Politics (A, W, SP, SU)                                                       
5 credits 
This course is designed as an introductory survey class for the student interested in the field of comparative politics.  The class begins with an analysis of just what comparative politics is. A theoretical framework is used to help the student understand the basic principles found within comparative politics.  We will study specific countries by analyzing their history, institutions, political culture, and economy.
Lecture:  5 hours –Lab:  0 hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 102 or 111  
Lab fee: $5.00

POLS 101 Introduction to American Government (A, W, SP, SU, DL)

5 credits
This course introduces students to the nature, purpose and structure of the American political system. Attention is given to the institutions and processes that create public policy. The strengths and weaknesses of the American political system are discussed, along with the role of citizens in a democracy. A distance-learning (DL) version of Introduction to American Government is available. Students taking the Web-based version of the course must be familiar with computers, have an e-mail address, and access to the Internet. Course content is identical to that presented in a traditional classroom setting. Examinations for distance-learning courses are administered at the Testing Center.
Lecture: 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

POLS 165 Introduction to Politics (A, W, SP, SU, DL)

5 credits
This course introduces students to the basic concepts and issues in the study of politics. The course compares various political institutions, ideologies, and economic systems; examines political socialization and culture; explores methods of resolving international conflict; and explains the impact of modern bureaucracies on policy-making. A distance-learning (DL) version of Introduction to Politics is available. Students taking the Web-based version of the course must be familiar with computers, have an e-mail address, and access to the Internet. Course content is identical to that presented in a traditional classroom setting. Examinations for the Web-based version are administered on the Internet.
Lecture: 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Placement into ENGL 101
Lab fee: $5.00

POLS 207 State and Local Government (A, W, SP, SU)  
5 credits
This course introduces the student to the nature, purpose and structure of state and local governments, especially in Ohio. Attention is given to the institutions and processes that create public policy, including fiscal policy and the court system. The strengths and weaknesses of the state and local government system are discussed along with the everyday role of citizens in a democracy—especially at these levels of government.
Lecture:  5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 101  
Lab fee:  $5.00

POLS 250   International Relations (A, W, SP, SU)
5 credits                                                                         
This course examines the origin, nature, and development of the post-Cold War international system. It explores how individuals, Nation-States, nongovernmental and international organizations interact with one another. Basic concepts include knowledge of actors such as Nation-States, international organizations like the United Nations, transnational corporations, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and social movements. The course further examines theoretical frameworks for interaction such as idealism, realism, and nationalism. Students will assess issues such as national sovereignty, the meaning of nationalism, national interest, national security, and the international balance of power. The course considers aspects of foreign policy including political economy, isolationism, and interventionism. It also explores strategies for enhancing international security, conflict resolution, diplomacy, military intervention, and the role of international law.
Lecture:  5 hours –Lab:  0 hours
Prerequisite: ENGL 101  
Lab fee: $5.00

POLS 290 Capstone Experience in Political Science (On Demand)

3 credits
This course is for students completing the two-year Associate of Arts or Associate of Science Degree who have special interest in continuing a baccalaureate degree program in political science. The course presents a basic introduction to political science research methodologies that students apply in researching a political science topic of interest. Course requirements include the assembly of a portfolio that covers student’s academic career at Columbus State Community College and participation in summative testing of their academic skills. Open only to Associate of Arts or Associate of Science students preparing to graduate within two academic quarters.
Lecture: 2 hours – Lab: 2 hours
Prerequisite: Completion of Associate of Arts and Associate of Science core requirements and at least 75 hours toward the degree and five credit hours in political science
Lab fee: $5.00

POLS 293 Independent Study in Political Science (On Demand)

POLS 293 is an individual, student-structured course that examines a selected topic in political science through intensive reading or research. The independent study elective permits a student to pursue his/her interest within the context of a faculty-guided program.
Lecture: 1 to 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor and the chairperson and one course in Political Science
Lab fee: $5.00

POLS 299 Special Topics in Political Science (On Demand)

POLS 299 allows students to examine, in detail, selected topics of interest in political science.
Lecture: 1 to 5 hours – Lab: 0 hours
Prerequisite: Varies
Lab fee: $5.00