Majors
The UNA Political Science Major
The Political Science major is a 36 hour program with 6 required courses.
- PS 241 - United States Government and Politics
- PS 244 - Public Policy and Administration
- PS 301 - Political Science Scope and Research
- PS 302 - Comparative Politics
- PS 303 - World Politics
- PS 304 - Political Theory
Majors can then choose among courses within the political science subfields of American Politics, Comparative Governments, International Relations, Political Theory, Public Administration, and Public Policy.
The Department of Politics, Justice, and Law offers online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in political science. The online degree can be completed in four years. The online program allows students to create their schedules without having to worry about commuting to campus and is a great alternative for working and non-traditional students. The program offers students a wide range of courses with highly qualified faculty and small classes that allow faculty the time to give more individual attention to their students.
For more information contact Dr. Collins at jtcollins@una.edu or by phone at (256)765-4525.
Courses in American Politics
PS 241. (3) United States Government and Politics. A study of the institutions and processes of government, federalism, electoral behavior, interest groups, and the role of the mass media. (Fall, Spring, Summer)
PS 242. (3) Contemporary Issues in United States Politics. An examination of current major domestic and foreign policy issues. (Fall, Spring)
PS 243. (3) State and Local Government and Politics. A study of United States federalism with an emphasis on Alabama state and local government and politics. (Spring)
PS 342. (3) Parties, Elections and Voting Behavior. A study of the development and functions of political parties, the role of elections, public opinion, interest groups, modern political campaigns and theories of individual and group voting behavior. (Fall even numbered years)
PS 344. (3) Judicial Process and Behavior. A study of the organization and structure of courts in the United States, how cases reach the courts, the judicial decision-making process, issues surrounding judicial power, interpretation and decision implementation. (Offered on sufficient demand)
PS 345. (3) Congress and the Presidency. A study of the development and organization of the legislative and executive branches with particular attention to the committee system, parties in Congress, and the Presidency. (Fall odd numbered years)
PS 367. (3) United States Constitutional History. A study of the principles of the U.S. constitutional system, leading decisions of the Supreme Court with reference to federal-state governmental relationships, citizenship, police power, eminent domain, and to the commerce, contracts, and due process clauses of the Federal Constitution. (Spring, Summer)
PS 370. (3) Women in American Politics. An overview of the role of women in American politics and the role of government in defining the status of women in society. Examines the political behavior of American women and public policies which specifically impact women. Also listed as HI 370 and WS 370 but creditable only in field for which registered. (Offered on sufficient demand)
PS 316. (1) Mock Trials. Introduces students to courtroom advocacy through a fictional case prepared by the American Mock Trial Association. Students develop their critical thinking, analytical, and speaking skills while developing and presenting a civil or criminal case. Topics covered include the Federal Rules of Evidence, courtroom procedure, the structure of a criminal or civil case, and evidentiary issues. Course may be repeated for credit. Course fee: $30.00. (Fall, Spring)
Courses in Comparative Government and International Relations
PS 251. (3) Global Politics and Society. The course introduces and explores political power and human connections on a global scale. The course covers concepts and ideas on the interaction of governments, organizations, and peoples across regions, and shared topics of concern. The course helps students develop a global outlook on their future prospects as citizens and professionals in an increasingly connected world. (Offered on sufficient demand)
PS 302. (3) Comparative Government and Politics. A comparative study of the political forces, processes, institutions and performances of foreign political systems. Prerequisite: PS 301W. (Fall)
PS 303. (3) World Politics. A general examination of many of the forces and practices that influence contemporary world politics. (Spring)
PS 315. (1) Model United Nations. In-depth research and role-playing that leads to an understanding of the United Nations, the relationships among countries, methods of resolving conflict as well as the rules of parliamentary procedure. Course may be repeated for credit. Course fee: $30.00. (Fall, Spring)
PS 435. (3) International Organization. A study of the development, problems, and role of international organizations, with special emphasis on the United Nations and its agencies. (Offered on sufficient demand)
Course Offerings in Political Theory
PS 304. (3) Political Theory. An introduction to political theory from the Pre-Modern period to the present. (Spring)
PS 351. (3) Ancient and Medieval Political Theory. A study of the political thought of prominent political philosophers from Socrates to Machiavelli. (Offered on sufficient demand)
PS 352. (3) Modern Political Theory. A study of the political thought of prominent political philosophers from Hobbes to the present. (Offered on sufficient demand)
PS 450. (3) Contemporary Political Philosophy. A study of current themes and trends within contemporary political philosophy. Topics of study may include issues of justice, liberty, equality, alienation, recognition, and the politics of difference. Readings are often selected from both the Analytic and Continental philosophical traditions. Also listed as PHL 450 but only creditable in field for which registered. (Offered on sufficient demand)
PS 489. (3) American Political Thought. A study focusing on American political thought from the Federalists/Anti-Federalists debates to contemporary thinkers. (Offered on sufficient demand)
Course Offerings in Public Administration and Public Policy
PS 244. (3) Public Policy and Administration. An introduction to the public policy process and the challenges of policy implementation. (Fall)
PS 311. (3) Public Administration. This course is a study of the public administration literature. The course examines the evolution of the fields; the politics and environment under which governance occurs; and the constraints that face public administrators in serving the public good. (Fall, odd-numbered years)
PS 411. (3) Religion, Politics, and Public Policy. This class examines the theories and empirical research regarding the interaction between religious beliefs and institutions and political culture, elections, judicial decisions, public policy, public opinion, and group mobilization in the United States. Also listed as RE 411 but creditable only in field for which registered. (Offered on sufficient demand)
PS 412. (3) Introduction to Public Policy. This course is a study of how public policy is made in the United States. An emphasis will be placed on the role that constitutional structures and government agencies play at each stage of the policy process, as well as the individual and collective actions of lawmakers, interest groups, and bureaucrats. (Offered on sufficient demand)
PS 413. (3) Public Organization and Theory. This course is a study of the many theories that attempt to explain how organizations and the people in them will behave in varying organizational structures, cultures, and environments. Special attention is given the role of democratic accountability, justice, and fairness. (Offered on sufficient demand)
PS 414. (3) Urban Politics. This course examines major issues in urban politics, related trends, and problems unique to metropolitan areas. (Offered on sufficient demand)
PS 415. (3) Ethics in Administrative Leadership. This course examines major ethical issues that arise in public administration. Theoretical justification and application for ethical problems that arise in leadership positions will be explored. Also listed as PHL 415 but creditable only in field for which registered. (Offered on sufficient demand)