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Course Search
Current catalog year: 2023-2024
Important Notice:
  • Course descriptions are intended for unofficial use only. Consult your catalog for the official listing.
  • Anticipated course availability reflects current plans but actual offerings may change because of factors unknown at planning time. Consult the schedule of classes for final offerings.
  • Sample syllabi are provided for planning purposes only. The syllabus used by an instructor may vary from this sample.
  • Please ask your advisor if you have any questions about a course.
Political Science [change]
View courses offered:
POLS 1001 - Introduction To Political Science - 3 hrs.
Development of the state; nature and problems of government in relation to the individual; emphasis upon the development of various forms of government.
POLS 1011 - Leadership For The Next Generation - 3 hrs.
Young people need to develop leadership skills like any other set of attributes. Focusing on existing abilities and expanding talents, this course will train young people to become leaders. This course will challenge you to think about leadership in a new, dynamic manner where YOU are the primary influencer and not a passive participant. You will learn to focus your mental skils and become the leader among your peers. You will learn how to harness your natural abilities and focus on problem-solving and critical thinking so that you, your organization and those around you become better at making critical decisions.
POLS 1012 - Public Service As A Veteran - 3 hrs.
This course is designed to introduce students to the realities of veteran issues. This course will explore veteran life from active service to civilian life, and will give students a better understanding of the leadership skills, experiences, and policies that shape the experiences of veterans. At the end of the course, students should be able to: demonstrate an understanding of veteran experiences and contemporary issues; Practice active citizenship; Identify and explain policies in place to aid veterans returning to civilian life; Apply leadership and organizational skills in planning a service event; Demonstrate an understanding of the needs of veterans and their families.
POLS 1013 - Contemporary Veterans Affairs - 3 hrs.
Introduction to political communication and citizenship issues through service.
POLS 1014 - Global Awareness And Cultural Competency - 3 hrs.
This course is intended to raise global and cultural awareness through social and political ideas and issues.
POLS 2001 - American National Government - 3 hrs.
Consideration of the nature of democracy, civil rights, federalism, the political process, the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, and current problems.

LCCN: CPOL 2013
POLS 2002 - State And Local Government - 3 hrs.
An intensive study of state and local government, structural components, political process, and basic problems. Special emphasis on Louisiana government.

LCCN: CPOL 2113
POLS 2010 - Honors Political Science - 3 hrs.
An in-depth study of the major principles, structures, and functions of government within the United States and globally. Prerequisite: Admission to the Undergraduate Honors Program or permission of the Director of the Honors Program.
POLS 3001 - Research Methods - 3 hrs.
This course is designed to introduce political science majors to the scope and research methods of the discipline. Prerequisite: POLS 201 or permission of the instructor AND department head.
POLS 3040 - Life Science & Public Policy - 3 hrs.
Introduction to the complex relationships between life science and public policy. Prerequisite(s): (BIOL 1001, BIOL 1014, or BIOL 1020) and (POLS 1001, POLS 2001, or POLS 2002).
Anticipated availability: Spr '24   |   more»
POLS 3050 - Politics And Film - 3 hrs.
Overview of the relationship between politics and film with focus on socio-economic groups, social and political change, political processes and institutions, human rights, and foreign policy. Prerequisite(s): Junior Standing
POLS 4003 - Ethics - 3 hrs.
A study of the theoretical foundations of morality with reference to approaches to ethical thought, character, and action. Concepts include good and evil, right and wrong, obligation and rights, responsibility and freedom. The application of these concepts to the working out of particular ethical problems. (Same as PHIL 4003.)
Anticipated availability: This course may be offered as needed.
POLS 4004 - Global Environmental Politics - 3 hrs.
Global Environmental Politics analyzes transnational environmental issues, such as climate change, species and habitat loss, water and air pollution, and waste management, from a cross-cultural, multi-disciplined approach with an emphasis on policy development and implementation issues. Prerequisite: POLS 2001.
POLS 4006 - Political Parties, Campaigns, And Elections - 3 hrs.
Political parties, Campaigns and Elections focuses on three closely related topics and phenomena: parties, campaigns and elections in the American context. We will be seeking to understand their parallel, and in some sense, symbiotic development and relationships. We will study the history of party politics in the United States, focusing on change and development in relationship to the dynamic American Republic. Prerequisite: POLS 2001.
POLS 4007 - Western Political Theory - 3 hrs.
A study of political theory beginning with Plato and the ancient Greeks and continuing through the Middle Ages, Reformation, and Enlightenment to Marx, Mills and the modern age. The central questions of political thought are explored e.g., what is the good?; what is justice?; how is political authority acquired?; where does sovereignty reside?; and how do we incur obligations? Prerequisite: POLS 2001.
POLS 4013 - Constitutional Law: Governmental Powers - 3 hrs.
A study of the U.S. Constitution through analysis of decisions of the Supreme Court. The cases demonstrate the nature of judicial function, the nature of the federal system, and the scope and character of the process of the national government. Prerequisite: POLS 2001 or approval of department head and permission of the instructor.
POLS 4014 - Constitutional Law: Civil Rights - 3 hrs.
A study of the U.S. Constitution through analysis of decisions of the Supreme Court. The cases demonstrate the scope and character of the limitations on governmental powers concerning civil rights such as speech, press, religions, and rights against discrimination. Prerequisite: POLS 2001 or approval of department head and permission of the instructor.
POLS 4017 - Public Administration And Administrative Law - 3 hrs.
Structure and processes of public administration, practices and processes of public administration, practices in personnel, organization and development of administrative law. Prerequisite: POLS 2001. (Formerly 309.)
POLS 4018 - Constitutional Law And Criminal Justice - 3 hrs.
Study of constitutional law and its applicability in the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: POLS 2001. (Same as CJUS 4018) (Formerly GOVM/CJUS 421.)
POLS 4020 - Louisiana Government And Politics - 3 hrs.
Development and organization of political processes in Louisiana; contemporary problems of Louisiana state and local governments. (Formerly 302.)
POLS 4021 - American Political Theory - 3 hrs.
This course focuses on the origin and development of American political thought. Topics include Locke and liberalism, Puritanism and republicanism, Paine and the revolutionary impulse, Founders and Anti-Federalists, Jefferson's agricultural republic, Tocqueville's social America, Jacksonian democracy, Lincoln and Calhoun, populists, progressives and pragmatists, New Dealers and social engineers. Prerequisite: POLS 2001.
POLS 4023 - American Urban Politics - 3 hrs.
An analysis of the structure and functions of contemporary city governments with considerable attention devoted to basic problems. Special emphasis on local government in Louisiana. (Formerly 307.)
POLS 4029 - Women And Politics - 3 hrs.
An examination of the role that women have played in the development of the U.S. political system, including historical analysis of the barriers to women's participation and the impact of politically active women on contemporary issues.
Anticipated availability: This course may be offered as needed.
POLS 4033 - The Judical Process - 3 hrs.
Structure, functions, and operations of the judiciary. Prerequisite: 2001. (Formerly 312.)
POLS 4040 - Comparative - 3 hrs.
The structure, theory, organization, and methods of control in the governments of the major European powers; recent political trends. Prerequisite: 2001. (Formerly 305.)
POLS 4041 - Latin America Politics - 3 hrs.
A comparative survey of governmental institutions and political processes which characterized the Latin American republics from the colonial period to the present.
Anticipated availability: This course may be offered as needed.
POLS 4044 - Middle East Politics - 3 hrs.
A course that analyzes Middle East politics beginning with World I to the present. Major issues include the Arab-Israeli Conflict, water policy, oil politics, Arab Nationalism, Zionism. Nationalities and sub-national movements in the regions of Turkey, the Near Middle East, North Africa, and the Persian Gulf will serve as illustrative material. Issues such as modernization, democratization, multilateralism, liberalization, terrorism, free-trade, and women's rights will be considered. Prerequisite: POLS 2001.
POLS 4045 - African Politics - 3 hrs.
Overview of the history, political systems, foreign policies, and current issues of countries across the African continent. The course is structured as a combination of comparative politics and international relations. Prerequisite(s): POLS 2001 and junior standing
POLS 4050 - American Foreign Policy - 3 hrs.
Major foreign policies, objectives, and commitments of the United States; their political, economic, and military implications. Policy decisions currently confronting the United States in various areas of the world. (Formerly 317.)
POLS 4053 - International Politics - 3 hrs.
The nation-state system, power politics, processes affecting international relations; sources of tension in international politics and possibilities of their peaceful resolution. (Formerly 315.)
POLS 4054 - Congress And The Presidency - 3 hrs.
A course focused on two of the three major institutional components of American politics. Main topics include the history of the Congress and Presidency (i.e., the two institutions' structural, behavioral and institutional adaptation to a changing America), the internal and external dynamics of public policy production (i.e., how demands arising in the electorate and elsewhere are conveyed to and/or produced within the Congress and the translation of these demands into specific laws and policies), and, the complex interaction between the Congress and the Presidency as different and separate institutions sharing power. Prerequisite: POLS 2001.
POLS 4060 - Human Rights - 3 hrs.
Overview of the study of human rights. Includes a focus on the conception of human rights, the determinants of human rights violations, and the approaches to limiting human rights abuses.
POLS 4061 - International Political Economy - 3 hrs.
A course focused on the intersection of politics and economies in relations among actors in the international environment. Main topics include: international trade strategies; the political strategies of transnational firms; assessment of international organization; the role of the Uited States in the contemporary global economy. Prerequisite: 2001.
POLS 4063 - Comparative Politics Of Race And Ethnicity - 3 hrs.
International comparative analysis of how political processes both shape and are shaped by racial and ethnic differences, both within and among nation-states. Prerequisite: 2001.
Anticipated availability: This course may be offered as needed.
POLS 4064 - Internship In Political Science - 3 to 6 hrs.
May be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit.
Field experience under the general supervision of a faculty memeber and the direct supervision of a professional in the field, with academic components including a final paper and presentation. (Same as SOCL 4064.)
POLS 4065 - Global Development - 3 hrs.
Cross-cultural exploration of the processes of economic and political development in different regions and countries of the world, including discussion of globalization and its character and effects in geographical and political settings. Prerequisite: 2001.
POLS 4070 - Social Research - 3 hrs.
The formulation of a research problem; ethics of research; development of research design; sampling procedures; collecting and processing of research data. (Same as POLS 4070; formerly SOCL 4050)
POLS 4071 - Social Statistics - 3 hrs.
Statistical procedures appropriate to the measurement and analysis of social data. Prerequisite: POLS 1001. (Same as SOCL 4071)
POLS 4080 - Public Administration - 3 hrs.
This course provides a critical introduction to public administration in the United States, within the context of organization and leadership in a democratic society. It is intended for students interested in executive departments of national, state and local government agencies. Discussions will revolve around the role of the public administrator in serving the public interest – including the many challenges and conflicts that come with this role. A diverse field by nature, this class will cover many of the commonalities shared by all in public administration, such as management, leadership, budgeting, democracy, and ethics. From this foundation you will be able to build on your public administration knowledge and future career.
POLS 4081 - Nonprofit Policy And Leadership - 3 hrs.
The course expands the awareness of the scope and number of nonprofits in the US, examines the inner workings of these organizations, and gives a foundation for further study on these topics.
POLS 4082 - Introduction To Public Policy - 3 hrs.
This course is an introduction to the public policy process in the United States. Prerequisite: Junior standing or higher
POLS 4083 - Social Entrepreneurship And Innovation For Systemic Change - 3 hrs.
This course engages students in identifying societal problems and developing innovative solutions that drive change. Prerequisite: Junior standing or higher
POLS 4090 - Mock Trial - 6 hrs.
Experiential learning about the U.S. legal system, jurisprudence, and trial court procedure. Prerequisite: permission of instructor and mock trial coach.
POLS 4092 - Directed Study: National, State, And Local (formerly 491a) - 1 to 3 hrs.
May be repeated for up to 3 hours of credit.
Directed study and/or research in selected areas of government. Prerequisite: Advanced standing, approval of department head, and permission of the instructor. (Formerly 491A)
Anticipated availability: This course may be offered as needed.
POLS 4093 - Directed Study: Public Administration And Law (formerly 491b) - 1 to 3 hrs.
May be repeated for up to 3 hours of credit.
Directed study and/or research in selected areas of government. Prerequisite: Advanced standing, approval of department head, and permission of the instructor. (Formerly 491B)
Anticipated availability: This course may be offered as needed.
POLS 4094 - Directed Study: Political Theory (formerly 491c) - 1 to 3 hrs.
May be repeated for up to 3 hours of credit.
Directed study and/or research in selected areas of government. Prerequisite: Advanced standing, approval of department head, and permission of the instructor. (Formerly 491C)
Anticipated availability: This course may be offered as needed.
POLS 4095 - Directed Study: International Relations (formerly 491d) - 1 to 3 hrs.
May be repeated for up to 3 hours of credit.
Directed study and/or research in selected areas of government. Prerequisite: Advanced standing, approval of department head, and permission of the instructor. (Formerly 491D)
Anticipated availability: This course may be offered as needed.
POLS 4096 - Directed Study: Comparative (formerly 491e) - 1 to 3 hrs.
May be repeated for up to 3 hours of credit.
Directed study and/or research in selected areas of government. Prerequisite: Advanced standing, approval of department head, and permission of the instructor. (Formerly 491E)
Anticipated availability: This course may be offered as needed.
POLS 4097 - Directed Study: Political Processes (formerly 491f) - 1 to 3 hrs.
May be repeated for up to 3 hours of credit.
Directed study and/or research in selected areas of government. Prerequisite: Advanced standing, approval of department head, and permission of the instructor. (Formerly 491F)
POLS 4099 - Senior Seminar - 3 hrs.
May be repeated for up to 6 hours of credit.
A seminar for the Political Science major. A small, group interdisciplinary approach to contemporary and relevant issues in Political Science scholarship, research, writing, and presentation. Topic varies; may not take the same topic twice. Pre-requisite: Junior Standing.
POLS 5001 - Foundation Of Public Administration - 3 hrs.
Introduction to the history, concepts, theories, and practices framing public administration in the US at the national, state, and local levels.
POLS 5002 - Intergovernmental Relations - 3 hrs.
Examines conflict and cooperation among governmental officials representing national, state, and local governments; changing roles of governments; and new mechanisms for collaboration.
POLS 5010 - Analysis Of Political And Administrative Data - 3 hrs.
Introduces the skills for solving policy-related problems or analyzing policy related data, with emphasis on research design, data collection, and data analysis.
POLS 5020 - Ethics And Public Administration - 3 hrs.
Introduction to the ethical issues often encountered when managing public resources, such as fairness, equity, and transparency.
POLS 5021 - Administrative Law - 3 hrs.
Legal issues in the exercise of governmental power by federal, state, and local agencies in the United States.
POLS 5030 - Public Budgeting And Finance - 3 hrs.
Foundation in public budgeting and finance exploring the concepts, processes, and principles essential to effective professional practice in the public sector.
POLS 5031 - Nonprofit Management - 3 hrs.
Examination of the managerial challenges posed by nonprofit organizations and of techniques and practices used by managers of nonprofit organizations.
POLS 5032 - Grant Writing - 3 hrs.
Examines sources for federal, state, and local grants; process of grant writing and interaction with funders; and resources available to find grant funding.
POLS 5033 - Fund Development For Nonprofit Organizations - 3 hrs.
This course is an overview of fund development in nonprofit organizations, focusing on fundraising. Prerequisite: MPA or permission of instructor
POLS 5034 - Board Development And Volunteer Management - 3 hrs.
This course provides the foundation necessary for the theory and practice of volunteer management. Prerequisite: MPA or permission of instructor
POLS 5040 - Program Evaluation And Policy Analysis - 3 hrs.
An overview of the design and methodological issues in evaluating public programs and policies.
POLS 5050 - Comparative Administration - 3 hrs.
Comparison of Western and Non-Western management techniques and theories, especially regarding inter-agency and intra-agency procedures.
POLS 5051 - Global Governance - 3 hrs.
Foundation in global governance explores those structures and functions operating under the United Nations regime.
POLS 5060 - Environmental Policy And Administration - 3 hrs.
Foundation in environmental policy and administration that explores the development of environmental laws followed by implementation procedures, compliance, and remediation issues.
POLS 5061 - Natural Resources Management - 3 hrs.
Foundation in natural resource management that explores structural and functional policy-making, implementation, and regulatory and compliance enforcement.
POLS 5062 - Emergency Management And Homeland Security - 3 hrs.
Foundation in emergency management and homeland security that explores policymaking, implementation, and regulatory development for natural, man-made, and terrorism-related disasters.
POLS 5063 - Public Parks And Recreation - 3 hrs.
This course provides an introduction to the administration of public parks and recreation systems in the United States. It is intended for students interested in working in such areas as the National Park Service, city parks departments, nonprofit sports organizations such as the U.S. Olympic Committee or the Special Olympics, or charitable arms of professional teams and players. Discussions will revolve around the role parks, recreation, and sports play in serving the public interest - including the many challenges and conflicts that come with this role. A diverse field by nature, this class will cover many of the commonalities shared by all in these fields, such as management, leadership, budgeting, democracy, and ethics. From this foundation students will be able to build on their public parks administration knowledge and future career.
POLS 5064 - Urban Environmental Policy And Administration - 3 hrs.
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach in understanding complex issues facing the urban environment. Prerequisite: MPA or permission of instructor
POLS 5065 - Climate Change For Public Administrators - 3 hrs.
This course takes an interdisciplinary approach in developing strategies for climate change. Prerequisite: MPA or permission of instructor
POLS 5070 - Public Personnel Management - 3 hrs.
This course is an eight (8) week online seminar on human resource management in the public sector. The objective of the course is to provide the foundation necessary for performing human resource management tasks. Student participation and case studies will aid the development of professional skills necessary in public human resource management. Students will obtain an understanding of ethical, legal, political, and practical issues facing public human resource managers and anyone with supervisory responsibilities.
POLS 5071 - Public Management Information Systems - 3 hrs.
This course studies how government uses public information systems improve productivity, transparency, and accountability. Prerequisite: MPA or permission of instructor
POLS 5091 - Directed Study - 3 hrs.
Independent study of special problems under direction of a faculty member; for students needing specialized work or experience beyond regular course offerings. Prerequisite: approval of program coordinator.
POLS 5092 - Delta Regional Authority Internship - 6 hrs.
This course provides practical experience in public administration for students participating in the Delta Regional Authority Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy. Prerequisite: approval of program coordinator and enrollment in the Delta Regional Authority Delta Leadership Institute Executive Academy.
POLS 5093 - Public Administration Internship - 3 hrs.
This course provides practical experience in public administration and may be taken only by students lacking extensive work experience in governmental administration. Prerequisite: approval of program coordinator.