Political Science

Classes

POLS-201 : The Legislative Process

Examination of institutions, government agencies, and public's action as related to legislative law-making and operations.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-204 : Approaches to Comparative Politics

A graduate seminar that reviews the traditional and contemporary literature in comparative politics, focusing on macro level analysis. Themes examined include: social.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-217 : Methods of Political Science

Examination of the fundamentals of research design, measurement, data collection, and data analysis. It is the prerequisite for the higher-level courses including Behavioral Research Methods, Survey Research Methods, and Multivariate Data Analysis.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-218 : Public Policy Formulation

Seminar introduces students to the policy making process. Emphasis is on the policy process —from the mobilization of support for policy change to the formulation of policy objectives, targets, and instruments as well as the assessment of policy outcomes.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-225 : Pressure Groups

Analysis of the purposes, techniques, history and influence of pressure groups in American government.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-226 : World Imperialism/Globalization

Comparative examination of historical and contemporary forms of imperialism, with emphasis placed on such institutions of imperial control as the state and transnational corporations.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-227 : Introduction to Black Politics

Concepts and theory for each area of study, together with its relevant literature, within the framework of behavioral or topical approaches to the presentation of the literature.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-228 : Non-Traditional Approaches to World Politics

This course focuses on the contemporary ;foreign policy of the United States of America. There are a number of ways to study foreign policy - theoretical, practical, historical, and ideological are but a few of the most popular methods. This course utilizes a synthesis of differing approaches. This course provides students with highly advanced knowledge of the key concepts, history, themes, and contemporary issues in contemporary US Foreign Policy. This course will familiarize students with theoretical explanations of US foreign policy, historical and contemporary American thinking on international affairs, the structure of foreign policymaking in Washington DC, as well as some of the major challenges facing contemporary American policymakers.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-231 : Program Evaluation

Study of the basic methods used to evaluate programs and policies, including an examination of the impact that selected policies have had on intended target populations.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-233 : Pan-Africanism

Analysis of the origins of Pan-Africanism within the framework of the interactions between it and the political, economic, and cultural forces which produce it.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-234 : Black Ideology

Study of the major political ideologies and analysis of their formation, content, and impact on the process of types of Black political activity.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-241 : Sem International Dev Pol

This course is an introduction to the field of global politics, also known as international relations. It focuses on a variety of interconnected topics, including the development of the nation-state system and political interactions among countries over issues of war and peace, human rights, and economic and environmental policies.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-243 : Political Economy of Advanced Capitalism

An in-depth examination of the strategic role played by the U.S., E.U., and other economic powers in leading the capitalist development, the role of the state, and the internationalization of capital and labor.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-244 : Seminar in Political Economy

An in-depth examination of advanced topics including crisis theories, industrial restructuring, state monopoly capitalism, role of research and development in technological and scientific evolutions, etc.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-245 : Seminar in International Development Policies

Two related themes run through the material to be covered in this course: the relationship between politics and economic development and the dynamics of political development. After a critical assessment of the discourse and history of development, we will discuss topics such as the role of the state in the economy, strong versus weak and failed states and state-building efforts, the effect of political institutions and legal frameworks in determining policy choices and driving economic growth, the relationship between democracy and development, dynamics of democratic transitions and democracy promotion, the civil society, political accountability, transparency, and the anti-corruption agenda, and the debates around good governance.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-246 : Seminar in Science and Technology Policy

Examination of the public policy issues that have deep connections to science and technology and its expertise. It examines environmental, energy, and economic policy in the United States and their local, state, national and global implications. Topics covered may include air and water policy, energy production and regulation, STEM education and labor markets, trade, innovation, intellectual property, federal research & development.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-249 : Comparative Perspectives in International Security

This course seeks to establish basic foundations of the use of force by States, legal and moral restrictions on its application and the fundamental foundations of strategic policy. It will examine how states have responded to their security challenges over the centuries as technology has transformed the strategic landscape by examining a series of State security case studies.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-250 : Social Justice Policy

This seminar course focuses on western approaches to rendering social justice in New World nations forged by colonization of indigenous, slave, and immigrant population by settler populations. Particular attention is given to both processes and policies that abrogate and restore full citizenship rights and benefits.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-252 : Social Movements

A seminar on classic and contemporary literature on the origins and outcomes of social movements.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-257 : Multivariate Data Analysis

Analysis of the General Linear Model in social science research: statistical theory and the matrix approach in multivariate data analysis

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-259 : International Law

This course is intended to introduce students to the basic concepts and problems of public international law and of the international legal system. It will also address newer themes in international law such as the international law of human rights and international criminal law.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-260 : Electoral Politics

Analysis of Black activities in electoral politics, voting trends, party allegiance, and other important factors.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-264 : Problems in International Security

This course is a deep dive on pressing international security problems, as well as frozen conflicts and developing security issues. It is intended as a capstone to the ISS major and will feature a written research project.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-270 : Middle East in the World System

This course examines the history, national interests, policy objectives, and outcomes of US engagement in the Middle East from World War I to the present. The course examines the international environment, regional issues, and the policies and tools used to protect and advance US national interests. Episodes of US intervention are examined, as are current issues and challenges for US foreign policy in the region.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-274 : Government and Politics of Southern Africa

An exploration Southern African political activity, with emphasis on the regional political economy including the Southern African Development Economic Community (SADEC) as a regional economic community.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-284 : Third World Political Theory

Examination of the contribution of third world theorists and leaders to the development of political theory. Topics include dependency theory, nonalignment, and alternative political and economic models

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-292 : Seminar in American Politics

Examination of components of the American political system, including the constitutions, structures, and political institutions of national and sub-national governments

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-293 : The Judicial Process

Examination of the legal and political factors that influence the rule- adjudication process in the federal system.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-299 : Current Problems in Public Policy

Seminar focuses on specific policy sector issues, e.g., transportation, social welfare, education, security, environment, urbanization, etc. Emphasis is on the acquisition of analytical skills, evaluation of policy instruments and their administration and management.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-301 : Independent Study: American Government

This course allows students to select a political science faculty member or a faculty member in another academic unit at Howard University to work with on an agreed upon creative or scholar independent research project that furthers the student�s interest in the area of American government. The purpose of independent study research is also to support the thesis development and/or the student�s future creative career goals.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

nine hours of graduate course credit completed in the field, plus permission of the instructor, Director of Graduate Studies, and Chair of Department.

POLS-302 : Independent Study: Public Policy

This course allows students to select a political science faculty member or a faculty member in another academic unit at Howard University to work with on an agreed upon creative or scholar independent research project that furthers the student�s interest in the area of public policy. The purpose of independent study research is also to support the thesis development and/or the student�s future creative career goals.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

nine hours of graduate course credit completed in the field, plus permission of the instructor, Director of Graduate Studies, and Chair of Department.

POLS-303 : Independent Study: Comparative Politics

This course allows students to select a political science faculty member or a faculty member in another academic unit at Howard University to work with on an agreed upon creative or scholar independent research project that furthers the student�s interest in the area of comparative politics. The purpose of independent study research is also to support the thesis development and/or the student�s future creative career goals..Open to students who have completed POLS-204 and two other Comparative Politics courses. Permission of instructor, Director of Graduate Studies, and Chair is required

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-304 : Independent Study: International Relations

This course allows students to select a political science faculty member or a faculty member in another academic unit at Howard University to work with on an agreed upon creative or scholar independent research project that furthers the student�s interest in the area of internationla relations. The purpose of independent study research is also to support the thesis development and/or the student�s future creative career goals..Open to students who have completed POLS-287 and two other International Relations courses. Permission of instructor, Director of Graduate Studies, and Chair is required.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-306 : Independent Study: Methodology

This course allows students to select a political science faculty member or a faculty member in another academic unit at Howard University to work with on an agreed upon creative or scholar independent research project that furthers the student�s interest in the area of research methods. The purpose of independent study research is also to support the thesis development and/or the student�s future creative career goals.Open to Master of Arts students after completion of two required research tools. Open to Doctor of Philosophy students after completion of three required research tools. POLS-306 cannot be substituted for research tool requirements.

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-307 : Independent Study: Black Politics

This course allows students to select a political science faculty member or a faculty member in another academic unit at Howard University to work with on an agreed upon creative or scholar independent research project that furthers the student�s interest in the area ofBlack politics. The purpose of independent study research is also to support the thesis development and/or the student�s future creative career goals.Open to students who have completed nine credits in Black Politics.

Credits

Credits 3

Prerequisites

Permission of instructor, Director of Graduate Studies, and Chair is required

POLS-308 : Directed Research MA Thesis

This course can be used by master's students to meet their course registration requirements and also conduct some preliminary work on their master's research projects.

Credits

Credits 6

POLS-350 : Advanced Research and Survey Design

Preparation for either comprehensive examinations and/or preparation of a dissertation thesis proposal, prior to being admitted to candidacy for the Doctor of Philosophy degree .

Credits

Credits 1

POLS-351 : Advanced Research and Survey Design

Preparation for either comprehensive examinations and/or preparation of a dissertation thesis proposal, prior to being admitted to candidacy for the Doctor of Philosophy degree

Credits

Credits 3

POLS-352 : Advanced Research and Survey Design

Preparation for either comprehensive examinations and/or preparation of a dissertation thesis proposal, prior to being admitted to candidacy for the Doctor of Philosophy degree

Credits

Credits 4

POLS-353 : Advanced Research and Survey Design

Preparation for either comprehensive examinations and/or preparation of a dissertation thesis proposal, prior to being admitted to candidacy for the Doctor of Philosophy degree

Credits

Credits 6

POLS-354 : Advanced Research and Survey Design

Preparation for either comprehensive examinations and/or preparation of a dissertation thesis proposal, prior to being admitted to candidacy for the Doctor of Philosophy degree

Credits

Credits 9

POLS-398 : Doctoral Seminar

offered by the Director of Graduate Studies before being admitted into candidacy. One of the twelve credits applied to the doctoral dissertation is earned for successful completion of the Doctoral Seminar.

Credits

Credits 1

POLS-401 : Racism in Europe

An examination of the movements, policies, politics, and state actions regarding people of African descent, the Roma, and the Muslim community in contemporary Europe.

Credits

Credits 3