Revised March 2007

Political Science

Faculty

Program Description

Degree Requirements

Course Descriptions

106 Ruby Jones Hall
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2743
Dr. Loedel, Chairperson
Dr. Milne, Director, Master of Science in Administration; Public Administration Adviser

PROFESSORS

R. Lorraine Bernotsky, D.Phil., Oxford University
Peter H. Loedel, Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara
Yury Polsky, Ph.D., University of Michigan
Frauke Schnell, Ph.D., State University of New York at Stony Brook

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS

John J. Kennedy, Ph.D., Temple University
Duane D. Milne, Ph.D., University of Delaware
Bhim Sandhu, Ph.D., University of Missouri

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS

Chris Stangl, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin–Madison
Linda S. Stevenson, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh

Programs of Study

The Department of Political Science offers the master of science in administration (M.S.A.) with a concentration in public administration. This is an interdisciplinary degree and is described in the "Administration" section of this catalog.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ADMINISTRATION
Concentration in Public Administration

Curriculum (36 semester hours)

I. Administrative Core (18 semester hours)
ADM 501, 502, 503, 504, 505, and 507

II. Public Administration Core* (18 semester hours)
*Students with undergraduate majors in political science may be permitted, with approval of concentration adviser, to substitute appropriate courses.

Option 1: Focus on state and local government
ADM 500, 600; GEO 525, 527; PSC 544, 549

OR

Option 2: Specialized focus, taken under advisement, to meet the student's career goals and needs
ADM 500, 600; PSC 544, 549
Electives (6)

Additionally, both concentration options allow for an internship experience (ADM 612 Internship) of 3-6 semester hours. Students with little or no organizational work experience are required to successfully complete ADM 612 as an additional 3-6 hours in the concentration.

For course descriptions for ADM courses, see "Master of Science in Administration," page 31. For course descriptions for GEO courses, see "Geography and Planning," page 64.

A comprehensive examination in the concentration is required. The examination is based on core and concentration course work.

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
POLITICAL SCIENCE

Symbol: PSC unless otherwise shown

515 Women in Politics (3) The role of women in politics is surveyed. Considerations include the relationship between the sexes as it has an impact on politics.

525 The American Presidency (3) Analysis of the presidency, stressing its evolution into a modern institution and the contemporary behavioral aspects of the office. Personality, power, and campaign strategy in conjunction with presidential relations with the executive branch, Congress, courts, and the media.

530 The Politics of the Holocaust and Genocide (3) This course examines the political causes of the Holocaust and genocides both in a historical and current context. Case studies include the Jews in Europe, Armenians, and Cambodians.

531 Modern Political Theory (3) Critical analysis of enduring political problems as seen primarily in the writings of theorists from Machiavelli to the present; basic concepts of political science; theories concerning the proper role of the state in society.

532 International Relations (3) Factors motivating the actions of nations; machinery evolved by nation states for effecting their various policies. Methods of diplomacy, international law, and international organization.

533 Congressional Politics (3) The politics of, and the legislative process in, Congress. Internal influences on the Congressional performance, such as rules, norms, and behavior, and external influences including the executive branch and interest groups.

534 American Political Parties (3) Patterns, functions, and history of the American political party system at national, state, and local levels. Theoretical and empirical studies of political interest groups, public opinion, and voting behavior.

540 American Constitutional Law (3) Evolution of constitutional law through study of the leading decisions of the Supreme Court and their significance for the American governmental system.

541 Latin American Culture and Politics (3) Comparative analysis of contemporary Latin- American systems. Stress of political culture, decision making, ideologies, and political processes.

542 Dynamics of Public Opinion and Political Behavior (3) The political role and style of masses and elites; uses and abuses of polls, political socialization, voting behavior, campaigning, and media. Understanding individual opinion formation (micro) and mass publics (macro).

544 American Public Policy (3) Survey of literature; examination of approaches; discussion of concepts and issues in the field of American politics and policy processes.

548 The Communist Powers (3) Comparative study of various Communist systems, particularly the U.S.S.R. and China. Elite-mass relationships; role of Marxism-Leninism; party, economic, and political structures. Secondary attention to Eastern Europe, Cuba, and nonruling parties.

549 Politics of Bureaucracy and Administrative Behavior (3) In-depth examination of the fourth branch of government. Impact of administrative apparatus (bureaucracy) on public policy formulation and implementation in the United States.

551 The Politics of Non-Western Areas (3) Problems of nation building, political participation, and elite-mass relationships in the less-developed nations. Latin American, Asian, or African nations may be stressed as a case study.

552 Civil Liberties and Civil Rights (3) Analysis of constitutional rights and governmental attitudes with respect to civil liberties. Emphasis on case-study method and role playing.

560 The Politics of Revolution (3) Synthesis of research, concepts, and theories of revolution. Stress on the meaning, causes, phases, and ideologies of revolution. Contemporary movements emphasized.

PAD 561 State and Local Government (3) Examination of the organization, functions, and politics of state and local government, including analysis of politics in states, counties, cities, and towns in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Intergovernmental relations in education, transportation, and welfare policy are examined.

PAD 573 American Intergovernmental Relations (3) Designed to familiarize students with the complex network of conflict, cooperation, and interdependence among national, state, and local government units. Topic areas include an analysis of continuing evolution of American federalism, an examination of this relationship from state and city government perspectives, and a description of specific intergovernmental fiscal programs and policies.

590 Independent Study in Political Science (1-3) Research projects, reports, and readings in political science. PREREQ: Approval of department chairperson.

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