POL 110 Introduction to Political Science 3 (3-0)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

This course introduces basic political concepts used by governments and addresses a wide range of political issues. Topics include political theory, ideologies, legitimacy, and sovereignty in democratic and non-democratic systems. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss a variety of issues inherent in all political systems and draw logical conclusions in evaluating these systems. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement general education core requirement in social/behavioral sciences for the A.A., A.A.S., A.F.A., and A.S. degrees.

POL 120 American Government 3 (3-0)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

This course is a study of the origins, development, structure, and functions of American national government. Topics include the constitutional framework, federalism, the three branches of government including the bureaucracy, civil rights and liberties, political participation and behavior, and policy formation. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts and participatory processes of the American political system. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement general education core requirement in social/behavioral sciences for the A.A., A.A.S., A.F.A., and A.S. degrees.

POL 130 State & Local Government 3 (3-0)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

This course includes state and local political institutions and practices in the context of American federalism. Emphasis is placed on procedural and policy differences as well as political issues in state, regional, and local governments of North Carolina. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and discuss various problems associated with intergovernmental politics and their effect on the community and the individual. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement for transferability as a premajor and/or elective course requirement.

POL 210 Comparative Government 3 (3-0)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

This course provides a cross-national perspective on the government and politics of contemporary nations such as Great Britain, France, Germany, and Russia. Topics include each country's historical uniqueness, key institutions, attitudes and ideologies, patterns of interaction, and current political problems. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and compare various nations' governmental structures, processes, ideologies, and capacity to resolve major problems. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement general education core requirement in social/behavioral sciences for the A.A., A.A.S., A.F.A., and A.S. degrees.

POL 220 International Relations 3 (3-0)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

This course provides a study of the effects of ideologies, trade, armaments, and alliances on relations among nation-states. Emphasis is placed on regional and global cooperation and conflict, economic development, trade, non-governmental organizations, and international institutions such as the World Court and UN. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and discuss major international relationships, institutions, and problems. This course has been approved to satisfy the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement general education core requirement in social/behavioral sciences for the A.A., A.A.S., A.F.A., and A.S. degrees.

POL 230 Political Ideologies 3 (3-0)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

This course introduces major belief systems which underlie modern societies. Emphasis is placed on democracy, capitalism, socialism, communism, fascism, and emerging ideologies of change. Upon completion, students should be able to identify the beliefs and values upon which our society is based and to differentiate those of other nations.

POL 240 The American Presidency 3 (3-0)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

This course provides an in-depth examination of the American presidency as the pivotal institution in American government and history. Emphasis is placed on the creation of the office, its constitutional powers and limitations, elections, and the leadership of selected presidents. Upon completion, students should be able to identify and explain the evolution of presidential powers and the reasons for successful and failed presidential leadership.

POL 241 Presidential Elections 3 (3-0)
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None

This course provides an in-depth examination of the process by which an American president is selected. Emphasis is placed on major party primaries and conventions, minor parties, campaigns and voting in the media age, fundraising, and the Electoral College. Upon completion, students should be able to discuss the effectiveness of candidacies and campaigns and to assess the need for reform.