Courses in international relations look at many of the problems and issues of world politics and provide possible explanations for the events we witness. The study of American politics aims to answer important and enduring questions about politics and government at the local, state, and national levels. Courses use theoretical, historical, and analytical perspectives to illuminate the workings of the American political system. The study of political theory deals with the ideas, principles, and assumptions that underlie governance and political activities. Courses may examine particular thinkers or may take a general look at the interplay between culture and politics.
Political theory deals with the various views on how things ought to be, rather than how they are.
The study of public policy focuses on what governments do, how and why they do it, and what the consequences are. Such studies may focus on governmental decisions made at any level and in any nation, and can range from studies of specific government actions or programs to more general assessments of government performance. Public administration studies the role and functioning of bureaucracies in the formulation and implementation of public policy. It looks at the legal, financial, and managerial aspects of government activities, with a practical and applied approach. It can be thought of a business administration for the public sector.