Examination of the origin and sources of the law as the product of the values of a society and the interaction of complex interests. Comparison of the common law, civil law and socialist legal systems and development of the American legal system. Introduction to Criminal Justice. A basic course in the American political system. Detailed coverage of the origin, structure, functions and current trends of national government.
Some comparison is made of the structure and ideologies of American and foreign governments.
Students are introduced to political science research methods through self-paced computer exercises. A survey of the field of international relations including consideration of the elements of national power, foreign policy, diplomacy, propaganda, foreign aid, war, international law and international organization. A comparative study of selected political systems. Emphasis is on the structure of government, the political process and the conditions which either promote or constrain political change and stability. Students learn how to conduct original research from theory formulation through data collection and hypothesis testing.