Political Science (POLS)

POLS 101  American Government (GT-SS1)  3(3-0)  

Fall, Spring.
An introduction to American government and politics, with attention to party politics, congressional behavior, the Constitution, the Supreme Court, civil liberties, civil rights, political economy, public policy, and more.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: SS, GT-SS1)

POLS 102  State & Local Government  3(3-0)  

Spring.
State and local governments profoundly shape our communities, economies, schools, environments, and more. This course studies state and local politics and policy in the U.S., with special attention to Colorado governments.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: SS)

POLS 106  Race & Ethnicity in American Democracy (GT-SS1)  3(3-0)  

Fall.
Understanding the theoretical conceptions of race and ethnicity in the United States and how these concepts inform notions of citizenship, group membership, political behavior, and policy outcomes across racial/ethnic groups.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: SS, GT-SS1)

POLS 201  International Relations (GT-SS1)  3(3-0)  

Fall, Spring.
Introductory study of world affairs. Topics include: international economics, institutions, war, human rights, and the environment. Designed for students with no background in international relations.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: SS, GT-SS1) (CC)

POLS 202  Comparative Politics  3(3-0)  

Fall.
Studies politics, political systems, and governance in various countries, from the UK and France to Mexico and China. The course emphasizes comparative analysis and understanding.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.
(Gen Ed: SS) (CC)

POLS 230  War & Film  3(3-0)  

Spring, Odd.
Exploration of the relationship between war, film, and political culture. Emphasizes portrayal of war through film and popular interpretation of historical events given this medium.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 231  Politics & Film  3(3-0)  

Spring, Even.
Exploration of the relationship between politics, film, and political culture. Emphasizes portrayal of politics through film and popular interpretation of historical events given this medium.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 250  Political Analysis & Methods I  3(3-0)  

Fall.
Introduction to methods and tools of research in political science, with a focus on causal inference, statistical inference, and the analysis of quantitative data.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 251  Political Analysis & Methods II  3(3-0)  

Spring.
Workshop in political and policy analysis, with a focus on writing skills, critical data analysis, and independent research.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 270  Introduction to Homeland Security  3(3-0)  

As Needed.
An overview of homeland security, key threats, challenges and potential responses.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 271  Terrorism  3(3-0)  

Fall.
An examination of extremist groups and private violence in the context of monitoring, prevention, and responses.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 272  Critical Incident Management  3(3-0)  

As Needed.
The policies and practices of local first responders, inter-agency relationships, political violence and unconventional weapons.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 275  Public Policy for Peace Officers  3(3-0)  

As Needed.
Content on diversity, law, policy, communication, and police procedures.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Course is reserved for Peace Officers completing the Police Academy. Credit is awarded concurrently in Criminology, Political Science, & Social Work.

POLS 291  Special Topics  (1-3 V)  

As Needed.
Study of Political Events.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (99).

POLS 300  Political Parties and Elections  3(3-0)  

As Needed.
Examines the organization and function of political parties and the roles of political parties, pressure groups, and public opinion in American elections.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 302  Latinos in American Democracy  3(3-0)  

Spring, Even.
Understanding the formation of Latinos/Hispanics as a distinct ethnic-political group in American politics and how the political behavior of Latinos/Hispanics differs from other racial-ethnic groups.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 305  International Conflict  3(3-0)  

Fall, Odd.
Introductory study of arguments related to the outbreak of violent international warfare. Emphasis on coercive bargaining, diplomacy, arms races, and contentious issues.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 306  Peace Studies  3(3-0)  

Fall, Even.
Introductory study of arguments related to violent conflict prevention, mitigation, and resolution. Emphasis on international law, peacekeeping, peace building, ethics, and non-violent organization.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.

POLS 312  Colorado Government & Politics  3(3-0)  

As Needed.
Covers multidimensional features of CO state government - organization; constitutional foundations; change over time; direct and indirect impacts on daily life - and how structures shape state politics.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 322  (LEGL 322)  American Constitutional Law  3(3-0)  

Fall.
Survey of American constitutional law; emphasis on Supreme Court decisions defining the extent and limits and of governmental authority and the rights and liberties of individual citizens.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 323  (LEGL 323)  Criminal Law & Procedure  3(3-0)  

Spring.
Content and characteristics of criminal law and procedures. Roles and functions of persons and agencies involved in judicial administration.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.

POLS 324  (LEGL 324)  Family Law  3(3-0)  

Spring.
Survey of legal issues concerning domestic relations; Supreme Court decisions and legislative enactments.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 330  Introduction to Public Administration  3(3-0)  

As Needed.
Role of public bureaucracy in modern society. Principles and processes of public administration, personnel management and administrative responsibility.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.

POLS 340  Public Policy  3(3-0)  

Fall.
Introduces the process of formulation, implementation, and evaluation of public policy. Examines program development and execution in the context of political, economic, and institutional environments.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.

POLS 350  Political Attitudes & Behavior  3(3-0)  

Spring.
This course studies mass political attitudes, behavior, and psychology, including party identification and opinion formation. It also studies the effects of public opinion on democracy and methods of survey research.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 360  Media, Politics, & Power  3(3-0)  

Fall, Odd.
Assesses the role U.S. media plays in holding power accountable in the digital age. Topics include agenda setting and issue framing, the impact of media on public opinion, and how political actors shape media narratives.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 370  Western Political Thought  3(3-0)  

Spring.
Systematic survey of political thought from beginnings in Ancient Near East to present. Emphasis on contributions relevant to contemporary political theory.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.

POLS 373  Intelligence & National Security  3(3-0)  

As Needed.
Examines inter-agency relations as well as practical and political elements of domestic intelligence gathering.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 374  Homeland Security & the Law  3(3-0)  

As Needed.
Explores the legal and constitutional aspects of homeland security and homeland defense.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 375  Threat & Strategic Planning  3(3-0)  

As Needed.
Topics include the development of threat assessment and planning, public-private sector resource partnering and crisis communication.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 376  (LEGL 376)  Cyber Law  3(3-0)  

Spring.
Explore domestic and international law and policy governing cyber-related issues such as cybercrime, cyberwar, and the balance between civil liberties and national security in an electronic age.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 377  Political Leadership Analysis  3(3-0)  

As Needed.
This course studies psychological theories of political leadership and decision making. It also considers a variety of methodological approaches to assessing political leaders at a distance.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 395  Independent Study  (1-3 V)  

As Needed.
Independent study involving specialized reading and research.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor. Repeatable (6).

POLS 411  (LEGL 411)  Congress & the Presidency  3(3-0)  

Fall, Even.
Study of the powers, politics, and structure of the U.S. congress and presidency.
Prerequisite: POLS 101.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.

POLS 430  War & Film  3(3-0)  

Spring, Odd.
Exploration of the relationship between war, film, and political culture. Emphasizes portrayal of war through film and popular interpretation of historical events given this medium.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 431  Politics & Film  3(3-0)  

Spring, Even.
Exploration of the relationship between politics, film, and political culture. Emphasizes portrayal of politics through film and popular interpretation of historical events given this medium.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 440  Nationalism & Ethnic Conflict  3(3-0)  

Spring.
Ethno-nationalist conflict characterizes many of the world's most intractable and violent conflicts. This course studies ethno-nationalist conflict and identity formation in countries around the world.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 445  Economic Development  3(3-0)  

Spring.
What explains economic development and inequality? How does political economics vary between rich and poor countries? The course studies the political economy of development in both developed and developing nations.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 450  Democracy & Dictatorship  3(3-0)  

Spring.
How do dictators and one-party regimes stay in power? Why do some democracies fail? This course studies comparative dictatorship, comparative democracy, and regime change.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 460  U.S. Foreign & Security Policy  3(3-0)  

Fall, Odd.
Investigate ongoing contemporary issues, and explore arguments related to strategic policy, political leadership, military development and application, and policy evolution.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.

POLS 473  American Political Thought  3(3-0)  

As Needed.
Development of American segment of modern political thought from colonial times to present. Interrelationship of individuals, ideas and institutions shaping modern American political responses.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: None.

POLS 480  Practicum in Politics and Public Service  (1-6 V)  

As Needed.
Practical experience as interns in governmental agencies, political parties, or legal offices.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: For advanced students. Departmental permission required.

POLS 491  Special Topics  (1-3 V)  

As Needed.
Special topics in political science.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Lower division courses in Political Science are recommended. Repeatable (99).

POLS 492  Research  (1-3 V)  

As Needed.
Individual research project under the supervision and direction of a faculty member resulting in a thesis, or research with a faculty member resulting in a similar work product.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (6).

POLS 493  Seminar  (1-3 V)  

Spring.
Application of research methods and materials. Emphasis on in-depth study of specific political topics. Involves writing and discussion of research papers at advanced level.
Prerequisite: POLS 250 and POLS 370.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of instructor.

POLS 495  Independent Study  (1-3 V)  

As Needed.
An individualized program of study designed by a ranked faculty member in the political science program and approved by the program coordinator.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Repeatable (99).

POLS 498  Internship  (3-6 V)  

As Needed.
Practical experience as interns in governmental agencies, political parties, or legal offices.
Prerequisites: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: For advanced students. Departmental permission required. Repeatable (12).

POLS 510  Public and Nonprofit Leadership  (3 V)  

Spring.
Theories of leadership and management how they apply to the public and nonprofit sectors. Covers topics such as motivation, fostering teamwork, conflict management, communication, volunteer management, and others.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Admittance into CSU Pueblo’s Online MBA program. Permission of instructor.

POLS 520  Public Budgeting & Financial Management  3(3-0)  

As Needed.
Overview of public organization budgeting processes and issues such as accounting, procurement, cash flow management, and revenue projection. Nonprofit fundraising, as well as grant writing/grants management, also covered.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Admittance into CSU-Pueblo’s Online MBA program, or permission of the instructor required.

POLS 530  Essentials of Public and Nonprofit Management  3(3-0)  

As Needed.
Historical and political overview of the scope of public and nonprofit sectors, as well as theories of public and nonprofit management/leadership, public organizational behavior, and accountability/ethics.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Admittance into CSU-Pueblo’s Online MBA program, or permission of the instructor required.

POLS 540  The Public Policy Process  3(3-0)  

As Needed.
Overview of policymaking processes, including agenda setting, policy formation, and implementation, and evaluation. Special attention will be paid to how these process work in specific policy domains that impact business.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Admittance into CSU-Pueblo’s Online MBA program, or permission of the instructor required.

POLS 591  Special Topics  (1-3 V)  

As Needed.
Special topics in political science.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of program coordinator. Repeatable (99).

POLS 595  Independent Study  (1-3 V)  

As Needed.
An individualized program of study designed by a ranked faculty member in the political science program and approved by the program coordinator.
Prerequisite: None.
Corequisites: None.
Registration Information: Permission of program coordinator. Repeatable (99).