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Social Science
PS332 American Constitutional Law II 3 credits
This course examines the social, philosophical and legal problems faced by the Supreme Court in
translating the abstract language of civil liberties contained in the U.S. Constitution into concrete reality
with an emphasis upon current problems and the evolving nature of the process.
PS333–339 Topics in American Government and American Law
3 credits
These courses are devoted to a variety of significant issues, developments, institutions and outcomes
which are important to an understanding of American government and law. Topics may include the
study of American constitutional law, the American presidency, Congress, great American political
thinkers, American foreign policy and diplomacy and more. Courses and topics vary according to faculty
and student interest.
PS342 Field Methods 4 credits
This course offers a working experience in the purpose and tools of qualitative field methods. The
course covers rapport, methods of observation, field notes, data coding and analysis, ethnography,
focus groups and interviews, as well as an introduction to quasi-experimentation. Offered fall semester.
Also offered as S350. Prerequisite: PS242/S250.
PS352 Planning, Budgeting and Control 3 credits
This course examines the organization, techniques, and politics of administrative planning, budget
preparation and legislative process, and control systems in public organizations.
PS353 Public Personnel Administration 3 credits
The process of formulating and administering public personnel policies is presented. Major topics
include: merit system, job classification, recruitment, examination, training, promotion, discipline, pay,
collective bargaining, and political activity of government employees.
PS370 Public Policy 4 credits
This course is devoted to a thorough review, analysis and evaluation of public welfare policy and at
least one other topic. These topics may include but are not limited to the following: health care,
environmental regulations, energy; consolidation of federal programs; affirmative action, etc. Special
emphasis is given to the formulation, adoption, implementation, impact, and evaluation of public
policy. Also offered as HS352.
PS371-379 Topics in Public Policy and Administration
3 credits
Courses in this section are devoted to a thorough review, analysis and evaluation of topics that
are relevant to the current study and practice of public administration. Topics may include but are
not limited to the following: development of the merit system, terrorism, health care policy and
administration; environmental regulation; energy policy; economic policy; consolidation of federal
programs; affirmative action; federal grants-in-aid; and other topics. Special emphasis is given to the
formulation, adopting, implementation, impact, and evaluation of public policies.
PS451 Seminar in Public Administration 3 credits
The seminar in public administration represents the culmination of studies for some majors and
minors. This seminar focuses on a contemporary political topic/issue, bringing together material and
information from the various sub-fields of the discipline. Students in the course undertake a major
research paper with the close supervision of a faculty member. In the past, topics have included:
comparative public administration, leadership, current issues in public administration, environmental
policy, and administrative law.
PS460 Seminar in Political Science 3 credits
This seminar represents the culmination of studies for some majors and minors. It focuses on a
contemporary political topic/issue, bringing together material and information from the various
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