Political Science
Professor: Scott Roulier
Associate Professor: Jaeyun Sung
Assistant Professor: Brendan Connell
Political science is the study of political systems and the ideas that bring them into being, transform them, and sustain them. Students in the political science program at Lyon examine such enduring concepts as freedom, justice, equality, order, and power; explore the practical and ethical dimensions of contemporary issues, and compare political systems throughout the world. The study of political science provides students with a deeper understanding of the nature and responsibilities of citizenship and builds a strong foundation for a range of careers and professions, including public service.
Students may use POL 105 to satisfy core requirements.
NOTE: To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree from Lyon College, students must successfully complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours comprised of our required Core curriculum (44-48 hours), the requirements of at least one major (credit hours vary per major), and a selection of our Liberal Arts electives. They must also earn at least a 2.00 cumulative grade point average for all work taken at Lyon College and a 2.00 cumulative grade point average in their major, minor, and concentration.
Degrees
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Political Science Major (BA) -
Political Science Minor
Courses
POL 105: The American Experience
An introduction to the main institutions and ideas in the American political tradition for all first-year students who wish to enhance their ability to perform duties of citizenship within that tradition.
POL 201: Comparative Politics
A survey of governments and politics in the industrialized and developing nations. Students will examine what it means to compare political systems and explore the ideological foundations, political institutions, and political performance of governments in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
POL 205: World Politics
A review of the main issues and problems confronted by nation-states as they interact with each other in the international system with emphasis on peace and war, integration and disintegration, and the nature of foreign policy formulation.
POL 206: Model United Nations
Study of the structures and procedures of the United Nations in preparation for student participation at intercollegiate model United Nations conferences. Students will be expected to become familiar with both the United Nations as an institution and the policies of the countries they will be representing. Approval of the instructor is required for enrollment. May be repeated for up to three credits.
POL 210: Introduction to Legal Studies
A general introduction to the study of law that offer students a broad liberal arts perspective on the important role law plays in our society. Students will gain a working knowledge of criminal and civil procedure, learn about the state and federal court systems, read and analyze court opinions, and participate in an appellate simulation. In addition, this course will include modules on the philosophy of law and sociology of law.
POL 220: Introduction to Research Methods in Political Science
An introduction to the basic empirical research design and quantitative methodologies for testing theories in political science. Students gain statistical techniques for analyzing large datasets and exposure to the empirical political science literatures.
POL 105 or permission of instructor.
POL 250: Political Issues and Public Policy
Study of significant issues in public policy with emphasis on the ability to address such issues from different philosophical and ideological perspectives.
POL 288: Political Parties, Campaigns & Elections
Study of the nature, organization, and operations of American political parties in government and in the electoral process. Students will examine different types of elections and how campaign strategies differ depending on the type of election and the political environment.
POL 297: International Conflict
Analysis of the phenomena of war and conflict between nation-states. Students will explore various explanations for war and evaluate these through examination of various conflicts in the 20th century. In addition, students will examine methods for limiting conflict.
POL 302: Arkansas State and Local Government
General features of state constitutions, powers of governors, state legislative structure and processes, state judicial systems, and structure and form of municipal and county governments. Emphasis on Arkansas government.
POL 315: U.S. Foreign and Security Policy
The evolution of U.S. foreign and security policy with particular attention to the Cold War and post-Cold War eras. In addition students will examine the policy-making process, including the role of public opinion, the mass media, and Congress. (Same as HIS 315)
POL 205 or permission of instructor.
POL 325: American Political Institutions
This course defines the responsibilities of and focuses on the interactions among the major branches of government - congress, the Presidency, and Supreme Court.
POL 335: Politics of Urban Spaces
This course will introduce students to the institutions and practices of urban spaces ( e.g. planning/zoning, governance structures, and policymaking) and to the political, social, economic, and environmental consequences associated with various urban models, i.e. suburbs, garden cities, modernist and new urbanist developments. Attention will also be given to the way urban design affects race, class, and gender relationships. Prereq: A 200-level political science course is recommended.
A 200-level political science course is recommended.
POL 340: Environmental Politics & Policy
Through case studies, this course will expose students to the legal, economic, and political challenges posed by environmental threats and will also introduce them to and require them to evaluate the effectiveness of proposed solutions to these problems. Prereq: A 200-level political science course is recommended.
A 200-level political science course is recommended.
POL 346: International Law and Organizations
An introduction to the basic principles of public international law in the rules of war, the law of the Seas, and human rights, and a survey of the related functions of the United Nations.
POL 349: The German Political and Cultural Tradition
The development of German political ideas and the evolution of German constitutional arrangements from the Reformation to the present. In addition to the Sonderweg thesis–which seeks to explain and understand Germany’s embrace of authoritarian political institutions–students will explore the rich German liberal and democratic tradition. In order to comprehend the complexity of German political thought, students will study the artifacts and writings of artists, philosophers, filmmakers, and poets, as well as historians and politicians. (Same as HIS 349)
POL 351: Ancient Political Philosophy
Examination of the political thinkers who started the Western political tradition. Concentrating on original sources, students will consider the origin of political philosophy in selected works by such authors as Xenophon, Plato, and Aristotle. (Same as RPH 351)
POL 353: Modern Political Philosophy
Study of major political thinkers such as Machiavelli, Locke, Rousseau, Hume, and Marx. Students will concentrate on selected works and topics that have influenced contemporary politics. (Same as RPH 353)
POL 358: Modern Russia
The transformation of Russia in the 20th century with special attention to the factors leading to the collapse of communism in the Gorbachev era and the efforts to establish democratic institutions in the region thereafter. (Same as HIS 358)
POL 201 or permission of instructor.
POL 368: Asian Politics
Comparative survey of government and governmental institutions in Asia with particular emphasis on identifying key political, economic, and social trends affecting the region.
POL 370: Political Economy of Public Issues
Discussion and research of current public debates and interests in which both governmental and economic forces and interests are joined. Students will present their research to the class and write a major paper. (Same as ECO 370)
ECO 102 or consent of instructor.
POL 371: The Middle East
Survey of the Middle East from the rise of Islam to the present day with emphasis on the development of Islamic society and culture and the impact and influence of the West. Particular attention will be given to the rise of nationalism, the Arab-Israeli Conflict, and the development of Islamic fundamentalism. (Same as HIS 371)
HIS 201 and 202 or permission of instructor.
POL 380: Civil Liberties
An examination of the civil rights and liberties guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. Special attention will be given to the study of criminal defendants’ rights (the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments), freedom of speech and religion (First Amendment), equal protection (Fourteenth Amendment), and the right to privacy.
POL 382: Special Topics in Political Science
Study of selected topics in political science. Prerequisites will vary.
POL 399: Political Science International Studies Course: Variable Topics
Study of varying topics in political science. Includes a 2-week Nichols trip. Prerequisites will vary.
POL 450: Directed Study
Concentrated study in one or more areas of government.
POL 455: Senior Seminar
This course will provide students with the opportunity to take stock of the concepts, knowledge and methods they have learned in major courses by conducting original research in the field of political science.
POL 220 or permission of instructor
POL 460: Practicum in Politics
This course offers an experiential opportunity to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application within political science. Variable Credit.