Rowan University
2002-2004 Undergraduate Catalog

Undergraduate Catalog Index

Catalogs Main Index

Rowan University Home Page

 

 

 

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
IMAGE imgs/Document01.gif

Political Science

Bernadyne Weatherford, Chair
Robinson Hall
(856) 256-4866
weatherford@rowan.edu
The Political Science Department offers a major program of 39 credits leading to a B.A. degree, and a minor program consisting of 21 credits. These programs are open to all students who envision careers as lawyers, government managers and administrators, public policy analysts, journalists, intelligence officers, diplomatic service officers, teachers, lobbyists, public opinion analysts, legislative aides, or any other career in government or business which requires a broad liberal arts background. 
The major program aims at ensuring both breadth of knowledge of the discipline and in-depth studies in areas of the student's greatest interest. The total degree model requires 39 credits in the major, 46 credits in specific general education courses, 14 credits in elective upper level courses in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and/or in general education courses, and 21 credits of free elective courses for a total of 120 credits for graduation. A grade of C- or better must be earned in all Political Science courses. In addition, all students are required to take courses designated as Writing Intensive, Multicultural/Global, and a course designnated as LIT. 
B.A. in Political Science 
I. General Education..............................60 s.h. 
(See p. 33 for all-university requirements. Substitutions for the following courses may NOT be made without 
an adviser's approval.) 
A. Communications ................................ 9 s.h. 
College Composition I 
College Composition II 
Public Speaking 
B. Social and Behavioral Sciences ........12 s.h. 
Intro to Social Sciences 
Intro to Macroeconomics 
Intro to Microeconomics 
World Regional Geography 
C. History, Humanities and Language12 s.h. 
Western Civ I or U.S. History I 
Western Civ II or U.S. History II 
Logic of Everyday Reasoning OR 
Symbolic Logic 
A Masterpieces or Readings Lit Course 
D. Fine Arts...............................................3 s.h.General Music or History of Art 
E. Science and Math ..............................10 s.h. 
Elementary Statistics or Statistics I 
Laboratory Science 
F. General Education Electives.............14 s.h. 
These electives must be chosen from 300- or 400-level courses in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and/or from courses listed in the General Education Guide. 
II. Basic Major Requirements ...............27 s.h. 
2207.110American Government 
2207.200 Survey Western PoliticalTheory 
2207.230Comparative Political Systems 
2207.310American Constitutional Law 
2207.320 International Relations 
2207.360Methodology and Statistics in Political Science Research 
2207.490Seminar in Political Science 
2102.490Public Service Internship (6 s.h.) 
OR 
2102.320Public Administration AND one of the following: 
2207.220State & Local Governments 
2207.415Indepth Study of Supreme Court 
2207.421International Organizations 
III. Political Science Electives...............12 s.h. 
Distribution of electives: a minimum of two courses (6 s.h.) in one of the three areas below, and one course (3 s.h. each) in each of two other areas. 
A. American Politics/Public Administration: 
2207.210Black Americans & American Politics 
2207.211Women & American Politics 
2207.220State and Local Government 
2207.232Current Problems ofAmerican Politics 
2207.303Campaigns, Political Parties, and Interest Groups 
2207.305The Legislative Process 
2207.306The Presidency 
2207.323Politics of Race, Poverty, and Welfare in the U.S. 
2207.370Special Topics in Political Science (according to topic) 
2207.400 American Political Thought 
2207.401Contemporary Political Thought 
2207.410Public Policy and Administration 
2207.412Administrative Law & the Regulatory Process 
2207.491Independent Study (according to topic) 
B. Multi-Cultural/Global Studies and International & Comparative Politics: 
2207.231Contemporary World Problems 
2207.240Intro to Asian Political Systems 
2207.330Contemporary U.S. Foreign Policy 
2207.341Politics and Society in Russia and the C.I.S. 
2207.345Government and Politics of the Middle East 
2207.346Politics and Society of Great Britain 
2207.351Soviet Foreign Policy 
2207.370Special Topics in Political Science (according to topic) 
2207.420International Law 
2207.421International Organizations 
2207.491Independent Study (according to topic) 
C. Constitutional Law and the Legal Process: 
2207.312Freedom of Expression 
2105.335Police Procedures & the Supreme Court (this course is cross-listed with the Law/Justice Studies Department) 
2105.336Trial Procedures & the Supreme Court (this course is cross-listed with the Law/Justice Studies Department) 
2207.340Civil Rights and Civil Liberties 
2207.370Special Topics in PoliticalScience (according to topic) 
2207.375Politics of the Judicial Process 
2207.410Selected Problems in Constitutional Law 
2207.415In-Depth Study of the Current Supreme Court 
2207.491Independent Study (according to topic) 
IV. Free electives ....................................21 s.h. 
V. Total Credits for Program...............120 s.h. 


Political Science Minor 

Bernadyne Weatherford, Chair
Robinson Hall
(856) 256-4866
weatherford@rowan.edu 
 

The minor program in political science supplements the curriculum of students majoring outside political science; it helps students expand their career options into such fields as law, journalism, social studies teaching, business, government and intelligence. 
The minor requires 21 s.h. of courses. Twelve of those semester hours are in basic courses which are required of all who pursue a political science minor, while the other nine are electives which students can tailor to their particular career or intellectual interests. 
I. Required Courses ...................................................12 s.h. 
2207.100 Intro to Government and Politics 
OR 
2207.110 American Government 
2207.200 Survey of Western Political Theory 
2207.230 Comparative Political Systems 
2207.320 International Relations 
II. Recommended Electives............................................9 s.h. 
A. For pre-law students outside of political science, or for journalists, we suggest 
three courses from among the following: 
2207.310 American Constitutional Law 
2207.312 Freedom of Expression 
2207.340Civil Rights and Civil Liberties 
2207.375Politics of the Judicial Process 
2207.410 Selected Problems of Constitutional Law 
2207.415 In-Depth Study of Supreme Court 
2105.335Police Procedures and Supreme Court 
2105.336 Trial Procedures and Supreme Court 
B. For students seeking a career in politics, political journalism or social studies teaching, we suggest: 
2207.220 State and Local Government 
2207.232 Current Problems in American Politics 
2207.303 Campaigns, Political Parties and Interest Groups 
2207.305 The Legislative Process 
2207.306 The Presidency 
C. For students seeking a career in the diplomatic service, intelligence or international business, we suggest: 

 

 

 

2207.231Contemporary World Problems 
2207.240 Intro to Asian Politics 
2207.330 Contemporary U.S. Foreign Policy 
2207.341 Politics and Society in Russia and the C.I.S. 
2207.351 Soviet Foreign Policy 
2207.420 International Law 
D. For students seeking career opportunities in state, local, or federal government management, we suggest: 
2207.220 State and Local Government 
2102.320 Public Administration 
2102.410 Public Policy and Administration 
2102.412 Administrative Law and the Regulatory Process 
2102.490 Public Service Internship 

Back to Top

2102 Public Administration

2102.3203 s.h. 
Public Administration
Students consider public administration principles and organizations, internal governmental administrative structures, the interactions between organizations and their environments, personnel and policy procedures, administrative communication methods, and other management techniques. This course may not be offered annually. 
 
 

2102.4103 s.h. 
Public Policy and Administration
Students analyze U.S. public policy using a variety of conceptual models including cost-benefit analysis. Case studies are emphasized. This course may not be offered annually. 
 
 

2102.4123 s.h. 
Administrative Law and the Regulatory Process
A study of the federal regulatory process and the politics of regulatory agencies in the U.S. Emphasis is upon the political economy of regulation. This course may not be offered annually. 
 
 

2102.4906-12 s.h. 
Public Service Internship
Students are provided with an opportunity to get first-hand experience in government administration and related political processes through work in a variety of public settings (government agencies, public officials' offices, law firms, etc.). 
 

2207 Political Science and Government

2207.1003 s.h. 
Introduction to Government and Politics
Professors who teach this course will normally focus on some, but not all, of the following topics: political and governmental structures, functions, and processes; political behavior; public law and public policy; and political values or philosophies. 

 

 

 

 

2207.1103 s.h. 
American Government
This course focuses on the American Federal government, emphasizing the structure, operation and processes of our political system. Coverage will include political values as they are reflected in major public policies. 
 

2207.2003 s.h. 
Survey of Western Political Theory
This course provides students with an understanding of Western political thought from Plato to Karl Marx. It surveys Western political theory and analyzes such major concepts as order, justice, freedom, authority, power and political obligation. 
 

2207.2103 s.h. 
Black Americans and American Politics
This course examines the role of Black Americans in the political system, the forms and changing nature of their participation and a review of judicial and administrative decisions affecting the political and social status of Black Americans. This course may not be offered annually. 

2207.2113 s.h. 
Women and American Politics
This course examines the historical role of women in a variety of political movements, varied views of feminism and the impact of participation on the changing status of women in American society. This course may not be offered annually. 
 

2207.2203 s.h. 
State and Local Government
This course studies legislatures, executives, judicial systems and bureaucrats in the working of state and local government and the influence of political parties, interest groups, and elections on government policy. It examines inter-governmental relations and the role of state and local government in the federal system. This course may not be offered annually. 
 

2207.2303 s.h. 
Comparative Political Systems
This course presents a comparative analysis of the fundamental law, political institutions, policies and processes and their relationship to political culture in Britain, France, the C.I.S. and a selected Third World country. 
 

2207.2313 s.h. 
Contemporary World Problems
This course examines selected problems such as terrorism, world population and hunger, regional conflicts and arms control and disarmament. 
 

2207.2323 s.h. 
Current Problems in American Politics
This course deals with selected issues of topical concern in American politics. Issues may be "headlines" that are receiving current media attention (usually policy debates), or they may focus on more persistent problems of the kind that concern political scientists, e.g., the consequences of party decline, the role of media in elections, etc. This course may not be offered annually. 

2207.2403 s.h.

 

 

 

Introduction to Asian Political Systems
This course focuses on the political systems and processes of major Asian nations: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Japan and China. This course may not be offered annually. 

2207.3033 s.h. 
Campaigns, Political Parties and Interest Groups
(Prerequisite: 2207.110 or permission of instructor) 
This course compares the functions of U.S. political parties, interest groups, and political move ments in recruiting and nominating candidates for public office, supporting campaigns and elections, organizing and staffing government, representing and shaping public opinion, and rationalizing and mobilizing the vote. The U.S. system is compared to the systems of other countries. Special attention is given to the civil rights movement, the reform of the presidential election process, and the candidate-centered professional campaign in the decline of the influence of the political parties. 

2207.3053 s.h. 
The Legislative Process
(Prerequisite: 2207.110 or permission of instructor) 
This course examines the structure, politics and policy-making functions within the legislative process, focusing on the role of Congress and the state legislature in the U.S. political system. This course may not be offered annually. 
 

2207.3063 s.h. 
The Presidency
(Prerequisite: 2207.110 or permission of instructor) 
This course studies the office of the President, its history, powers and role in the American politi cal system. The course stresses the relationship of the presidency to other branches of government and of the White House agencies to the other elements of the Executive Branch. This course may not be offered annually. 
 

2207.3103 s.h. 
American Constitutional Law
(Prerequisite: 2207.110 or permission of instructor) 
An introduction to major concepts of constitutional law as reflected in landmark cases, this course considers such matters as judicial review, national supremacy, the separation of powers, constitutional federalism and the commerce clause as well as the impact of various judicial philosophies on the decisions of the Supreme Court. 
 

2207.3123 s.h. 
Freedom of Expression
This course considers the range of first amendment issues relating to speech, the press and the right to assemble. Issues of censorship and national security, obscene speech, commercial speech, and libel, among others, will be discussed. This course may not be offered annually. 

2207.3203 s.h. 
International Relations
This course studies the distribution of power among states in the international system, the effect of system change on national behavior, external and domestic sources of international influence and the relationship of capabilities and intentions in foreign policy decisions. 

2207.323                           3 s.h.

 

 

 

Politics of Race, Poverty, and Welfare in the U.S.
This course studies the social structure of race and poverty in the United States and explores the constituencies for anti-poverty and anti-discrimination legislation. This course may not be offered annually. 

2207.3303 s.h. 
Contemporary U.S. Foreign Policy
This course presents historical themes and patterns of U.S. foreign policy with special focus on the post-World War II period. It considers the sources of influence on policy-making and the major issues in contemporary policy. This course may not be offered annually. 
 

2207.340                            3 s.h. 
Civil Rights and Civil Liberties
This course examines major trends and court decisions which have affected civil rights and civil liberties. Topics which may be raised include religion, speech, press, privacy, voting, equal protection, and due process. 
 

2207.3413 s.h. 
Politics and Society in Russia and the C.I.S.
This course examines the emergence of Russia as the principle successor to the Soviet Union. Processes of political, economic and social change are studied with an eye on institutional, attitudi nal, and behavioral adaptations to the new realities. This course may not be offered annually. 

2207.3463 s.h. 
Politics and Society of Great Britain
This course studies the unique aspects of a political system which has functioned without a written constitution. It emphasizes the historic development of British constitutional notions, and the relationships between the major institutions of monarchy, the parliament, the cabinet and political parties. This course may not be offered annually. 
 

2207.3513 s.h. 
Russian Foreign Policy
Students study the historical record of Soviet foreign policy since l9l7, examining the relative importance of ideology and national interest and other domestic and external influences on Soviet policy-making. The course also discusses policy process and contemporary problems of policy. This course may not be offered annually. 

2207.3603 s.h. 
Methodology and Statistics in
Political Science Research
This course considers the varied ways that political scientists study problems, with primary attention to scientific method and quantitative skills. Students are expected to become adept at using and interpreting forms of descriptive statistics commonly used in the social sciences. 
 

2207.3703 s.h. 
Special Topics in Political Science
This course is a vehicle to allow visiting scholars to offer courses in their specialties which are not part of regular course offerings. This course may not be offered annually. 

2207.375                           3 s.h.

 

 

 

Politics and the Judicial Process
This course describes and analyzes the American judicial process, with particular attention to the role of the judicial branch in developing public policy. Topics to be explored include jurisprudential theories of the law, the organization and staffing of courts, civil and criminal process, judicial selection methods, judicial behavior, the legal profession, law and social change and the political and social impact of court decisions. 
 

2207.4003 s.h. 
American Political Thought
This course studies the development of American political thought from colonial times to the present through major thinkers. Ideas are considered in relation to political events and broader historical movements to which they are connected. This course may not be offered annually. 

2207.4013 s.h. 
Contemporary Political Thought
This course considers major l9th and 20th century ideologies from the perspectives of thinkers who helped shape them. It considers socialism, fascism, liberalism and conservatism through the works of writers like Marx, Mill, Ortega and Burke. The course may also consider contemporary rethinking of contract theory (e.g. Rawls, Nozick). This course may not be offered annually. 

2207.4103 s.h. 
Selected Problems in Constitutional Law
(Prerequisite: 2207.310 or permission of instructor) 
This course explores specific issues in recent Supreme Court decisions, and the process through which such issues are resolved, emphasizing one or two areas of current interest. This course may not be offered annually. 
 

2207.4153 s.h. 
In-depth Study of the Current Supreme Court
Students spend three days hearing oral arguments at the Supreme Court. Prior research on an assigned case will culminate in a paper in which the student will predict the outcome of the Court's decision. 
 

2207.4203 s.h. 
International Law
This course considers the role of law among nations, the source of international law in practice and convention and the national courts, international courts and other vehicles for adjudicating and enforcing international law. This course may not be offered annually. 
 

2207.4213 s.h. 
International Organizations
This course studies the League of Nations, the United Nations and other international and regional organizations in relation to such functions as peace-keeping, conflict resolution, international consensus-building, etc. This course may not be offered annually. 
 

2207.4893 s.h. 
Seminar in Political Science - WI
(Prerequisites: senior standing; political science major; and completion of 2207.360) 
This course stresses careful reading and research in primary and secondary material related to selected problems in political science. Primary emphasis will be on writing a critical and analytical paper. 

2207.4903 s.h. 
Seminar in Political Science
(Open only to senior political science majors) 
This course stresses careful reading and research in primary and secondary material related to selected problems in political science. Primary emphasis will be on writing a critical and analytical paper.

 

 

 

2207.4913 s.h. 
Independent Study in Political Science
This course focuses on individual projects under the guidance of a faculty member; it cannot be used as a substitute for a course offered by the department. This course may not be offered annually. 
 

Department of Political Science 

CASWELL, BRUCE (1989) ................................Associate Professor 
B.A., University of Chicago; M.C.P., University of Pennsylvania; 
     Ph.D., Rutgers University 
RASHIDUZZAMAN, MOHAMMAD (1973).......Associate Professor 
B.A., M.A., Dacca University, India; Ph.D., Durham University, 
     England. 
WEATHERFORD, BERNADYNE (1987) ...........Associate Professor 
B.A., M.A., Texas Tech University; Ph.D., University. of New 
     Mexico 
 BUTLER, LAWRENCE R. (2001)……………..Assistant Professor B.A, Economics,Washington and Lee University;  M.A., Economics, George Mason University;  M.A., Political Science, George Washington University;  M.A., Ph.D., Politics, Princeton University.

Back to Top

 

CATALOGS SITE MAP

Printed Edition produced by University Publications 

Online Edition produced by the Office of Information Resources

The provisions of this catalog are not to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between Rowan University and the student. The University reserves the right to change any provision, policy, or requirements, including admissions, degree, and graduation requirements, at any time according to established procedures without actual notice to individual students.