The development and operation of the U.S. Congress, focussing on its constitutional and political bases. Topics include elections, representation, congressional parties and committees, policy making, and relations with the presidency.
Prerequisites: PSC-101, PSC-150

The basic political science course focusing on American politics. Emphasis on the principles, institutions and politics of the federal government. Topics include: the U.S. Constitution, the presidency, Congress, the Supreme Court, political parties and interest groups, and the federal bureaucracy

The place of the media as an institution in the American political system. Topics include the nature of the U.S. media, their relationship to the president and the bureaucracy, Congress, the courts and interest groups, the media’s role in political campaigns and policy-making, and the media’s influence on opinion and political behavior of elites and the public.
Prerequisites: PSC-101, PSC-150

The constitutional and political evolution of the presidential office, with emphasis on relations with Congress, the federal bureaucracy and the judiciary. Focus on presidential functions such as legislative leadership, budgeting, administrative coordination and making foreign policy.
Prerequisite: PSC-101

Through internships and related assignments, students employ research methods, test previous political science research, and acquire a deeper understanding of domestic and international affairs.
Prerequisite: PSC-101 or PSC-102

Examination of political, civic and cultural aspects of the American political system while living in Washington, DC. Includes internship in a government agency or political organization, with appropriate academic perspectives.
Prerequisite: PSC-101 or PSC-102

Guided research and writing on a topic in any field of political science proposed by the student and approved by the instructor.
Prerequisite: Instructor permission