Course Descriptions

Listed below are the course descriptions for the selected subject.
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POLITICAL SCIENCE



POLS 1111 -- American Politics and Government,   3 credits Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
(MnTC Goal 5 and 9)

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the American political system including the U.S. Constitution, federalism, mass media, political parties, interest groups, the presidency, Congress, federal bureaucracy, the courts, civil liberties, civil rights, and more.


POLS 1121 -- State and Local Politics and Government,   3 credits Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
(MnTC Goals 5 and 9)

This course provides the student with a factual base organized within a framework of democratic theory, principles, organization, processes and functions of the governments which are not national in influence. This study includes an examination of the dynamics, purposes, structure and management of the various local government systems as well as illustrative state systems. Reference may be made to the Minnesota experience.


POLS 1131 -- World Politics,   3 credits Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
(MnTC Goals 5 and 8)

This course introduces the theoretical tools used to analyze world politics and explores the interrelationship of factors that produce global issues. There is an emphasis on current world events presented from a global and American perspective. The course not only analyzes global issues but also discusses steps that could be taken to improve the situation.


POLS 1141 -- Environmental Politics,   3 credits Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
(MnTC Goals 5 and 10)

This course will examine the human impact on the natural world and the various political responses which deal with the effects of that impact. This course will apply the concept of sustainability to various environmental issues. Topics covered may include energy use, resource use, food production and consumption, water use, population growth, environmental justice, and climate change.


POLS 1189 -- Topics:,   Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
This course has been developed as a potential permanent course. The course must follow all the same policies and procedures related to curriculum outlined by the college. It does not duplicate existing course offerings. Refer to course notes for specific course description.


POLS 2202 -- Public Issues,   3 credits Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
(MnTC Goals 5 and 7)

This course will explore various political issues. Specific issues may include the economy, health care, immigration, racism, abortion, and guns. Students will examine their own beliefs as well as various conflicting beliefs with the aim of recognizing the values and virtues of diverse viewpoints.


POLS 2225 -- Constitutional Law,   3 credits Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
(MnTC Goals 5 and 9)

This course provides an in-depth focus on the United States Constitution. The course will discuss how the Constitution was created and how it has evolved based on important amendments, court cases, and different judicial interpretations. The course will also emphasize how the Constitution currently affects society, the political system, and individual lives.


POLS 2245 -- Political Ideas and Ideologies,   3 credits Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
(MnTC Goals 5 and 9)

This course discusses contemporary political ideas and ideologies such as republicanism, liberalism, conservatism, socialism, fascism, liberation ideologies, and green ideology. The course explores the historical development of these ideologies as well as the significance of these ideas/ideologies for today's political issues.


POLS 2265 -- Political Science Practicum,   Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
Prerequisites: 3 credits of political science or consent of instructor

A study of principles and practices of political action. Focal point is a practicum/field work with local or state governmental units or other political actors in Minnesota such as political parties, interest groups, or new social movements. The goal is to gain practical experience in government and politics.


POLS 2299 -- Independent Study,   Search Current Course Schedule
Common Course Outline
Independent Study allows a student to earn credit while participating in a supervised learning experience in a community-based or work setting. Students must have successfully completed two courses in the discipline in which they want to undertake independent study. Forms are available in the Educational Services Office. All arrangements must be made prior to registration for the semester in which the project is scheduled and must be approved by the appropriate Dean of Educational Services. In addition, a project outline must be approved by the instructor who will supervise the student's work.