Course Objectives, Syllabi, & Experiential Learning
Fall 2023
What is Political Science?
Current Events and Public Opinion
Political Attitudes and Public Opinion
Objectives. The purpose of this course is to examine public opinion and political behavior among Americans. The class will discuss political attitude measurement processes, data collection and polling, the effect of political knowledge on attitudes, the role of ideology and partisanship on public opinion, the origins of mass opinions, trends in public opinion as it relates to various salient issues, group differences in political opinions, the influence of the media in impacting political attitudes, and the effect of public opinion on policy and policymakers. During the semester, students will engage with course materials that will help to further their understanding of public opinion, political behavior, and political research. Not only will the class address political attitudes among the mass public, but we will also consider the role of current political topics and their influence in shaping American beliefs. Political Science Syllabus. Interdisciplinary (Quest) Syllabus
Research Methods (Conduct of Inquiry)
Objectives. This course aims to introduce students to research design and the methods used for investigating contemporary (political) issues. Throughout the semester, students will learn how to conduct original research and present their research designs to their colleagues. This course aims to provide students with tools to critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of methodological approaches used in research. Overall, this course is designed to instruct students on the appropriate way to conduct social science research. To meet the objectives of this course, we will explore (1) the logic of social science research, (2) the elements of the empirical research process, and (3) research design. Throughout the semester, students will develop an original research project. Syllabus
Policy, Ethics, and Public Leadership
Objectives. Do leaders make ethical policy decisions? What are the factors that influence corruption and scandal? Are political policies ethical? This course is designed to introduce students to public policy, ethics, and leadership. The first part of the course takes a philosophical approach where we discuss the relationship between public policy and morality—focusing on the criteria to assess policies. We will also discuss whether political policies satisfy moral standards. The second half of the course focuses on public leadership and the role of ethics in political decision-making. We will explore corruption and scandal, leadership, political power, and ethics in the legislative process. Throughout the semester, we will “bring philosophical reasoning to bear on a series of highly important policy areas” (Wolff 2020, 6). Syllabus.
Environmental Politics
Objectives. The main objective of this course is to introduce students to environmental politics from a political opinion and policy perspective. In doing so, we will discuss the state of the environment, the evolution of environmental policy and politics, environmental policymaking in Congress, policy protections, and contemporary environmental policies and concerns. This course has two major themes: policy analysis and environmental policymaking. Throughout this semester, we will examine the implications of issues including (but not limited to) natural energy, food production, overconsumption, hazardous waste, fracking, offshore drilling, etc. We are also interested in public opinion and the role of government in creating and enforcing environmental policy. Syllabus.
Religion and Politics in America
Objectives. The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the (complex) relationship between religion and politics in the United States. Students will examine both the history of religion in America and the role that religion plays in contemporary politics and society. The principal objective of this course is to increase knowledge and understanding of the salience of religion in America both past and present. C0urse focus: To reach our objectives, students will examine: (1) the religious landscape of the United States (past and present), (2) existing theories of religion, politics, and culture, (3) public opinion and voting behavior among religious (and non-religious) individuals, (4) significant differences among measures of religion: belonging, behaving, believing, (5) organized religious groups and social movements, (6) the role of religious and political elites, (7) religion as an aspect of American culture, society, and identity, (8) politics of religion in the courts and the legal system, and (9) current topics in the field of religion and politics. Syllabus.
Introduction to American Government
Objectives. The purpose of this course is for students to become familiarized with the basic principles and practices of American government. Students will engage with materials that provide insight into political research. As a class, we will discuss current events in politics and sort through the facts of our government. The class is organized into four sections: (1) democracy and the structure of government, (2) public opinion, the news media, and the role of political parties, (3) branches of government, and (4) the role of government. Syllabus.
Teaching Evaluations
Research Methods (Mean evaluation: 5.0/ Department mean evaluation: 4.35) [Fall 2021)
Religion and Politics in the United States (Mean evaluation: 5.0/ Department mean evaluation: 4.30)
Conduct of Inquiry: Mean evaluation: 4.97/ Department mean evaluation: 4.69) [Fall 2021]
Policy, Ethics, and Public Leadership (Mean evaluation: 4.74/ Department mean evaluation: 4.42)
Political Attitudes and Public Opinion: Mean evaluation: 4.72 / Department mean evaluation: 4.42)
Environmental Politics (Mean evaluation: 4.82/ Department mean evaluation: 4.42)
American Federal Government (Mean evaluation: 4.64 / Department mean evaluation: 4.38)