Political Science

Course Learning Outcomes are measurable statements that are used to identify the specific knowledge and skills that a student should have at the end of a course.

POLS 1101
L1- Explain the structure and functions of the U.S. federal government.
L2- Analyze political behavior, institutions, and policy processes.
L3- Apply civic knowledge to contemporary political issues.

POLS 1102
L1- Be able to formulate/frame political problems and analyze how others do so.
L2- Be able to recognize and apply appropriate practices for analyzing ambiguous social problems involving political solutions.
L3- Identify and apply relevant information for collective problem solving.
L4- Create, analyze, and evaluate/interpret diverse perspectives and solutions.
L5- Establish a reasoned framework for drawing conclusions and/or recommendation solutions.

POLS 2213
L1- The ability to ask serious, thought-provoking questions.
L2- To participate in a civil, fair discussion which involves the give and take of different viewpoints.
L3- To develop credible arguments backed by credible evidence and effectively communicate them in speech and writing.
L4- The willingness to learn which involves replacing simplistic ideological thinking and mass media clichés with the psychological confidence to be open to serious thinking and genuine evidence.

POLS 2221
L1- Learning and understanding the main problems, actors and structures of international politics, including the logic behind global challenges.
L2- Critiquing, analyzing and synthesizing the international dimensions of politics and economics from the global to the local levels.
L3- Knowing and understanding the major theories and analytical perspectives policy makers and political scientists use to interpret and respond to events in world politics, and recognizing how policies must shift over time.
L4- Writing and speaking persuasively regarding personal opinions on international issues.

POLS 2231
L1- Gain an understanding on the diverse political systems around the world.
L2- Gain an understanding on the important concepts that helps capture and explain governance diversity in the world.
L3- Apply comparative methods to analyze contemporary political issues.

POLS 2248
L1- Gain an understanding on the nexus of politics and the courts.
L2- Understand how politics works with the justice system and vice-versa.
L3- Gain a greater understanding on the concept of justice and its manifestation in the court system.

POLS 2250
L1- Be familiar with the electoral dynamics of Idaho.
L2- Understand what makes Idaho politics and culture unique from other U.S. states.
L3- Understand how unique demographic attributes leaves a strong imprint on the idiosyncratic nature of Idaho politics and culture.

POLS 3302
L1- Learn how politics is portrayed in film and pop culture.
L2- Learn on certain political concepts and theories are integrated in film.
L3- Be able to identify and expand on how politics and its mechanics are captured and described in mass media.

POLS 3308
L1- Learn the unique institutional and procedural differences between state and local government.
L2- Learn the different capabilities, such as tax and regulations, across different tiers of government.
L3- Learn about the unique executive and legislative relationships between state and local governments.

POLS 3319
L1- Learn about the contours of the scientific method and its application to political science.
L2- Acquire an understanding in methodology to be able know the difference between various research design.
L3- Learn the benefits and limitations of analyses of different research methods.

POLS 3326
L1- Learn about U.S. engagement with other countries.
L2- Learn about the various factors at play in establishing and modifying international order.
L3- Learn about the various entities and their means to project U.S. influence abroad.

POLS 4401
L1- An understanding of the influence of political parties and interest groups on the political process.
L2- An understanding of how these groups recruit and maintain membership.
L3- An understanding how these groups influence public opinion and voting behavior.

POLS 4403
L1- To understand the development and modern practice of presidential leadership in the United States.
L2- Understand the evolution of the modern presidency, the process of presidential selection, and the structure of the presidency as an institution.
L3- Explore the ways in which presidents make decisions and seek to shape foreign, economic, and domestic policy.
L4- Examine the relationship of the presidency with other major governmental institutions, organized interest groups, the press, and the public.
L5- Understand the political resources and constraints influencing the president's ability to provide leadership in the U.S. political system.
L6- Practice public speaking and argumentation skills.

POLS 4404
L1- Learn how Congress functions as an institution.
L2- Understand how members of Congress make decisions as individuals.
L3- Gain hands-on experience in writing legislation, bill justifications, and dear colleagues.
L4- Participate in a simulation of a Congressional hearing.
L5- Practice public speaking and argumentation skills.

POLS 4405
L1- Learn major concepts and concerns of public administration, both as a field of study and as a profession.
L2- Provide a theoretical foundation for understanding events affecting public administration.
L3- Endeavor to understand and appreciate the complexity and dilemmas of current administrative practices.
L4- Give students a conceptual framework within which to examine their role as public servants.
L5- Prepare students for their undergraduate and graduate studies through emphases on critical thinking, analytical skills, and writing.

POLS 4406
L1- Learn about the concepts and theories relevant in capturing the dynamics and working relations within federalism.
L2- Learn how intergovernmental relations are relevant for public programs.
L3- Understand how various tiers of government cooperate to deliver public services and oversee public goods.

POLS 4408
L1- Analyze the social, cultural, and economic dynamics of urban environments.
L2- Evaluate the physical and spatial design of cities.
L3- Propose evidence-based strategies for improving urban spaces.

POLS 4409
L1- Understanding human health and sprawl.
L2-Understanding basic ARC GIS.
L3- Understanding land use planning.
L4-Understanding sustainability.
L5-Understanding a good plan.

POLS 4411
L1- Explain the core ideas and traditions in American Political Thought.
L2- Analyze foundational texts and thinkers in American Political Theory.
L3- Assess how American Political Theory shapes contemporary political debates.

POLS 4412
L1- Apply major theories and concepts used in contemporary political science.
L2- Use empirical research methods to analyze political phenomena.
L3- Critically evaluate political arguments and evidence.

POLS 4419
L1- Design rigorous political science research.
L2- Apply quantitative and qualitative methods to political data.
L3- Critically evaluate empirical research in political science.

POLS 4420
L1- Analyze major theories in contemporary political thought.
L2- Evaluate how contemporary theories respond to modern political challenges.
L3- Apply contemporary political theories to current political debates.

POLS 4421
L1- Explain the core principles and historical evolution of democratic thought.
L2- Analyze major theorists and debates within democratic theory.
L3- Apply democratic theories to assess contemporary political issues.

POLS 4427
L1- An understanding of the determinants of public opinion and voting behavior.
L2- An understanding of the limitations of the public on the political process Interpret survey results.
L3- Developing the ability to write strong, clear, and compelling public opinion surveys.
L4- Developing the ability to write strong, clear, and compelling academic research.

POLS 4428
L1- Analyze the historical and contemporary roles of women in political life.
L2- Evaluate the impact of gender on political systems, policies, and power.
L3- Apply feminist and gender-based theories to contemporary political issues.

POLS 4432
L1- Analyze the sources and dynamics of political change across countries.
L2- Evaluate how political institutions create and maintain political order.
L3- Apply comparative frameworks to assess contemporary political challenges.

POLS 4433
L1- Analyze the political, economic, and social factors shaping development.
L2- Evaluate the functioning of political institutions and governance in developing contexts.
L3- Apply comparative and theoretical frameworks to contemporary development challenges.

POLS 4434
L1- Explain the causes and dynamics of terrorism and political violence.
L2- Evaluate theories, strategies, and tactics used by violent non-state and state actors.
L3- Apply analytical frameworks to contemporary cases and policy debates.

POLS 4436
L1- Analyze the nature and scope of elite deviance.
L2- Evaluate theoretical explanations and societal impacts.
L3- Apply critical and empirical approaches to case studies.

POLS 4437
L1- Analyze the role of science and technology in society and policy.
L2- Evaluate policy frameworks governing science and technology.
L3- Apply policy analysis tools to contemporary science and technology issues.

POLS 4441
L1- Understand the structure, powers, and functions of administrative agencies.
L2- Analyze legal principles governing administrative action.
L3- Apply Administrative Law concepts to real-world cases.

POLS 4442
L1- Read and brief Supreme Court decisions to distill the key information and rule of law.
L2- Understand the current constitutional limits on the powers of Congress, the Executive Branch, and the Judiciary, and how those limits have shifted over time.
L3- Critically evaluate constitutional law as part of the larger legal and political systems.
L4- Apply legal rules to new factual situations to predict likely judicial decision.
L5- Understand and critique the role of individual justices in shaping constitutional law.

POLS 4443
L1- Explain the importance of rights and liberties.
L2- Explain the evolution of specific civil rights and liberties over time.
L3- Assess and critique the role of the Supreme Court in protecting civil rights and liberties.

POLS 4444
L1- Analyze the relationship between law and social structures.
L2- Evaluate theoretical perspectives on law and social change.
L3- Apply sociological and legal analysis to contemporary issues.

POLS 4445
L1- Explain major theories and schools of legal thought.
L2- Analyze the philosophical and normative foundations of law.
L3- Apply jurisprudential concepts to legal and policy issues.

POLS 4451
L1- Analyze key theories of public organizations.
L2- Evaluate organizational structures, behavior, and decision-making.
L3- Apply organizational theory to public management challenges.

POLS 4452
L1- Understanding budget cycles.
L2- Understanding tax revenue.
L3- Understanding budget preparation.
L4- Understanding capital assets.
L5- Understanding long-term financing.

POLS 4453
L1- Develop an understanding of the policy making process.
L2- Develop an understanding of the role of beliefs and values in policy making.
L3- Develop an understanding of the role of policy narratives in policy making.
L4- Develop an understanding of rationality and non-rationality in policy making.
L5- Develop an understanding of different theories of democracy and how they relate to policy analysis.

POLS 4454
L1- The skill and ability to conduct a written analysis complete with recommendations.
L2- The skill and ability to write to an audience of fellow public administrators, elected officials, non-profit boards, and others.
L3- The skill and ability to do basic legal research necessary for public administration personnel management. The knowledge, skill, and ability to conduct a negotiation.

POLS 4455
L1- Analyze the political and institutional dimensions of environmental issues.
L2- Evaluate environmental policies and governance approaches.
L3- Apply theoretical and empirical tools to environmental policy challenges.

POLS 4456
L1- Analyze the structure and function of labor organizations.
L2- Evaluate labor relations, collective bargaining, and Labor Law.
L3- Apply theoretical and practical frameworks to labor issues.

POLS 4457
L1-Understand the grant seeking process and funding landscape.
L2- Develop and write competitive grant proposals.
L3- Evaluate and revise grant applications using best practices.

POLS 4458
L1- Students should demonstrate an understanding of the institutional, political, and legal processes of the United State, and articulate the functions of public administration in terms of historical roots, structure, and contemporary issues.
L2- Students should demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical knowledge of ethical situations as an administrator and integrating this into applied practice.
L3- Students should demonstrate critical reasoning, problem solving abilities, communication skills, technology skills, and ethical considerations relating to public responsibility.
L4- Students should demonstrate an understanding of the social, political, economic, and cultural factors that influence public administration.
L5- Students should demonstrate an awareness of ethical issues in public and nonprofit organizations, and how to use ethical reasoning to formulate decisions and promote positive organizational and professional trust.

POLS 4460
L1- Provide students with the support and time to execute an original project of intellectual merit.
L2- Ensure students have the skills necessary to apply their degree and the subsequent knowledge accrued at Idaho State University.
L3- Motivate students for a lifetime of work that will be pursued after a student’s degree, regardless of the student’s eventual career path(s).

POLS 4461
L1- Analyze the structure, governance, and operations of nonprofit organizations.
L2- Evaluate strategic, financial, and resource management practices.
L3- Apply management and leadership skills to address nonprofit challenges.

POLS 4462
L1- Understand the concept of development and how it applies to different countries and settings.
L2- Understand the history, dialogue, and implications of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
L3- Under the intricacies and complications associated in making progress on sustainable development indicators.
L4- Gain an understanding on the inception of development projects and the various entities and processes involved in its manifestation.

POLS 4463
L1- Understand how theories in public administration and policy help explain and guide the partnership between the public and the private sector.
L2- Understand the public network management literature.
L3- Understand the tools of government literature.

POLS 4464
L1- Analyze the frameworks and policies governing disaster management.
L2- Evaluate disaster risk, preparedness, and response strategies.
L3- Apply administrative policy tools to real-world disaster scenarios.

POLS 4465
L1- Analyze key events, movements, and figures in U.S. political history.
L2- Evaluate the evolution of political institutions and ideologies.
L3- Apply historical perspectives to contemporary political issues.

POLS 4466
L1- Analyze the legal and institutional frameworks governing public lands.
L2- Evaluate competing policy goals and stakeholder interests.
L3- Apply policy analysis tools to contemporary public lands issues.

POLS 4467
L1- Analyze the structure and functions of state and local governments.
L2- Evaluate administrative processes and public policy implementation.
L3- Apply administrative and management principles to real-world challenges.

POLS 4471
L1- Analyze the historical development of Idaho's landscapes and settlements.
L2- Evaluate the interactions between people and the environment.
L3- Apply historical geographic methods to research and case studies.

POLS 4478
L1- Analyze the legal foundations of federal Indian Law.
L2- Evaluate tribal sovereignty and federal-tribal relations.
L3- Apply federal Indian Law principles to contemporary issues.

POLS 4479
L1- Analyze the structure and functioning of tribal governments.
L2- Evaluate the political, legal, and economic contexts of tribal governance.
L3- Apply governance and policy frameworks to contemporary tribal issues.