Political Science (POSC)

POSC 204 - Principles of Economics Credits 4

Micro and macro economic terms and concepts of economic reasoning with an emphasis on the application of these concepts to current economic issues, including: the elements of America's market economy including supply and demand, profit, competition, pricing, incentives, private property and the debate between free market and regulation; the relationship between politics and economics; the U.S. labor market and aggregate economic behavior and policy; and international trade, and global regulation and cooperation. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 206 - Comparative Government Credits 3

The elements and theories of states, citizenship, political parties and representation as illustrated in various political systems. Special emphasis on current elections, political movements and challenges to the political order. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 207 - International Relations Credits 3

A survey of national-state system; forces affecting international relations; sources of conflict in world politics, and their solution by power politics and international cooperation. An historical view of theoretical frameworks and diplomatic history along with a survey of contemporary topics including: globalization, state-building, public diplomacy and engagement in issues of religious and political freedom and human rights. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 208 - World Politics Credits 3

Introduces students to the theories and key concepts of international relations and to comparative political systems. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 211 - Introduction to Political Economy Credits 3

This introductory survey course covers a broad spectrum of micro- and macro-economic theories, terms, methods, and principles that will enable students in the Social Sciences to understand the basic mechanics and processes of the political economy. Students will also engage and integrate the subject matter themes with concepts of political theory, such as justice, freedom, property ownership, Biblical human relationships and stewardship. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 225 - Survey of American Government Credits 3

The history, organization and function of the legislative, judicial and executive branches of the American government. Includes one hour per week involving students in a local government civic service or life experience activity. Satisfies the state requirement in institutions in American history. Core Curriculum: Approved for Core - History. Note(s): Meets the requirement for United States Constitution for California teacher certification. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 230 - Perspectives on American Government Credits 1-2

Contemporary issues in American government and politics as seen from a Christian perspective. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 240 - Liberty and the Free Market in England Credits 3

This travel course engages students with principles of liberty and the free market, their application in the Industrial Age, and the challenges of modern free market England. The course is unique in its focus on the economics, politics, and philosophy of markets. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 250 - Foundations of the American Political System Credits 3

Students will wrestle with the major themes, ideas, and structures of the American experiment in democratic government. Special emphasis will be given to the American founding, the evolving role of religion in the American public order, and the essential connections and issues involved with a distinctively Christian approach to the discipline of Political Science. Note(s): This course is the required introductory course to American politics for all Political Science majors. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 256 - Virtue, Citizenship, and Politics Credits 3

This course introduces fundamental philosophical debates surrounding freedom, justice, and equality as it relates to the best that has been thought and said on these topics. This course also introduces students to the cardinal and Christian virtues and how they might inform one's personal development and political philosophy. Models of statesmanship and political virtue will be examined as models for the cultivation of virtue as it applies to politics. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 290 - Political Science Research Methods Credits 3

This course will introduce students to the major elements of the research process in Political Science. Students will learn the distinction between a more general research topic and research question more appropriate to research in Political Science. As part of the overall research process students will be introduced to the major elements of a Political Science research paper among them being: a thesis, a literature review, an annotated bibliography, and proper citations using the notes-bibliographic style from the Turabian/Chicago style guide. Each student will produce and develop a research project around their research question and produce a significant research paper that is the result of several drafts. Note(s): Required course for all Political Science majors. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 301 - Fundamentals of Public Administration Credits 3

Fundamentals of public administration; overview of the concepts, nature and scope of the field. Role of government in modern society and the nature of public business. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 302 - Public Administration Practice Credits 3

This course aims to familiarize students with some of the core areas of the practice of public administration such as planning, personnel, and public finance. An important theme throughout the course is the application of Christian leadership principles and ethics to the practice of public administration. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): POSC 250.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 304 - Organizational Theory and Behavior Credits 3

Key concepts central to organizing and changing public agencies to meet public social needs. Review of theories, managerial approaches and methodologies in public administrators. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 306 - Public Policy Credits 3

An analysis of public policy process and the political context of its formation. Systematic review of the diverse financial systems in making and implementing public policy. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 308 - Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Credits 3

Examines the history of US foreign policy; foreign policy processes and theories; key global organizations; and comparative foreign policies of world powers. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): POSC 208.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 309 - National Security Strategy and Military Affairs Credits 3

Introduces the Western way of war and the basic theories of key military strategists; explores contemporary problems in national security strategy such as WMD and cyberwar; and evaluates questions of just war and pacifism, and the ethics of modern military technology, from a Christian perspective. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): POSC 208.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 310 - Student Government Practicum Credit 1

The organization and function of student government at the university level; parliamentary procedure, committee work and similarity to state and national legislative government. Note(s): May be taken for a total multiple times for credit (limited to Biola Associated Students Council and Senate members; students working for Associated Students for an hourly wage may not enroll). Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (total number of credits): 4.

POSC 317 - Politics of Global Terrorism Credits 3

Explores the nature, origins, and history of modern terrorism; the motivations, organizations, and tactics of its perpetrators; and governmental responses to terrorism and related civil liberties and ethical issues. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 320 - The American Presidency Credits 3

Historical development of the office of the presidency; formal and informal powers of the president in executive, legislative, judicial, military, diplomatic and political areas. Studies in contemporary and historic presidential biography and critical issues. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): POSC 250.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 350 - Political Philosophy – Ancient Credits 3

A study of selected works of ancient and medieval political philosophy. Emphasis on such writers as Plato, Aristotle, Hebrew Scripture, Early Church Fathers and Augustine. Careful reading in primary sources, class discussion and written interpretation. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): POSC 250 or POSC 256.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 351 - Political Philosophy – Modern Credits 3

A study of selected works of Renaissance and modern political philosophy. Emphasis on such writers as Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Nietzsche and others. Careful reading in primary sources, class discussion and written interpretation. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): POSC 250 or POSC 256.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 360 - Economic History of the United States Credits 3

Growth and development of the American economy from the Colonial period to contemporary times. Emphasis on such dynamic factors as political, social, legal, technological and international developments affecting changes in agriculture, transportation, communication, commerce, industry and finance. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 365 - Wealth and Justice Credits 3

Examines the moral, pragmatic, religious and philosophic arguments for democratic capitalism. Explores the rise of the free enterprise system, and evaluates what it assumes about human nature, society, the means of production, and the possibilities (and limits) of public policy. Connects these foundational arguments to Scripture on dignity and work, the economy, private property, theft, and pressing public policy issues. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): POSC 211.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 400 - Political Parties and the Electoral Process Credits 3

Analysis of the history, philosophy, organization and functioning of America's political parties. The mechanics of the electoral process including issue formation and campaign strategy, organization development, redistricting, polling, campaign financing. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 406 - Legislation Credits 3

The mechanical rules, procedures and customs in the making of laws in American government. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 407 - International Organizations and Political Economy Credits 3

An overview of historical developments and current trends in international cooperation. Emphasis on League of Nations and United Nations history, structure, functions and assessment. A survey of current trends in global trade, development, international regulation and dispute resolution, NGO's and informal networks influencing the global political economy. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 409 - Strategic Intelligence Credits 3

Examines the US intelligence community and the intelligence process, and provides students with introductory critical thinking and creative problem solving skills that are useful to intelligence professionals. Explores differences among foreign intelligence services, including cultural factors, and encourages reflection from the Christian perspective on ethical issues in intelligence. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): POSC 308 or POSC 309.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 410 - American Constitutional Law Credits 3

An examination of the principles of the American Constitutional system looking primarily at U.S. Supreme Court decisions and the historical development of Constitutional Law. Attention also given to the judicial branch and its role in American government and politics, particularly its continuing interpretation of the U.S. Constitution as the framework for American democracy. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 415 - Human Rights: Justice and Foreign Policy Credits 3

International human rights law and public policy, including treaties, monitoring bodies, and international and regional protective systems. The course analyzes the political and theological resources for framing justice and human rights. Also, the course situates human rights in the larger international movement to secure basic rights and freedoms for all, as well as examines critical secular and religious voices. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 420 - Courts and Public Policy Credits 3

Examination of the formation of the judiciary in the U.S. and nature of judicial power. Key Supreme Court decisions. Interpreting the Constitution. Separation of powers. Courts as shapers of public policy. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 430 - Church and State Relations Credits 3

An examination of the historic and current understanding of the relationship between religious beliefs and practices and civil government and law in the United States. Topics could include the First Amendment, Supreme Court rulings, the relevance of the country's founders, prayer in school, and displaying the Ten Commandments in public places. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 453 - The Islamic City Credits 3

History of urbanization in the Islamic world. Uniqueness of Islamic cities in world history. Multidisciplinary approach to urban history and urban studies. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 454 - Arab-Israeli Conflict Credits 3

Focusing on Jerusalem, students will study the diplomatic and political history of the conflict between the Palestinians and Israelis. Emphasis on Christian Zionism, political Islam, and international relations. Depending on the students in the class, position papers will be used either in simulated negotiations or panel discussions. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 455 - History of Israel and Zionism Credits 3

Focusing on Jerusalem, students will study the diplomatic and political history of the conflict between the Palestinians and Israelis. Emphasis on Christian Zionism, political Islam, and international relations. Depending on the students in the class, position papers will be used either in simulated negotiations or panel discussions. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 456 - Muslim, Jewish and Christian Relations Credits 3

History of Muslim, Jewish and Christian relations. Multidisciplinary approach. Questions of church and state, morality, Scripture. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 465 - Integration Seminar Credits 3

Issues in the contemporary world addressed from an interdisciplinary social science and biblical perspective. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 470 - Political Science Research and Writing Credits 3

Research and writing for Political Science majors (Political Science or Public Administration concentration). In-depth research of original sources and/or empirical studies, culminating in the development of a research paper. Special studies in public administration for majors utilizing the techniques of problem solving, research and effective communication and writing. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Junior Class, or Senior Class; and Undergraduate Level.

POSC 480 - Studies in Political Science Credits 1-3

Specialized study in political science in such areas as American government, the U.S. Constitution, legislation, state and local government, foreign affairs, international relations, the Arab- Israel conflict, political theory, comparative governments, the American presidency, the citizen and the law, political parties, law and public administration. Note(s): May be taken for a total of 12 credits with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (total number of credits): 12.

POSC 485 - Public Law Credits 3

Function of law in protecting the public's interest in preserving the environment. Environmental laws, administrative action, freedom of information, air and water quality, noise pollution, solid waste, pesticides, land use, zoning, energy and agency decision making. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): BUSN 361.
Restriction(s): Must be Junior Class, or Senior Class; and Undergraduate Level.

POSC 486 - Personnel and Human Resources Management Credits 3

Government personnel systems, merit concepts, classification, compensation, training, examinations, organizations, labor relations and collective bargaining. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): POSC 225, POSC 301, POSC 485.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 488 - Internship and Research Project Credits 9

Provides an opportunity to complete an internship and a research project in a public agency. Project consists of identification and analysis, with guidance, of a chosen area in public organization. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.

POSC 490 - Internship in Political Science Credits 1-9

In-service training and internship experience in various government and non-government agencies and organizations. Note(s): Special approval required; may be taken for a total of 9 credits with different content. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.
Repeat Limit (total number of credits): 9.

POSC 495 - Honors Seminar in Political Science I Credits 3

First semester of a year-long independent research project for political science majors culminating in an honors thesis. First semester: reading and research under supervision. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Junior Class, or Senior Class; and Undergraduate Level.

POSC 496 - Honors Seminar in Political Science II Credits 3

Second semester of a year-long independent research project for political science majors culminating in an honors thesis. Drafting and writing final paper. Grade Mode: A.
Prerequisite(s): POSC 495.
Restriction(s): Must be Junior Class, or Senior Class; and Undergraduate Level.

POSC 499 - Senior Seminar Credits 3

A senior capstone seminar including classic texts in political science, integration of faith and politics, and a comprehensive exam. Note(s): Required for graduation. Grade Mode: A.
Restriction(s): Must be Undergraduate Level.