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ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
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Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2015-2016
including political parties, interest groups, institutions, ideologies, and
political change. Prerequisite: GCS 100 or PS 238.
PS 340 Comparative Elite Behavior (1)
A cross-national survey of political, social, and economic elites with
emphasis on industrialized societies. Topics include leadership, who
governs, belief systems, recruitment, socialization, and elite-mass
relationships. A Leadership Studies designated course.
PS 342 Comparative Political Development (1)
An introduction to theories and strategies of political development.
Emphasis is placed on applying the theories to a developing nation or area.
Prerequisite: GCS 100 or PS 238.
PS 345 American Political Behavior (1)
Dominant patterns in political culture analyzed for their effect on
socialization, elections, and public policy. Ideological, social, and
technological change provide the substance for a critique of methodologies.
An examination of the role of the media is included. Prerequisite: PS 101.
PS 355 American Presidency and Congress (1)
An examination of the executive and legislative branches, including the
relationship between the President and Congress, as well as how both
interact with the Bureaucracy, the news media, and the public. A Leadership
Studies designated course.
PS 361 Politics in China and Japan (1)
An examination of the current political systems of the two countries with
focuses on political culture, elites and masses, political institutions and
processes, current issues, and political change. (Also listed as HON 361.)
Prerequisite: GCS 100 or PS 238.
PS 366 Politics of Mexico and Central America (1)
An exploration of the political culture and institutions of Mexico and
Central America, focusing on the effects of globalization, economic
integration, regime type, political change, and the role of the United
States. The region’s vast diversity and complexities are examined but
with an emphasis on the interdependent nature of country relationships.
Prerequisite: GCS 100, PS 238, or PS 240.
PS 368 Political Violence (1)
An examination of the sources, evolution, and outcomes of political
violence and revolution, emphasizing the reasons, justifications, and