Political Science at Aquinas College

Secondary Teacher Certification in Social Studies

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Minor Requirements for Those Seeking Secondary Teacher Certification in Social Studies

Twenty-four (24) credit hours. Required courses:

  • PS101
  • PS150
  • PS203 or PS205
  • PS210
  • PS331 or PS332 or PS333 or PS334 or PS335

NOTE: ALL Political Science courses qualify for General Education credit for the Social Science: Group 1 AND Group 2 Distribution.

Courses

  • PS101 American Government and Politics (3) SS1/SS2

    This course is an introduction to the power, structures and functions of the American Government and Political System. Fundamental is a critical examination of the institutions and players who interact in the processes of American politics.

  • PS150 The World in Crisis (3) SS1/SS2, GP

    Introduction to the dynamics of global interaction and international relations. Developing of a basic understanding of the international system and modes of conflict and cooperation in international problem areas such as Bosnia, Nicaragua, Northern Ireland, Chiapas, East Los Angeles, Haiti, Somalia, American Embassies, Tokyo subways, Iraq, Kuwait, Arab-Israeli relations, human rights violations, armed conflict, poverty, environmental degradation, religious confrontation and diplomacy.

  • PS203 Urban Government and Politics (3) SS1/SS2

    The governance and problems of cities is the focus of this course. Planning, decision-making, issues and solutions are developed in this introduction to the politics and power structures in America’s Urban settings.

  • PS205 State Government and Politics (3)

    Introduction of the institutions and politics of state governments with special emphasis on Michigan

  • PS210 The Presidency and Congress (3) SS1/SS2

    In-depth look at these branches of national government, relationships to each other and to other parts of the political community. Prerequisite: PS101.

  • PS331 European Politics (3) SS1/SS2

    Government and politics of England, France, West Germany, and the Soviet Union, comparison to each other and to the United States.

  • PS332 Politics of Developing Countries (3) SS1/SS2

    Exploration and comparison of government and politics in various developing areas of the world. Fundamental analysis of the issues of development within a comparative framework and political economy is emphasized.

  • PS333 Politics of Latin America (3) SS1/SS2

    Comparative examination of politics and governments in Latin America. Examine the internal politics and policy making, political institutions, cultures and locus of power in “newly industrialized states,” socialist states, less developed states, and developing states of Latin America.

  • PS334 Mid East Politics (3) SS1/SS2

    An in-depth examination of politics and foreign policy in the Middle East. Issues discussed include Arab-Israeli-Palestinian relationships, specific interstate rivalries in the Middle East (Iran v Iraq), the role of super-power politics, ongoing Middle East Peace negotiations, the political economy of oil, and the effect of religious diversity on politics. Participation in the Model Arab League may also be a part of this course.

  • PS335 The Politics of Africa (3) SS1/SS2

    The comparative examination of the politics and governments of African states. Issues of development, culture, and political economy are discussed. Political interaction within and between African states is examined.

Political Science