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COURSES OF STUDY
Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2014-2015
Courses in Political Science
PS 101 Introduction to American Government and Politics (1)
A survey of research on the institutions of American government–the
Presidency, the Congress, and the Supreme Court–and on political
behavior at the mass, elite, and organizational levels. Questions of
democratic theory are applied to the American context. Fall, Spring.
PS 111 Humor and the Cynical Political Mind (1)
Examines politics and political issues through the perspective of
humor, satire, and parody. The significance and impact of humor on
the political process and on political knowledge will be explored,
and a variety of humorous forms will be analyzed, including editorial
cartoons, comic strips, late night television, situation comedies, radio
talk shows, movies, and books. An emphasis will be placed on politics
in the United States.
PS 180 From Babylonia to Redlands: Maps and Our Environment (1)
An exploration and critical examination of the history, uses of,
and changing significance of mapping, particularly related to the
environment. Readings, discussions, collaborative activities, and hands-
on exposure to geographic information systems (GIS, or electronic
mapping software) will comprise the bulk of course activities. Although
the focus is on the environment, students will find the knowledge and
skills developed in this course applicable to numerous fields of inquiry.
PS 195 Talk, Talk, Spin, Spin: Politics, Media, and Political Culture (1)
Explores the relationship between politics, media, and political culture.
The course examines relevant literature and focuses primarily on the
impact of television, print journalism, political advertising, public
opinion, and popular culture on the norms and values which undergird
the American political system. Fall.
PS 204 Survey Data Analysis and Statistics (1)
Theory and practice in formulating hypotheses and evaluating them by
analyzing secondary sources of data with statistical analysis software.
Emphasis is placed on data management, data analysis, the use of
appropriate statistics, and the interpretation of statistical output.
Though intended as a prerequisite for EC 304, GCS 304, PS 304 or
SO 304, this course can help any student develop analytical skills.
Laboratory required. (Also listed as EC 204, GCS 204, and SO 204, this
course may be counted for credit in economics, global and comparative
studies, political science or sociology.) Fall.
