COURSES OF STUDY
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Birmingham-Southern College Catalog 2014-2015
PS 410 Development in the Americas (1)
An advanced course focusing on the patterns of socioeconomic
and political development in the Americas, with emphases on the
hemispheric effects of globalization and the United States’ hegemonic
status in the region. Marxist, neoliberal, and globalization theories
are utilized to better understand development in Latin America.
Prerequisite: senior standing.
PS 434 Introduction to International Human Rights Law (1)
A seminar course on international law with an emphasis on human
rights. Concepts and principles, functions and processes associated
with international law are applied to general categories of human
rights—for example, political, economic, social and cultural rights.
Special attention is paid to the International Criminal Court, war
crimes, genocide, children’s rights, human trafficking, modern slavery,
workers’ rights, gender and health issues, the environment, indigenous
rights, torture, and punishment. Student engagement with a human
rights institution is a requirement. Prerequisite: at least junior standing.
Spring of odd numbered years.
PS 445 Democratization (1)
An advanced course addressing the theoretical issues generated by
the wave of democratization that began in the early 1970s. It explores
democracy’s diverse understandings and practices with an emphasis
on comparative analyses of transitions from authoritarian rule and the
problems associated with democratic consolidation. Prerequisite: GCS
100 or PS 238.
PS 450 Religion and Politics in America (1)
Explores the relationship between religion and politics in America.
Emphasis is placed on the role of religion in American culture and how
religion affects politics. Also listed as HON 450, this course may be
counted by Honors Program students toward fulfillment of their course
requirements. (Also listed as RE 450.)
PS 470 Seminar for Majors (1)
An exploration of issues in political science. Prerequisite: senior
standing.
PS 472 Senior Research Project in Political Science (1)
Extension of PS 470 Seminar for Majors. This course functions as a
capstone experience where students conduct independent research
under the supervision of the political science faculty and where they
come together to discuss key issues for the discipline. In addition to
completion of significant research, to be presented to the campus
community, students will take up important questions for political
science such as the future and scope of the discipline, quantitative
versus qualitative analysis, and the application of political science to the
solution of problems confronting community.
