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POLI 135 - Freshman Honors Colloquium (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of instructor
Freshman Honors Colloquia in political science allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project which provides the major part of the grade. Topics vary from semester to semester. Repeatable: may earn a maximum of six credits. Offered fall semester.
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POLI 136 - Freshman Honors Colloquium (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of instructor
Freshman Honors Colloquia in political science allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project which provides the major part of the grade. The minimum enrollment is two and the maximum enrollment is 12. Topics vary from semester to semester. Offered spring semester.
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POLI 172 - Introduction to American Government (3 credits)
The purpose of the course is to introduce students to the range of research on American political institutions and processes. Students will examine the constitutional underpinnings of American government, the role of political parties, interest groups and the media in the system. Students will also explore the changing character of political institutions: the presidency, Congress and the courts. (CSOC; CUSC)
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POLI 199 - First Year Seminar (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Open to all freshmen with a writing placement score of 3 or above or a SAT score of 500 or above or who have completed ENGL 101. Students with 24 or more transfer credits will have this requirement waived.
First Year Seminars (FYS) are writing-intensive, topic courses that introduce students to academic thought, discourse and practices. FYS courses prepare and orient students toward productive and fulfilling college careers by actively engaging them in a specific academic area of interest. Students will improve their writing, reading, research and basic information and technology skills while learning to work both collaboratively and independently. These courses will fulfill the First Year Seminar requirement and may fulfill other requirements for the core curriculum. Each course may fulfill different requirements and topics may change each semester. Only one FYS course may be taken for credit. (CFYS)
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POLI 250 - Research Design and Quantitative Methods in Political Science (3 credits)
Prerequisite: One core curriculum requirement in Foundations of Mathematical Reasoning
This course provides students with a foundation for reading and assessing the quality of published research in the social sciences, with particular emphasis on the research techniques common in political science and public administration. It introduces the concepts of theory development, hypothesis testing and statistical significance, and provides students with the rudimentary skills, from literature review searches through data analysis necessary to conduct their own research. Writing is emphasized. (Formerly POLI 350) (CSOC; CQUR)
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POLI 260 - International Relations (3 credits)
This course introduces modern world politics, with emphasis on change and continuity in the structure and processes governing relations within the international community. Emphasis will be placed on the nation-state dilemmas facing the global community. Offered annually. (CSOC)
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POLI 274 - Western Political Thought - Plato to the Present (3 credits)
This course covers the principal ideas and philosophies of politics articulated by philosophers and political thinkers since ancient times. The student will be introduced to many of the age-old and puzzling questions of how people can best govern themselves using legal, institutional and behavioral approaches. Offered fall semester. (CSOC; CWRT)
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POLI 275 - Comparative Government (3 credits)
This course covers political behavior and government systems in Great Britain, France, Russia, etc. Offered fall semester. (CGCL; CMCL; CSOC)
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POLI 277 - American Government: State and Local (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172
This course focuses on state government and politics with emphasis on Massachusetts affairs. Offered annually. (Formerly POLI 305) (CSOC; CUSC)
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POLI 279 - Introduction to Public Administration (3 credits)
The relationship of the administrative branch of government to other branches in the making and implementation of public policy; theories of government organization for efficient administration; problems of budgeting, personnel, merit systems, type of agency organization, popular control over the bureaucracy. Offered annually. (CSOC; CUSC)
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POLI 280 - Politics and Government of Ireland (3 credits)
This course explores the politics and government of Ireland. It begins with an overview of America’s longstanding relationship with Ireland, followed by an investigation into the development of Irish political and social identities. The course also covers the relationship between church and state, electoral politics, political institutions and conflict and cooperation in Northern Ireland. Offered alternate years. (CGCL; CSOC)
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POLI 285 - Law and the Judicial Process (3 credits)
This course provides an introduction to law and the judicial process in the United States and around the world. It examines different types of legal systems and sources of law; various competing theories of jurisprudence and legal methodology; the organization, operation, and powers of courts; the selection and retention of judges; and the role of the legal profession in society. Particular emphasis will be placed on legal reasoning and the judicial decision-making process in a variety of issue areas, including administrative, environmental, constitutional, criminal, civil, and statutory law cases. (CSOC; CUSC; CWRT)
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POLI 286 - Sophomore Honors Colloquium (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Sophomore Honors Colloquia in political science allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project which provides the major part of the grade. Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of the instructor. The minimum enrollment is two and the maximum enrollment is 12. Topics vary from semester to semester. Offered fall semester.
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POLI 287 - Sophomore Honors Colloquium (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor
Sophomore Honors Colloquia in political science allow exceptionally able students to explore a challenging topic in small classes under close faculty supervision. Colloquia meet once a week for 50 minutes and culminate in a paper or scientific project which provides the major part of the grade. Open to Commonwealth Honors students and to others at the discretion of the instructor. The minimum enrollment is two and the maximum enrollment is 12. Topics vary from semester to semester. Offered spring semester.
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POLI 298 - Second Year Seminar (Speaking Intensive) (3 credits)
Prerequisite: _ _ _ _ 199; Open to all sophomores and juniors who have completed ENGL 101, and the speaking skills requirement. Students with 54 or more transfer credits will have this requirement waived. Cannot be taken if _ _ _ _ 298 or _ _ _ _ 299 are taken for credit.
Second Year Seminars (SYS) are speaking-intensive, topic courses that build on the academic skills and habits introduced in the First Year Seminar. SYS courses engage students in a specific academic area of interest and provide them with the opportunity to reinforce, share and interpret knowledge. Students will improve their speaking, reading, research and basic information and technology skills while building the connections between scholarship and action that are required for lifelong learning. These courses will fulfill the Second Year Seminar requirement and may fulfill other requirements for the core curriculum. Each course may fulfill different requirements and topics may change each semester. Only one SYS course may be taken for credit. (CSYS)
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POLI 299 - Second Year Seminar (Writing Intensive) (3 credits)
Prerequisite: _ _ _ _ 199; Open to all sophomores and juniors who have completed ENGL 101 and ENGL 102. Students with 54 or more transfer credits will have this requirement waived. Cannot be taken if _ _ _ _ 298 or _ _ _ _ 299 are taken for credit.
Second Year Seminars (SYS) are writing-intensive, topic courses that build on the academic skills and habits introduced in the First Year Seminar. SYS courses engage students in a specific academic area of interest and provide them with the opportunity to reinforce, share and interpret knowledge. Students will improve their writing, reading, research and basic information and technology skills while building the connections between scholarship and action that are required for lifelong learning. These courses will fulfill the Second Year Seminar requirement and may fulfill other requirements for the core curriculum. Each course may fulfill different requirements and topics may change each semester. Only one SYS course may be taken for credit. (CSYS)
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POLI 301 - Model Senate Practicum (1 credit)
Prerequisite: POLI 172 and consent of instructor
Students will role-play as United States senators. Each student will become familiar with the issue positions of his or her assigned senator, the senator’s voting behavior, and the characteristics of the senator’s state and constituents. Students will develop an understanding of the United States senate’s power and the rules and procedures that govern its day-to-day operations. All students will participate in both the Floyd M. Riddick Model Senate at Stetson University and the High School Model Senate at Bridgewater State University. Repeatable: may earn one credit per semester to a maximum of four credits.
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POLI 302 - Moot Court and Mock Trial Practicum (1 credit)
Prerequisite: POLI 172 and consent of instructor
This course involves students adopting the roles of both lawyers and witnesses in “mock” civil and criminal cases, and/or participating as lawyers arguing cases before appellate courts in “moot” court competitions. Students will be expected to participate at local, regional, and national competitions, and in doing so will acquire first-hand knowledge of what it is like to be both an attorney arguing a case before a judge, and a witness on the stand providing testimony. In addition, students will gain valuable experience in preparing opening statements and closing arguments, writing briefs, cross-examining witnesses, and providing authentic, credible testimony. Repeatable: may earn one credit per semester to a maximum of four credits.
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POLI 304 - Citizenship and Community Leadership (3 credits)
This course explores three fundamental questions: 1) What do we mean by “citizenship” and why do we care about “good” citizenship?; 2) What is the nature of leadership and how do we develop strong, effective leaders?; and 3) How might we effectively engage citizens and public leaders together in democratic governance to produce solutions to social, economic, and political problems? A service-learning course requirement will guide the student toward discovery of the role of citizenship in strengthening and improving communities. Students will also be expected to attend campus events that are related to civic education, community leadership and political affairs. (Formerly POLI 201)
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POLI 324 - Policy Analysis (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172 or consent of instructor
This course provides an introduction to the study of public policy analysis. Its goal is to show students a systematic approach to understanding the origins, formulation, implementation and impacts of government policies. Following an overview of select analytical concepts and theoretical perspectives, the political and practical dimensions of policymaking will be considered within the general framework of the “natural history” of the policymaking process. Students will also be introduced to prevailing quantitative and qualitative methods as they relate to addressing policy issues. Lectures and class discussions will make use of case examples drawn from a broad spectrum of policy areas. Offered alternate years.
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POLI 329 - Leadership in Human Resources (3 credits)
This course focuses on selected topics in the study and practice of public personnel administration. It is designed as an overview of the central topics in the field, including recruitment and selection, employee compensation and motivation, personnel appraisal, workforce training and development, and labor-management relations. Current issues and new directions in public and nonprofit sector personnel management will also be explored and discussed. Students will develop an appreciation for the dynamic political environment as it influences human resources managers and the statutory and constitutional restrictions that distinguish public personnel management from its counterpart in the private sector.
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POLI 341 - Constitutional Law and Politics: The Powers of Government (3 credits)
This course offers a close analysis of the structure and power of those institutions comprising the U.S. national government. Legal decisions pertaining to judicial, congressional, and executive power, as well as the doctrines of separation-of-powers and federalism, will be carefully examined. The course concludes with an examination of the Constitution’s protection of economic liberty and property rights.
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POLI 342 - Constitutional Law and Politics: The First Amendment (3 credits)
This course examines major court decisions involving disputes pertaining to the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. In particular, cases regarding freedom of speech, the press, religion, and the right to associate will be extensively studied. The course also considers the broad limits placed on the government by the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause.
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POLI 343 - Constitutional Law and Politics: Liberty and Equality (3 credits)
This course addresses the scope of the individual’s rights to liberty and equality under the fifth, ninth, and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution. It examines the evolution of legal doctrine regarding the unequal treatment of individuals by public and private actors, including discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, class, age, and (dis)abilities. The course also analyzes the scope of liberty and privacy in the United States, with particular attention devoted to procedural and substantive due process, sexual freedom, procreation and child-rearing, the right to die, and personal information and workplace privacy.
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POLI 344 - Constitutional Law and Politics: Rights of the Accused (3 credits)
This course addresses how the U.S. Constitution – particularly the fourth, fifth, sixth, eighth and 14th Amendments – along with state and federal statutes, protect individuals being processed by the criminal justice system. Issues and case law pertaining to searches and seizures, compelled self-incrimination, grand jury indictment, trial by jury, speedy and public trials, double jeopardy, the right to counsel, cruel and unusual punishment, and due process will be rigorously examined.
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POLI 359 - International Law (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 260 and POLI 275; or consent of instructor
This course will explore the nature of international law, its theoretical underpinnings and the actors it involves. In doing so, it will incorporate theoretical debates concerning the extent to which international law truly is “law,” and the challenges state sovereignty raise for compliance and enforcement. To put the mechanics of international law into context, the course will also examine specific applications, such as international human rights and environmental law, international criminal issues and the laws of war. Offered alternate spring semesters.
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POLI 364 - Political Communication (3 credits) Cross Listed with COMM 364
Prerequisite: Restricted to juniors or above; or consent of instructor
This course surveys political communication with an emphasis on forms, characteristics, and functions within political campaigns and institutional governance. Specific attention will be given to communication of the three branches of government. Students will gain a broad knowledge of how political communication can shape expectations and interpretations of current events, political actors, and the political process.
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POLI 366 - Terrorism and U.S. National Security (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 260 or consent of instructor
The primary objective of the course is to explore the phenomenon of terrorism and how the United States attempts to address it as a central element of national security policy. Students will explore a wide variety of themes related to national security. Terrorism, particularly its international dimensions, will be placed in the context of national security and global politics.
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POLI 367 - Political Psychology (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172
This course surveys major theoretical approaches and empirical research in the interdisciplinary field of political psychology, a discipline that employs experimental methods and core concepts from psychology as tools to help understand political processes. The basic outline of the course is as follows: first, it introduces important concepts from psychology, offering new ways of thinking about subjects as varied as personality, social group dynamics and the ways in which emotion influences political decision making. Second, it applies these concepts to various topics within political science, including the media and political advertising, race, gender and ethnicity, ideology and the formation of political attitudes an opinions as a means of providing a distinct perspective on how to account for various political phenomena. And third, it explores the various research designs utilized in political psychology with a heavy emphasis on experimental methodology. Offered alternate years.
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POLI 368 - American Political Thought (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172 or consent of instructor
This course examines the principal issues and ideas of the American colonial, revolutionary, and founding periods and their influence on, and relevance to, contemporary American politics.
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POLI 369 - LGBTQ Politics in America (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172 or consent of instructor
This course explores the development and the political implications of the LGBTQ rights movement in the United States. It is designed to give students a broad understanding of how LGBTQ individuals have influenced the American political system as well as how the political system has shaped their participation in the process. Among the topics covered include: the modern evolution LGBTQ rights movement, public opinion on LGBTQ rights, LGBTQ Americans as voters, political candidates and representatives in political and administrative offices and public policy debates around issues of concern to the LGBTQ community. Offered alternate years.
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POLI 372 - Legislative Process and Procedure (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172
This course is an examination of the United States Congress. Emphasis is placed on internal structure and operations, congressional rules and procedures, party leadership, committee system and seniority, external influences on Congress, incentives for congressional behavior, and constitutional limitations.
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POLI 375 - American Political Parties and Interest Groups (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172
This course is an examination of American political party organizations, political leadership, finance, campaign techniques, the historical development of the American party system, party identification, legal controls over parties, the functions and methods of pressure groups and their interaction with policy makers, the role of surrogate organizations such as the media and political consultants, the significance of political parties and pressure groups for democratic ideology, and the problems of political leadership in a democracy.
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POLI 376 - Urban Politics (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172 and POLI 277
This course emphasizes both the formal and informal political institutions and processes in American cities and suburbs, including governmental structures, political parties, interest groups, and service delivery systems. Special attention is given to the multiethnic and multicultural context within which urban politics in the United States takes place.
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POLI 379 - Voters, Elections and Campaigns (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172
This course is an examination of how citizens make electoral decisions, including the decision to participate in elections. The course compares models of voter behavior and probes the influence of such factors as party identification, opinions on issues, ideological orientations, and candidate evaluations; the social and economic context of voting is also examined, as is the importance of elections for policy-making and the functioning of the political system. In addition, the politics of candidate nominations is explored – mass media coverage and opinion polling; the citizen’s involvement in campaign politics; voter attitudes toward parties, candidates, and issues; and the interpretation of electoral outcomes.
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POLI 380 - Public Opinion and Mass Political Behavior (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172
This course is an examination of the nature of contemporary public opinion in the United States, the way in which political attitudes and beliefs find expression in electoral behavior and the conditions under which public sentiment is translated into public policy and government action. The goal is to understand political conflict and debate in the U.S. and the ways in which the public influences that debate. Major topics in public opinion include political tolerance and trust, attitudes toward women and minorities, the role of mass media and the impact of political values and ideology on political campaigns and elections.
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POLI 384 - United States Foreign Policy (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 260 or consent of instructor
This course is the study of the national interests and policy instruments that have formed and guided the foreign relations of the United States in the post 1945 period. Offered alternate spring semesters.
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POLI 385 - Government and Politics in the Middle East (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172 and POLI 275; or consent of instructor
This course provides an introduction to the structures and processes of Middle Eastern government and politics, focusing on the evolution of contemporary Middle East since the end of World War I and on economic growth, social change, and political development in the region and in specific countries. Offered alternate spring semesters.
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POLI 389 - Race and Ethnicity in American Politics (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172
This course explores racial politics in the United States. It examines classic and contemporary scholarship on the following topics: social movements, collective action, voting and turnout, key provisions of the Voting Rights Act, social science perspectives on the Voting Rights Act, the concept of voting rights and democratic theory, the relationships between race, representation and political institutions, party politics and racial reorientation, the magnitude and structure of intolerance and its implications for democracy, and the causes and consequence of political socialization.
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POLI 390 - Public Finance (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 279 or consent of instructor
The role of government in a market economy; the role of taxation in a market economy; principles of taxation; problems of budgeting, government expenditure and debt; and economic growth. Offered spring semester.
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POLI 391 - The American Presidency (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172
The purpose of the course is to explore the institution of the American presidency. It examines the constitutional prerogatives and organizational structure of the presidency, how presidential power developed historically, presidential selection and the nomination process, and decision-making. In addition, the course explores the relationship between the presidency and other institutions, both political and nonpolitical: the Congress, the bureaucracy, the courts and the media.
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POLI 392 - Democratic Theory and Democratization (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 275 or consent of instructor
The course considers the contemporary challenges to democracy in terms of the great issues posed by both democratic theorists and philosophers. These views will be analyzed in terms of the authoritarian, military, religious, ethnic and economic problems faced by countries undergoing democratization.
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POLI 393 - Politics of Climate Change (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172
This course will explore political confrontations between developed and developing countries through experiencing international negotiation processes in international cooperation. Before jumping into climate justice, this course will navigate environmental justice including race and class in general. Then, this course will introduce climate justice with contrasting view between the North and South. In addition to environmental justice, this course will navigate the interaction between science and politics. Politics of climate change is a wide-ranging field that seeks to understand both political and scientific interactions. Student will develop group activities for a course that promote the interconnections between diversity and social justice. Offered alternate years.
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POLI 396 - The Politics of the American Welfare State (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172
This course provides an overview of the development of the American welfare state, focusing on the political actors, institutions, processes and controversies that have shaped social policy in the United States. Offered alternate years.
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POLI 397 - Politics in the Developing World (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172
This course is a survey of the political dynamics of development in the world with special emphasis on the dominant theories of development, current critical issues in the developing world, internal and external forces affecting developing countries, and the policy directions taken by developing nations. Offered alternate years. (Formerly POLI 488)
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POLI 400 - Special Topics in Political Science (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Nine credits in political science or consent of instructor
A topic of special interest to faculty and/or students will be explored. Repeatable for different topics.
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POLI 455 - Authoritarian Political Systems (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 275 or consent of instructor
This is a course in authoritarianism as a form of political organization. The goal is to review, explain and understand the following: 1) the political, social, ideological and economic forces that give rise to this extremist form of polity; 2) the various mechanisms through which authoritarian rule manifests itself and is exercised; and 3) the role and influence of key political decision makers in authoritarian states. Offered spring semester.
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POLI 473 - Globalization and Global Governance (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 260 or consent of instructor
This course provides a thorough understanding of the nature of globalization, the new and varied forms of social, economic and political interactions it has produced in the world, and the challenge of governing the resulting complex interdependence among subnational, national, regional, international and non-governmental actors.
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POLI 475 - Senior Seminar in Political Science (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Admission is subject to the consent of the department chairperson and instructor. Students must register prior to the end of the preregistration period
The undertaking of independent study and a research project presented in oral and written form. Offered annually. (CWRM)
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POLI 476 - Women and Politics (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172 or consent of instructor
Analysis of the role of women in current American politics. The focus is on changing trends in women’s electoral participation, political interest and office seeking over the last several decades, and recent gender differences in political involvement, candidate support, support for women’s issues and support for other public policies.
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POLI 479 - Public Policy (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 172 and POLI 277
A systematic study of theory and practice in the making and the execution of public policy including the factors of public demand on the political system; decision-making in the public sector; tools and techniques for implementation and evaluation; and the import for future planning.
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POLI 485 - Honors Thesis in Political Science (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Open to Commonwealth and Departmental Honors students and consent of the department
One-hour weekly meetings with the thesis director will culminate in an honors thesis. With the consent of the Departmental Honors Committee and the thesis director, this course may be extended into a second semester for three additional credits depending upon the scope of the project. Whether the final version of the thesis qualifies the student to graduate with Honors will be determined by the Departmental Honors Committee. Repeatable: may earn a maximum of six credits. Offered annually.
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POLI 490 - Political Science Studies in Oxford (3 credits)
Study of selected topics in political science including comparative politics. European government and law and legal systems. Open to juniors and seniors only. (This is a special program in England at Oxford University during July. Additional fees are required.)
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POLI 495 - Administrative Law and Regulation (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 279 or consent of instructor
The legal and regulatory systems of federal, state and local governments will be analyzed as to their relationship to policy implementation and administration. Emphasis will be placed on charters, ordinances, legislative power, and administrative control in areas such as finance, personnel, labor, land use, licensing and education. Offered alternate years. (Formerly POLI 395)
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POLI 498 - Internship in Political Science (3-15 credits)
Prerequisite: Consent of the department chairperson; formal application required
A non-classroom experience intended to complement the academic preparation of a limited number of juniors and seniors majoring in political science. Placements are in areas such as federal, state, city and town governments and private-interest groups. Repeatable: may earn a maximum of 15 credits. Offered annually.
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POLI 499 - Directed Study in Political Science (1-3 credits)
Prerequisite: Consent of the department chairperson; formal application required
Directed study is open to juniors and seniors who have demonstrated critical and analytical abilities in their studies and who wish to pursue a project independently. Repeatable: may earn a maximum of six credits. Offered annually.
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POLI 501 - Foundations of Public Administration (3 credits)
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the institutional, political, and normative context of public administration. The course will introduce students to the central issues, values and dilemmas facing the contemporary public service professional. By the end of the course, the successful student should have a better appreciation and understanding of the political nature and dynamics of public service in a democratic society. It is to be taken among the first four courses in the program. Introductory/background information in American government or public administration is beneficial to students enrolling in this course. Offered annually.
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POLI 502 - Research (3 or 6 credits)
Prerequisite: Consent of the department chairperson; formal application required
Original research undertaken by the graduate student in their field. For details, consult the paragraph titled “Directed or Independent Study” in the “College of Graduate Studies” section of this catalog. Repeatable: may earn a maximum of six credits.
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POLI 503 - Directed Study (1-3 credits)
Prerequisite: Consent of the department chairperson; formal application required
Directed study is designed for the graduate student who desires to study selected topics in a specific field. For details, consult the paragraph titled “Directed or Independent Study” in the “College of Graduate Studies” section of this catalog. Repeatable: may earn a maximum of six credits.
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POLI 504 - Basic Quantitative Skills for Public Management (1 credit)
This course provides students with a review of and practice with basic quantitative skills through the use of tools, examples and exercises drawn specifically from public administration narratives. The course meets the requirement for an Information Technology integrated module. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 505 - Public Management (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 501; or consent of instructor and MPA program coordinator
This course gives students broad exposure to the job of the public manager including an introduction to the specific management areas. The course emphasizes both traditional and cutting-edge principles of management. The topics include planning for public agencies, organizational structure and development, staffing, training, and motivating employees, leadership development, financing and budgeting for public programs, designing and implementing programs, management decision-making, evaluating and monitoring programs and ethical considerations for public managers.
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POLI 506 - Public Administration Training Module (1 credit)
Prerequisite: Matriculation in the MPA program or consent of MPA program coordinator
As part of the 15 credit hours of elective courses (nine credits for students selecting a concentration), each MPA student must take three credit hours of PA Training Modules. These modules earn one credit each and are scheduled for either two Saturday sessions during the semester or for weekend “intensive” classes meeting for about 15 hours. Students are expected to put in appropriate out-of-class time and must successfully pass three modules covering a range of topics, including ethics in public service, managerial communication, conflict resolution, diversity in public administration, and information management, technology applications and policy. At least two of the three modules must address elements of information management, technology applications and policy. Modules will be designed to facilitate student efforts to meet this requirement. Graded on a (P) Pass/ (N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 513 - Strategic Planning and Performance Measurement in Public Administration (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 501; or consent of instructor and MPA program coordinator
Strategic planning and performance measurement guide public administrators in establishing program outcomes, in planning short-term goals, in clarifying long-term expectations and in informing and improving results for citizens and agency stake-holders. Measurement of outcomes requires understanding the relationship between resource inputs, program outputs, and objectively and subjectively measured outcomes. Theories of participation, resources management, sustainable development and research methods guide the decision-making tools presented in this class. This course will focus on mission and vision design, SWOT analysis, strategic planning, budget performance management and performance measurement. This course has a service-learning component.
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POLI 514 - Organizational Planning and Assessment (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 501
This course focuses on planning and assessment tools for organizational leaders, building their ability to deliver organizational outcomes through data informed decision making. Students will expand their practical research and planning skills, including tools such as strategic planning, survey design, outcomes measurement, SWOT analysis and performance assessment. The course is designed to meet the needs of those in the non-profit concentration, for generalists and for those in the sustainability concentration in a career path in environmental organizations. Offered fall semester.
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POLI 515 - Data Analysis and Presentation for Public Administration (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 501
This course is designed to help student understand statistics and develop practical skills for collecting, analyzing and presenting quantitative data in a public administration/policy setting. This course will expand the student’s ability to reason quantitatively while exploring some of the critical statistical techniques that are the cornerstones of empirical analysis conducted by public administrators. Topics include descriptive statistics, analyzing crosstabs, making inferences from sample means, Chi-square, measures of association, linear regression analysis and graphic presentation of data. Students will also acquire a working knowledge of how to input and analyze data with SPSS software. Offered fall semester.
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POLI 516 - Techniques of Policy Analysis (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 501
This course provides a thorough introduction to the study of public policy. Its goal is to show students a systematic approach to understanding the origins, formulation, implementation and impacts of government policies. Following a review of key analytical concepts and theoretical perspectives, the political dimensions of policymaking - as well as the technical aspects of program design and evaluation - will be considered within the general framework of the “natural history” of the policymaking process. Students will also be exposed to a range of quantitative and qualitative methods as they relate to addressing policy dilemmas. Lectures and class discussions will make use of case examples drawn from a broad spectrum of policy areas. Offered fall semester.
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POLI 517 - Basics of Survey Research for Public Administration (1 credit)
This course covers the basics of survey design, administration, analysis and interpretation specific to the public and nonprofit sectors. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis. Offered annually.
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POLI 518 - Public Policy for Public Administration (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 501
This course offers students an in-depth look at the evolution of a range of policy issues. Special attention is paid to health care, Social Security, welfare, education, environmental and economic policies. The role of public administrators in designing, implementing and evaluating public policy will be a central focus on this course. The course material/readings will also touch on each branch of U.S. government as well as the distinct role of the states, and how they have influenced each of these policy areas over time. Offered fall semester.
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POLI 519 - GIS Basics (1 credit)
This course identifies opportunities for Geographic Information Systems (GIS) use in public and nonprofit agency management and provides participants with basic GIS tools. The course provides participants with an opportunity to apply GIS tools to guide organizational planning, research decision making and communication. The course meets the requirement for an Information Technology module. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 520 - Information Technology Security (1 credit)
This course identifies key concepts and approaches to delivering secure information technology systems in public administration. It introduces participants to best practices methodology in delivering information technology in public and nonprofit organization. This course meets the requirement for information technology for MPA modules. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 521 - Public Finance (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 501; or consent of instructor and MPA program coordinator
This course covers the principal aspects of public financial management including accounting, budgeting, capital budgeting, revenue forecasting, risk management, pension management and auditing.
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POLI 522 - Social Media in Public Administration (1 credit)
This course provides an overview of social media in the public sector. The focus is on the use of social media in organizations and the challenges and opportunities presented. The strategic, managerial, administrative and procedural aspects of social media will be addressed. Graded on (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis. Offered alternate years.
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POLI 531 - Leadership in Human Resource Management (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 501, which may be taken concurrently; or consent of instructor and MPA program coordinator
This course focuses on selected topics in the study and practice of public personnel administration. It is designed as an in-depth analysis of the literature, problems and directions of public personnel issues. Students will develop an appreciation for the dynamic political environment as it influences human resources managers and the statutory and constitutional restrictions that distinguish public personnel management from its counterpart in the private sector.
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POLI 532 - Organizational Theory and Behavior for Public and Nonprofit Institutions (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 501, which may be taken concurrently; or consent of instructor and MPA program coordinator
This course focuses on the types and levels of management that must be integrated in the pursuit of public sector excellence. These levels involve the behavior of individuals; pairs of individuals; supervisor/subordinate relationships; client/administrator relationships; and small groups acting under political, legal and ethical constraints. Institutional and psychological factors will be analyzed. Offered fall semester.
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POLI 533 - Administrative Ethics (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 501, which may be taken concurrently; or consent of instructor and MPA program coordinator
This course will explore the values that shape the thinking of public administrators, and the practice of dealing with moral and ethical issues in the field. The main objectives are 1) to gain familiarity with key issues in public, professional, and administrative ethics, 2) to apply ethical principles to public management and to policy analysis, and 3) to understand the nexus between formal legal and informal normative ethical imperatives.
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POLI 535 - Gender in Public and Nonprofit Administration (3 credits)
This course is designed to investigate the historical evolution of gender in the public and nonprofit sectors from its foundations through the contemporary issues relevant to practitioners and students of public administration and public policy. After taking this course, students should have a better understanding of how gender dynamics permeate multiple aspects of public and nonprofit administration and what ramifications these dynamics have for both women and men involved in these fields. It will explore a variety of topics including: the theoretical foundations of gender in public administration; gender and bureaucratic decision making; gender and human capital development in public administration; gender related policies and practices in public administration; gendered images in public administration; gender differences in creating and implementing public policy; and gender and leadership in nonprofit organizations. Offered alternate years.
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POLI 541 - Legislative-Executive Relations (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 501; or consent of instructor and MPA program coordinator
This course gives students broad exposure to the relationship between legislative and executive branches of government. The course emphasizes the role of the legislature and executive branch agencies in lawmaking and budgetary processes, legislative oversight of bureaucracy, the importance of constituency service and how it impacts government agencies, legislative and bureaucratic behavioral motives and goals, the politics of bureaucratic appointments and how chief executives increase their influence over the administrative state, the influence of lobbies on government, as well as how agencies effectively mobilize constituency groups and advocate their programs.
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POLI 542 - Administrative Law and Regulation (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 501; or consent of instructor and MPA program coordinator
This course examines that body of constitutional and statutory law that regulates how state and federal administrative agencies implement policies enacted by the legislative and executive branches of government. The course examines issues concerning the delegation of legislative power to administrative agencies; agency rulemaking and adjudication; the Administrative Procedure Act; legislative, executive, and judicial review of administrative agency actions; and issues regarding the citizen’s freedom of access to information and records of administrative agencies. A close examination is given to questions and concerns regarding the democratic legitimacy of administrative agencies, theories of regulation and regulatory policy, and how administrative agencies fit into the constitutional system of government in the United States.
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POLI 561 - Foundations of Sustainability and Sustainable Development (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 501, which may be taken concurrently; or consent of instructor and MPA program coordinator
Sustainable development and sustainability are increasingly important to public administration theory and practice. This course will introduce students to theories of sustainability, provide practical application to policy issues within the field and will teach students to better use planning tools in resources management. Areas of focus include management of natural capital, understanding of systems theories and impacts, management of environmental and human welfare, and conservation history as applied to local global governance and policy-making. Students will be expected to contribute knowledge from their own knowledge base and experiences to enhance the learning environment as service-learning is a component of this course.
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POLI 571 - Foundations of Civic and Nonprofit Theory and Administration (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 501, which may be taken concurrently; or consent of instructor and MPA program coordinator
This course addresses the historical and philosophical roots of what is alternatively called the third, voluntary or nonprofit sector. It also addresses the structure of the sector and current and future trends that influence it. Its purpose is to provide an overview of the issues and trends within the sector in order to lay a strong foundation of knowledge for those who are pursuing a career in nonprofit organizations and/or work in fields that intersect with nonprofit organizations.
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POLI 572 - Nonprofit Resource Development and Management (3 credits)
Prerequisite: POLI 501; or consent of instructor and MPA program coordinator
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to issues and techniques for resource development and management within nonprofit organizations. The course will expand students’ knowledge about the nonprofit sector as well as their fundraising, management and analytical tools. Assignments and discussions, as well as spending time in the community through service-learning projects, will allow students to test knowledge, formulate ideas and strategies, respond to issues and dilemmas and get immediate feedback from classmates and the instructor.
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POLI 573 - International Non-Governmental Organizations (3 credits)
This course will examine the strategies, activities and effectiveness of NGOs working in the field of international development. It will look at how these NGOs interact with state governments and international institutions, compare operations of NGOs in the U.S. with those elsewhere, analyze their organizational structures and look at the legal and regulatory environments in which they operate. The course will integrate case studies throughout to highlight how the various theories match with the empirical reality. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis. Offered alternate years.
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POLI 580 - Administrative Law in Public Administration (1 credit)
This course offers participants an introduction to key legal issues in public administration practice and a background of the administrative law process. Participants will identify key legal issues for public and non-profit agency leadership. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 581 - Introduction to Certified Public Management (1 credit)
This course in the CPM program introduces key concepts, themes and theories in public service delivery. This foundational course provides students with an overview of topics offered in our program, identifies key learning objectives and goals, and prepares students for service projects and other deliverables in the program. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 582 - Change Management (1 credit)
This course focuses on innovation and growth in leadership positions. The course addresses communication of vision, collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, and preparation for opportunities, challenges and risks in leadership positions. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 583 - Conflict Resolution and Negotiation in Public Management (1 credit)
This course focuses on conflict resolution, negotiation and mediation approaches and their application in a public or non-profit agency setting. It provides skill building on meeting management, facilitation of decision making, and citizen inclusion in organizations, building on the student’s knowledge, experience, and style preferences as a leader. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 584 - Managing Human Resources in Public and Nonprofit Leadership (1 credit)
This course provides an overview of human resources theory and application. The focus is on legal, administrative and management best practices. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 585 - Legal Practices in Human Resources (1 credit)
This course focuses on administrative law and legal issues as applied to human resources. Participants will learn about best practices for human resources management. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 587 - Leading Sustainable Organizations (1 credit)
This course provides leaders with the tools to lead through effective and efficient integration of social, economic and social sustainability tenets. The course offers practical methods to improve organizations through systems and management approaches and offers solutions for leading for future changes in the work and community environments. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 588 - Thesis (3 or 6 credits)
Prerequisite: Consent of the graduate coordinator and the department chairperson; approved thesis proposal is required
Original research undertaken by the MPA student in the field of public administration. Research undertaken is intended to culminate in a formal thesis. Department standards require the student to work closely with his/her advisor and to phase the work so that the project proposal is carefully designed and approved before the student advances to the next stage. For details, consult the paragraph titled “Thesis” in the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog and the paragraph titled “Exit Requirement” under Master of Public Administration in the Academic Programs section of this catalog. Repeatable: may earn a maximum of six credits. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 589 - Understanding and Promoting Ethical Behavior (1 credit)
This course exposes students to key ethical issues and concepts in public administration and provides guidance on how to build an organization with a strong ethical foundation through leadership. Students will have the opportunity to practice decision-making skills and to discuss critical issues in public service ethics today. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 590 - Leadership Self-Awareness (1 credit)
This course is designed to help leaders develop self-assessment skills and to use these skills for continuous improvement. Participants will learn about leadership models, tools for assessment, and management tools. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 591 - Capstone Seminar in Public Administration (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Completion of 30 hours of course work
This course will integrate the various fields of knowledge that the student has acquired over the period of MPA study. Full-time MPA faculty will be responsible for teaching it and the design will not be prescribed; some may choose to teach it as an applied case-study seminar, while others may develop the course thematically, as an in-depth study of a particular area of public administration literature. Offered spring semester.
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POLI 592 - Special Topics in Public Administration (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Course prerequisite may be specified depending upon the nature of the topic
Special topics of current relevance in public administration will be offered from time to time. The topic to be addressed will be announced prior to registration. May be taken more than once with the consent of the advisor.
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POLI 593 - Planning and Development (1 credit)
This course offers participants foundational information on planning and development approaches in public and nonprofit organizations. Students will understand the basic planning and development tools and their applications. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 594 - Grant Writing and Administration (1 credit)
This course is designed to introduce students to the process of grant-writing and management and to experience the process of grant evaluation from a public sector perspective. This course includes a service dimension as students will be asked to review grant proposals developed by organizations from surrounding communities utilizing the skills learned in the course. Students will be asked to provide constructive feedback to host organizations towards developing successful grant proposals. Offered alternate years.
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POLI 595 - Strategies for Organizational Assessment (1 credit)
This course offers basic tools for managing evaluation and assessment of organizations and organizational projects. Implications for accreditation and organizational growth will be discussed. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 596 - Capstone Experience (1 credit)
Prerequisite: POLI 581 and POLI 584 and POLI 595 and POLI 597
This is the required concluding course in the Certified Public Managers (CPM) program. It provides an opportunity for participants to conclude their experience with a final service learning project. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 597 - Budgeting Process in Public and Nonprofit Organizations (1 credit)
This course introduces participants to key concepts in public and nonprofit budgeting processes and concepts. It allows participants to evaluate their own organizational budgeting processes and to design potential improvements. Graded on a (P) Pass/(N) No Pass basis.
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POLI 598 - Internship: Public Administration (3 credits)
Prerequisite: Matriculation in MPA program; formal application required
One of the key elements for pre-career students in the Bridgewater State University MPA program is the internship experience. An internship provides an opportunity to apply and test what has been learned in the classroom and allows the student to develop professional skills. The general internship framework is designed to conform to the NASPAA internship guidelines. Repeatable: may earn a maximum of six credits.
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