Courses and Program Offerings

AA Degree – Political Science Option

Students pursuing an A.A. degree in the Social Sciences at Brookdale and who wish to concentrate their studies in Political Science can pursue the Political Science Option. Students who choose this option will successfully complete 12 credits of Political Science coursework in addition to their general education requirements. Students interested in pursuing this option need to consult with a Student Development Specialist (counselor) to ensure that all requirements are satisfactorily met.

Course Descriptions

POLI 101 – Introduction to Political Science

As an introductory course in political science, students examine basic concepts of democracy and dictatorship, the nation-state, government, law, ideology, interest groups, and political parties. Course activities include use of teacher and guest lectures, small-group discussions, student presentations and video offerings.

POLI 105 – American National Government

Students in American National Government study the structure and philosophy of the United States government, including themes of national economy, energy, environment, health, education, welfare, civil rights, civil liberties, foreign policy and political parties. Course activities include the use of teacher and guest lectures, small group discussion, student presentations and video offerings.

POLI 109 – Current Global Topics

This course introduces students to a diverse range of international topics that the community of nation-states is currently facing. The topics to be examined include armed conflicts between and within countries, ethnic strife, weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, globalization of the economy, natural resource utilization, and world population growth. Students will read from a wide variety of sources as they learn more about these topics and their potential impacts on the international community.

POLI 115 – State, County, and Local Government

The student will study the structure and philosophy of state, county and local governments within the United States--though particular attention is given to these themes as they apply in New Jersey. Topics include the economy, energy, environment, health, education, welfare, law enforcement, political parties, civil rights and civil liberties. Course activities include the use of teacher and guest lectures, small group discussion, student presentations and video offerings.

POLI 225 – International Relations

In this course students will be exposed to various theories of international relations, learn about concepts like the state, the nation, the nation-state, sovereignty, and power, investigate the causes of war, examine the role of international law, international organizations and diplomacy in world politics, and explore such issues as arms races, disarmament, and human rights.

POLI 227 – Comparative Politics

In this course students will be exposed to various theories of comparative politics, learn about comparative research methods, and examine the political, economic and governance systems of countries from around the world including: industrialized democracies, current and former communist regimes, and less developed nations. Countries to be analyzed include the United Kingdom, France, Germany, European Union, Russia, China, Mexico, India, Iran and South Africa.

POLI 228 – Environmental Politics

This course will introduce students to the field of environmental politics and policy, or the connections and interactions between environmental concerns and the political process. Students will be exposed to a number of environmental problems and the political and legislative responses government has taken to address those problems. This course will focus primarily on environmental politics and policy in the USA.

POLI 295 – Special Project – Political Science

Students will pursue and complete one individualized, in-depth study of a topic relevant to the discipline of political science. The topic may deal with the political dimension of such themes as economy, energy, environment, health, education, or human services. (Prerequisite: Approval of instructor)

POLI 299 – Political Science Internship

The student will serve as an intern/observer with a municipal, county or state agency. After gaining a first-hand experience as to how that agency operates and the various duties involved in working within that agency, the student should reach a decision as to whether or not to work in the field upon graduation from college. (Prerequisite: Approval of instructor and Career Services Representative)