Public Policy

COM 371 Media Advocacy (3 credits)

Media advocacy focuses on the strategic use of communication and media channels for the purpose of social change and to influence public policy initiatives, including issues related to health, criminal justice, climate change, and race. Students will explore how institutions and individuals past and present have employed media to improve their communities. Advocacy media differs from traditional mass media in that it strategically empowers communities and individuals to shape public debates on issues that impact them. Traditional mass media aim to fill the “knowledge gap,” while advocacy media fills the “power gap."

Prerequisites: COM 200 and COM 201

Attributes: Undergraduate

COM 460 Health Communication Advocacy (3 credits)

This course will address the topic of health as it is enacted and defined within the discipline of communication studies. This course systematically explores and elaborates key concepts, principles, and underlying theories pertinent to public health communication campaigns and advocacy practices. Specifically, this course will provide students with conceptual and applied knowledge about communication interactions and its effects on health care, health practitioners, and patients. Topics include but are not limited to patient-provider interaction, social and cultural issues of health, mass media representations of health and healthy behaviors, and communication within health organizations.

Attributes: Undergraduate

ECN 101 Introductory Economics Micro (3 credits)

By analyzing the behavior of buyers and sellers in product and factor markets, this course explains how a market economy determines how scarce resources are allocated to the production and distribution of various goods and services. Supply-and-demand models are used to explain the determination of the prices of products and of factor inputs, and the consequences of government controls and of different types of market structures on prices, wages, and economic efficiency are analyzed.

Attributes: GEP Social Science, International Relations Course, Undergraduate

ECN 330 Economics of Labor (3 credits)

This course provides students with an introduction into labor markets. We will discuss models for behavior, incorporating labor supply and labor demand. Topics within labor economics, such as investments in human capital, discrimination, job search, and labor unions will also be covered. Throughout the course we will investigate multiple questions such as: How do individuals decide how many hours to work? How is a person’s salary determined? What are the benefits associated with attaining a college degree? Is there convincing evidence of labor market discrimination? Throughout this course, there will be opportunities for reading about, writing about, and discussing current policies, problems, and events that are relevant to the study of labor economics. Note: Can count towards the B.S. in Quantitative Economics with the completion of additional coursework and permission of the instructor.

Prerequisites: ECN 101 and ENG 101

Attributes: Undergraduate, Writing Intensive Course- GEP

ECN 340 Public Finance & Public Policy (3 credits)

This course examines the nature of government spending, the decision-making process, and trends. It describes and evaluates several kinds of taxation and proposals for reform. It utilizes microeconomics to investigate tax incidence and the welfare effects of taxation.

Prerequisites: ECN 101

Attributes: Undergraduate

ECN 370 Economic Development (3 credits)

The field of Economic Development involves both aspects of macroeconomic and microeconomic theory and analysis. This course presents an overview of the variety of economic growth theories and their empirical evaluation in both developed and developing economies. These theories are compared against practical institutional explanations as to why some economies experience slow growth and underdevelopment, while others see higher growth rates. We explore the relationship between economic growth, poverty, inequality, sustainability and human development

Prerequisites: ECN 101 and ECN 102

Attributes: Globalization Course, International Relations Course, Latin American Studies Course, Undergraduate

ECN 375 Environmental Economics (3 credits)

Environmental Economics examines the interactions between people and the environment by addressing the challenge of meeting the increasing demand for goods and services while simultaneously conserving natural resources for future generations. This course utilizes economic theory and geographic information systems (GIS) software to examine global environmental issues including externalities, public goods, criteria for evaluating environmental policies, the role of economic analysis in environmental policy decisions, discussion of pollution control planning, environmental conservation policy in The United States, and international environmental conservation concerns.

Prerequisites: ECN 101 or GIS 101

Attributes: Globalization Course, International Relations Course, Undergraduate

ECN 382 Urban Economics (3 credits)

Urban Economics is broadly defined as the economic study of urban areas. This course will teach you how to examine issues that typically occur in urban areas, such as crime, poverty, inequality, and the distribution of public goods and government resources, from an economic perspective. Throughout this course, we will not only examine urban issues theoretically, but also use real-world data and geographic information systems software (GIS) to apply economic theory to examine these issues in real-time.

Prerequisites: ECN 101 or GIS 101

Attributes: Diversity Course, Undergraduate

ECN 390 The Economics of Healthcare (3 credits)

This course examines major policy issues associated with the delivery of health care in the United States from an economic perspective. Particular emphasis will be placed on the challenges and trade-offs involved in containing health care costs, maintaining quality, and ensuring access. This course will provide students with a better understanding of the major health policy issues.

Prerequisites: ECN 101

Attributes: Undergraduate

ECN 410 Econometrics (3 credits)

Basic principles of econometrics beginning with the classical linear regression model and the method of least squares. Special problems arising from the violation of classical assumptions, and statistical procedures for dealing with them, are covered. Identification and estimation problems are also studied, as well as forecasting with single-equation regression and simultaneous system of equations. Modern time-series models are evaluated, with numerous forecasting illustrations from economics and business.

Prerequisites: ECN 101 and ECN 102 and (MAT 118 or MAT 128 or DSS 210)

Attributes: Undergraduate

ECN 484 Race and the Economy (3 credits)

This course will examine the causes and consequences of racial disparities in economic outcomes. We begin with a history of slavery and its economic consequences. Then we will look at official government policies, such as red-lining, that have contributed to racial disparities. We will examine the data on racial disparities in poverty, unemployment, income, and wealth. The rest of the course will focus on an economic analysis of racial differences in various aspects of the economy, including education, health care, and housing. We will also study current government policy and proposals to mitigate the disparities.

Prerequisites: ENG 101 and ECN 101

Attributes: American Studies Course, Faith Justice Course, Undergraduate, Writing Intensive Course- GEP

ECN 487 Research Methods (3 credits)

This course is an upper-level economics elective that provides students with an introduction into research methods. We will discuss current research in applied microeconomics and apply the methods learned to create original research. Throughout the course we will investigate multiple facets of research including literature review, data analysis, and analytic writing. Throughout the course, students will be given verbal and written feedback about their analysis and writing. Throughout this course, there will be opportunities for reading about, writing about, and discussing current policies, problems, and events that are relevant to writing a comprehensive research paper. In order to gain the most from these discussions, students are required to take on an active role in these discussions.

Prerequisites: ECN 101 and ECN 410 and ENG 101

Attributes: Undergraduate, Writing Intensive Course- GEP

ECN 491 Economics Internship (3 credits)

This course combines work experience with academic study. Students work in internships for the duration of the semester (some 10 hours per week) with approved employers in the private and public sectors (or non-governmental and non-profit organizations) in the Philadelphia area. Their work experience is complemented with relevant required readings. In addition, students must keep a journal, write a final report and meet regularly with their adviser. A successful academic internship is a three-way partnership between the student, the employer, and the faculty adviser. Note: May count towards the B.S. in Quantitative Economics for students in a quantitative internship with instructor approval.

Prerequisites: ECN 290 (may be taken concurrently)

Attributes: Undergraduate

GIS 101 Introduction to GIS (3 credits)

This course is designed to acquaint students with an introductory examination of geographic information systems (GIS). GIS tools are used to analyze spatial information, manage spatial data, and create maps used to present and visualize data. This course focuses on ArcGIS and how to apply GIS skills to answer research questions. GIS technology is used in a variety of disciplines including humanities, engineering, economics, environmental studies, engineering, management, urban planning, agriculture, forestry, public health, and many others.

Attributes: Undergraduate

GIS 201 Intermediate GIS (3 credits)

A continuation of GIS 101, this course will prepare students for more advanced geographical analysis and use of geographical information systems (GIS). Students will learn intermediate techniques to analyze spatial information, manage spatial data, and create map layouts to present and visualize data. This course focuses on ArcGIS and other softwares as well as how students can integrate geographic concepts and GIS skills in their major and intended field.

Prerequisites: GIS 101 or INT 170

Attributes: Undergraduate

HIS 392 Museums, Monuments, and Media (3 credits)

“Public history” is history as it is practiced outside of the classroom for a general audience: at museums, monuments, and historic sites; in film, television, and digital media. In this course, students will examine the history, methods, and impact of public history in the United States. Through case studies, debates, site visits, and hands-on projects, students will learn how to consume, critique, and create public history, and to assess how the past is used (and abused) for present purposes.

Prerequisites: PHL 154

Attributes: American Studies Course, Ethics Intensive, Undergraduate

HIS 491 Philadelphia Area Internship (3 credits)

The Philadelphia Area Internship course supports student internships in the public sector, private sector, or in a non-governmental organization (NGO) in the Philadelphia area. Students will complete a total of 130 hours of work, write a resume and sample letter, keep a journal, and attend and write about an SJU Career Development Center event. Students who complete the requirements will receive 3 credits for one upper-division course in History, Political Science, or International Relations.

Attributes: International Relations Course, Undergraduate

POL 111 Intro to American Politics (3 credits)

This course is an introduction to American political processes and institutions. The goal of this course is to acquaint the student with the theory and practice of American government. Students will learn about the basic structure, function, and dynamics of American government and the political system within the context of the major political issues of our time. Beyond studying the institutional structures and activities of government, we will also evaluate the relationships between individuals, groups, and institutions in terms of influence, process, and outputs in various domains.

Attributes: American Studies Course, GEP Social Science, Undergraduate

POL 113 Intro to Comparative Politics (3 credits)

An introduction to the study of comparative political systems, this course focuses attention on the institutions and political cultures of select countries from different world regions. While exploring the varieties of democracy and authoritarianisms, as well as the complexity of democratizing today, this course also introduces students to the comparative method.

Attributes: GEP Social Science, Globalization Course, International Relations Course, Undergraduate

POL 304 Engaging Communities (3 credits)

How do communities identify and solve problems in partnership with other stakeholders in their local environment? Engaging Communities is an examination of how institutions develop trust and reciprocal partnerships within their neighborhoods and surrounding communities. The class will study the theory and practice of constructing mutually beneficial relationships among and between hospitals, higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, local government, community groups, and residents to improve the quality of life locally in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties. Students will learn about multiple ways to elicit and increase community participation and civic engagement, utilize the fundamentals of project management, and create models for assessment.

Prerequisites: POL 111 or POL 113

Attributes: Undergraduate

POL 306 Political Participation in US (3 credits)

Why do people participate in American politics and civic life? Why don't they? Why should they? This course emphasizes the political science literature on political participation and civic engagement. We will begin by examining the factors that make participation more or less likely including socialization, partisanship, networks, and geography. Demographic and social identities can shape how easily and how often we wish to involve ourselves in democratic processes. From there, we will focus on forms of political participation. Who votes? Who donates money? Who protests? Throughout we will acknowledge the constraints that make forms of participation easier from some than others. Finally, we will address the consequences for political life if individuals opt out of politics. What does isolation and decline in civic life mean for the rise of political and economic inequality, efficacy, and social connectedness?

Attributes: Faith Justice Course, Justice Ethics and the Law , Undergraduate

POL 309 Advising and Advocacy (3 credits)

How do citizens and groups advocate for interests? How do they advise leaders to make changes? And, when are they more likely to influence the policy direction of the nation? This course offers an analysis of modern American "advising and advocacy" styles and models, with a focus on the politics of domestic policymaking. Students will study the use of power and authority, the importance of strategic opportunities, the nature of decision-making in a separated system, and the role that government, interest groups, and public opinion play in those decisions. Based on these perspectives, we will bring our informed insights to address an important question within our current circumstances: how to represent those who were/are marginalized in the political landscape. Thus, students in this class will serve as advocates for those who may not have the strongest voices in political discussions and advise elected officials on how to construct a policy agenda that attends to underserved citizens and historically marginalized communities. Indeed, a primary goal of the class is to study and critically analyze how systems of inequality and disadvantage inform politics and policy from a social justice perspective.

Attributes: American Studies Course, Faith Justice Course, Gender Studies Course, Undergraduate

POL 313 Public Policy (3 credits)

This course investigates public policymaking within the United States with an emphasis on the social construction of public policy. Students will assess the significance of social, economic, and political factors that influence policymaking and implementation; how problems become a part of the political agenda; and the major political ideological perspectives in the U.S. that impact policy process and content. The course is a study of policy in practice, as students will evaluate current social problems along with empirical social science research to determine the strengths and weaknesses as well as the intended and unintended effects of a particular social policy at the state and/or national level.

Attributes: American Studies Course, Faith Justice Course, Justice Ethics and the Law , Undergraduate

POL 316 State and Local Government (3 credits)

This upper division course focuses on understanding variation across America's federal system. How can we move from thinking about one American government, to 51 governments (all the states plus the national), or to the significantly larger number of local and municipal governments? What role do the states and localities play in shaping American democracy? In what ways are states hindering democracy or helping it flourish? In this course we will focus on three broad themes in the state politics literature: structural power, interest group activism, and individual political behavior. Throughout we will acknowledge that variation at the subnational level matters for engagement, equality, and the presence of a functioning democracy.

Attributes: American Studies Course, Undergraduate

POL 319 Public Opinion & Media (3 credits)

This course is a brief overview of the role of public opinion and media in American democracy. We hold attitudes about relevant political and social groups, many of which shape our thoughts and actions. Further, if government is to be "by the people," understanding what "the people" want is of major importance to legislators, organized groups, and interested political scientists. The media, a critical source of political information, can inform the public, provide a mirror of public perception, but also shape ideas. In this course, we examine several complex questions: What is public opinion? Where does it come from? How and when does it change? Does everyone's opinion matter equally?

Attributes: American Studies Course, Undergraduate

POL 323 Women and American Politics (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide students with a critical examination of women as political actors in the United States. We will analyze various forms of women's political participation, both in the traditional spheres of what is considered politics -- women as voters and politicians -- and also in more "non-traditional" spheres of political activism. We will examine how women are mobilized to participate in politics, focusing keenly on the differences among women in their political activism in an effort to understand how the intersection of gender, race, class, sexuality, age, and ability influence women's political activism. The primary goal of this course is to familiarize students with key issues, questions, and debates in the women and politics scholarship, mainly from a U.S. perspective. Students will become acquainted with many of the critical questions and concepts scholars have developed as tools for thinking about the gendered political experience. In this course you will learn to "read" and analyze gender politically, exploring how it impacts our understanding of the political world.

Attributes: American Studies Course, Diversity Course, Faith Justice Course, Gender Studies Course, Undergraduate

POL 324 Race & Ethnic Politics in U.S. (3 credits)

From its first days, the United States has faced the dilemma of how to incorporate populations different from the majority population into the polity. This dilemma continues today and appears in discussions of such issues as affirmative action, immigration and naturalization, language policy, and social welfare policy. In this course, we will examine the major theories that attempt to explain the roles of race and ethnicity in U.S. politics and the ways in which individuals use race and ethnicity as resources for political organization. We will examine the phenomenon of ethnicity and race in the political development of the United States. Finally, we will look at the political attitudes and behaviors of ethnic and racial populations in order to measure their contemporary political influence. Among the topics to be covered include the meaning of race and ethnicity, the history of racial and immigration politics, prejudice, group participation and mobilization, political representation, and public opinion.

Attributes: Africana Studies Course, American Studies Course, Diversity Course, Faith Justice Course, Undergraduate

POL 326 Protesting Inequality (3 credits)

Through the lens of political science, this course examines the political causes and consequences of inequality in the United States and how citizens have responded to the empirical realities of unequal circumstances. While inequality is an economically, politically, socially, and morally complex phenomenon, this course emphasizes that inequality does not "just happen" but rather is a result of the way our society is structured. Nevertheless, citizens-agents-have protested inequality on various occasions and in many different ways. It is on these citizen protest movements that we will focus most of our attention, including, but not limited to, the "Poor People's Movements" of the 1960s, the Welfare Rights Movement in the 1990s, and the Occupy Movement of the 2010s.

Attributes: American Studies Course, Faith Justice Course, Justice Ethics and the Law , Undergraduate

POL 328 U.S. Immigration (3 credits)

In this course, students will critically engage with the politics of immigration in the United States. While the national narrative broadly celebrates the arrival and incorporation of newcomers, these processes have been highly contested and problematic both in popular discourse and public policy since the country's founding. The question of 'who immigrates' has been, and continues to be, shaped by decisions on how to manage geopolitical and geoeconomic forces, domestic political, economic and social preferences, popular sentiment and humanitarian considerations. Furthermore, understanding how immigrants integrate in society necessarily involves examining 'difference' on a number of axes, including race and ethnicity, language and culture, religion, gender, socioeconomic and educational levels, and legal status. This course provides students with the opportunity to explore key aspects of the discourse and reality of immigration to the U.S., including the American Dream, assimilation, ethnic neighborhoods, transnationalism, borders and security by considering the values, interests and roles of actors at all levels, including civil society organizations, national and sub-national governments, communities, households and individuals in the continuous re-making of the U.S. as a nation of immigrants.

Attributes: American Studies Course, Faith Justice Course, Irish Studies Course, Justice Ethics and the Law , Latin American Studies Course, Undergraduate

POL 331 Latin American Politics (3 credits)

This course addresses the political, economic and social development of modern Latin America. It examines the transformation of traditional authority structures, efforts to promote economic development, and concerns for the consolidation of democracy, adjustment to globalization, and U.S.-Latin American relations.

Attributes: Faith Justice Course, International Relations Course, Justice Ethics and the Law , Latin American Studies Course, Non-Western Studies (GEP), Undergraduate

POL 334 Understanding Putin's Russia (3 credits)

Vladimir Putin has dominated Russian politics for more than two decades, and in doing so, has reversed what appeared in the 1990s to be a democratic future for that country. This class investigates how and why the communist legacy and traumatic process of transformation after 1991 created capitalism but not democracy. It examines not only domestic developments and institutions, but the ways that global processes and individual choices have created a new form of brutal and personalized authoritarianism in Russia that for years has appeared to have broad-based support.

Attributes: International Relations Course, Non-Western Studies (GEP), Undergraduate

POL 336 The EU and European Politics (3 credits)

While the European Union is one of the top three world economies and an important player in global politics, few understand how it works and what it does. This class examines the EU – its history, institutions, and achievements, as well as the politics in European countries, since member states exert control over what the Union can accomplish. The course culminates in two simulations, one of a European parliamentary committee and the other of the European Council, where European national leaders meet. Students will take on the identity of a European politician in each venue as they debate proposed legislation (committee) and meet at a summit (Council) to address some major issues of the day.

Attributes: Globalization Course, International Relations Course, Irish Studies Course, Undergraduate

POL 337 Contemp Cuban Pol & Society (3 credits)

The Cuban revolution is one of the seminal events of Latin American twentieth century history. This course provides the tools to understand the forces that gave rise to the revolution, how 'the Revolution' has evolved over the more than five and a half decades since the Castro government has been in power, and how Cuban society has transformed - politically, economically, socially and culturally. Particular focus is placed on Cuba since the demise of the Soviet Union, the so called "Special Period," in which Cuba transitioned from a 2nd World client state into an isolated underdeveloped country. Political reforms since then have contributed to an aperture toward the outside world, as well as to steps towards greater economic freedom for Cubans. Many other topics, including race, gender, the arts, Cuba's foreign relations with the U.S. and the rest of the world, citizenship, religion, health care and Cuba's future, will be discussed as well.

Attributes: Africana Studies Course, American Studies Course, International Relations Course, Latin American Studies Course, Non-Western Studies (GEP), Undergraduate

POL 352 Global Political Economy (3 credits)

Global economic relations are international, political and complex; they involve cross border flows of goods, money, services and people, and they reflect and create power. This course focuses on the nature and impact of the movement of goods (trade), capital (money, foreign direct investment, bailouts), services (call centers), people (migration), and even "bads" (pollution and disease) to understand the challenges of and opportunities for development, globalization and international cooperation in today's world. It emphasizes the analysis of historic booms and busts in various national economies as well as current global events and trends.

Prerequisites: POL 115

Attributes: Globalization Course, International Relations Course, Latin American Studies Course, Undergraduate

POL 356 American Foreign Policy (3 credits)

After an overview of the nature and causes of American foreign policy (AFP) from the Founding to the Cold War, this course develops students’ policy and scholarly expertise on contemporary AFP. The emphasis is on understanding and explaining U.S. relations from 1990 to the present with Russia, the Middle East, and China, three important and currently highly volatile areas of US diplomatic focus and concern.

Attributes: American Studies Course, International Relations Course, Undergraduate

POL 364 IR of East Asia: War and Peace (3 credits)

The course will examine and discuss the most intriguing dynamics of international relations in East Asia. Along with the historical analysis of international relation in the region since the mid-19th century, the course will engage in the discussion of pressing issues that characterize contemporary international politics in the region, including (1) regional economic development and interactions, (2) Sino-Taiwanese tension and the U.S. involvement, (3) North Korean nuclear crisis, (4) Japan and its post-Cold War security profile, and (5) regional tension over Japan's militaristic past.

Attributes: Asian Studies Course, International Relations Course, Non-Western Studies (GEP), Undergraduate

POL 367 Ethics inInternational Affairs (3 credits)

What is morality in international politics? Is ethical reasoning and action possible in international affairs? If possible, when and how? Proponents of Realism often claim that there is virtually no room for morality in international affairs, and states and state actors are rational thinkers interacting in anarchy. For them, ethics are simply luxury and irrelevant. On the other hand, thinkers under the tradition of IR liberalism/idealism emphasize the ethical dimension of state decision making and state behaviors. On what moral ground or ethical reasoning, are the moral behaviors taking place and observed/unobserved? The primary objective of the course is to help students enhance their analytical ability for the study of international ethics. To this end, the course will explore the main traditions and theories of international ethics with a focus on such topical areas as just war and use of force, universal human rights and humanitarian intervention, and national collective memory and post-conflict reconciliation.

Prerequisites: PHL 154

Attributes: Ethics Intensive, International Relations Course, Justice Ethics and the Law , Undergraduate

POL 368 Sex & Power around the World (3 credits)

Gender can seem invisible in politics, but masculinity and femininity and attitudes about the “appropriate” place in society of these two genders and others create power and affect how opportunities and resources are distributed. Learn about the gendered nature of political power in a variety of world settings and how gendered conditions affect war, peace, revolution, development, and democracy.

Attributes: Faith Justice Course, Gender Studies Course, Globalization Course, International Relations Course, Undergraduate

POL 402 Capstone: Contentious Pol inUS (3 credits)

Contentious politics consists of many "non-traditional" forms of political action, including social movements, protests, riots, and even political violence. This capstone political science seminar examines contentious politics in the U.S. through the lens of 1960/70s radical social movements, a key moment in U.S. politics in which the New Left imagined, theorized, negotiated, and contested the meaning of democracy and power. Students will examine and analyze the origins, ideologies, claims/grievances, goals, and strategies of radical political groups that roughly fall under the banner of the New Left: anti-war, feminism, black liberation, American Indian Movement, Chicano Movement, and Gay Liberation. We will study the politics of the struggle over rights, democracy, power, and the use/nonuse of violence within the New Left through a careful study of the primary texts (statements, agendas, etc.) produced by these groups. Students will investigate what the New Left helps us understand about power, politics, and violence in a modern democracy and evaluate the effectiveness of protest as a means to forward a political agenda, broadly defined.

Prerequisites: POL 111 and ENG 101

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Political Science.

Attributes: American Studies Course, Justice Ethics and the Law , Undergraduate, Writing Intensive Course- GEP

POL 403 Capstone: Nations&Nationalism (3 credits)

The primary objective of this seminar is to help students enhance their analytical abilities for the study of contemporary national problematique. In the rapidly changing contemporary global world, why are people still attracted, swayed, and annoyed by what is national? What is so important about being a part of nation? What drives people to develop specific allegiance toward a nation? And, how? More fundamentally, what is a nation?

Prerequisites: ENG 101

Restrictions: Enrollment limited to students with a class of Senior. Enrollment is limited to students with a major in International Relations or Political Science.

Attributes: International Relations Course, Undergraduate, Writing Intensive Course- GEP

POL 404 Capstone:Transforming Conflict (3 credits)

This seminar will explore the complexity of transforming violent conflict within and between societies so that people can survive and potentially thrive. Students will examine theories of conflict transformation and develop a question and design a study so that they can write an undergraduate research paper and make a presentation to the peers on an instance of conflict transformation of their choice.

Prerequisites: (POL 111 or POL 113 or POL 115) and ENG 111

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to students with a major in International Relations or Political Science.

Attributes: Globalization Course, International Relations Course, Undergraduate, Writing Intensive Course- GEP

POL 405 Capstone: Pol of Labor & Work (3 credits)

Our capstone in political science extends our understanding of democracy by looking within one of the most common political institutions we will experience in our lifetimes: the workplace. Many of you are currently holding jobs, some part-time and others full-, some well-paid and others less well paid, some free (interning), some with inconsistent or too few hours, some with a terrible manager, some within the home (nannying/care work). You may be working in different organizations, or in different geographies. After graduation, the process only continues. This semester we will focus on the politics of work. What avenues do workers have to improve their autonomy, workplace conditions, and compensation? What barriers (employer, legal, political) challenge this process? What roles does organized labor serve? Though our focus is primarily the United States, we will acknowledge that worker conditions are shaped by different legal, geographic, and industrial contexts: country, state, law, industry, and time period. The policies regulating the workplace are political decisions. State repression of labor organizations has not been unusual historically, though what that might look like has shifted over time.

Prerequisites: POL 111

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Political Science.

Attributes: Undergraduate

POL 411 Washington Internship I (3 credits)

At The Washington Center (see Special Academic Programs and Services for more information), students are placed in an internship where they work 30-35 hours in an office making substantive contributions to its work in politics, public policy, law, advocacy, or other related fields. For these activities, students earn two courses worth of upper division credit. Please note: the other courses at the Washington Center do not count for POL major or minor credit.

Attributes: Undergraduate

POL 412 Washington Internship II (3 credits)

At The Washington Center (see Special Academic Programs and Services for more information), students are placed in an internship where they work 30-35 hours in an office making substantive contributions to its work in politics, public policy, law, advocacy, or other related fields. For these activities, students earn two courses worth of upper division credit. Please note: the other courses at the Washington Center do not count for POL major or minor credit.

Attributes: Undergraduate

POL 413 International Internship I (3 credits)

Some study abroad programs offer internship credit for one or two classes. Please note: subject to administrative approval, students may earn two courses of UD POL credit if their internship is in the 32- hour/week range.

Attributes: International Relations Course, Undergraduate

POL 414 International Internship II (3 credits)

Some study abroad programs offer internship credit for one or two classes. Please note: subject to administrative approval, students may earn two courses of UD POL credit if their internship is in the 32- hour/week range.

Attributes: International Relations Course, Undergraduate

POL 415 Applied Research Mixed Methods (3 credits)

Public policy scholars and practitioners have a wide variety of methodological tools at their disposal. Yet, it can be challenging to determine which techniques are best equipped to answer particular research questions, as well as how to fruitfully combine distinct methods. Gaining a familiarity with the discipline’s vast methodological “toolkit” is essential to building the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in political and social research— for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners. In this course, students will explore the principle methodological approaches employed in political inquiry—encompassing experimental, quantitative-statistical, and qualitative techniques—and examine how these tools may be productively “mixed” to make descriptive and causal inferences about political phenomena. In addition to learning to evaluate and critique distinct methodological approaches, students will “learn by doing” and gain experience applying various techniques to answer specific research questions. To provide the necessary technical skills for applied research, the course will introduce students to software programs that are commonly used for quantitative and qualitative research. Students will apply the skills and techniques in the context of a semester-long research project, which will include formulating a research question, developing a research design, and engaging in original empirical research (including data collection and data analysis). The project could form the basis of a graduate-level thesis or article manuscript prepared for submission to a peer-reviewed publication.

Prerequisites: POL 111 or POL 113

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to students with a major, minor, or concentration in International Relations, Political Science or Public Policy.

Attributes: International Relations Course, Undergraduate

POL 490 Global Smarts Internship (3 credits)

Global Smarts is a service-learning internship offered every spring in partnership with the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia (WACP). For the semester, SJU students serve as mentors of middle-school children from under-resourced Philadelphia-area schools who are participating in the WACP’s annual Junior Model UN (JMUN) conference. WACP prepares SJU mentors to teach their mentees to act as national diplomats in a mock General Assembly session. At SJU, mentors learn about the UN, its constraints and accomplishments in global politics, and the complexity of constructing peace globally and locally. Because this is a Faith-Justice Service-Learning internship, we consistently process mentors’ experiences using key concepts (violence, peace, charity, justice, solidarity, and power) while also developing professional and personal skills.

Attributes: Faith Justice Course, International Relations Course, Service Learning Course, Undergraduate

POL 491 Philadelphia-Area Internship (3 credits)

The Philadelphia Area Internship Program supports student internships in the public sector, private sector, or in a non-governmental organization (NGO) in the Philadelphia area. Students will complete a total of 130 hours of work, write a resume and sample cover letter, keep a journal, and attend and write about an SJU Career Development Center event. Students who complete the requirements will receive 3 credits for one upper-division course in History, Political Science, or International Relations. Course is open to ALL majors.

Attributes: International Relations Course, Undergraduate

SOC 101 Intro to Sociology (3 credits)

Introduction to the scientific approach to the study of society, including the study of social structures; studies such topics as how we acquire self-identity, gender, our behavior in groups, bureaucracies, stereotyping, the role of the state, survey research, culture, and collective behavior. This course can count towards public policy and health equity & social justice minors.

Attributes: Diversity Course, GEP Social Science, Undergraduate

SOC 102 Social Problems (3 credits)

A sociological analysis of contemporary social issues including economic crises, concentration of wealth, poverty, crime, sexism, race and ethnic relations, mental illness, population growth, war and peace, and relations with other countries. This course can count towards public policy minor.

Attributes: American Studies Course, Diversity Course, Faith Justice Course, Gender Studies Course, GEP Social Science, Undergraduate

SOC 253 Race and Social Justice (3 credits)

In this course we will examine the issue of social justice as it pertains to race and ethnicity. The course will address the social and cultural constructions of race and ethnicity and their effects on social institutions, interpersonal relationships, and quality of life primarily in the U.S., but also abroad. Specifically, we will focus on how advantages and disadvantages are distributed among individuals and societies, why this process occurs, and how we can work to achieve balance and equality. As part of our discussions, we will focus on the contributions of racial and ethnic minorities in our changing social, economic, political, and legal institutions by examining controversial topics central to debates on racial justice and policy. This course can count towards public policy and health equity & social justice minors.

Attributes: Africana Studies Course, Criminal Justice Course, Diversity Course, GEP Social Science, Undergraduate

SOC 312 Research Methods (3 credits)

Presents the main ways of gathering social scientific information, e.g., questionnaires, interviews, observation, experiments, content analysis, etc.; Specific emphasis placed on the ethical considerations when conducting social science research. This course can count towards public policy minor.

Prerequisites: SOC 101 or SOC 102

Attributes: Undergraduate

SOC 313 Data Analysis (3 credits)

This course introduces students to the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for conducting quantitative data analysis. Using the General Social Survey and other publicly available data sets, we will learn about transforming variables, conducting univariate and bivariate analysis, requesting descriptive and inferential statistics, and learning how to interpret these statistics. Emphasis is on doing the analysis and presenting the analysis for research projects. This course is a prerequisite for Seminar, SOC 495. This course can count towards public policy minor.

Prerequisites: SOC 312

Attributes: Undergraduate

SOC 349 Poverty Ethics & Social Policy (3 credits)

This course offers an overview of poverty in the United States, explores the ethical principles surrounding poverty and our response to it, and examines social policies that seek to ameliorate poverty. Students will work on a semester-long academic assignment which will engage them in one aspect of poverty and social policy. This course can count towards public policy minor.

Prerequisites: PHL 154 and (SOC 101 or SOC 102)

Attributes: Ethics Intensive, Undergraduate

SOC 355 Race, Crime & CJ (3 credits)

This course examines the topic of race and ethnicity in relation to crime and criminal justice processing. More specifically, we focus on several issues: 1) the role of privilege and marginalization in the context of race and ethnicity and the criminal justice system: 2) the impact of these factors on intergroup relationships generally and the responses of the criminal justice system to criminal behavior, victimization, and employment within the criminal justice field; 3) how the responses of the criminal justice system affect the lives of offenders, victims, and agents of the criminal justice system for various racial/ethnic groups; 4) the current patterns of crime and victimization in relation to race/ethnicity? In addressing these questions, it is important to note that this is an upper-level sociology/criminal justice course, so do not expect it to be lecture driven, although some lectures will be presented. Much of the course work will revolve around class discussions and written analysis of the readings. This course can count towards public policy minor.

Attributes: Criminal Justice Course, Diversity Course, GEP Social Science, Undergraduate

SOC 378 Urban and Public Policy (3 credits)

This course will offer a foundation in how sociologists study cities and public policy. We will examine assets of cities and key areas of need that cities face (such as education, poverty, housing, and crime), and we will study policy options to improve cities and their larger metropolitan areas. This course can count towards public policy minor.

Attributes: Criminal Justice Course, GEP Social Science, Undergraduate

SOC 401 Higher Education Policy (3 credits)

What should students gain from college? How should higher education be funded? How is college connected to inequalities along racial, gender, class, and other lines, and what role should individual campuses play in mitigating those inequalities? Policy decisions shape each of these questions and their potential answers. In this course, we will examine contemporary higher education policy and connections to inequality. Topics will include financial aid, diversity, access to college, different types of college settings, and funding. This course can count towards public policy minor.

Attributes: GEP Social Science, Undergraduate

SOC 490 Internship (2-3 credits)

The student is placed according to his/her interests in a criminal justice, social service, or health care setting for a semester. In this way, he/she may apply classroom-acquired skills and knowledge while gaining practical work experience. Permission of internship director required.

Attributes: Criminal Justice Course, Undergraduate

SOC 491 Internship (1-6 credits)

The student is placed according to his/her interests in a criminal justice, social service, or health care setting for a semester. In this way, he/she may apply classroom-acquired skills and knowledge while gaining practical work experience. Permission of internship director required.

Attributes: Undergraduate