Students participate in an analysis of American national politics. Topics include the Constitution, political parties, interest groups, Congress, the Presidency, the Judiciary and recent public policies. Special consideration is given to the individual's relationship with the national government and to the factors influencing decision-making in the national government.

Students participate in analysis of state and local government, politics and policies. Topics include theory, intergovernmental regulations, state constitutions, political parties, interest groups, legislatures, executives, courts, subdivision governments, metropolitan politics and current issues. An effort is made to understand variables and pressures involved in state and local governmental decision-making, especially in Maryland and Harford County. Usually offered in the evening.

This course introduces students to basic legal concepts, principles, and procedures. It is designed to provide the student with an understanding of the structure of the U.S. legal system including the role of the judicial, legislative, and executive branches; the history of law in the United States; the role of attorneys, law enforcement and other legal professionals; ethical and professional issues facing legal professionals; basic categories of law; litigation principles; and alternative dispute resolutions.

This course has two major goals. One goal is to survey contemporary international issues so that students have a comprehensive understanding of issues in the Middle East, China, Russia, Africa and other areas of current interest. A second goal is to introduce students to the methods and objectives of foreign policy-making, the theory of the balance of power, the principles of international law and organization, and the development of regional integration such as in Europe. Eligibility for ENG 101 is required and may be taken concurrently.

This course introduces students to the comparative study of politics and governments. Following an overview of political systems, the instructor selects representative countries from both the developed and developing worlds and highlights issues including political culture, participation, government structures, and public policies in each. Using case studies, students engage in comparative political analysis of both historical processes and current issues facing countries domestically and internationally. Eligibility for ENG 101 is required and may be taken concurrently.

Students participate in analyses of urban government and politics. The course examines the evolution of urban/metropolitan development, theory, and structure in the United States; identifies the key actors and addresses their roles both within the city and as liaisons with local, state and federal governments; and addresses the most pressing issues currently facing these jurisdictions, including: economic development, suburbanization, city infrastructure and finance, race relations and immigration, poverty, housing, law enforcement, and education. This course is only offered in the spring semester.

Special topics courses are developed to explore emerging issues or specialized content not represented in the main curriculum. Not all courses are offered each semester. See the schedule of classes for availability.

Students work as interns in governmental agencies, in elected officials' offices or on political campaigns. The purpose of the internship includes providing students with practical experiences in politics and government, and giving to students the opportunity to determine if they desire a career in government. A wide variety of field placements exists.

Students work as interns in governmental agencies, in elected officials' offices or on political campaigns. The purpose of the internship includes providing students with practical experiences in politics and government, and giving to students the opportunity to determine if they desire a career in government. A wide variety of field placements exists.

Students work as interns in governmental agencies, in elected officials' offices or on political campaigns. The purpose of the internship includes providing students with practical experiences in politics and government, and giving to students the opportunity to determine if they desire a career in government. A wide variety of field placements exists.

Students work as interns in governmental agencies, in elected officials' offices or on political campaigns. The purpose of the internship includes providing students with practical experiences in politics and government, and giving to students the opportunity to determine if they desire a career in government. A wide variety of field placements exists.

Students work as interns in governmental agencies, in elected officials' offices or on political campaigns. The purpose of the internship includes providing students with practical experiences in politics and government, and giving to students the opportunity to determine if they desire a career in government. A wide variety of field placements exists.

Students work as interns in governmental agencies, in elected officials' offices or on political campaigns. The purpose of the internship includes providing students with practical experiences in politics and government, and giving to students the opportunity to determine if they desire a career in government. A wide variety of field placements exists.