Minors

Program Description

The Political Science minor is a 24-credit hour program that studies government, politics, law, and public policy in the United States and other countries and the relations among nations and states in the world community. It provides students with factual knowledge of these subjects and the ability to analyze and evaluate governments, political systems, public policies, and international relations. The Political Science minor can be combined with a variety of majors (including International Affairs, History, Criminal Justice, Economics, Business, Public Health, and more) in order to prepare students for careers in government (federal, state, and local), law, politics, international organizations, and journalism.  

Required Courses

Click on the course for a course description

• PSCI 1110 - Introduction to Political Science (3 hours)

  Provides systematic study of power and decision-making within and between nations. Major topics include government, law and public policy, ideologies, political parties and elections, comparative politics, and international relations.
• PSCI 1120 Introduction to American Government (3 hours)

  Surveys American government focusing on the United States Constitution, American political culture, political institutions, and policy processes.

 and one of the following courses:

• PSCI 2210 - Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 hours)

  Introduces the comparative study of politics, employing a conceptual, or thematic, approach. The politics of selected countries is examined, focusing on major features such as governmental institutions, political culture and public policy.
• PSCI 2220 -  Introduction to World Politics (3 hours)

  Introduces major concepts and themes in the study of international politics designed to provide analytical tools for understanding problems and issues in international security, organization and political economy.
• PSCI 3440  - Research Methods (3 hours)

  Surveys the methods of empirical political inquiry within a general framework of data analysis, interpretation, and statistical modeling. This is a technology-intensive course with practical applications of SPSS statistical software.

One course at or above the 3000 level in any two of the five subfields

• Political Theory (PT)
• Comparative Politics (CP)
• Political Law (PL)
• International Relations (IR)
• American Politics (AP)

Two courses (6 credit hours) to be select freely from the Political Science curriculum. 

Requirements for the minor in Political Science - 24 credit hours

Additional information concerning the Political Science Minor may be obtained from:

Dr. David Briley, Coordinator Political Science Minor and Public Administration Minor
Department of Political Science
P.O. Box 70651
Johnson City, TN 37614-1702
423-439-6697

Your questions and suggestions are welcome. Please include your e-mail address so that we can contact you directly.

Program Description

The International Affairs Minor is for students who would like to gain a greater appreciation for the global community and who wish to equip themselves better to perform in that community. The International Affairs minor seeks to broaden the academic perspectives of students and thereby make them sensitive to the complexities of relations and dialogues among different areas and cultures. Students completing the International Affairs minor will be better prepared to view and analyze global conditions and will be capable of creative work in the international field.

Required courses

Click on the course for a course description

• PSCI 2210 - Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 hours)

  Introduces the comparative study of politics, employing a conceptual, or thematic, approach. The politics of selected countries is examined, focusing on major features such as governmental institutions, political culture and public policy.
• PSCI 2220- Introduction to World Politics (3 hours)

  Introduces major concepts and themes in the study of international politics designed to provide analytical tools for understanding problems and issues in international security, organization and political economy.
• PSCI 3310 -International Relations (3 hours)

  Provides an introduction to the study of the relations between states, politics, diplomacy, international law, and organization and an analysis of the theory and practice of international relations.

• PSCI 3440 -Research Methods (3 hours)

  Surveys the methods of empirical political inquiry within a general framework of data analysis, interpretation, and statistical modeling. This is a technology-intensive course with practical applications of SPSS statistical software.
• PSCI 3750 - International Law and Organizations (3 hours)

  Introduces the international legal system and provides the students with the basic concepts, principles and rules of international law.

Students must choose one of the following:

Comparative Political Systems (3 credit hours): 

• PSCI 3010 -Chinese Politics (3 hours)

  Introduces the politics of China and the role of politics in Chinese history, culture and economy.
• PSCI 3800 -European Politics (3 hours)

  Surveys governmental institutions, the political processes, and the cultures of European states.
• PSCI 3830 -Government and Politics of Latin America (3 hours)

  Covers basic political, cultural, and economic characteristics of various Latin American political systems.
  
  
  
• PSCI 3850 -Politics of the Middle East (3 hours)

  Introduces politics in the Middle East that focuses on contemporary political issues of the Middle Eastern states with special attention given to international relations and foreign policy dynamics.
• PSCI 4820 -Politics of Development and Change (3 hours)

  Examines various notions of political development, modernization and change, with emphasis on those processes within countries of the Third World.
• PSCI 3900 -Government & Politics of Russia and East Europe  

  Introduces culture, institutions, political and economic transition, and current domestic and foreign policies in contemporary Russia and East Europe. The course specifically examines the countries of Russia, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and the former Yugoslavia.

Students must choose one of the following:

Issues in International Affairs (3 credit hours):  

• PSCI 4300- International Politics

  Analyzes the political relationships among states. Includes the historical development of international politics, the pattern of contemporary international politics, and the future of international politics.
• PSCI 3350 -International Political Economy

  Introduces current issues of international political economy. The course examines the interdependent and global nature of world economy and politics.
• PSCI 3000-Peace, Security ad Development

  Presents a global political analysis of issues and events that affect the peace, security, and development of human beings in the world community.
• PSCI 4330 -American Foreign Policy

  Presents an analysis of the development of American foreign policies and practices with emphasis on recent development and current trends.
• ECON 4527/5527 - International Economics (3 hours)  

  Presents economic specialization and international trade and investment. It includes the growth of the global economy and economic integration, the gains and losses to consumers and producers, government policies that promote and/or restrict international business activities, the role and operation of the international financial system and the rise of multinational companies and global markets.

The International Affairs Minor has a 21 hour credit requirement.

Program Description

The Legal Studies Minor is a 24-credit interdisciplinary program which includes courses from the Departments of Political Science, Criminal Justice & Criminology, Communications, Management and Marketing, and Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Sciences. The program is designed for students who are interested in attending law school after their undergraduate degree is complete, but also those interested in the legal system and both the theory and the application of the law in specific areas, thus complementing a broad range of majors.

Required Courses

Click on the course for a course description

• PSCI 3200 - Law and Judicial Process (3 hours)

  Overviews the political and philosophical principles underlying the American legal system. This course is strongly recommended before taking other Public Law courses.
• PSCI 3230 - American Constitutional Law (3 hours) 

  Presents an analysis of the manner in which the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, has been expanded and developed to meet changing conditions within the polity by the judicial decision-making process. The case studies method is used.
• CJCR 2540 - Criminal Law (3 hours) 

  Presents the historical foundations of criminal law, elements of crime, purposes and functions of law, defenses to prosecution, and limits of the law.
• PHIL 3150 - Philosophy of Law (3 hours)

  Explores major themes in the philosophy of law: the nature of law, judicial reasoning, the moral limits of criminal and tort law, liberty, equality, and justice.

Approved Electives: 12 credits

Choose four (4) courses from the following

• PSCI 3205 - Constitution and Civil Liberties (3 hours)

  Focuses on the First, Second, Fifth, Ninth, and Fourteenth Amendments as these have been utilized to expand and protect personal rights and liberties, including participation in the political process. Case studies method is used.
• PSCI 3210 - Due Process and Adjudication (3 hours)

  Studies the liberties guaranteed in the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth Amendments as developed and interpreted by court decisions. Case studies method is used.
• PSCI 3220 - The Supreme Court (3 hours)

  Presents an analysis of the role of the Supreme Court of the United States in the governmental process, its role regarding the separation of powers and federalism, public policy, and limits on judicial power, including case studies.
• CJCR 3650 - Criminal Procedure (3 hours)

  Studies federal/state laws and rules of arrest, search and seizure of evidence, interrogation of suspects, obtaining confessions, and criminal identifications.
• ENVH 4000 - Public Health Law (3 hours)

  Introduces Public Health Law, including a study of the legal powers available for implementing programs, methods for their most effective use, and recognition and management of legal problems, an analysis of the legal relationship of an environmentalist to the government, the staff, and the public. Not required of international students.
• MCOM 4037 - Communications Law (3 hours)

  Studies statutory law and judicial precedents affecting media and communication, libel, contempt of court, invasion of privacy, copyright, broadcasting, advertising, and postal regulations.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• MGMT 3310 - Legal Environment of Business (3 hours)

  Introduces our legal system with its impact on business. Business problems with legislation, judicial decisions, and governmental regulation are examined with special emphasis upon securities transactions, business taxes, and the Sherman, Clayton, and Robinson-Patman Acts.
• MGMT 3330 - Law of Commercial Transactions (3 hours)

  Surveys law of commercial transactions including contracts, sales and agency partnerships, corporations, commercial paper, secured transaction and provides general knowledge of the substantive law of business and in preparing for the law section of the CPA exam.
• MGMT 4600 - Employment Law for Managers (3 hours)

  Reviews legal implications of federal employment legislation and regulation of human resources in organizations. Special emphasis is placed on the impact of federal legislation on recruiting, testing, selection, evaluation, discipline, and the termination of employees.

Notes: MGMT 3330 and MGMT 4600 require MGMT 3310 as a prerequisite. Students majoring in Political Science may count ONLY once course taken for PSCI credit within the Legal Studies Minor toward completion of the major.

The Legal Studies Minor has a 24 hour credit requirement.

Additional information concerning the Legal Studies Minor may be obtained from:

Dr. Colin Glennon, Coordinator and Pre-Law Advisor
Department of Political Science
P.O. Box 70651
Johnson City, TN 37614-1702
(423) 439-6632

Web Address: www.etsu.edu/ca/polisci/default.php

If you are looking for information on the Paralegal Certificate Course offered through the Office of Professional Development, please click here: https://www.legalstudies.com/product/east-tennessee-state-university-paralegal-certificate-course/

Your questions and suggestions are welcome. Please include your e-mail address so that we can contact you directly.

Program Description

The purpose of the Public Administration Minor is to develop ethical professionals and leaders committed to the public interest and capable of making significant contributions to the practice and scholarship of public and non-profit administration. The Public Administration Minor is a twenty-four (24) credit interdisciplinary program which includes courses from the Departments of Political Science, International Affairs, Public Administration; Economics and Finance; and Leadership. This minor will complement majors in Political Science, Criminal Justice, Sociology, Parks and Recreation Management, Public Health, and Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Sciences, among others. The program is designed for students who are interested in any of a wide range of careers in government at local, state, or federal levels. 

Required Courses:

Click on the course for a course description

• PSCI 1120 - Introduction to American Government (3 hours)

  Surveys American government focusing on the United States Constitution, American political culture, political institutions, and policy processes.
• PSCI 2610 - Introduction to Public Administration (3 hours)

  Introduces contemporary topics in public administration: defining the field, operations of the federal administration, theories of public management, budgeting and staffing.
• PSCI 3230 - American Constitutional Law (3 hours)

  Presents an analysis of the manner in which the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, has been expanded and developed to meet changing conditions within the polity by the judicial decision-making process. The case studies method is used.
• PSCI 3710 - State and Local Government (3 hours)

  Studies structure and functions of the 50 state governments and local government in the United States and the role of these governments in the American federal system Special references to government in Tennessee.
• PSCI 4730 - American Public Policy (3 hours)

  Analyzes the economic and social policies of American national government through the lenses of policy analysis and theory. The course will cover major debates over public policy across various domains, including whether and how it can promote economic prosperity and social justice.

Elective Choices:

Select 9 hours from the following:

• PSCI 4020 - Urban Politics (3 hours)

  NEED CLARIFICATION 
• PSCI 3050 - Interest Groups in American Politics (3 hours)

  Explores the roles and influence of interest groups in American government and politics and emphasizes the consequences of interest groups for political power and public policy.
• PSCI 3440 - Research Methodology (3 hours)

  Surveys the methods of empirical political inquiry within a general framework of data analysis, interpretation, and statistical modeling. This is a technology-intensive course with practical applications of SPSS statistical software.
• PMGT 4107 - Urban Geography and Planning (3 hours)

  A geographical analysis of cities and urban regions, urban growth patterns, location and interaction analysis, planning for urban regions, and travel behavior are emphasized.
• *LEAD 4467 - Leadership Theory and Practice (3 hours)

  The study of leadership from a historical and contemporary perspective. Students identify, apply, and reflect on aspects of leadership development, including concepts of personal change toward effective leadership in a changing environment. Topics cover personal assessment and development, values and ethics, power and influence, followership, group dynamics, controversy with civility, and citizenship. Students observe a decision-making group outside of class over the course of the semester.
• ECON 2210 - Principles of Macro-Economics (3 hours)

  Introduces macroeconomic analysis that concentrates on economy wide systematic issues such as inflation, unemployment, and the level of economic activity.
• **ECON 4337 - Government Finance and Public Choice (3 hours)

  Studies economic functions of government in a market-oriented economy including how governments allocate expenditures according to the preferences of individuals that comprise society and how governments raise money to finance their expenditures.
• FNCE 3120 - Principles of Real Estate (3 hours)

  Provides a consumer-oriented introduction to finance. Budget priorities, credit, interest rates, insurance, investments, housing, and estate planning are presented.

*Prerequisites: Successful completion of 60 credit hours.
**Prerequisites: ECON 2210 or ECON 1050

 

Additional information concerning the Public Administration Minor may be obtained from:

Dr. David Briley, Coordinator Political Science Minor and Public Administration Minor



Department of Political Science
P.O. Box 70651
Johnson City, TN 37614-1702
423-439-6697

Your questions and suggestions are welcome. Please include your e-mail address so that we can contact you directly.