Political Science Program
Political science provides knowledge of the theory and practice of political power, authority, and justice. As a discipline, political scientists are primarily concerned with the role of power in the process of making or influencing decisions, from the international system to governments and non-state actors. Howard Laswell defined politics as “who gets what, when, and how.” Political science analyzes and investigates these power processes and addresses issues like the distribution of public goods and services, military posturing in the region, and the impact of climate change on food security and economic problems.
The Political Science Program at UOG makes understanding political processes and institutions in the United States and the Micronesian and Asia Pacific regions the focus of student learning, discovery, research, service, and extra-institutional collaboration. The program centers Guam as the focal point of our analyses in order to help students understand politics from a multiscalar perspective. The program shares a commitment to critiquing dominant centers and processes of power affecting our island and region, such as colonization, economic development, and militarization as well as providing a basic overview of the scope of political science in general.
The program includes a variety of courses that comprise three main subfields of political science:
It also emphasizes reasoned evaluation of societal principles, analysis of political behavior, and the logical expression of thought.
A Political Science degree prepares students for careers in government and politics, law, teaching, and business or for graduate studies in a wide range of professional areas.
Upon completion of a major or double major in political science, students will have demonstrated achievement of the following program learning objectives:
All Political Science majors must meet the requirements of one of the following tracks and should seek faculty advisement within their respective track. Refer to the Degree Requirements tab to see the courses required for each track.
The Political Science track provides students with a range of courses in three major subfields of political science:
Students acquire theoretical knowledge and develop a set of critical and analytical skills about institutions of government and politics.
The Government for Education track focuses on providing students with the knowledge needed to meet the national content standards for social studies in secondary education. Students will complete coursework in the fields of political science, history, and geography with a focus on government and politics. Students who choose this track should double major in Seconday Education, complete the BA+ program, or obtain a Master of Arts in Teaching after graduation.
The minor in Political Science requires 21 credit hours. It is particularly suited for students who need a strong background in government and politics for their professional work or graduate studies.
See the Degree Requirements tab for required courses for each degree, minor, or certificate.
Students must receive a grade of “C” or better in any Political Science course to be credited toward completion of the major. This requirement applies to the 37 credits in Political Science counted specifically toward completion of major requirements: the eight required Political Science courses, plus four elective courses. It does not apply to General Education courses or to generic electives.
Political Science track majors should complete the following courses in partial fulfillment of the General Education Diversity Foundation and Direction Building requirements on the Student Advisement Sheet.
Any course in the category
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS215 | INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS + This course presents a general framework in the study of international politics, examines
the forces that motivate policy, the tools to promote foreign policy objectives, and
international cooperation and conflict resolution.
|
4 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
Course | Credit Hours |
---|---|
Any course in this category | 3 |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS101 | INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS + With emphasis on the democratic political system, this course is a study of political
behavior, the role of government in society, and different forms of government in
the world.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS202 | GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED STATES + An analysis of the plan and structure of the federal system of the United States,
this course places special emphasis on the meaning of democracy and ideas, form and
values of political and economic institutions in the United States.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS225 | STATE AND TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT + This course entails the analysis of U.S. State and Territorial Governmental systems,
including the study of constitutionalism, federalism, separation of powers, civil
rights, political parties, interest groups, political status, and political development.
Emphasis is placed on the analysis of the structure and function of the Territorial
Government of Guam.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course | Credit Hours |
---|---|
Any 101 or 102 language | 4 |
After declaring as a Political Science – Political Science track major, students will take the following to complete this General Education requirement:
Choice of:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS300 | RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN POLITICAL SCIENCE + This course introduces the methods and skills necessary to conduct research in political
science. Students design and execute a research project in a substantive area of political
science. Prerequisite: PS101 and MA151, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
PS302 | COMPARATIVE POLITICS + The course provides students with the tools to undertake a comparative study of political
processes and government institutions, with particular attention to democracies. Prerequisite:
PS101 and PS215 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS482 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE + This course is designed to cover important political issue of contemporary significance
in various topics in (A) American and regional government, (B) Comparative government,
and (C) International relations. This course may be repeated for credit under different
topics. Prerequisites: PS101 and either PS300 or PS302, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course | Credit Hours |
---|---|
Any course in this category | 3 |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS492 | CAPSTONE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE + This capstone course is taken by political science majors in their senior year. In
this course, students "cap off" their education in political science by completing
a research paper and public presentation. This course allows students to practice
political science research methods and apply political science theories to a research
project in American and regional government, comparative government, or international
relations. It includes an examination to assess stufent proficiency in the program
learning outcomes.Prerequisites: Senior standing completion of PS300, PS302, and consent
of instructor.
|
2 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS101 | INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS + With emphasis on the democratic political system, this course is a study of political
behavior, the role of government in society, and different forms of government in
the world.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
PS202 | GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED STATES + An analysis of the plan and structure of the federal system of the United States,
this course places special emphasis on the meaning of democracy and ideas, form and
values of political and economic institutions in the United States.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
PS215 | INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS + This course presents a general framework in the study of international politics, examines
the forces that motivate policy, the tools to promote foreign policy objectives, and
international cooperation and conflict resolution.
|
4 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
PS225 | STATE AND TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT + This course entails the analysis of U.S. State and Territorial Governmental systems,
including the study of constitutionalism, federalism, separation of powers, civil
rights, political parties, interest groups, political status, and political development.
Emphasis is placed on the analysis of the structure and function of the Territorial
Government of Guam.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
PS300 | RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN POLITICAL SCIENCE + This course introduces the methods and skills necessary to conduct research in political
science. Students design and execute a research project in a substantive area of political
science. Prerequisite: PS101 and MA151, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
PS302 | COMPARATIVE POLITICS + The course provides students with the tools to undertake a comparative study of political
processes and government institutions, with particular attention to democracies. Prerequisite:
PS101 and PS215 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
PS326 | POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY + This course examines and analyzes the thought of political philosophers from classical
antiquity to the present. The intent of the course is to explain what political philosophy
is and to explore the relationship between politics and philosophy. Prerequisite:
PS101 or instructor's consent.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
PS398 | INTERNSHIP + This course provides an internship for student that will allow for the application
of political science theory to practical work in the community. Placement in a government
agency or non-government organization will be coordinated with the instructor. Prerequisites:
PS101 and junior standing, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
PS492 | CAPSTONE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE + This capstone course is taken by political science majors in their senior year. In
this course, students "cap off" their education in political science by completing
a research paper and public presentation. This course allows students to practice
political science research methods and apply political science theories to a research
project in American and regional government, comparative government, or international
relations. It includes an examination to assess stufent proficiency in the program
learning outcomes.Prerequisites: Senior standing completion of PS300, PS302, and consent
of instructor.
|
2 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
BA110 | PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS + This course introduces the principles, terminology and fundamental concepts of microeconomics
and macroeconomics. It is a foundation for understanding the scope and methods of
the economic perspective applied to issues faced by modern capitalist societies. Topics
include the role of economics in society, the structure of economic activity, the
behavior of firms and households in a market economy, the role of government and institutions
of public policy in the United States. Relevant examples from Guam, Micronesia and
the Pacific Rim will be explored. Prerequisites: MA110.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS304 | POLITICS OF ASIA + This course provides an introduction the political institutions, processes and problems
of counties in Asia. Prerequisites: PS101 or PS202 OR consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
PS306 | POLITICS OF DEVELOPING NATIONS + This course is a study of political development and change in "Third World" countries,
understood to comprise the postcolonial societies of Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America
and the Middle East. The course will examine the challenges of governance, cultural
pluralism, and rapid socio-economic change with emphasis on the impact of colonial
legacies and international political, ideological and economic influences. Special
attention will be paid to the need of Small island developing states. Prerequisites:
PS101 or PS215 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
PS307 | POLITICS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT + The course investigates the role of political decision in fostering or hindering economic
development, with special emphasis on the experience of industrialization in Asia.
Prerequisites: BA110 and either PS101 or PS215 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS412 | POLITICS OF MICRONESIA + This course explores government and politics in Micronesia. This course focuses on
such concepts and themes as U.S. territorial policy and relations, political status,
political/economic development, environmental policy, self-determination, political
culture, political socialization, federalism. Pre-requisites: PS101 or PS225 or consent
of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
PS440 | INDIGENOUS POLITICS + This course traces the political relationship between indigenous and non-indigenous
peoples as part of wider global relations among indigenous societies, colonial powers
and contemporary national and international regimes and institutions. Students will
gain an understanding of government policies and the responses to these practices
by indigenous peoples by critically evaluating the political frameworks and policy
responses used to deal with indigenous-settler relations. This course will consider
- among other topics - land, education, citizenship and identity, representation,
social movements and self-determination, "Close the Gap" and recognition. Prerequisites:
PS225 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
Any combination of upper division (300- and 400-level) Political Science (PS) courses. At least one must be a 400-level course or MA-385 Applied Statistics.
Students who report a score of 3 on the Advanced Placement U.S. Government examination will:
Students who report scores of 4 or 5 on this exam will additionally receive three hours of academic credit equivalent to one semester in PS-202. Students who report a score of 4 or 5 on the AP Comparative Government examination will be considered to have met the PS-101 course requirement for the Political Science major; however, no academic credit will be awarded.
Political Science – Government for Education track majors should complete the following courses in partial fulfillment of the General Education Diversity Foundation and Direction Building requirements on the Student Advisement Sheet.
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
GE203 | PRINCIPLES OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY + This course is primarily concerned with the principles and concepts of physical geography,
and stresses the patterns and interrelationships of climate, vegetation, soils and
landforms. Emphasis is placed on geographic processes, which have tropical and Pacific
relevance. Three lecture hours and three-hour weekly laboratory or field trips.
|
4 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
Choice of:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
GE101 | INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY + This course is an introduction to the field and methods of geography, the characteristics,
distribution and interactions of physical and cultural geographic elements. The elements
include climate, vegetation, soils, topography, settlement and population, transportation
and trade, industry and land use.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course | Credit Hours |
---|---|
Any course in this category | 3 |
Choice of:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
GE201 | WORLD REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY + The study of human and physical aspects of world geography is covered in this course.
Special emphasis is given to regions, continents, and major countries of the world
and the relative geographic importance of those areas today.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
HI121 | WORLD HISTORY I + This course is a comprehensive study of world history from the formation of early
complex societies to 1500.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
HI122 | WORLD HISTORY II + This course is a comprehensive study of world history from 1500 to the present.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Choice of:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
HI211 | HISTORY OF GUAM + This course surveys the political, socio-cultural, economic, and military history
of Guam and its people since ancient times, reviewing historical changes through the
eras of Spanish, Japanese and American colonial rule.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
HI211 | HISTORY OF GUAM + This course surveys the political, socio-cultural, economic, and military history
of Guam and its people since ancient times, reviewing historical changes through the
eras of Spanish, Japanese and American colonial rule.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
PS225 | STATE AND TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT + This course entails the analysis of U.S. State and Territorial Governmental systems,
including the study of constitutionalism, federalism, separation of powers, civil
rights, political parties, interest groups, political status, and political development.
Emphasis is placed on the analysis of the structure and function of the Territorial
Government of Guam.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course | Credit Hours |
---|---|
Any 101 or 102 language | 3 |
After declaring as a Political Science – Political Science track major, students will take the following to complete this General Education requirement:
Choice of:
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS302 | COMPARATIVE POLITICS + The course provides students with the tools to undertake a comparative study of political
processes and government institutions, with particular attention to democracies. Prerequisite:
PS101 and PS215 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS402 | AMERICAN CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT/LAW + This course is the study of the origin and adaptation of the United States Constitution
as a principal factor in the development of the political system of the United States.
Major U.S. Supreme Court cases are analyzed in their governmental context, particularly
with regard to federal-territorial relations as they have impacted on Guam and Micronesia.
Prerequisite: PS101 or PS202, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
Course | Credit Hours |
---|---|
Any course in this category | 3 |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS492 | CAPSTONE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE + This capstone course is taken by political science majors in their senior year. In
this course, students "cap off" their education in political science by completing
a research paper and public presentation. This course allows students to practice
political science research methods and apply political science theories to a research
project in American and regional government, comparative government, or international
relations. It includes an examination to assess stufent proficiency in the program
learning outcomes.Prerequisites: Senior standing completion of PS300, PS302, and consent
of instructor.
|
2 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS101 | INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS + With emphasis on the democratic political system, this course is a study of political
behavior, the role of government in society, and different forms of government in
the world.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
PS202 | GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED STATES + An analysis of the plan and structure of the federal system of the United States,
this course places special emphasis on the meaning of democracy and ideas, form and
values of political and economic institutions in the United States.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
PS215 | INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS + This course presents a general framework in the study of international politics, examines
the forces that motivate policy, the tools to promote foreign policy objectives, and
international cooperation and conflict resolution.
|
4 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
PS225 | STATE AND TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT + This course entails the analysis of U.S. State and Territorial Governmental systems,
including the study of constitutionalism, federalism, separation of powers, civil
rights, political parties, interest groups, political status, and political development.
Emphasis is placed on the analysis of the structure and function of the Territorial
Government of Guam.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
PS302 | COMPARATIVE POLITICS + The course provides students with the tools to undertake a comparative study of political
processes and government institutions, with particular attention to democracies. Prerequisite:
PS101 and PS215 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
PS307 | POLITICS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT + The course investigates the role of political decision in fostering or hindering economic
development, with special emphasis on the experience of industrialization in Asia.
Prerequisites: BA110 and either PS101 or PS215 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
PS402 | AMERICAN CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT/LAW + This course is the study of the origin and adaptation of the United States Constitution
as a principal factor in the development of the political system of the United States.
Major U.S. Supreme Court cases are analyzed in their governmental context, particularly
with regard to federal-territorial relations as they have impacted on Guam and Micronesia.
Prerequisite: PS101 or PS202, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
PS426 | AMERICAN POLITICAL THOUGHT + This course examines political thought among Americans since independence. Specific
topics may include American variation on liberalism and conservatism. Prerequisite:
PS101 or PS202 or PS326 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
PS492 | CAPSTONE IN POLITICAL SCIENCE + This capstone course is taken by political science majors in their senior year. In
this course, students "cap off" their education in political science by completing
a research paper and public presentation. This course allows students to practice
political science research methods and apply political science theories to a research
project in American and regional government, comparative government, or international
relations. It includes an examination to assess stufent proficiency in the program
learning outcomes.Prerequisites: Senior standing completion of PS300, PS302, and consent
of instructor.
|
2 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
BA110 | PRINCIPLES OF ECONOMICS + This course introduces the principles, terminology and fundamental concepts of microeconomics
and macroeconomics. It is a foundation for understanding the scope and methods of
the economic perspective applied to issues faced by modern capitalist societies. Topics
include the role of economics in society, the structure of economic activity, the
behavior of firms and households in a market economy, the role of government and institutions
of public policy in the United States. Relevant examples from Guam, Micronesia and
the Pacific Rim will be explored. Prerequisites: MA110.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
GE101 | INTRODUCTION TO GEOGRAPHY + This course is an introduction to the field and methods of geography, the characteristics,
distribution and interactions of physical and cultural geographic elements. The elements
include climate, vegetation, soils, topography, settlement and population, transportation
and trade, industry and land use.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
GE201 | WORLD REGIONAL GEOGRAPHY + The study of human and physical aspects of world geography is covered in this course.
Special emphasis is given to regions, continents, and major countries of the world
and the relative geographic importance of those areas today.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
HI121 | WORLD HISTORY I + This course is a comprehensive study of world history from the formation of early
complex societies to 1500.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
HI122 | WORLD HISTORY II + This course is a comprehensive study of world history from 1500 to the present.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
HI201 | EARLY AMERICA + In this course, students will survey the principal historical developments in the
United States from colonial times to the end of Reconstruction in 1877.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
HI202 | MODERN AMERICA + In this course, students will survey the principal historical developments in the
United States from the end of Reconstruction in 1877 to the present.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS304 | POLITICS OF ASIA + This course provides an introduction the political institutions, processes and problems
of counties in Asia. Prerequisites: PS101 or PS202 OR consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
PS412 | POLITICS OF MICRONESIA + This course explores government and politics in Micronesia. This course focuses on
such concepts and themes as U.S. territorial policy and relations, political status,
political/economic development, environmental policy, self-determination, political
culture, political socialization, federalism. Pre-requisites: PS101 or PS225 or consent
of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
Any combination of upper division (300- and 400-level) Political Science (PS) courses (at least one course must be a 400-level course).
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS101 | INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS + With emphasis on the democratic political system, this course is a study of political
behavior, the role of government in society, and different forms of government in
the world.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
PS202 | GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED STATES + An analysis of the plan and structure of the federal system of the United States,
this course places special emphasis on the meaning of democracy and ideas, form and
values of political and economic institutions in the United States.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
PS215 | INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS + This course presents a general framework in the study of international politics, examines
the forces that motivate policy, the tools to promote foreign policy objectives, and
international cooperation and conflict resolution.
|
4 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
PS225 | STATE AND TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT + This course entails the analysis of U.S. State and Territorial Governmental systems,
including the study of constitutionalism, federalism, separation of powers, civil
rights, political parties, interest groups, political status, and political development.
Emphasis is placed on the analysis of the structure and function of the Territorial
Government of Guam.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Any upper division (300- or 400-level) Political Science (PS) courses.
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS215 | INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS + This course presents a general framework in the study of international politics, examines
the forces that motivate policy, the tools to promote foreign policy objectives, and
international cooperation and conflict resolution.
|
4 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS307 | POLITICS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT + The course investigates the role of political decision in fostering or hindering economic
development, with special emphasis on the experience of industrialization in Asia.
Prerequisites: BA110 and either PS101 or PS215 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ALL YEARS |
PS310 | REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS + This course discusses the origin, structure, and functions of regional and international
organizations, focusing on the United Nations, the European Union, NATO, and the Association
of South East Asian Nations. Prerequisite: PS215, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS403 | UNITED STATES FOREIGN POLICY + This course analyzes the factors and processes, and the major events in U.S. Foreign
Policy formulation and implementation with emphasis on the Asian and the Pacific region.
Prerequisite: PS101, or PS215, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
PS420 | INTERNATIONAL LAW + This course examines the purposes, origins, adjudication, and enforcement of international
law in emphasizing the practical areas of human rights, self-determination, maritime
law, state recognition, and secession. The course focuses on the history and sources
of international law, the effectiveness of international law in global politics, and
the future of international law as it relates to the international system. Prerequisite:
PS215, or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
PS430 | GEOPOLITICS AND ISLAND SECURITY + This course provides a framework for investigating the impact of geography and geographical
thinking on International Relations, with an emphasis on the role of islands in global
conflict and the impact of this role on genuine island security. This course examines
the origins of geopolitics, the roll of Guam and the Freely Associate States in the
Indo-Pacific great-power competition, spatial understandings of war, decolonization
and political status related to Micronesia's role in regional geopolitics, the role
of non-human actors such as mountains, weather and flora/faun on global conflict,
geopolitical futures forecasting using horizon scanning, emerging issues analysis,
and scenario planning, and the development of alternative forms of security. Prerequisite:
PS215 or Consent of Instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS101 | INTRODUCTION TO GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS + With emphasis on the democratic political system, this course is a study of political
behavior, the role of government in society, and different forms of government in
the world.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
PS225 | STATE AND TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT + This course entails the analysis of U.S. State and Territorial Governmental systems,
including the study of constitutionalism, federalism, separation of powers, civil
rights, political parties, interest groups, political status, and political development.
Emphasis is placed on the analysis of the structure and function of the Territorial
Government of Guam.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS304 | POLITICS OF ASIA + This course provides an introduction the political institutions, processes and problems
of counties in Asia. Prerequisites: PS101 or PS202 OR consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
PS306 | POLITICS OF DEVELOPING NATIONS + This course is a study of political development and change in "Third World" countries,
understood to comprise the postcolonial societies of Asia-Pacific, Africa, Latin America
and the Middle East. The course will examine the challenges of governance, cultural
pluralism, and rapid socio-economic change with emphasis on the impact of colonial
legacies and international political, ideological and economic influences. Special
attention will be paid to the need of Small island developing states. Prerequisites:
PS101 or PS215 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS412 | POLITICS OF MICRONESIA + This course explores government and politics in Micronesia. This course focuses on
such concepts and themes as U.S. territorial policy and relations, political status,
political/economic development, environmental policy, self-determination, political
culture, political socialization, federalism. Pre-requisites: PS101 or PS225 or consent
of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
PS440 | INDIGENOUS POLITICS + This course traces the political relationship between indigenous and non-indigenous
peoples as part of wider global relations among indigenous societies, colonial powers
and contemporary national and international regimes and institutions. Students will
gain an understanding of government policies and the responses to these practices
by indigenous peoples by critically evaluating the political frameworks and policy
responses used to deal with indigenous-settler relations. This course will consider
- among other topics - land, education, citizenship and identity, representation,
social movements and self-determination, "Close the Gap" and recognition. Prerequisites:
PS225 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS225 | STATE AND TERRITORIAL GOVERNMENT + This course entails the analysis of U.S. State and Territorial Governmental systems,
including the study of constitutionalism, federalism, separation of powers, civil
rights, political parties, interest groups, political status, and political development.
Emphasis is placed on the analysis of the structure and function of the Territorial
Government of Guam.
|
3 credit hours | FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS |
Course |
Course Title |
Credits |
Term Offered |
PS412 | POLITICS OF MICRONESIA + This course explores government and politics in Micronesia. This course focuses on
such concepts and themes as U.S. territorial policy and relations, political status,
political/economic development, environmental policy, self-determination, political
culture, political socialization, federalism. Pre-requisites: PS101 or PS225 or consent
of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS |
PS440 | INDIGENOUS POLITICS + This course traces the political relationship between indigenous and non-indigenous
peoples as part of wider global relations among indigenous societies, colonial powers
and contemporary national and international regimes and institutions. Students will
gain an understanding of government policies and the responses to these practices
by indigenous peoples by critically evaluating the political frameworks and policy
responses used to deal with indigenous-settler relations. This course will consider
- among other topics - land, education, citizenship and identity, representation,
social movements and self-determination, "Close the Gap" and recognition. Prerequisites:
PS225 or consent of instructor.
|
3 credit hours | SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS |