Plsc 251:
R/Modern Political Analysis

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The purpose of this course is to introduce Political Science majors to the methods of modern political science research. The course will include a presentation of the scientific approach as practiced by Political Scientists, focusing on both theoretical and methodological issues. The purposes of research, measurement problems, and other data management problems in political science research will be discussed. Students will be introduced to basic statistical techniques of data analysis including: dispersion and central tendency, correlation coefficients, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, Chi-Square tests, student t-tests, and simple regression analysis. (Students may not receive credit for more than one 200-level statistics course, including credit for more than one of the following courses: ECON 202, MATH 242, PLSC 251, PSYC 250, and SOCL 211.) Prerequisites: PLSC 110, PLSC 120, or PLSC 140. Offered three semesters out of four

Plsc 311:
Public Opinion & Mass Media

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An examination of American political attitudes and opinions relevant to the functioning of democratic government. Consideration will be given to the extent that the American public fulfills the requirements of democratic theory. Topics include mass media and public opinion, American tolerance for dissent, trust in government, survey research, political efficacy, presidential approval ratings, political ideologies, and partisan change. The determinants of political attitudes and important trends in public opinion will be examined. Prerequisites: PLSC 110 or permission of instructor. Offered when demand is sufficient

Plsc 315:
Legislative Process

An appraisal of the legislative process in the United States emphasizing the origin, passage, and administration of American public policy. The influence of public and private participants -- Congress, the President, the Courts, bureaucracy, political parties, interest groups, and the press -- in the legislative process is studied. Prerequisites: PLSC 110 or permission of the instructor. Offered when demand is sufficient

Plsc 395:
Pol Affairs Internship:

The Political Affairs Internship and Legal Affairs Internship are designed to provide students at the College an opportunity to broaden their educational background in a wide range of public agency or legal-related work situations. Such experiences as working in Rochester City and Livingston and Monroe County government, the District Attorney's Office, and regional and local state legislators' offices have been examples of student placements for this internship. The intern will spend an appropriate amount of time with the agency, participate in a seminar, and submit a major paper related to the experience. (Note: Students may present no more than 15 hours of internship credit toward the baccalaureate degree.) 3 to 6 semester hours.

Plsc 213:
Pol Participation&Am Nat Elect

Analysis of presidential and congressional elections, including nomination processes. Analysis of the behavior of candidates, voters, parties, and campaign contributors in the American electoral system. Causes and consequences of variation in electoral rules in developed democracies will also be conducted. The implications of the American electoral system for American democracy will be explored. Also, examination of the variety, determinants, and causes of different forms of participation in American politics. Hence, variations in voter participation, protest activity, letter-writing, associational activity, and financial contributions are considered. Addresses question of why some Americans participate while others do not, as well as the political consequences of these variations in participation for American Democracy. Offered when demand is sufficient