About Pfeiffer

School of Humanities

Political Science (PLSC)

The Political Science major offers a distinctive program of courses designed to prepare students for active participation and leadership in the public life of their community. Through a critical examination of the writings of political philosophers, statesmen, and political analysts and through reflection upon contemporary political events, students gain both a theoretical and practical perspective on the enduring issues of political life. Such a preparation is essential for enlightened citizenship and serves as well as a foundation for careers in law, government or public service.

Students opting a major or minor in Political Science are urged to consult with the Political Science faculty immediately upon having decided to enter the program.

Political Science-Degree Requirements

POLITICAL SCIENCE
36 Semester Hours Minimum
27 SH of Political Science courses,including PLSC 597 plus 6 SH of related courses chosen from a list of Political Science Electives or other upper level Humanities and Social Sciences courses as approved by the Political Science Department Chair.

Political Science-Law Track
42 Semester Hours Minimum
COMM 420	Media Law	PLSC 303	Introduction to Law
CRIM 503	Criminal Law II	PLSC 307	Law and Society
ENGL 314	Intro. to Literary Studies	PLSC 402	Modern Political Thought
ENGL 360	Rhetoric	PLSC 411	Constitutional Law I- Powers
HSTY 221	United States History I	PLSC 412	Constitutional Law II- Rights
HSTY 222	United States History II	PLSC 597	Challenge Seminar
PHIL 205	Philosophical and Christian Ethics
PLSC 201	American Politics


Minor

POLITICAL SCIENCE:
Required 18 SH of Political Science Courses selected from the "Courses Offered" (listed below) AND 3 SH from Political Science Electives.

Political Science Electives: Select 6 SH for Major; 3 SH for Minor.
PLSC 289	Topics in Political Science	HSTY 430	Revolution in The Modern World
GEOG 202	World Regions	ECON 325	Public Finance
HSTY 411	Current Events: The Present as History	SOCY 204	Social Problems
Political Science-Law:
21 Semester Hours Minimum
CRIM 503	Criminal Law II	PLSC 303	Introduction to Law
CRIM 314	Intro. to Literary Studies	PLSC 307	Law and Society
CRIM 360	Rhetoric	PLSC 411	Constitutional Law I- Powers OR
PLSC 201	American Politics	PLSC 412	Constitutional Law II- Rights

Communication (COMM)

The communication program ensures that students become engaged in applying theory to action. By embracing a curriculum that requires individuals to take ownership of their learning process, incorporates innovative teaching methodologies and links community resources and experiences to the classroom, we aim to prepare students for either professional endeavors or graduate school.

All communication majors are required to take core courses that equate to 20 semester hours (SH) and choose one of three concentrations: Digital Communication, Journalism or Professional Communication for 12 semester hours. The student can then customize their program and engage their interest by choosing an additional 9 SH of approved electives and 6 SH of a language.

The department fosters the development of the oral and written communication skills essential in navigating a constantly changing world while also developing the broad knowledge base that benefits the liberally educated graduate in better knowing how he/she fits into that world. Graduates of Pfeiffer's Communication Program will possess skills in research, critical thinking, synthesis, analysis and implementation of information.

Political Science-Courses Offered

NOTE: When PLSC 402 or 405 is taken for credit more than once, the credits for the second course version may be applied only toward the 3 SH elective requirement in Political Science, not toward the Political Science Core Requirement.

PLSC 201	American Politics	F	3 SH
Examination of the fundamental political principles of our Constitutional Republic- liberty and equality and federalism, and how they are embodied in our national, state and local political institutions and processes. The campaign process and the contemporary debate over various public policy issues will also be analyzed.

PLSC 203	World Politics	S	3 SH
Introduction to emerging post-Cold War era in global politics. Examines forces tending toward global order and integration as well as those moving in direction of disorder and disintegration. Specific topics such as diplomacy, arms proliferation, collective security, and strategies of international development will also be considered.

PLSC 289	Topics in Political Science	S even	3 SH
Explores contemporary issues in American Politics with alternating topics (Campaigns and Elections, Liberals and Conservatives) and in World Politics (national security studies and strategies of political development). In addition other topics are explored through the medium of the "Politics and Film" courses such as "American Politics (298A);" "Political Issues (298 I);" "Science Fiction: Alternative Futures (298S);" "Law & Justice (298L);" and "World Issues (298W)." All topics courses are conducted in the seminar format. Topics courses may be taken for credit more than once provided that course content had changed. Prerequisite: PLSC 201, sophomore standing, or consent of the instructor.

PLSC 303	Introduction to Law	F	3 SH
Students examine the following concepts: judicial review, the debate over judicial activism vs. judicial restraint; and conflicting interpretations of the Constitution. Federal Rules of Civil Procedure and the Rules of Evidence are also examined. Prerequisite: PLSC 201.

PLSC 305	Modern Warfare and Politics	S even	3 SH
Examination of the strategy and conduct of modern warfare as it changed from the Civil War to the Persian Gulf War and the effect of this transformation upon the evolution of the modern state. Prerequisite: PLSC 203 or consent of instructor.

PLSC 306	International Intelligence and Espionage	S odd	3 SH
Analysis of how intelligence organizations can inform or mislead statecraft in the contemporary global environment. Through examination of spy vs. spy encounters we will learn about the four elements of intelligence: collection of data, analysis of data, counterintelligence and covert action. Prerequisite: PLSC 203 or consent of instructor.

PLSC 307	Law and Society	S	3 SH
Analysis of the intersection of law and politics focusing on the uses of law as either a catalyst of societal change or as an obstacle to change. Complexities of litigation strategies are examined in specific case studies such as school desegregation and environmental litigation. Prerequisite: PLSC 201.
PLSC 320	Global Crises	S odd	3 SH
This course will provide students with the opportunity to focus on contemporary change and crisis within the international system. Example: Revolutions in the Middle East. The course emphasis could shift with ongoing contemporary developments in global politics. Prereq uisite PLSC 203, or consent of instructor.

PLSC 402	Modern Political Thought	F odd	3 SH
Exploration of fundamental political alternatives through a critical examination of the teachings of the architects of modern political thought such as Machiavelli, Bacon, Locke, Madison, Rousseau, John Stuart Mill, Marx, Nietzsche and Lenin. Emphasizes the distinctive features of modern political consciousness and its evolution along diverse cultural lines. May be taken for credit more than once provided that course content has changed. Prerequisite: PLSC 201 or sophomore standing.

PLSC 406	The American Presidency	F even	3 SH
Examination of the evolution of the Presidency as an institution in the American Constitutional order with a focus upon the triumphs and travails of the contemporary occupants of the office. Prerequisite: PLSC 201.

PLSC 411	Constitutional Law I - Powers	F	3 SH
Examination of the establishment of the Supreme Court's power of judicial review, the scope and limits of the powers of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial branches of the national government, and relationship of the national government to the states. Prerequisite: PLSC 303 or PLSC 307.

PLSC 412	Constitutional Law II - Rights	S	3 SH
Analysis of the judicial interpretation of the Bill of Rights including the First Amendment and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Prerequisite: PLSC 303 or PLSC 307.

PLSC 415	Foreign Policy	F odd	3 SH
This course will focus on contemporary issues of American foreign policy including the Obama Doctrine of International Humanitarian Intervention (Libya), the war on International Terror, American conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the use of force in low intensity conflicts and other evolving issues as they arise. Prerequisite PLSC 203, or consent of instructor.

PLSC 597	The Challenge Seminar	S	3 SH
This course will involve students working through a number of complex intellectual simulations (by role-playing) to examine various challenges or turning points faced by different political regimes in crisis. Engaged Learning will be the focus as students attempt to reconstruct the political, cultural, and historic frameworks which provide the necessary context for the alternative decisions the students will weigh and evaluate. Required of all Political Science and Pre-Law Seniors as their capstone course.

History-Courses Offered

HSTY 221	United States History to 1865	F	3 SH
Colonial foundations; national origins; constitutional development; territorial and economic expansion; cultural development; civil discord and war.

HSTY 222	United States History since 1865	S	3 SH
A continuation of HSTY 221 Reconstruction; industrial growth; the rise of progressivism; involvement in world affairs; changing social and economic patterns.

HSTY 231	Civilizations of Asia	F	3 SH
The people, institutions, events, issues, and ideas which shaped Asia from the rise of civilization to the present. The course will focus on India, China and Japan.

HSTY 232	Civilizations of Africa and the Middle East	S	3 SH
The people, institutions, events, issues, and ideas which shaped Africa and the Middle East from the rise of civilization to the present.

HSTY 233	Civilizations of Europe I	F	3 SH
The people, institutions, events, issues, and ideas which shaped Europefrom the rise of civilization to 1789.

HSTY 235	Civilizations of Latin America	F	3 SH
The people, institutions, events, issues, and ideas which shaped Latin America from the rise of civilization to the present

HSTY 236	Civilizations of Europe II	S	3 SH
The people, institutions, events, issues, and ideas which shaped Europe from 1789 to the present.

HSTY 303	North Carolina History	UD	3 SH
Social, political, and economic development from colonial times to the present. Prerequisite: Declared major or minor in History, Social Studies, or Education.
HSTY 311	Current Events: The Present as History	S	3 SH
Significant current events, issues, or movements such as the growth of Islamic fundamentalism, global terrorism, the Arab-Israeli conflict, the AIDS epidemic, the expansion of the European Union, and the tension between China and Taiwan are studied in their historical context. Events in the United States are covered, but the focus of the course is international. An international research/service project is required. This is a designated service learning course. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing.
HSTY 316	History of England since 1688	S odd	3 SH
Constitutional, political, social, cultural, and economic developments from the “Glorious Revolution” to the present.


HSTY 340	The Civil Rights Movement	F odd	3 SH
An in-depth look at the modern Civil Rights Movement with a focus on the years 1954-1968. The course will consider not only the development of the major leaders and organizations that struggled against the Jim Crow system of the American South, but also the local people who supplied the "foot soldiers" of the movement. Attention will also be given to the precursors of the movement as well as the after effects that continue to the present.

HSTY 345	The American South	S even	3 SH
A survey of the history of the southeastern United States from the pre-colonial period to the present. The course looks especially at two themes--the development of the South as a distinctive region in the United States and the level of influence (political, cultural, economic) the region has had on the country at large. Students will explore these issues through the interpretive lens of race, class, gender, and the environment.

HSTY 390	Topics in History	UD	3 SH
These one-semester reading, research and discussion courses will be offered at the discretion of the History program faculty or in response to popular demand by students.

HSTY 401 (WI)	African-American History	F even	3 SH
An examination of the African-American experience in the United States from 1619 to the present. Slave narratives, the writings of Booker T. Washington, W.E.B. DuBois, and other prominent African-Americans, and recent documentaries will bring to life the horrors of slavery and the struggle for equality. A research project is required.This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: HSTY 221 and 222 or permission of the instructor.

HSTY 405 (WI)	Civil War and Reconstruction	S odd	3 SH
The causes and consequences of the abortive “Southern War for Independence”; social, economic, and political developments in the disunited states during and after the war; problems of racial adjustment; constitutional and political change during Reconstruction. A research project is required. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: HSTY 221 and 222 or permission of the instructor.

HSTY 408 (WI)	Europe 1815-1914	F odd	3 SH
Interpretive survey of European history from the Congress of Vienna to the outbreak of WWI. Social, economic, and political transformation. Prerequisite: HSTY 236 or sophomore standing. A research project is required. This is a writing intensive course.

HSTY 409 (WI)	Europe 1914-Present	S even	3 SH
Interpretive survey of European History from World War I to the present. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: HSTY 236 or sophomore standing (HSTY 222 recommended).

HSTY 419 (WI)	The American Revolution and Early Republic	S even	3 SH
A study of the causes of the American Revolution, the British North American colonies' War for Independence, the Confederation government, the drafting and implementation of the Constitution, the early presidencies of Washington, Adams, and Jefferson. While much of the course will explore the history of the "Great Men" of the early United States, attention will be given to the social history of this era--namely what has been termed the "unknown" history of the Revolution and Early Republic. The class will consider how the massive change wrought from 1763-1808 influenced the margins of American society. A research paper is required. This is a writing intensive course.

HSTY 423 (WI)	The Vietnam Era	S odd	3 SH
A close look at American society during the 1960's and early 1970's with special emphasis on the conduct and consequences of the Vietnam War. Historical readings will be augmented by novels and films. A research project is required. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: HSTY 221 and 222 or permission of the instructor.

HSTY 427	Museum Internship	UD	1-3 SH
Internship in conjunction with the Stanly County Historic Preservation Commission designed to give students practical experience in a museum setting. Interns will have the opportunity to learn techniques of research, collections management, and museum educa tion. Students should register for HSTY 427 for 1 semester hour of credit, HSTY 427A for 2 semester hours of credit, and 427B for 3 semester hours of credit. Prerequisite: HSTY 300 and permission of Department Chair in consultation with supervising faculty.

HSTY 428	Life in Medieval England	F even	3 SH
An exploration of the ways people in all levels of Medieval English society lived and thought. Each student will be responsible for researching and discussing with the class the life of a particular kind of medieval person (i.e. noble, knight, lady, merchant, priest, nun, peasant, etc.) and for writing a fictionalized autobiography of his or her person. Prerequisite: HSTY 233 or permission of the instructor.

HSTY 430 (WI)	Revolution in the Modern World	F even	3 SH
A study in comparative history and in the concept of revolution. The course will deal with the French, Russian and Chinese revolutions as well as several more recent revolutions. A research project is required. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: HSTY 221, 231, 232, or 233 or sophomore standing.

HSTY 490	Topics in History	UD	3 SH
These one-semester reading, research and discussion courses will be offered at the discretion of the History program faculty or in response to popular demand by students. They include such topical courses as: History of the American South, Immigration and Ethnicity, and Pre-Revolutionary America. Research projects are often required in these courses.

HSTY 501 (WI)	Research in History	F	3 SH
Students undertake an intensive course of study in a topic of special personal interest. Classroom exercises and discussions, oral presentations, peer evaluations, and extensive work with primary and secondary materials prepare students to write a prospectus for an article-length paper worthy of publication or presentation at an undergraduate conference. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission from instructor.