Social Sciences
The Social Sciences at USAO are organized in interdisciplinary fashion to encompass a number of diverse areas to include several fields traditionally considered part of the Humanities: American Indian studies, geography, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, and sociology. Study in these areas links the past with the present, investigates individual and social behavior, and explores human value systems, past and present.
In addition to the Bachelor of Arts degree in these fields, a teaching certificate in Social Studies also is offered. For this certificate, students must complete the degree requirements for the chosen major, as well as the course requirements for teacher certification.
Political Science
Political Science is an academic and research discipline that deals with the theory and practice of politics and the description and analysis of political systems and political behavior. There are several fields within the political science discipline, all having equal relevance: public administration, American government and institutions, comparative government and international relations, and political theory and philosophy. The political science program provides a foundation for the student interested in further graduate work, as well as a career in government service, law, or criminal justice. A preprofessional program for students interested in a law career is also offered.
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
Of the 30 hours required for the political science major, 6 may be taken in related disciplines with permission from political science faculty.
Required Political Science Core (6 hours), including:
| Course | Title | Hours Required |
| PSCI 2133 | Comparative Government | 3 |
| PSCI 2343 | Government of the United States | 3 |
+ Required Political Science Electives (24 hours):
| PSCI 1133 | Introduction to the Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| PSCI 2143 | Introduction to Law and the Legal System | 3 |
| PSCI 2880 | Special Topics* | 1-3 |
| PSCI 2990 | Workshop* | 1-3 |
| PSCI 2990 | Tutorial* | 1-3 |
| PSCI 3103 | State and Local Government | 3 |
| PSCI 3213 | Interest Groups and Political Parties | 3 |
| PSCI 3233 | Introduction to Political Theory | 3 |
| PSCI 3433 | Contemporary Political Thought | 3 |
| PSCI 3643 | International Relations | 3 |
| PSCI 3753 | Public Administration | 3 |
| PSCI 3803 | Public Policy | 3 |
| PSCI 3983 | Government and Business | 3 |
| PSCI 4213 | American Foreign Policy | 4 |
| PSCI 4423 | United States Constitutional Law | 3 |
| PSCI 4533 | Seminar* | 3 |
| PSCI 4880 | Special Topics* | 1-3 |
| PSCI 4900 | Workshop* | 1-3 |
| PSCI 4990 | Tutorial* | 1-3 |
| *may be repeated for total of 6 hrs. |
The Pre-Law Program at USAO
There is no single course of study at any institution of higher learning that might properly be designated as pre-law. Law schools generally look for a well-balanced liberal arts background and the ability to think rationally and logically. Since law necessarily relates to government, and a knowledge of accounting and elementary business practices is generally necessary in a law career, the following program is offered to USAO students as one possible approach to law school preparation. Other approaches may be planned with the pre-law advisor.
Required Pre-Law Core (30 hours):
| Course | Title | Hours Required |
| PSCI 2133 | Comparative Government | 3 |
| PSCI 2343 | Government of the United States | 3 |
|
plus |
||
| Required political science electives (24 hours) | ||
| (With permission from the political science instructor, 6 hours may be taken in related disciplines.) | ||
Recommended: 12 hours in business, English, psychology, economics, communication, sociology, and history.
Minor in Political Science
18 hours to be selected with approval of political science advisor.
COURSE LISTINGS in POLITICAL SCIENCE
1133 INTRODUCTION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
Survey of the various components of the criminal justice system with
special emphasis on the role of law enforcement. 3 hours.
2133 COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT
Required of all political science majors: introduction to government as
an institution presented in the form of a comparative analysis of the
various techniques, purposes, and ends of government. 3 hours.
2143 INTRODUCTION TO LAW AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM
Study of legal principles and case law in the context of the United States
legal system. 3 hours.
2343 GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES
Survey of the Constitution of the United States, civil rights, instruments
of popular control, organization, powers and procedures of national
government. 3 hours.
2880 SPECIAL TOPICS
Special topics in political science. 1-3 hours (may be repeated for total of
6 hours).
2900 WORKSHOP
Guided study in political science under faculty supervision; various topics
and methods of instruction. 1-3 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours
with change in title and topic).
2990 TUTORIAL
Independent study in political science under faculty supervision. 1-3
hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours with change in title and content).
3103 STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Organization, structure, functions, and administration of state and
local governments. 3 hours.
3213 INTEREST GROUPS AND POLITICAL PARTIES
Examination of the organization and functions of interest groups and
political parties in the American political system. 3 hours.
3234 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY
Analytical and historical study of the classes of political philosophy
from Republic of Plato through Social Contract of Rousseau. 3 hours.
3433 CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THOUGHT
Survey of conflicting theories of 19th and 20th centuries and their effect on
the modern world. 3 hours.
3643 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Systematic relations between states, the growth and description of
national power balance, and emergence of institutions aiming at a peaceful settlement
of disputes. 3 hours.
3753 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
A study of the means by which policies are put into effect. Problems of
bureaucratic organization and of personnel management are emphasized, with
special references to federal government. 3 hours.
3803 PUBLIC POLICY
Contemporary issues in public policy: substantive issues, such as education
and macroeconomic policy, as well as various methods of policy analysis. 3 hours.
3893 GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS
Factors determining industrial organization and economic behavior;
operation of antitrust laws; public regulation of business. 3 hours. (Same as ECON 3893)
4213 AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY
Problems involved in pursuing American national interests on world level
and means of formulating policy; critical examination of principal American
decisions in the field since World War II. 3 hours.
4423 UNITED STATES CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
Analysis of the evolution of Constitution in light of amendments,
judicial interpretation, and legislative elaboration. 3 hours. Prerequisite: PLSI 2343.
4533 SEMINAR
Methods of political science research, writing, and preparation of
research
papers on assigned topics. 3 hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours).
4880 SPECIAL TOPICS
Special topics in political science. 1-3 hours (may be repeated for total of
6 hours).
4900 WORKSHOP
Related topics and problems in political science. 1-3 hours (may be repeated
for total of 6 hours with change in title and content).
4990 TUTORIAL
Independent study in political science under faculty supervision. 1-3
hours (may be repeated for total of 6 hours with change in title and content).