THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT ASHEVILLE

 

FACULTY SENATE

 

Senate Document Number     7009S

 

Date of Senate Approval      04/09/09

 

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Statement of Faculty Senate Action:

 

 

APC Document 55:                   Addition of new POLS courses: 247, 343, 349, 351, 357, and 362

 

 

Effective Date:   Fall 2009

 

 

1.  Add:            On page 237, new course:                                                                                                                    

 

247       Origins of Democracy (4)

Drawing on classic works of political theory and ideas from contemporary social science and humanities, the course explores the origins of democracy and its implications for the contemporary world. Issues examined include the origins of the franchise, the relationship of language to power, the role of myth making in establishing democratic regimes, and democracy’s relationship to law, culture, empire, and religion. Odd years Fall.

 

 

2.  Add:            On page 238, new course:

 

343       Politics of the Civil Rights Era (4)

Explores the racial politics of the United States in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. The nonviolent citizen actions led by people such as Martin Luther King, Jr., Roy Wilkins, and Lou Hamer are critically paralleled with alternative actions led by Malcolm X, Stokely Carmichael, Huey Newton, and others. Local, state, and federal government responses to these challenges will be examined in an effort to evaluate the era’s accomplishments and failures. Odd years Fall.

 

 

3.  Add:            On page 238, new course:

 

349       Political Science Fiction (4)

Examines the possibilities for human relationships predicated on yet-to-be-developed science and technology and the types of political systems envisioned in major works of science fiction including novels, short stories, films, and TV series. Topics examined include the distribution and use of power and political resources, individual rights and liberties, and the nature and function of government. Even years Spring.

 

 

4.  Add:            On page 238, new course:

 

351       The Administrative State   (4)

Examines how laws are implemented by the executive branch of the federal government. The principles of public administration are compared and contrasted with the actual politics of bureaucracy. Special attention is given to questions surrounding the role of the professional civil service in representative democracy. Prerequisite: POLS 220. Odd years Spring.

 

5.  Add:            On page 238, new course:

 

357       Civic Engagement in Community (4)

Drawing on the insights of political theory, documentary, and ethnographic field methods, this project based service learning course explores the multiple meanings of service, citizenship, and community, in local, regional, and global contexts. Particular attention is paid to issues of power and powerlessness as it relates to race, class, gender, disability, and sexual orientation. Even years Fall.

 

 

6.  Add:            On page 239, new course:

 

362       African Politics (4) 

Examines the Colonial and Independence political eras on the African Continent.  Topics include the identification of values and beliefs that underlie African political behavior, the role of the West in continental affairs, the status of women, and the behavior of individuals, institutions, and processes instrumental in Africa’s economic, social, and political development. Even years Fall.

 

 

Impact:

All the courses fit into the normal course rotation for the faculty members teaching them.  (see rationale.)

 

Rationale:

POLS 343, 351 and 362 are four credit hour integrations of courses that have been deleted in the last several years. POLS 247, 349, and 357 have been tested as special topics courses.

 

 

7.  Add:            On page 240, new course:

 

395       Advanced Readings on Politics (1-3)         

An independent readings course in which students pursue, in consultation with a faculty member, advanced study on a particular topic. See department chair.

 

Impact:

Rather than offering an array of individual independent study courses, the department will have one label for all independent special topics courses.  This will streamline course listings, registration practices, and helps with delivering the curriculum accounting procedures. 

 

Rationale:

With students increasingly involved in study abroad or internships in different cities, particularly Washington, the department increasingly has to offer independent studies courses for students. This course allows us to have one course in which these students enroll which improves our workload and productivity reports.