Political Science
106 Ruby Jones Hall
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2743
Dr. Loedel, Chairperson
Dr. Bernotsky, Director, Master of Public Administration; Assistant Chair for Graduate Affairs
Professors [top]
R. Lorraine Bernotsky, D.Phil., University of Oxford
Peter H. Loedel, Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara
Yury Polsky, Ph.D., University of Michigan
Frauke Schnell, Ph.D., State University of New York at Stony Brook
Associate Professors
John J. Kennedy, Ph.D., Temple University
Duane D. Milne, Ph.D., University of Delaware
Bhim Sandhu, Ph.D., University of Missouri
Linda S. Stevenson, Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh
Assistant Professor
Chris Stangl, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin–Madison
Jeffery L. Osgood, Ph.D., University of Louisville
Allison H. Turner, Ph.D., University of Louisville
Ashlie Delshad, Ph.D., Purdue University
Programs of Study [top]
The Department of Political Science offers the master of public administration (M.P.A.) with a concentration in public administration. This is a professional degree and is described in the “Public Administration” section of this catalog.
Master of Public Administration
Concentration in Public Administration [top]
Curriculum (39 semester hours)
- Administration core (18 semester hours)
PPA 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 505 - Public administration general concentration electives (15 semester hours)
Selected under advisement of the M.P.A. director or faculty adviser.
Suggested (not required) electives: PPA 510, 511, 512, 513, 514
Note: Students may transfer these electives in from other departments within the University or from any approved graduate certificate program. - Capstone seminar (3 semester hours)
PPA 600 - Internship (3 semester hours)
PPA 601 (required for students without sufficient, professional public sector work experience)
Course Descriptions [top]
Political Science
Symbol: PSC unless otherwise indicated
515 Women in Politics (3) The role of women in politics is surveyed. Considerations include the relationship between the sexes as it has an impact on politics.
525 The American Presidency (3) Analysis of the presidency, stressing its evolution into a modern institution and the contemporary behavioral aspects of the office. Personality, power, and campaign strategy in conjunction with presidential relations with the executive branch, Congress, courts, and the media.
530 The Politics of the Holocaust and Genocide (3) This course examines the political causes of the Holocaust and genocides both in a historical and current context. Case studies include the Jews in Europe, Armenians, and Cambodians.
531 Modern Political Theory (3) Critical analysis of enduring political problems as seen primarily in the writings of theorists from Machiavelli to the present; basic concepts of political science; theories concerning the proper role of the state in society.
532 International Relations (3) Factors motivating the actions of nations; machinery evolved by nation states for effecting their various policies. Methods of diplomacy, international law, and international organization.
533 Congressional Politics (3) The politics of, and the legislative process in, Congress. Internal influences on the Congressional performance, such as rules, norms, and behavior, and external influences including the executive branch and interest groups.
534 American Political Parties (3) Patterns, functions, and history of the American political party system at national, state, and local levels. Theoretical and empirical studies of political interest groups, public opinion, and voting behavior.
540 American Constitutional Law (3) Evolution of constitutional law through study of the leading decisions of the Supreme Court and their significance for the American governmental system.
541 Latin American Culture and Politics (3) Comparative analysis of contemporary Latin- American systems. Stress of political culture, decision making, ideologies, and political processes.
542 Dynamics of Public Opinion and Political Behavior (3) The political role and style of masses and elites; uses and abuses of polls, political socialization, voting behavior, campaigning, and media. Understanding individual opinion formation (micro) and mass publics (macro).
548 The Communist Powers (3) Comparative study of various Communist systems, particularly the U.S.S.R. and China. Elite-mass relationships; role of Marxism-Leninism; party, economic, and political structures. Secondary attention to Eastern Europe, Cuba, and nonruling parties.
551 The Politics of Non-Western Areas (3) Problems of nation building, political participation, and elite-mass relationships in the less-developed nations. Latin American, Asian, or African nations may be stressed as a case study.
552 Civil Liberties and Civil Rights (3) Analysis of constitutional rights and governmental attitudes with respect to civil liberties. Emphasis on case-study method and role playing.
560 The Politics of Revolution (3) Synthesis of research, concepts, and theories of revolution. Stress on the meaning, causes, phases, and ideologies of revolution. Contemporary movements emphasized.
PAD 561 State and Local Government (3) Examination of the organization, functions, and politics of state and local government, including analysis of politics in states, counties, cities, and towns in urban, suburban, and rural areas. Intergovernmental relations in education, transportation, and welfare policy are examined.
PAD 573 American Intergovernmental Relations (3) Designed to familiarize students with the complex network of conflict, cooperation, and interdependence among national, state, and local government units. Topic areas include an analysis of continuing evolution of American federalism, an examination of this relationship from state and city government perspectives, and a description of specific intergovernmental fiscal programs and policies.
590 Independent Study in Political Science (1-3) Research projects, reports, and readings in political science. PREREQ: Approval of department chairperson.
