Undergraduate Course Catalog 2015-2016
University of New Hampshire at Manchester
» http://www.manchester.unh.edu
Politics and Society (PS)
» http://manchester.unh.edu/academics/degree-programs/politics-society
» Click to view course offerings
Professor: Thaddeus M. Piotrowski
Assistant Professor: Melinda Negron
Politics and Society (B.A.)
The bachelor of arts degree in politics and society provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of politics. Though grounded in political science, the program draws on other social science disciplines—sociology, economics, anthropology—to explore the many ways in which politics both shapes and is shaped by social, cultural, economic, and historical context. Students may choose to concentrate in American politics & public policy, international & comparative studies, or law & justice.
Politics and society majors develop critical thinking, communication, and research skills essential for careers in government, politics, non-profits, journalism, diplomacy, and business. Graduates of the program also will be well-prepared for graduate studies in law, political science, international relations, sociology, public policy, public administration, journalism, and diplomacy.
As the University’s urban campus, UNH Manchester is well-positioned to connect students to local, state, and national politics through coursework, research, and internships. Students will have opportunities to work on local and national political campaigns, in local government, and with community organizations for credit as a part of their senior capstone project.
For complete more information, contact program coordinator Melinda Negron-Gonzales at (603) 641-4364 or melinda.negron@unh.edu; or contact the Office of Admissions.
Program of Study
Students must complete 128 credits to graduate, including 44 credits in the politics and society major. Students must maintain an overall cumulative GPA of 2.0 and a cumulative GPA in the major of 2.0. No credit toward the major will be given for any course in which the student receives a grade of less than C-. Students also must fulfill the UNH Discovery Program requirements. Up to three courses may be used toward both the politics and society major and UNH Discovery Program requirements. Transfer students must take at least 28 credits in the major at UNH Manchester.
Requirements for the Politics & Society B.A. degree
11 required courses (44 credits)
Five required courses:
POLT 401, Politics & Society OR PHIL 436: Social & Political Philosophy
POLT 402, American Government
POLT 403, U.S. in World Affairs
POLT 595, Strategies for Political Inquiry
PS 701, Senior Capstone Experience
Six PS or POLT courses. Up to TWO SOC or ECN courses may substitute for PS/POLT courses, with approval from program coordinator. Only one 400-level course will be accepted, one course must be 700 level. Four of these six courses may be used toward an option in international & comparative studies, American politics & public policy, or law & justice.
PS 407, Politics & Law in Contemporary Society
POLT 500, American Public Policy
POLT 521, Rights & the Political Community
POLT 522, Dissent & the Political Community
POLT 560, World Politics
POLT 509, Managing Bureaucracy in America
POLT 557, Politics in Italy
PS 501, Social & Political-Economic Theory
PS 502, Political Psychology
PS 503, Political Theory & Historical & Social Context
PS 504, Empire, Democracy & War
PS 505, Political Violence & Terrorism
PS 506, Civil Society & Public Policy
PS 507, Justice, Law & Politics
PS 508, Supreme Court in American Society
PS 509, Political & Social Change in Developing Countries
PS 510, Politics of Food
PS 511, Women & War
PS 651, Selected Topics in Politics & Society
PS 695, Independent Study
POLT 701, Courts & Public Policy
PS 702, International Relations: Interdisciplinary Approaches
PS 703, Dictatorship & Democracy
Options: Students are not required to choose an area of specialization (“option”). Students who concentrate in a particular area of study MUST complete FOUR courses in the chosen option. Options are recorded on student transcripts.
Law & Justice
This option will appeal to students who are interested in law, justice, and philosophy. Students learn about the structural and procedural aspects of the American court system, and the philosophical and ideological foundations that undergird this system. The option is designed to prepare students for careers in law, government, and public service.
PS 407 and PS 507 required.
(* = required)
PS 407, Politics & Law in Contemporary Society*
POLT 500, American Public Policy
POLT 513, Civil Rights & Liberties
PS 501, Social and Political-Economic Theory
PS 503, Political Theory and Historical and Social Context
PS 506, Civil Society & Public Policy
PS 507, Justice, Law & Politics*
PS 508, The Supreme Court in American Society
POLT 520, Justice and the Political Community
POLT 521, Rights & the Political Community
PS 651, Special Topics: International Human Rights
PS 651, Special Topics: Business & International Human Rights
HIST 679, Rights Revolution
POLT 701, Courts & Public Policy
International & Comparative Studies
This option will appeal to students interested in international affairs, the way politics works in different countries, and the relationship between governments and societies. Students learn about the role of governments and non-governmental organizations in addressing social problems that often transcend national borders in an increasingly inter-connected world. The option is designed to prepare students for careers in government, international organizations, diplomacy, international development, public service, non-profit organizations, international business, and education.
ONE 400-level course accepted. PS 509 required. ONE 700-level course required.
(* = required)
ECN 411, Introduction to Macroeconomic Principles
HIST 422, World History in the Modern Era
HIST 425, Foreign Cultures
SOC 400, Introduction to Sociology
ANTH 411, Introduction to Anthropology
POLT 560, World Politics
PS 502, Political Psychology
PS 505, Political Violence & Terrorism
PS 506, Civil Society & Public Policy
PS 509, Political & Social Change in Developing Countries*
PS 510, Politics of Food
PS 511, Women & War
POLT 521, Rights & the Political Community
POLT 522, Dissent & the Political Community
POLT 550, Comparative Government & Society
POLT 557, Politics in Italy
HIST 656, 20th Century Europe
PS 702, International Relations: Interdisciplinary Approaches*
PS 703, Dictatorship & Democracy*
(ONE 700-level course required, either PS 702 or PS 703)
American Politics & Public Policy
This option will appeal to students interested in the American political system. Students learn how America’s public policies are created and implemented, and how the government agencies tasked with their implementation are managed. The option is designed to prepare students for careers in local, state, and federal government; non-profit agencies; law; public service; and public policy in specific areas (e.g., public health, environment, etc.).
ONE 400-level course accepted. POLT 500 required.
(* = required)
PS 407, Politics & Law in Contemporary Society
HIST 406, History of Modern US
POLT 500, American Public Policy*
POLT 502, State and Local Government
POLT 505, American Congress
POLT 506, Parties, Interest Groups, and Voters
POLT 509, Managing Bureaucracy in America
POLT 512, Public Opinion in American Politics
POLT 521, Rights & the Political Community
POLT 562, Strategy and National Security Policy
PS 506, Civil Society & Public Policy
PS 507, Justice, Law & Politics
PS 508, The Supreme Court in American Society
POLT 701, Courts & Public Policy
POLT 711, Public Opinion and Survey Research
POLT 751, Comparative Environmental Politics and Policy
