Political Science (PLS) at Piedmont Virginia Community College
Distance Learning
Time of Day
Term
- PLS 135 - U.S. Government and Politics
- Teaches the political structure, processes, institutions, and policymaking of the US national government. Focuses on the three branches of government, their interrelationships, and how they shape policy. Addresses federalism; civil liberties and civil rights; political socialization and participation; public opinion, the media; interest groups; political parties; elections; and policymaking. The assignments in the course require college-level reading fluency and coherent communication through written reports. This is a Passport Transfer course.Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits - PLS 211 - U.S. Government I
- Teaches structure, operation, and process of national, state, and local governments. Includes in-depth study of the three branches of the government and of public policy. Part I of II. This is a Passport Transfer course.Lecture 3 hours per week.
3 credits - PLS 212 - U.S. Government II
- Teaches structure, operation, and process of national, state, and local governments. Includes in-depth study of the three branches of the government and of public policy. Part II of II.Lecture 3 hours per week.
3 credits - PLS 215 - Virginia Government and Politics
- Provides the necessary demographic, economic, social and political background to form an understanding of contemporary Virginia politics and parties. Reviews the division of governance among the national, state and local governments in the federal system.(3 Cr.) Lecture 3 hours, Total 3 hours per week
None3 credits - PLS 216 - Women in Politics
- Surveys the historical evolution of the role of women in American politics. Covers the participation of women in the political arena as voters, activists, and candidates. Analyzes the role of women as political officeholders. Examines the public policy issues related to women. Poses the question of the future for women in politics.(3 Cr.) Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
None3 credits - PLS 225 - The United States Presidency
- Describes the modern American presidency. Focuses on the presidency and many issues related to that office; the people, the powers, and the current environment in which the presidents serve.Lecture 3 hours per week.
3 credits - PLS 241 - Introduction to International Relations I
- Provides an introduction to the causes of international conflict and cooperation. Focuses on the modern state, diplomacy, war initiation, crisis bargaining, international terrorism, nuclear strategy, interstate economic relations, economic growth, international law, human rights, and environmental politics.Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
Prerequisites: ENG 111 or Department Consent3 credits - PLS 242 - International Relations II
- Teaches foreign policies of the major powers in the world community with an emphasis on the role of the United States in international politics.Lecture 3 hours per week.
3 credits
