Political Science (PSCI)

PSCI 191. Special Topics. 3 Credits.

Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number.

PSCI 192. Independent Study. 3 Credits.

Provides an opportunity for students to engage in directed research and study on an individual basis rather than in a formal class environment.

PSCI 210. Intro to American Government. 3 Credits.

Study of the American federal republic and political system. Focuses on the constitutional structure, limits and operation of the federal government, protection of individual rights, federal-state relations, political processes, and dynamic changes in the government system over time.

PSCI 227. Fin Man Nonprofit Org. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to the principles of financial management specifically within the unique context of nonprofit organizations. The course focuses not only on building foundational knowledge of accounting principles and practices generally, but also explores specific issues related to nonprofit finances including budgeting, financial statements, reporting, polices, procedures, controls and taxation. The course further introduces the financial reporting requirements and procedures for maintaining nonprofit status with the state and federal government.

PSCI 240. Intro to Public Administration. 3 Credits.

Students explore the basic principles and theory of administrative structures, organizations, leadership, fiscal management, personnel, and policy-making in the modern state.

PSCI 241. Nonprofit Law. 3 Credits.

This course briefly introduces basic principles of traditional legal topics (e.g., contract law, property law, torts, etc.) for context prior to engaging in exploration of the unique legal context of nonprofit organizations. The course focuses especially on the requirements and procedures for acquiring and maintaining nonprofit status with the state and federal government, including articles of incorporation, bylaws, Form 1023, Form 990, minutes and record keeping, annual reports, and taxation.

PSCI 250. Intro to Political Theory. 3 Credits.

Introduction to modern political ideologies, such as Classical Liberalism, Democratic and Totalitarian Socialism, Conservatism, Fascist Totalitarianism, and Environmentalism. Focuses on the nature of ideological thinking, the logic and internal structures of various ideologies, and their effects in practice.

PSCI 260. Intro to State and Local Govt. 3 Credits.

Introductory study of state and local government, including constitutions, legislatures, supreme courts, governors' administrative agencies in their historic and contemporary settings. County and city governments are included in the scope of this course.

PSCI 291. Special Topics. 3 Credits.

Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number.

PSCI 292. Independent Study. 3 Credits.

Provides an opportunity for students to engage in directed research and study on an individual basis rather than in a formal class environment.

PSCI 307. HR Mgmt Nonprofit Orgs. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to the field of human resource management specifically within the unique context of nonprofit organizations. The course provides not only a board overview of the foundational knowledge and skills required by those who manage paid staff, but also the specialized knowledge and skills required to effectively manage volunteers and develop governing boards. The course further delves into the governance and organizational structure of nonprofit organizations and highlights ethical issues, laws, and court cases uniquely related to the operation of nonprofit organizations.

PSCI 344. International Relations. 3 Credits.

A study of the principal forces, movements, ideologies, and instruments of international policy. Pre-requisite: consent of instructor.

PSCI 365. Public Policy Issues&Analysis. 3 Credits.

Examines a variety of public issues including economic, social welfare, health care, environmental, and criminal justice policy. Emphasis is placed on substantive policies and policy analysis.

PSCI 391. Special Topics. 3 Credits.

Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number.

PSCI 392. Independent Study. 3 Credits.

Provides an opportunity for students to engage in directed research and study on an individual basis rather than in a formal class environment.

PSCI 411. Nonprofit Grant Writing. 3 Credits.

Identification of funding needs and priorities, researching grant-giving organizations, identification of potential funding agencies, development of proposals, preparation and submission of grant applications, techniques for approaching grant-giving organizations, responses to decisions made by granting organizations, and management of grants. Prerequisite: CMLD 260 or permission of instructor.

PSCI 412. Nonprofit Fundraising. 3 Credits.

Students explore the fundamentals of fundraising, including major gifts, capital campaigns, planned giving, grants and special events and learn specific techniques and strategies for effective fundraising.

PSCI 471. American Constitutional Law. 3 Credits.

A study of the origin and development of the American Constitution including the separation of power, the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of government.

PSCI 490. Undergraduate Research. 3 Credits.

Undergraduate Research.

PSCI 491. Special Topics. 3 Credits.

Courses not required in any curriculum for which there is a particular one-time need, or given on a trial basis to determine acceptability and demand before requesting a regular course number.

PSCI 492. Independent Study. 3 Credits.

Provides an opportunity for students to engage in directed research and study on an individual basis rather than in a formal class environment.

PSCI 498. Intern/coop education/omnibus. 1-12 Credits.

A planned and supervised work-learning experience in industry, business, government, or community service agencies related to the University program of study. Prerequisites: two semesters of attendance at Montana State University-Northern, approval of advisor, Dean of the College of Technical Sciences, and cooperative education coordinator. Pass/Fail Only.