Department
and Course Listings

Traditionally, the study of politics and economics was combined. Modern thinkers like Adam Smith and John Locke were referred to as political economists. Individuals who understood the intricate relationship between economics and politics. A push for specialization has led to a separation of the study into two distinct disciplines. Yet at Albertson College we recognize that a good understanding of either discipline really requires a good understanding of both. Consequently, we have created two interdisciplinary majors to serve the specific needs of our students. The Politics and Economics Major is specifically designed for students primarily interested in domestic politics, law, economics/business related careers, and public policy. The International Political Economy Major is specifically designed for students whose primary interests lie in the study of international politics, international economics/business, and foreign affairs. We also offer minors in Politics and Economics and International Political Economy.

The international political economy courses contain a strong interdisciplinary emphasis, incorporating relevant concepts and perspectives from other social science disciplines. Principles and philosophical concepts are presented within the respective historical context in which they developed to emphasize the importance of history and culture to the evolutionary development of national, regional and global entities. Particular emphasis is given to Asia and Europe.

The department has a 3+3 BA or BS/JD cooperative program with the University of Idaho whereby students can complete a Bachelor of Arts or Science from Albertson College of Idaho and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Idaho. Students pursuing any major are encouraged to explore this unique opportunity. See the "Cooperative Programs with Other Colleges/Universities" for specific requirements.

Politics and Economics Major consists of 36 credits to include the following:

Introductory Core:
POE 261 Introduction to Economics
POE 262 Economic theory and Policy or ECO 373 History of Economic Thought
POE 100 Essentials of American Government or POL 241 Introduction to Public Policy
POE 101 American Political Culture and Government or POL 250 Introduction to Political Philosophy
POE 299 Evidence, Proof, and Knowledge
Electives: Other courses focusing on either economics, politics, or both depending on student interest.
Capstone: POE 498, Senior Seminar

International Political Economy Major consists of 36 credits plus a foreign language requirement and includes the following:

Introductory Core:
POE 120 International Politics
POE 250 Introduction to Political Philosophy or POE 373 History of Economic Thought
POE 261 Introduction to Economics
POE 262 Economic Theory and Policy
POE 299 Evidence, Proof, and Knowledge

International Political Economy:
POE 260 Introduction to Comparative Politics or POE 321 Comparative Economics
POE 302 Economic Development or POE 351 Politics in Developing Countries
POE 376 International Economics or POE 380 International Political Economy
Electives: Nine credits of elective courses in the department.
Capstone: POE 499, Senior Seminar

Foreign Language Requirement: Students pursuing a major in International Political Economy must demonstrate a competence in one foreign language at the intermediate level. Competence will be measured by successful completion of two intermediate level college semester courses in a foreign language or by passing a standardized intermediate level foreign language examination.

Senior Thesis: Students who plan to enter graduate school or law school are encouraged to write a senior thesis. The thesis topic, definition of terms, method of analysis and bibliography must be carefully worked out and approved by the Department at the conclusion of the junior year and successful completion of POE 299. During the senior year, students writing a thesis will enroll in POE 480, which partially fulfills the 400-level seminar requirement.

Business-International Political Economy Joint Major
As a joint program between the Business and Politics & Economics departments, this major combines two areas of related significance in a world of increasing economic globalization. This major serves students interested in preparing for careers in international business, government, or development (or further graduate work in Business or International Studies). Students pursing this major benefit by graduating with the applied skills and knowledge used in business and organizational environments in addition to an analytical understanding of international political and economic life.

The Business-International Political Economy major consists of 36 credits plus the foreign language requirement and includes the following:
BUS 221 Financial Accounting
BUS 330 Principles of Finance
BUS 340 International Business
BUS 357 Organizational Behavior
BUS 360 Principles of Marketing
BUS 391 Legal Environment of Business
POE 120 International Politics
POE 261 Introduction to Economics
POE 262 Economic Theory & Policy
AND nine credits chosen from:
POE 260 Introduction to Comparative Economics OR POE 321 Comparative Economics

POE 302 Economic Development OR
POE 351 Politics in Developing Countries

POE 376 International Economics OR
POE 380 International Political Economy

Foreign Language Requirement: Students pursuing this joint major must demonstrate a competence in one foreign language at the intermediate level. Competence will be measured by successful completion of two intermediate level college semester courses in a foreign language or by passing a standardized intermediate level foreign language examination.

Politics and Economics Minor: consists of 21 credits.

Introductory Core:
POE 261 Introduction to Economics
POE 262 Economic Theory and Policy or POE 373 History of Economic Thought
POE 100 Essentials in American government or POE 241 Introduction to Public Policy
POE 101 American Political Culture and government or POE 250 Introduction to Political Philosophy
POE 299 Evidence, Proof, and Knowledge
Electives:
Other courses focusing on either economics, politics, or both depending on the students interests.
Senior Capstone: POE 498 Senior Seminar

International Political Economy Minor: consists of 21 credits, 18 of which must be selected from the following courses:

POE 120 International Politics or POE-260 Introduction to Comparative Politics
POE 261 Introduction to Economics
POE 262 Economic Theory and Policy
POE 299 Evidence, Proof, and Knowledge
POE 380 International Political Economy
POE 499 Senior Seminar
Electives: Other courses focusing on either economics, politics, or both depending on the student’s interests.

Asian Studies Minor. For a description of this interdisciplinary minor, see the Asian Studies section of the catalog.

Interdisciplinary (IND)

IND-200 China: Change & Continuity 1.0 cr.
Fall 2002. This course gives an overview of history, politics, and religions of modern China. It will help students acquire necessary knowledge of Chinese society and prepare them for the off-campus study experience in China during the winter session 2003. This course does not count toward any general graduation requirement.

POE-390 China: Change & Continuity in Politics 3.0 cr.
Winter 2003. Coreq.: HIS 390. This course analyzes the factors that influence political behavior in China. Particular emphasis is placed on the study of three increasingly related areas: state-society relations, the politics of economic reform, and foreign relations. In addition to reading and writing on the topic, students will observe and experience aspects of political life while in China through site visits and interaction with Chinese residents. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY)

POLITICS & ECONOMICS (POE)

LOWER DIVISION

POE-100 Essentials of American Government 3.0 cr.
An introduction to the institutions of the American government and political system, including political parties, the media and interest groups. (SOCIAL SCIENCES)

POE-101 American Political Culture & Government 3.0 cr.
An introduction to the study and influence of American political culture and beliefs upon politics and governing institutions. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY OR SOCIAL SCIENCES)

POE-102 Debate 1.0 cr.
This course is designed for students who wish to participate in intercollegiate debate and speech competitions. It will include lecture/discussion sessions and mock debates. Students may compete and attend lecture/discussion sessions without enrolling for credit. Only three credits of credit will count toward the major in Politics and Economics or International Political Economy. This course does not fulfill any general graduation requirement.

POE-120 International Politics 3.0 cr.
A survey examination of the actors and issues in global politics. Emphasis is placed on conceptual, analytical, and theoretical foundations of the field. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY OR SOCIAL SCIENCES)

POE-199T.01 Topics in Environmental Economics 3.0 cr.
A discussion-based course covering topics in renewable and nonrenewable resource use, sustainable yields in fisheries, transportation issues, management of endangered species, and land-use management (e.g., urban sprawl). Primary focus will be on issues of regional significance (e.g., conservation of Pacific salmon stocks, water-use management). Economic concepts covered include market failure, cost-benefit analysis, monetary evaluation of the environment, and sustainable economic development. (SOCIAL SCIENCES)

POE-235 Introduction to Asian Politics & Society 3.0 cr.
An interdisciplinary survey of countries in Pacific Asia. Students will consider the search for freedom, equality, and order across the region by comparing the diverse experiences of Asian states and societies. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY OR SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-240 The Legal Process 3.0 cr.
Alt. years. An introductory examination of the legal process and the role of law in society. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY OR SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-241 Introduction to Public Policy 3.0 cr.
An introduction to the public policy process and the analysis of specific public policies. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-250 Introduction to Political Philosophy 3.0 cr.
An introduction to the major themes of political philosophy. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-255 American Foreign Policy 3.0 cr.
An examination of the history, institutions, process and policy tools in the realm of American foreign policy. This course relies on extensive use of case studies from the Cold War, Vietnam, and Post Cold War periods. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-260 Introduction to Comparative Politics 3.0 cr.
A comparative study of governments and political activity. Industrial democracies, transitional democracies, and various forms of authoritarian rule are examined. Case studies are drawn from Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY OR SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-261 Introduction to Economics 3.0 cr.
Fall. Prereq.: MAT 105 and sophomore standing or permission. An introduction to economic analysis which includes a brief historical overview of the evolution of the market economy and an investigation of basic microeconomic and macroeconomic principles and the historical context within which they were first developed. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-262 Economic Theory & Policy 3.0 cr.
Spring. Prereq.: POE 261 and sophomore standing or permission. An extension of basic economic principles which emphasizes their practical applications to analyze consumer and firm behavior, the impact of government involvement in economic activity, unemployment, inflation, and international development and trade issues. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-299 Evidence, Proof, & Knowledge 3.0 cr.
An introduction to scientific inquiry, search strategies for acquiring data, political science methods for evaluating data and statistical techniques for analyzing data. Students pursuing a major or a minor in Politics and Economics or International Political Economy must complete the introductory core before enrolling in this course. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

UPPER DIVISION

POE-300 Constitutional Law I 3.0 cr.
An examination of the principles of American constitutional law concerning allocation of powers through the study of Supreme Court decisions, the role of the judicial branch and judicial review, separation of powers, congressional and presidential powers and federalism. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-301 Constitutional Law II 3.0 cr.
An examination of the principles of American constitutional law concerning civil liberties and civil rights through the study of Supreme Court decisions: due process, rights of the accused, equal protection, freedom of expression and freedom of religion. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY OR SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-302 Economic Development 3.0 cr.
Spring. An examination of the characteristics of underdeveloped nations, what factors contribute to their relative poverty, particular development problems they face, and policies for alleviating these problems. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY OR SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-304 The Presidential Election of 2006 3.0 cr.
Winter 2006. An examination of the issues and strategies employed in the presidential elections. Emphasis will be placed on decision making and problem solving in a small group environment. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-307 The Legislative Process 3.0 cr.
An examination of the legislative process within the United States with special emphasis on the unique characteristics of the U. S. Congress and the Idaho State Legislature. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-309 The American Presidency 3.0 cr.
The course will concentrate on the institution of the presidency and how it interacts with other entities and the formal and informal powers available to the president. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-310 Mock Supreme Court 3.0 cr.
Prereq.: POE 300 or 301 or permission. A study of politics, personalities, and institutional norms of the Supreme Court, primarily through role playing and intensive research, writing, and oral argument. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-311 The Federalists & Anti-Federalists 3.0 cr.
Winter. This course will examine the arguments made by both proponents and opponents of the constitution and determine their applicability to current political debates. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-312 Macroeconomic Policy 3.0 cr.
Spring. Alt. years. An examination of macroeconomic policy in the United States from the perspective of the policy process. The course will include study of the Federal Reserve Board, the budget making process of the Congress and executive branches, and macroeconomic theories. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-321 Comparative Economics 3.0 cr.
Fall. An evaluation of economies from an historical, evolutionary perspective. Emphasis is given to the evolution of the 19th century laissez faire market economy and the 20th century variations, which have evolved in countries such as France and Japan. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY OR SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-339 Environmental Policy Analysis 3.0 cr.
Fall. This course will focus on the conceptual foundations of policy analysis as they relate to the area of environmental policy. Students will focus on both substantive environmental policies and methods for analyzing those policies. Special emphasis will be made on economic techniques of policy analysis. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-343 Politics & Ethics Through Film 3.0 cr.
Winter. The study of ethical issues and practical politics through movies and documentary films. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-350 Topics in Political Philosophy 3.0 cr.
A study of selected works of ancient, medieval, modern or contemporary political philosophy. Topics will vary from year to year. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-351 Politics in Developing Countries 3.0 cr.
An examination of the common and unique problems facing countries in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. Identifies the strategies used by governments to improve economic conditions and consolidate political processes. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-370 Politics in China 3.0 cr.
A survey of domestic politics in Communist China. The themes of revolution, reform, and stability are explored as related to the Mao, Deng, and Jiang periods. Contemporary issues such as economic reform, human rights, law and order, as well as the status of Tibet and Hong Kong are studied. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY OR SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-371 Politics in Japan 3.0 cr.
An interdisciplinary examination of the world's first nonwestern industrial superpower. Explores themes of democracy, economic nationalism, cultural homogeneity, and Japan's relations with Asian neighbors and the United States. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY OR SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-372 China & the World 3.0 cr.
Winter. An examination of the People's Republic of China as an emerging power in the world. Readings and discussion will concentrate on Chinese foreign policy from the Mao period to the present. China's relations with Taiwan, Japan, the United States and other countries and multilateral institutions will be explored. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY OR SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-373 History of Economic Thought 3.0 cr.
Fall. Prereq.: POE 261. An analysis of the significant philosophical contributions to economics from premodern thought (ancient, medieval, and mercantile periods), and from the modern economic paradigms (classical, neoclassical and Keynesian). (CULTURAL DIVERSITY OR SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-376 International Economics 3.0 cr.
Spring. Alt. years. Prereq.: POE 261 and 262. A review of the principles of international trade, the institutions that govern trade, the economic and political aspects of economic integration, and the impact of trade on the development of nations. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-377 Government & Business 3.0 cr.
Winter. An analysis of the distinction between public and private economic issues. A detailed discussion of the appropriateness of governmental intervention in the economy. Emphasis will be placed on discussion of readings and group assignments. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-380 International Political Economy 3.0 cr.
Fall. An exploration of how politics and economics intersect in the global arena. Considers key institutions and the role of state and transnational actors in facilitating and undermining economic and political development. Examines the rise of globalization including its empirical and moral dimensions. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY OR SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-399 Model United Nations 1.0 cr.
Fall, spring. This course is designed to facilitate student participation in the Model United Nations each spring. Topics will vary from year to year and will include the United Nations system, coalition formation, international negotiation, and peacekeeping and diplomacy. May be repeated for credit. Only three credits will count toward the major in Politics and Economics or International Political Economy. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY OR SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-480 Senior Thesis 3.0 cr.
Prereq.: POE 299, junior standing and permission. Students will research, write and present a scholarly paper on the topic of their choosing. The Department must approve the topic. (INDEPENDENT WORK)

POE-494 Independent Study 1.0 to 3.0 cr.
Prereq.: completion of the Introductory Core for either the Politics and Economics Major or the International Political Economy Major or permission. A research paper for students pursuing a major or minor in Politics and Economics or International Political Economy. See independent study guidelines. (INDEPENDENT WORK)

POE-497 Internship 1.0 to 3.0 cr.
Prereq.: completion of the Introductory Core for either the Politics and Economics Major or the International Political Economy Major or permission. A supervised internship designed to provide practical experience in the field of Politics and Economics or International Political Economy. Periodic reports and papers may be required. See independent study guidelines. (INDEPENDENT WORK)

POE-498 Senior Seminar: Politics & Economics 3.0 cr.
Advanced study in political/economic theory involving intensive reading, writing, and discussion. (SOCIAL SCIENCE)

POE-499 Senior Seminar: International Political Economy 3.0 cr.
A reflective survey of international political economy. The ideas and theories of classic and modern thinkers in the field will provide a springboard for student discussion, research and writing. (CULTURAL DIVERSITY OR SOCIAL SCIENCE)