Introduction to Political Science is designed to give undergraduate students an understanding of American political systems, from foundational principles to contemporary politics. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. political structure, focusing on the three branches of government—executive, legislative, and judicial—at the federal, state, and local levels. Emphasis is placed on the separation of powers, checks and balances, federalism, and public policy formulation, equipping students with the knowledge necessary to become informed voters and engaged citizens.

The course is accessible to all students, including those with no prior political background or international students from different political systems. Students will explore key historical documents, such as the Constitution and Bill of Rights, and learn about political terminology, the voting process, and party influence. This course encourages active participation through interactive platforms like Mentimeter, enhancing learning through live quizzes, word clouds, and in-class polling.

Topics:
The democratic republic, forging a new government: the Constitution, federalism, civil rights, public opinion, political socialization and the media, interest groups and political parties, campaigns and elections, Congress, and the president. 

Textbook:
Schmidt, S. W., Shelley, M. C., & Bardes, B. A. (2023). American Government and Politics Today: Brief Edition 2023-2024. Cengage Learning.

Semesters Taught:
Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Spring 2025

Fake News is designed to help students make sense of the chaotic online world that we live in. From viral TikToks to conspiracy-laced Instagram infographics, the internet is overflowing with information that is not always true. This course helps students build the skills they need to tell fact from fiction, ask the right questions, and become more responsible digital citizens. Through real-world examples and hands-on analysis, students will learn how to evaluate sources, spot red flags, and think critically in a time when misinformation spreads fast and wide.  Students will be instructed through the use of Mentimeter.

Topics:
How the digital age changed how we consume and trust information,  real examples of viral fake news on social media platforms. We will also look at the differences between satire, misinformation, disinformation, malformation, clickbait,  and algorithm-driven content. What are conspiracies? How do conspiracies gain traction? What are the
political-psychological reasons people fall for and share misinformation?  Fact-checking tools. 

Textbook:
Pending

Semesters Taught:
Spring 2025

United States History is designed to provide students with a broad overview of the people, ideas, institutions, and events that shaped the United States from 1776 through the Civil War. Particular focus is given to the development of American political institutions, the constitutional foundations of government, and the debates over federalism, representation, and individual rights that emerged during this formative period. The course examines how early struggles over governance, law, and national identity continue to shape the structure and values of American political life today. Students will be instructed through the use of Mentimeter.

Topics:
Pre-colonial societies and early globalization to colonial development. The American Revolution and the creation of republican government, founding documents, and constitutional compromises. The rise of political parties and national political identity into the Civil War and the transformation of American governance.

Textbook:
OpenStax. (2014). U.S. history. OpenStax. https://cnx.org/contents/p7ovuIkl@3.30:gMXC1GEM@3

Semesters Taught:
Spring 2025

College Writing and Critical Analysis is designed to strengthen students' critical thinking, writing, and communication skills through a variety of rhetorical approaches and structured essay formats. The course emphasizes foundational communication principles, enabling students to analyze rhetorical situations, develop coherent arguments, and refine their writing through structured revision and feedback. Key skills include effective brainstorming strategies, thesis development, and the proper formation of essays in APA formatting. 

Topics:
Reading critically and analyzing rhetorical situations, essay structure and development, writing modes, research methods and proper citations, and the importance of revision and feedback.

Textbook:
Van Rys, J., Meyer, V., VanderMey, R., & Sebranek, P.. (2022). The College Writer: A Guide to Thinking, Writing, and Researching (7th ed.). Cengage Learning

Semesters Taught:
Fall 2024

Fundamentals of Communications introduces students to essential communication principles, including public speaking, media literacy, and interpersonal skills. Students develop both written and verbal communication skills, with a focus on crafting effective speeches, understanding cultural contexts, and enhancing digital media fluency. Throughout the course, students participate in individual and group presentations, gain insights into the impact of media, and build portfolios showcasing their communication proficiency.

Topics:
Defining and modeling communication, perceptions, listening and cultural communication, verbal and nonverbal dimensions, media literacy and digital communication, public speaking and presentation skills, group communication and collaboration, and developing a digital portfolio.  

Textbook:
Wood, J. T., & Hains, C. (2024). Communication in our lives (9th ed.). Cengage.

Semesters Taught:
Fall 2024

GLI 212.30 was designed and taught for the first time by Cheryl Hege in Winter 2024. The course was designed for undergraduate students at Stony Brook University's Insitute for Globalization Studies. The course was taught asynchronously and was open to all undergraduate students at Stony Brook University. 

GLI 212.30 Global Data Analysis provides an introduction to both qualitative and quantitative  data analysis within a global context

Topics:
Qualitative (understanding non-numerical aspects of data through meaning and context) and Quantitative (numerical interpretations to find patterns and relationships in data) research methods.  Additionally, students will learn what goes into interviewing human subjects, interpreting data visualizations, and using real-world examples to understand global issues.

Semesters Taught:
Winter 2024, 2025

GLI 212.21 was designed and taught for the first time by Cheryl Hege in Summer 2022. The course was designed specifically for undergraduate students at Stony Brook University's Insitute for Globalization Studies. The course was taught asynchronously and was open to all undergraduate students at Stony Brook University. 

GLI 212.21 Terrorism and Global Security offered a multi-faceted look at what is terrorism, how it is defined in different countries, the psychology behind it, as well as the linkages with global security, and the challenges that stem from an increasingly globalized world.

Topics:
International and Domestic Law Mechanisms, Psychological Manipulation, Databases, Militarized Cities, Terrorist Manifestos, Counterterrorism

Semesters Taught:
Summer 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025