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Dr. Dille’s Courses

Here are the course descriptions of the classes I typically teach. You can click on the link to see the class syllabus.

POS 110 American Government
What does it mean to be a citizen of the United States of America? Can ordinary citizens make a difference? This course presents students with an introduction to American government. In doing so, we will attempt to answer these and other questions. We will examine the theoretical foundations of our system of government, explore the workings of its myriad actors and agencies, and highlight the many ways and means to both create and block change in policy that affects every one of us. It is the goal of this course to help you gain the tools necessary to be an active participant in directing and shaping this public policy.

POS 115 Issues in American Politics

This course examines several issues that our nation is currently debating. The objective of this course is to teach you how to carry on an intelligent and informed conversation with others about political issues. This involves knowing where to find information, knowing how to assess it, and then being able to clearly communicate your thoughts so you can maximize your impact on the outcome of these debates. This class will be different from most classes you will take in college. There will be no final exam or midterm, and while I will lecture on political issues occasionally, class will be taught for the most part by you. In this class you will have an opportunity to communicate your ideas and opinions, and you will learn how to do this effectively so as to be able to affect the way your community operates.

POS120 World Politics

September 11. The events of that day were so significant that just repeating the date brings a host of images, concepts, and emotions to the surface. Much of what Americans thought to be important prior to that day has been forgotten, while other topics that have been habitually ignored for over a decade have returned to prominence. Like the attack on Pearl Harbor at the outset of World War Two, the attacks of September 11 jolted Americans to a renewed awareness that there is an entire world outside of our borders. With this recognition comes several questions. Why are we the target of such attacks? What are the opportunities as well as the risks of globalization? Is there a global community? Is mutual gain possible in a world divided by arms? Why do nations go to war, and how can wars end? These are the perennial questions facing those who try to understand the world around them. This course focuses on the problems and challenges facing the global community in this new era. We will focus on several crucial issues — such as international terrorism, nuclear proliferation, negotiation strategies, ethnic and regional conflicts, human rights abuses, and environmental degradation. Throughout the course, our focus will be on how these international issues reach into your life and the need for you to understand them. Through readings, activities, exercises, and interactive games, you will gain a better understanding of the issues and dynamics of international relations. It is the goal of this course to provide you with the intellectual tools you will need to take part in the conversation on the future of the world and your role in it.

POS 120 is also available on-line.

POS 125 Issues in World Politics: The War on Terrorism

After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, our nation embarked on a global struggle to combat those who perpetrated the attacks. This “war” has many facets and is being fought in different locations and with differing means. In this course, we will examine the war on terrorism. We will investigate who the enemy is, their history and motives, and what tactics we might expect from them. We will also investigate who we are, meaning our military, economic and diplomatic capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, and tactics. We will also look at the how the struggle is playing out on every part of the globe both militarily and diplomatically. Finally, we will discuss a few of the key policy debates currently being decided. It is the objective of this course to help you understand the war on terrorism and be able to make a policy recommendation yourself; to be able to carry on an intelligent and informed conversation with others about this pressing issue.

POS 298 Special Projects, Model United Nations
You will need my permission to register for this course.

This course will prepare you to participate in the collegiate Far West Model United Nations conference. Your experience at this conference will help you develop skills that will help your success in future endeavors, including being able to write clearly and concisely, conduct detailed research, speak persuasively in public, and build consensus between differing views.