Political Science
Mission
The Political Science program introduces students to the principles of political life and thinking; to the theoretical, methodological, historical, and policy dimensions of Political Science; and to help them understand what the role of a politically-aware citizen of the 21st century should be.
Goals
- By offering three concentrations – Political Science, Law & Government and International Relations – the department provides a program that fosters critical, independent thinking about politics and public life among our students.
- Our department is committed to giving our students a foundation for lifelong learning, a foundation for them to exercise independent judgment about current and future political issues and events, and a desire to be a participant in the political process, not merely a passive spectator.
Student Learning Outcomes
Students will:
- Know major political facts and issues in political science and an understanding of the impact of these facts and issues on individuals and society at large
- Design and complete a significant research project grounded in scholarly literature and focusing on a political issue
- Articulate the political dimensions of multicultural and pluralistic nature of US and global politics past and present through racial, ethnic, social, economic, sexual and gender differences
- Analyze various perspectives of contemporary and historical debates
- Utilize different theoretical perspectives to analyze the development of American government and the political system and American capitalism.
- Articulate the relationship between domestic policy and global issues and enduring American ideals and values as well as socio-cultural practices
- Critically analyze and communicate information from primary and secondary materials, evidence and arguments/issues regarding either American or global political issues
The major in Political Science consists of eight courses required beyond the prerequisites.
Prerequisites
- PO 210
- PO 211
- PO 212
- PO 230
Required for the Major
- PO 303 Seminar
- PO 403 Seminar
Electives
- American Politics
Select two from these courses
- PO 306
- PO 310
- PO 311
- PO 313
- PO 315
- PO 316
- PO 324
- PO 326
International/Comparative Politics
Select two from these courses
- PO 231
- PO 317
- PO 323
- PO 325
- PO 330
- PO 331
- PO 336
- PO 337
- PO 351
Majors must also complete an additional elective course in two of the following three areas: Economics, History and Sociology.
