Political Science

Political Science

Associate Professors: Christina Cliff, Frank S. Cohen 

A Bachelor of Arts degree is offered in Political Science for traditional students.

A minor is offered in Political Science.

The mission of the Political Science program is to transform students into engaged, active citizens prepared for a career path, law school, and/or graduate school. To fulfill this mission, we provide a curriculum, rooted in the theories and substance of domestic and world politics, that gears students to acquire skills and habits of mind that fall under the program’s learning outcomes:

Social Science Knowledge: Through the field of political science, students will understand the role of social science methodology and empirical exploration in developing concepts and theory that gear one to analyze the social experience.

Inquiry and Analysis: Students will be skilled in identifying significant topics for inquiry; synthesizing in-depth information from varied, relevant sources; properly designing research; organizing evidence; and reaching conclusions logically.

Applied and Experiential Learning: Students can apply skills and responsibilities in various settings (e.g., simulations, research communities, workplaces, etc.) to address complex problems and to achieve personal growth through concrete action.

Information Literacy: Students will know when there is a need for information, to be able to identify, locate, evaluate, and effectively and responsibly use and share that information for the problem at hand.

Quantitative Literacy: Students will be competent in working with numerical data; able to solve quantitative problems from social contexts; and understand arguments supported by quantitative evidence presented in a variety of formats.

Civic Engagement: Students will be able to utilize knowledge of politics, policy processes, and political systems to further their potential for participation in civic life, public and foreign affairs, politics and/or government.

Humanities Knowledge: Students will understand how philosophic inquiry, historical study, and literary perspective illuminate the problems and issues that drive politics.

Career Exploration: Students will systematically consider-- through academic work, applied research, internships, and co-curricular activity-- specific career opportunities. Majors and minors pursue careers in public and foreign affairs; private-sector and public law; law enforcement; local, state and federal government; campaign management; field organizing; education; journalism; business; and non-profit organizations.

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Major Requirements

In addition to all graduation requirements, the following courses must be completed successfully to fulfill the major requirements: 

First Year Experience (3 credits):
PO110 Political Violence or
PO111 Politics and Popular Culture

Methodology & Political  Thought (9 credits):
PO200 Political Science Research Methods
PA2XX  Any PA 200-level course except PA 209 Ethical Reasoning 
HS2XX  Any HS 200-level course

Foundations (9 credits- choose any 3)
PO201 U.S. Government
PO202 State and Local Government
PO205 International Relations 
PO206 Comparative Politics

Applied Learning in Political Science (12 credits- choose any 4)
American Politics
PO321 Constitutional Law/Moot Court
PO322 Campaigns, Elections, and the Policy Process

Global/International Politics
PO330 Global Security and Diplomacy 
PO331 Prosperity and Freedom in the World
PO332   Disinformation and Propaganda

Capstone (4 credits)
PO410 Senior Seminar

Field Experience (1 credit):
PO491 Field Experience in Political Science

Minor Requirements (15 total credits):
First Year Experience (3 credits):
PO110 Political Violence or
PO111 Politics and Popular Culture

Foundations (6 credits; choose two)
PO201 U.S. Government
PO202 State and Local Government
PO205 International Relations
PO206 Comparative Politics      
PA2XX   Any PA200-level course except PA209 Ethical Reasoning

Applied Learning in Political Science (6 credits; choose two)
American Politics
PO321 Constitutional Law/Moot Court
PO322 Campaigns, Elections, and the Policy Process

Global/International Politics
PO330 Global Security and Diplomacy 
PO331 Prosperity and Freedom in the World
PO332   Disinformation and Propaganda

Recommended Curriculum Guide - 4-year Political Science

*One or more additional electives may be needed to fulfill general education requirements. See General and Liberal Education (GLE).              

Recommended Curriculum Guide - 3-year Political Science

*One or more additional electives may be needed to fulfill general education requirements. See General and Liberal Education (GLE).              

 

COURSE REQUIREMENTS