Concentration - Political Science

Political Science

Political Science is the study of government and public policy and of the political behavior of individuals, groups and institutions. Political Science provides an understanding of issues such as international diplomacy, environmental, economics, and health care policy, and election campaigns.

Concentration Requirements:

At least 3 credits beyond the freshman level must be completed in each of the areas below.

Requirement	Credits	Examples
Comparative Political Systems	3 credits	Country specific, comparative political systems, political   development
International Relations	3 credits	International relations, international law and organizations,   conflict and peace studies, political economy and American or comparative foreign policy
Political Theory	3 credits	Political thought, theory and philosophy
Methodology	3 credits	Political or social science research methodology, econometrics or   sociological research
United States Government	3 credits	Public policy, constitutional law, political organization and state   and local government
Electives	18 credits	Includes courses and/ or tests in any of the above mentioned areas or in related subject areas
Capstone	3 credits	POL 499 (Culminating course in concentration)

 

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who graduate with a concentration in Political Science will be able to:

1. explain the role of societal values in politics and the policy making process;
2. explain the dynamics of power and politics in the domestic and global contexts;
3. demonstrate knowledge of the subspecialties of political science: International Relations, American Government, Political Theory, State and Local Government, Public Administration, Comparative Politics, Constitutional Law, Political Science Methodology, etc.;
4. analyze the links between politics, values, and policy outcomes;
5. analyze the fundamentals of politics, political processes and political problems and patterns, such as inequality, group conflict, institutional failure, war, international conflict, terrorism, etc.;
6. identify levels of analysis and actors involved in government and politics;
7. identify and evaluate relations among political, economic, and social systems; and
8. conduct research using methods appropriate to the discipline; and
9. synthesize their learning of the concentration through a research paper, project, portfolio, or practicum.