Political Science
Political science as a discipline is concerned with how societies are organized and governed, how competing ideas about what is best for a society are articulated and resolved, and how decisions in one part of the world affect the other parts. Political science provides an opportunity not just to understand how societies work, but also how to make them better. At the same time, as noted by the American Political Science Associa tion, political science students learn how to think carefully and critically about important questions; how to write and to speak well; how to ground problems in historic issues and great ideas; how to collect information to analyze problems; and how to appreciate social and civic well being in their lives. As a program, a minor in political science can prepare students for a range of career opportunities not only in law, but in government, journalism, business, or interest group advocacy.
Minor: The minor consists of a total of twenty credits, 12 credits are: POL 2001 (Introduction to Political Science), HIS 3310 (U.S. Foreign Relations), and PHL 2223 (Political Philosophy). The remaining eight credits will be selected from the following courses: CTA 2210 (Mock Trail and or Policy Debate), CTA 4417 (Mass Media Law and Ethics), LIS 3301 (Human Rights), POL 3331 (American Government), POL 3001 (Politics of Globalization), POL 4402 (Politics of the Environment), and SWK 3360 (American Social Welfare Policy). In addition, it is highly suggested that students who seek to pursue a minor in political science avail themselves of the opportunities associated with the Washington (D.C.) Semester program.
Contact: Dr. Robert Craig, Department of History, Chair
POL/LIS 2001 Introduction to Political Science (II, 3)
Introduction to the discipline of political science and the nature of political discourse, institutions and organizations. Topics range from politics and culture to terrorism and international relations.
POL/LIS 3001 Politics of Globalization (II, 3)
Students are exposed to divergent points of view and forms of analysis that surround the debate over globalization. The course stresses that globalization is not only about economics and politics but also wide ranging cultural, social and moral issues confronting the world community.
POL 3331 American Government (II, 2)
Study of national government and development of form and functions of the federal system. Topics range from constitutional issues to public policy debates.
POL/LIS 4402 Environmental Politics (I, WI, 4, 6)
An examination of debates dealing with global environmental problems and the varying roles of nongovernmental organizations. Topics vary from resource wars to environmental racism as issues confronting the human community.
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