Political Science, B.A.

(39 credits)

The Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, under the Department of History, Political Science and Sociology, is designed to give students the opportunity to explore the systematic study of the varied activities people use to seek orderly and just societies. This relates to individuals and communities.

The goal for Political Science majors is to develop the necessary perspective and critical thinking capacities to be contributing members to their communities and to enrich the lives of others.

Upon completing the program of study in Political Science, students will:

• Demonstrate inquisitiveness and mastery of the principles of scholarly research.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the values, beliefs, and ideas that constitute the western political tradition.
• Recognize the complex nature of the political community and the role of social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors in political life.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of American political institutions and processes and be able to compare them with those of other political systems.
• Understand the patterns of interaction among members of the world community and the sources of international cooperation and conflict.
• Be able to evaluate conflicting political arguments, assemble empirical evidence, and make reasoned conclusions from available evidence.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS 

REQUIRED CORE (18 credits)

HI 125 - Power, Politics, and History
PO 112 - American Politics and Government
PO 274 - Modern Political Theory
PH 211 - Ancient Greek Thought
PO 380 - Internship
PO 391 - Political Science Seminar

Select seven (21 credits)

PO 115 - Introduction to Urban Studies
PO 203 - Urban Gardens Studio
PO 230W - State and Local Government
PO 231W - Constitutional Law
PO 251 - Topics in Political Science
PO 252 - Topics in Political Science
PO 253 - Topics in Political Science
PO 257 - International Relations
PO 322W - Politics Through Film
PO 325W - Democracy and Its Critics
PO 329W - Global Social Movements
PO 331 - Jurisprudence
PO 333 - Theory and Practice of Public Administration