2015-2016 Undergraduate Catalog
Archived Catalog
Political Science, B.A. |
Political Science
Thinking creatively and devising solutions to problems are among the abilities most needed in today’s society. The student majoring in Political Scienceengages in these activities and acquires the capability to be an independent and original thinker. The breadth of the program provides the opportunity to study political theory, national and international politics, and specific area studies. A wide variety of career options is available for students who choose to major in Political Science, including jobs in federal, state, and/or local government as well as positions in nonprofit groups, business areas, journalism, political campaigns, various sectors of public service, intelligence analysis, and potential employment in foreign countries. Preparation for Secondary Teacher Certification in Social Studies can also be achieved through the Political Science major. This major also provides an academic foundation for students to pursue graduate study in either law or related academic fields.
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, the graduate will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Political Science and will be able to:
- Communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.
- Apply creative and critical thinking skills to current political issues.
- Apply problem-solving skills to current political issues.
- Describe (and compare) the social, economic, and political institutions that comprise our political process at the national and international levels.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the foundations, development, and impacts of the principles of major foreign and domestic policy actions.
Admission Criteria
Candidates for admission to the Political Science major are required to:
- Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 at the time of formal application to the major.
- Achieve a grade of “C” or higher in every major course requirement.
- If seeking Secondary Teacher Certification, achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 at the time of formal application to the major. Please refer to the Secondary Teacher Certification sections of this catalog for more details.
- Make formal application to the major in the Fall semester of the sophomore year.
Progression Criteria/Degree Requirements
Progression in the Political Science major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree requires students to:
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00; a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 is required for the Secondary Education program.
- Receive a minimum grade of “C” in every major course requirement; and a minimum grade of “B” in every required Education course, if seeking Secondary Education Certification.
- Receive approval from the Dean of the Division of Education and Human Services for the educational component of the Secondary Teacher Certification program.
- Complete a minimum of 122 credits.
- Complete a minimum of 135 credits, if seeking Secondary Teacher Certification in Social Studies.
Cooperative Education Requirement
Students in the major are required to complete a minimum of three (3) credits of Cooperative Education in settings related to political science. See POLSC 394-396 , POLSC 494-496 in the Course Descriptions section of this catalog for specific details. The Student Teaching Practicum ( EDU 497 ) fulfills the Cooperative Education Requirement for Secondary Education students.
Major Requirements: 45 Credits
- CA 206 Effective Public Speaking 3 Credits
- HIST 102 The American Heritage: 1603–1865 3 Credits
- HIST 103 The American Heritage: 1865–Present 3 Credits
- POLSC 101 The American Political Process 3 Credits*
- POLSC 204 Comparative Politics 3 Credits
- POLSC 205 International Relations 3 Credits
- POLSC 301 Political Philosophy 3 Credits
- POLSC 394-396 Cooperative Education Credit Varies
- POLSC 494-496 Cooperative Education Credit Varies
- POLSC 460 Research Seminar 3 Credits
- POLSC ELEC. Political Science Electives 21 Credits
Political Science Electives
Political Science electives are listed below in three categories that are designed to allow a student, if he or she wishes, to concentrate in one or more areas.
American Politics and Public Policy
- POLSC 203 Local and State Government 3 Credits
- POLSC 240 American Political Parties 3 Credits
- POLSC 311 Constitutional Law and Civil Liberties 3 Credits
- POLSC 350 Politics and the Environment 3 Credits
- POLSC 380 American Political Thought 3 Credits
International Relations and Contemporary Issues
- POLSC 214 Contemporary International Political Issues 3 Credits
- POLSC 217 United States Foreign Relations 3 Credits
- POLSC 310 Contemporary American Political Issues 3 Credits
- POLSC 324 Developing Nations 3 Credits
International Studies
- IS 340 Europe 3 Credits
- IS 342 Latin America 3 Credits
- IS 344 Africa 3 Credits
- IS 346 East Asia 3 Credits
- IS 348 Middle East and South Asia 3 Credits
- IS 350 Russia 3 Credits
Freshman Year: Fall Semester (16 Credits)
- ENG 101 Rhetoric and Writing I 3 Credits
- HIST 102 The American Heritage: 1603–1865 3 Credits
- INT 101 The Neumann Experience 1 Credit
- MOD LANG 101 3 Credits
-
or
- MOD LANG CORE 3 Credits
- MATH CORE 3 Credits
- POLSC 101 The American Political Process 3 Credits
Freshman Year: Spring Semester (15 Credits)
- ENG 102 Rhetoric and Writing II 3 Credits
- FINE ARTS CORE 3 Credits
-
or
- Polsc Elective 3 Credits
- HIST 103 The American Heritage: 1865–Present 3 Credits
- MOD LANG CORE 3 Credits
- THEO 104 Theological Foundations 3 Credits
Sophomore Year: Fall Semester (15-16 Credits)
- ENG LIT CORE 3 Credits
-
or
- CA 206 Effective Public Speaking 3 Credits
- FINE ARTS CORE 3 Credits
-
or
- Polsc Elective 3 Credits
- General Elective 3 Credits
- PHIL 102 Exploring Ethics 3 Credits
-
or
- SCIENCE CORE 4 Credits
- Polsc Elective 3 Credits
Sophomore Year: Spring Semester (15-16 Credits)
- ENG LIT CORE 3 Credits
-
or
- CA 206 Effective Public Speaking 3 Credits
- PHIL 102 Exploring Ethics 3 Credits
-
or
- SCIENCE CORE 4 Credits
- POLSC 204 Comparative Politics 3 Credits
-
or
- Polsc Elective 3 Credits
- POLSC 205 International Relations 3 Credits
-
or
- General Elective 3 Credits
- Polsc Elective 3 Credits
Junior Year: Fall Semester (15 Credits)
- POLSC 301 Political Philosophy 3 Credits
-
or
- PHIL 350 Social and Political Philosophy 3 Credits
- POLSC COOP 3 Credits
-
or
- Polsc Elective 3 Credits
- Polsc Elective 3 Credits
- General Elective 3 Credits
- THEO CORE 3 Credits
Junior Year: Spring Semester (15 Credits)
- POLSC 204 Comparative Politics 3 Credits
-
or
- Polsc Elective 3 Credits
- POLSC 205 International Relations 3 Credits
-
or
- Polsc Elective 3 Credits
- General Electives 9 Credits
Senior Year: Fall Semester (15 Credits)
- POLSC 301 Political Philosophy 3 Credits
-
or
- PHIL 350 Social and Political Philosophy 3 Credits
- POLSC COOP 3 Credits
-
or
- Polsc Elective 3 Credits
- General Elective 9 Credits
Senior Year: Spring Semester (15 Credits)
- POLSC 460 Research Seminar 3 Credits
- General Electives 12 Credits