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Academic Catalog 2018/2019

Political Science

Bachelor of Arts
School of Sciences, Sustainability, and Health

The Political Science major provides students with an understanding of politics and government as practiced in the United States and throughout the world, a knowledge of global political relationships, opportunities to develop skills that are useful both in the course of participating first-hand in politics and in the rigorous analysis and communication of complex information, familiarity with methods used in the study of political science, and preparation for professional careers in law, government, international affairs, and the teaching of politics and the social sciences.

Students pursuing a major in political science should receive a grade C or higher in each course that counts toward the major.

Integrative Studies Requirements

40 credits minimum

Major Requirements

40 credits

Core Courses

24 credits

ISPOSC 210 U.S. Politics
ISPOSC 220 Global Politics
ISPOSC 230 Foundations of Political Thought
POSC 250 Writing and Research
POSC 401 Keystone in Political Science

Select one from the following:

  • POSC 312 Public Policy Analysis
  • POSC 318 United States Congress
  • POSC 323 Advanced Comparative Government

In addition students must take another 16 credits in the discipline at the 200-level or higher, at least 8 of which must be at the 300 level or higher.

Certification as a Social Studies Teacher

Political Science is an approved major for students seeking Secondary Social Studies Certification. Students will need to take the following additional certification requirements:

Dual Major in Education

  • Secondary Education

Requirements for Certification

IHHIST 161 American Perspectives to 1877 or HIST 161 Topics in United States History I
IHHIST 162 American Perspectives from 1877 or HIST 162 Topics in United States History II
IHHIST 111 The Ancient and Medieval World or HIST 111 Traditional World Civilization
IHHIST 112 The Modern World or HIST 112 Modern World Civilization
ISECON 104 Introduction to Macroeconomics
PSYC 101 General Psychology

Select one of the following:

  • ISGEOG 101 World Regional Geography
  • ISGEOG 201 Geography for Teachers

Select one of the following:

  • 100- to 200-level course in Sociology
  • ISANTH 110 Cultural Anthropology

Electives

Select courses to reach a total of 120 credits for the degree.

Degree Requirements

120 credits