College of Liberal Arts

Curricula in Political Science

Political science is the study of governments, the processes by which government officials and institutions make public policies and the effects of those policies on society. The governments of all nations—and all levels of government such as those for cities and states as well as national governments—are subjects for study in the discipline. Political scientists also devote a great deal of research to the political attitudes and behavior of citizens and of those individuals who hold official government positions. Political science also examines the relations among the nations of the world. Finally, political science poses such fundamental questions as how governments ought to be organized and what government policies best serve citizens’ interests.

Course work in political science educates citizens about the character of government in the United States and other countries and about historical and contemporary issues of politics and public policy. Political science courses also illustrate how governmental processes can be subjected to scientific investigation, and they raise normative questions about the quality of government, the law, journalism, higher education and the private sector. Political science courses also help develop analytical abilities and written and oral communication skills.

Undergraduate Courses. The Department of Political Science offers courses in all facets of the discipline: American Government, International Relations, Comparative Politics, Law and Politics, Political Theory, and Public Administration and Policy.

American Government. American government involves the study of a variety of topics that range from the study of the Presidency and Congress to such topics as public opinion, mass media and politics, interest groups, political parties, campaigns and elections, voting behavior, American state and local governments, urban politics and women in politics.

International Relations. International relations involve the study of relations between the governments of the world. Courses are offered in world politics, American foreign relations and national security policy.

Comparative Politics. This area of political science allows students to develop an in-depth understanding of foreign governments and politics. Courses are offered in Western European governments, Latin American governments, Asian governments, Russia and the former Soviet states, and in the politics of inequality and globalization.

Law and Politics. While this area of political science is often of primary interest to students interested in going to law school, it also offers students the opportunity to study law and the courts within political environments. Courses are offered in U.S. Constitution law, the courts, politics and law, jurisprudence, women and the law, and comparative legal systems.

Political Theory. The study of political theory will provide the student with an understanding of the fundamental relationships between governments and people. Courses range from the study of Greek antiquity to contemporary political ideologies.

Public Administration and Policy.This area of political science encompasses the study of public administration and the role of public policy in American politics. Study in this area will provide the student with the opportunity to understand the fundamentals of administration within a political environment. Courses are offered in bureaucracy and administration, state and local finance, urban administration and government and the economy.