2017-2018 Catalog: August 2017 Edition [ARCHIVED]
Political Science
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 Return to: School of Social and Behavioral Sciences: Programs, Degrees and Certificates
Dean: Traci Fahimi
Academic Chair: Joon Kil, PhD
Faculty: Joon Kil, PhD
Courses
Since exposure to other political systems and ideas is vital in this increasingly interdependent world, students of all interests and backgrounds will find political science courses relevant and of value. The political science curriculum includes both required and elective courses appropriate for a general liberal arts education and for the major in political science. The core course, American Government, meets the general education requirement in American Institutions and lays a broad analytical framework that may be employed in examining political issues. Other courses in the curriculum meet general education requirements in the social sciences.
Major
Most social, economic and moral issues have political implications; and governmental policy affects most aspects of daily life. Political science is an excellent liberal arts major for students interested in learning how groups of people govern themselves; how policies are made; and how we can improve our government policies at the local, state, national, and international levels. Those interested in American politics, international affairs, critical issues such as civil rights, health care, the environment and the deficit should consider this course of study. A political science major provides a solid foundation for jobs in almost any field, from business to law to research.
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the political science program, students will be able to
- Identify the institutions, actors and processes in both American national and state government.
- Understand the importance of citizenship and political participation.
- Analyze the exercise of power in formal governmental institutions and non-governmental institutions.
- Differentiate and classify political systems, their historical context and development, and the social and economic systems with which they interact.
- Compare the U.S. political system to the political systems of European, Asian, African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern states.
- Describe the political and economic relations among states and the transnational relations practiced by people, organizations, and institutions.
- Identify the methods, approaches, or theories used in accumulating and interpreting information applicable to the discipline of political science.
- Demonstrate knowledge of contemporary political issues and be able to present differing viewpoints.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills and formulate and defend an argument about politics in a written and/or oral format.
- Demonstrate the basic research skills necessary to write a paper in the discipline of political science.
- Demonstrate basic knowledge of the content of the major subfields in political science: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory.
Potential Careers (For Non-Transfer Degree Recipients)
Examples of careers for the political science major include the following:
- Teaching in Secondary and Post-secondary Schools
- Law
- Government Employment
- Campaign Manager
- Legislative Staff Member
- State, Local, and Federal Elected Office Holder
- Government Agency Employee
- Business and Private Agencies
- Insurance
- Agriculture
- Finance
- Consulting
- Research
- Communications and Journalism
- International Trade and Organizations
- United Nations
- International Business
- International Relief and Aid Group
ProgramsAssociate in ArtsAssociate in Arts for Transfer
Return to: School of Social and Behavioral Sciences: Programs, Degrees and Certificates
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