The political science major aims to create educated citizens capable of organizing
information, thinking critically, and communicating effectively. Majors are able to understand
politics and exercise their duties as citizens at the local, state, national,
and international levels; students engage in experiential learning in
political, governmental, and related settings.
Majors in political science
achieve:
- A
solid foundational understanding of the critical theoretical issues underlying
political life: the individual and community; political obligation; stability,
revolution, and change; legitimacy and justice; and freedom and power.
- A
solid foundational understanding of American political institutions; the
principal political, economic, and social influences affecting American
democracy; and major issues affecting federal, state, and local government.
- A
solid foundational understanding of foreign and international politics,
including the nature of other political systems or the operation of the
international system.
- A
more in-depth, sophisticated understanding of at least one major topic in each
of the following three areas of political science: theoretical approaches to
political science, American institutions and politics, and foreign and
international politics.
- Experience
in designing, completing, and defending a research project, which gives students practice in the process of research and discovery in political science.
- A familiarity with the range of questions that social scientists pose and the tools
and approaches they use to develop answers.
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Programs of Study and Courses for Liberal Arts and Sciences Students 
