The political science curriculum is designed to give students an understanding of political organization and political forces in modern society, to provide knowledge and a basis for insight and judgment on the problems involved in the relationship of the individual to government, and of governments to one another. The broad areas of study include: analysis of political theory in relation to its institutional environment, comparison and appraisal of different types of governments and political organizations, American political behavior and institutions, and problems of international relations.

The courses are designed primarily for a liberal arts education and are intended to create intelligent and lasting interest and participation in the formulation of public policy. The training will also serve the needs of students contemplating scholarship and teaching in political science, as well as professional careers such as law, business, journalism and the public service.

In advanced courses, emphasis is placed upon individual research and analysis-practice in concept formation, location, organization and presentation of data-and upon independent judgment.

Majors particularly interested in comparative and international politics as subfields are encouraged to explore Study Abroad options for a semester or a year. Some political science courses at approved universities in foreign countries can be substituted for political science courses required for the major in political science.

Majors in political science are expected to understand the relationship of this field to other social studies, as well as to the purposes and methods of the social sciences as a whole. They are therefore expected to take related courses in other departments.

 

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