We look to our political science majors to provide the much needed dedication and leadership qualities that can help form a more just society. Our majors and minors study politics and government while actively participating in the political process.
Our program is designed to prepare students for professional employment in local, national and international governmental and political organizations, for law school and graduate programs in public policy, and for life-long citizenship participation.
POLS 101 Politics, Power, and You: Democracy at the CrossroadsIntroduces students to U.S. political and public policy issues and processes to advance their ability to analyze and understand current topics in the news. Newspaper analysis, videos and journalistic accounts of current events will be featured. Formerly PSC 120 Politics, Power, and You: Democracy at the Crossroads.
3 credits
General Education Curriculum: Applications AreaPOLS 103 The American Political ProcessOffers an introduction to the American political and governmental system, with emphasis on the processes, institutions, and actors involved in the system. Case studies are used to focus on contemporary issues and their backgrounds. Formerly PSC 123 American Political Process
3 credits
Core Area II: Understanding the Self and SocietyPOLS 213 Women and PoliticsSurveys the role of women in US government and politics, including in all three branches of government. Students will reflect on the challenges faced by women in paths to power, as well as on the implications of these challenges for women. The course features case studies of important women in politics
3 credits
Prerequisites: None
General Education Area IV: LeadershipPOLS 301 Congress and Policy MakingExamines the internal politics of the legislative branch, its relationship to other branches, historical development, and modern theories of decision making. Students may take a related internship. Formerly PSC 325 Congress and Policy Making.
3 creditsPOLS 322 District of Columbia Govt and PolticsThis course will examine governmental and political institutions and processes in the District of Columbia, as well as its history of governance from the creation of D.C. as the seat of government through home rule to the present. It will use D.C. as an experiential learning library featuring field trips to local institutions such as the D.C.Council and will feature speakers on various topics under discussion in the class. Finally, students will analyze current issues of importance in the District of Columbia including the quest for statehood/self determination, changing demographics in D.C., and inequalities.
3 credits
Prerequisites: POLS 101POLS 342 International Conflict & CooperationThis course focuses on the use of simulations to understand how conflict and cooperation occur in the international system. Specific cases, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, will be used. Students will role play to better understand the possible outcomes of political decision making. This course is open to any student who wants to understand the perspectives of decision makers by putting herself in the position of a political leader.
3 credits
Prerequisites: NonePOLS 443 Seminar on Conflict Theory and ManagementProvides a multidisciplinary examination of theories about conflict, including the causes and arenas of conflict and proposed methods for regulating it. Includes seminar discussions, guest lecturers, and experimental learning situations. Formerly PSC 461 Seminar on Conflict Theory and Management.
4 credits
In addition to well-known guest speakers, our political science program offers internship and fieldwork credit. Recent internship sites include the White House, Congressional offices, the Office of the U.S. Attorney and the U.S. State Department. These internships offer students knowledge and professional contacts that can lead to further professional opportunities after graduation.
