+ Political Science

122 Williams Hall, 419-372-2921

Study in Political Science prepares students to be critical observers of politics and society, active citizens, and for careers in a variety of fields. Our courses provide a deeper understanding of domestic and international politics. They train you to think critically, write well, and speak with confidence. Our alumni work in settings such as federal, state, and local governments; international organizations; interest groups; educational institutions; law enforcement agencies; and businesses.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in political science are expected to:

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, about the subject matter of political science;
  
• Apply critical-thinking abilities and disciplinary theories/frameworks to solve problems.
  

Major, Bachelor of Arts—minor required
(33 hours)

POLS 110 and 290 and three additional hours at the 100 level (POLS 290 should be taken no later than the end of the junior year.) A minimum of 24 hours of political science at the 300-400 level distributed among at least three areas of political science with a concentration (at least 9 hours) in one is also required. The following areas in political science are available:

• American government—POLS 302, 331, 336, 341, 345, 346, 347, 374, 430, 440, 443, 459
  
• Comparative government—POLS 335, 351, 355, 361, 366, 454, 460
  
• International relations—POLS 335, 372, 374, 460, 473, 475, 476, 478
  
• Political theory—POLS 301, 304, 402, 403, 404
  
• Public administration—POLS 302, 303, 331, 346, 420, 421, 423, 430, 459
  
• Public law—POLS 347, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 424, 425

POLS 303 is recommended for any of the 300- and 400-level courses in public administration. The beginning student is encouraged to take the following courses before taking advanced courses in a particular area: POLS 110 for American government, POLS 171 for comparative politics and POLS 172 for international relations. While all 100- and 200-level coursework completed satisfactorily will count toward the hours necessary for the baccalaureate degree, no more than nine hours at the 100-200 level or nine hours of POLS 496 will count toward the 33-hour major.

All students must consult with an adviser early in their pursuit of a major. Students opting for honors in political science must also take POLS 495, Honors Seminar in Contemporary Political Science, and write a senior thesis under the direction of a faculty adviser.

Minor (21 hours)

• POLS at 100-200 level (6)
• POLS at 300-400 level (15)

No more than nine hours of POLS 496 will count toward the minor.