Political Science, B.A.
Political Science prepares students to critically analyze the collective problems of society on the local, national, and international levels. Through study of the major fields of the discipline—international relations, comparative politics, American government and political theory—the student develops an understanding of contemporary issues while developing a skill set necessary to live in a complex political society. The political science major also provides the opportunity to study various areas of public policy, including foreign policy, economic policy and health care policy.
Political Science graduates pursue a variety of careers in both the public and private sectors such as teaching, business, government, and public administration. While law schools do not require a specific major, Political Science is a natural pre-law major because of its emphasis on the study of law and institutions. The department offers courses in law, the judicial system, constitutional law, and various other areas that are directly related to legal practice. Additionally, the variety of courses in international politics and politics of different regions help students to develop global competence and prepares them for internationally oriented career choices. Successful completion of a senior thesis is a requirement for graduation.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Program | ||
| Understanding College (FS) | 1 | |
| Writing and Presentation (WRI1 & OC1) | 6 | |
| Mathematics (QR1) | 3-4 | |
| Information Literacy, Media, and Research (ITML) | 3 | |
| Computer Tools | ||
| Creative Voices across Cultures (HCE) | 6 | |
| Science at Work (NPW) | 6-10 | |
| Ethics, Reality and Logic (PEM) | 6 | |
| Individual and Societies (SEH) | 6 | |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| Our World, Past and Present (WHG) | 6 | |
| US History 1896 to Present | ||
| Personal Wellness (FH) | 2-3 | |
| Religion and Culture (RS) | 3 | |
| Foreign Language, IT or Data/Quantitative | ||
| Select ONE of the following groups | 3 | |
ONE 1000 Level FRE, SPA, or ITA course (1101 or 1102) | ||
One 1000 Level IT course (IT 1102, 1103, 1105 or 1106) | ||
One 1000 Level Quantitative Course (MAT 1101, 1103, 1104 or 1105) | ||
| History Elective Group | ||
| Select ONE course from the following | 3 | |
| Survey of Western Civilization to 1500 | ||
| Understanding the Human Rights | ||
| Survey of World History Since 1500 | ||
| Social Sciences Elective Group | ||
| Select ONE of the following courses | 3 | |
| Introduction to Criminal Justice | ||
| Foundation in Information Literacy & Research | ||
| Principles of Sociology | ||
| PSC-1000 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| PSC-1100 | American National Government | 3 |
| PSC-2000 | Comparative Government | 3 |
| PSC-2100 | International Relations | 3 |
| PSC-2200 | Public Policy | 3 |
| American Institution Elective Group | ||
| Select ONE course from the following | 3 | |
| United States Congress | ||
| The American Presidency | ||
| Law and American Judicial Process | ||
| Regional/Global Elective Group | ||
| Select ONE course from the following | 3 | |
| Politics of Latin America | ||
| Politics of Africa | ||
| Politics of Asia | ||
| Politics of the Middle East | ||
| The United Nations | ||
ONE PSC 3000-3100 Course | ||
| PSC-3997 | Political Science Research Methods | 3 |
| PSC-4998 | Political Science Seminar | 3 |
| Select SEVEN courses from the following | 21 | |
| Political Science Electives | ||
| Understanding the Human Rights | ||
| Brazil: Economy, Politics and Business | ||
| Metropolitan Government and Politics | ||
| Campaigns and Electoral Behavior | ||
| International Human Rights & Humanitarian Law | ||
| Women and Politics | ||
| Government and Business | ||
| Constitutional Law I: Government Structures | ||
| Constitutional Law II: Civil Liberties | ||
| Political Theory | ||
| Political Themes in Media | ||
| Internship | ||
| Independent Study | ||
| General Electives | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 120-126 | |
- 1
The successful completion of PSC-4998 Political Science Seminar satisfies the College’s Comprehensive Examination/Thesis requirement
- 2
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree must complete 3/4 of their degree credits (i.e. minimum 90 credits) from courses in the Liberal Arts category. See specific academic subjects.
In keeping with our mission at St. Francis College, the courses you take courses across the liberal arts ensure that you are well-rounded, able to engage in meaningful thought and conversation both within and outside of your area of expertise, and building a foundation for future success by deepening and broadening your knowledge. Building on First Year Foundations and augmenting your major field of study, the combination of courses in the Bodies of Knowledge prepares you to meet the challenges the world presents to you with intelligence, clarity, and empathy. They will equip you to solve complex problems, contribute to your community, and improve the world you inhabit.
Institutional Learning Outcomes:
- Demonstrate sensitivity to creative expression
- Communicate ideas and information through written, oral, visual and digital media
- Employ critical and analytical skills
- Value diverse perspectives of the human experience
- Implement information, technology and media literacy
- Demonstrate quantitative literacy
Foundation Courses- First Year College (13-14 credits)
St. Francis College’s mission, emphasizing Franciscan education, highlights access and opportunities for all students. In your first year at SFC, you will combine key skill development with courses in the liberal arts and in your areas of interest. Each of these courses and categories is essential to your success in college and beyond. Our First Year Foundations program ensures that all students will be equitably prepared to excel and achieve their goals.
Bodies of Knowledge (35 credits)
At St. Francis College, our Franciscan mission states that we “educate the whole person for a full, relational life.” This means that we strive, by making certain you take courses across the liberal arts, to ensure that you are well-rounded, able to engage in meaningful thought and conversation both within and outside of your area of expertise, and create success by deepening and broadening your knowledge. Building on First Year Foundations and augmenting your major field of study, the combination of courses in the Bodies of Knowledge prepare you to meet the challenges the world presents to you with intelligence, clarity, and empathy. They will equip you to solve complex problems, contribute to your community, and improve the world you inhabit.