Political Science, BA
Political science prepares the student 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: 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 the student to develop global competence and prepare her/him for internationally oriented career choices. Successful completion of a senior thesis is a requirement for graduation.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Program | ||
| Writing (WR) | 3 | |
| Quantitative Literacy (QR) | 3-4 | |
| Oral Communications (OC) | 3 | |
| Fitness/Health (FH) | 2-3 | |
| Information, Technology & Media Literacy (ITML) | 3 | |
| Computer Tools | ||
| Religious Studies (RS) | 3 | |
| Freshman Seminar (FS) | 1 | |
| Humanistic & Creative Expression (HCE) | 6 | |
| Natural & Physical World (NPW) | 6-10 | |
| Philosophical, Ethical & Moral Dimensions (PEM) | 6 | |
| Environment & Human Experience (SEH) | 6 | |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | ||
| Principles of Microeconomics | ||
| World Heritage & Global Perspectives (WHG) | 6 | |
| US History 1896 to Present | ||
| Political Science Major | ||
| Select 6-credit combination from one of the following | 6 | |
Foreign language courses in sequence | ||
Information Technology (IT) in sequence | ||
| Statistics | ||
| Political Science Research Methods | ||
| HIS-1101 | Survey of Western Civilization to 1500 | 3 |
| HIS-1302 | Survery of World History Since 1500 | 3 |
| Select one of the following courses: | 3 | |
| Politics and Administration in Latin America | ||
| Africa Government and Politics | ||
| Asia Government and Politics | ||
| Current Problems: Middle East | ||
| Government and Politics of Russia | ||
| The United Nations | ||
| PSC-1202 | Introduction to Political Science | 3 |
| PSC-1204 | American National Government | 3 |
| PSC-3301 | Comparative Government | 3 |
| PSC-3406 | International Relations | 3 |
| PSC-3450 | Political Science Research Methods | 3 |
| PSC-4998 | Political Science Seminar 1 | 3 |
| Select SIX PSC courses 2000 or higher | 18 | |
| Liberal arts electives 2 | 9 | |
| General Electives | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 123-129 | |
| 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 2/3 of their degree credits (i.e. minimum 90 credits) from courses in the Liberal Arts category. See specific academic subjects. |
Political Science Concentrations
Students majoring in Political Science may choose to concentrate in American Government or Comparative Politics. To do so, students must select their Political Science elective courses to include the following:
American Government
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select four of the following: | 12 | |
| State and Local Government | ||
| Metropolitan Government and Politics | ||
| Women and Politics | ||
| United States Congress | ||
| The American Presidents | ||
| "Constitutional Law I, the Structure Of American Government" | ||
| Constitutional Law II: Civil Liberties | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
World Politics
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Select four of the following: | 12 | |
| Politics and Administration in Latin America | ||
| Africa Government and Politics | ||
| Asia Government and Politics | ||
| Current Problems: Middle East | ||
| Government and Politics of Russia | ||
| The United Nations | ||
| Total Hours | 12 | |
The General Education Program is the academic cornerstone of St. Francis College and affirms its mission to graduate educated, well-rounded students to enter and participate in a changing and culturally diverse world.
As an integrated program of studies, it focuses on developing the skills expected of a liberally educated person. It provides students with a broadly-based foundation outside their areas of specialization, an understanding of how various disciplines intersect and differ, and assists in cultivating a disposition for lifelong learning.
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 (18 credits)
To ensure refinement of basic reasoning and cognitive skills needed for successful completion of any college degree program, the general education program requires 18 credits in foundational courses targeting student learning outcomes (SLOs) in writing; quantitative reasoning; oral communications; information, technology, and media literacy; fitness or health; religious studies; and the Freshman Seminar. Each student is required to successfully complete one course in each of the areas of the First Year College.
Bodies of Knowledge (30 credits)
A selection of 30 credits in broad areas of inquiry, designated as Bodies of Knowledge, allow students the flexibility to gain breadth and depth in a field outside of a major. Each student is required to successfully complete two different courses in each of the five Bodies of Knowledge.