|
There are four (4) subfields
of political science: American Politics; Comparative Politics International
Relations; Political Theory and Philosophy. Political Science majors are
required to take at least one course in each of these subfields. Below are
the learning objectives for courses in each of the four subfields.
In addition, Political Science majors must take one course designated by
the department as "methodologically focused" and pursue one of two
"intellectual capstone" options.
American Politics
American Politics and Government courses cover governmental institutions,
political parties, political processes and behavior, public policies, and
the political history of the United States. They also are concerned with
American social institutions, race and ethnicity, public opinion, political
psychology, the mass media, and interest groups. Many courses introduce
students to social science methods.
Comparative Politics
Comparative Politics courses cover and compare the political institutions,
actors, ideologies, and socioeconomic contexts of different countries and
regions of the world. Specific subjects include political institutions such
as political parties, public bureaucracies, and the military; regime types;
civil society; political ideologies such as nationalism, populism,
communism, socialism, and fascism; political violence and the politics of
social movements; and the politics of identity including race, ethnicity,
and gender. Many courses introduce students to social science methods.
International Relations
International Relations courses deal with study of politics outside and
across the boundaries of sovereign states. This includes the causes and the
prevention of interstate and intrastate war, international political
economy, international law, the foreign and defense policies of the United
States and other countries, international organizations and non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), the linkages between domestic politics and foreign
policy, international bargaining and negotiation, ethics and international
politics. Many courses introduce students to social science methods.
Political Theory and Philosophy
Political Theory and Philosophy courses deal with the study of the history
of ancient and modern political philosophy and its influence in shaping and
understanding the Western political tradition; the analysis of seminal
thinkers in that history, such as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Montesquieu,
Rousseau, and Nietzsche; the examination of Islamic political thought; the
analysis of the relationship between philosophy and politics; the assessment
of the character of American political thought; and debate and discussion of
concepts such as justice, liberty, sovereignty, citizenship, oppression,
tyranny, revolution, war and empire, and the relationship between religion
and politics.
Methodologically Focused Courses (all 4 subfields)
Methodologically focused courses are offered in the four subfields of
political science: American politics, comparative politics, international
relations, and political theory. Methodologically focused courses impart an
understanding of the range of approaches to conducting research within each
of the four subfields, with special emphasis on basic principles of social
science methodologies, including the ability to formulate appropriate
research questions, derive testable hypotheses, collect and analyze data,
and an ability to clearly communicate theoretical concepts and empirical
research findings.
Intellectual Capstone Experiences (all 4 subfields)
Intellectual capstones are offered through two venues that cover all of
the political science subfields: senior thesis; and advanced seminars. Students take these capstone offerings in an area where
they have developed some background in previous courses and are ready to
study a topic in depth. Capstones provide the opportunity for students to
plan and execute a substantive research project. They enable students to
draw substantive and theoretical connections within a particular subfield
and (in some cases) across subfields.
|
