Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2021-2022 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Political Science, B.A.


Program Learning Outcomes


1)  Students will demonstrate knowledge of political institutions and processes in the United States.
2)  Students will demonstrate knowledge of political institutions and processes in at least one non-U.S. region.
3)  Students will be able to compare and contrast political institutions and processes among different regions and cultures.
4)  Students will understand the principles, actors, structures and processes related to conflict and cooperation in the international system.
5)  Students will be able to apply classic and contemporary political theory to contemporary political events.
6)  Students will demonstrate basic descriptive statistics, multivariate analysis, probability issues, inferential statistics, and use of statistical computer software related to the study of political science.
7)  Students will demonstrate an understanding the benefits and limitations of different data collection strategies.
8)  Students will demonstrate competency in the effective written presentation of original ideas and supporting material.
9)  Students will be able to critically assess published political science research.
10)  Students will demonstrate competency in the effective oral presentation of original ideas and supporting material.
11)  Students will develop skills necessary for active participation in political life.

General Education Requirements (30-46 Credits)


Prerequisite coursework may be required to satisfy certain General Education courses and will count as elective credit.

Total Credits Required to Complete Major: 33 *


Basic Requirements: (21 Credits)


Three courses at the 400-level, one in three of the following subfields


Footnotes


*Students who have taken ECON 205 , GEOG 278 , MATH 242 , MATH 262 , PSYC 250 , or SOCL 211  will have fulfilled the PLSC 251  requirement but must take an additional 3 credit PLSC course to satisfy the 33 credits of PLSC courses needed for the Basic Requirements category.

NOTE: To graduate with Honors in Political Science, a student must earn 33 credits in Political Science, including the completion of PLSC 493 , Honors Thesis, which requires departmental invitation and approval.

Minimum Competence Requirement


A grade of C- or better is required for all courses submitted in fulfillment of the Political Science major (including 30 credits in PLSC and required related courses).

Department Writing Requirement


Political Science majors are evaluated on the basis of substantive content and the quality of exposition in 300- and 400-level courses. Faculty assign writing projects of 15 pages or more including term papers, reports, etc. Faculty have discretion in determining assignments. Grades are reported to the Department Chair at the end of each semester and recorded on the pre-graduation form. A grade of C- or better is required to fulfill the writing requirement.

Outline/Advising Guide


First Year


Fall (14 Credit Hours)


Spring (16 Credit Hours)


Second Year


Fall (16 Credit Hours)


Spring (15 Credit Hours)


  • Credit(s): 3
  • PLSC 300 or 400-level elective Credit(s): 3

  • M/ Credit(s): 3
    S/ Credit(s): 3
    Elective Credit(s): 3

Third Year


Fall (15 Credit Hours)


PLSC 300 or 400-level elective Credit(s): 3
PLSC 400-level sub-field elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3

Spring (15 Credit Hours)


PLSC 400-level sub-field elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3
Elective Credit(s): 3

Fourth Year


Fall (14 Credit Hours)


  • PLSC 400-level sub-field elective Credit(s): 3

  •  

  • Credit(s):   or
  • Elective Credit(s): 3

  •  

  • Elective Credit(s): 3

  • Elective Credit(s): 3

  • Elective Credit(s): 2

Spring (15 Credit Hours)


  • PLSC Capstone or Senior Seminar Credit(s): 3

  •  

  • Credit(s):   or
  • Elective Credit(s): 3

  •  

  • Elective Credit(s): 3

  • Elective Credit(s): 3

  • Elective Credit(s): 3

Total Credit Hours: 120


Note: The Department encourages majors to use electives for Minor programs and/or internships.

Note: Where no prerequisites apply, some variation in the order or semester in which courses are taken is possible. Students should consult their academic advisors for additional information.