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Political Science
Political Science
Programs of Study for Liberal Arts and Sciences
Petros Vamvakas, Ph.D. Chair The major in Political Science is geared towards helping students understand, research and critically assess the intricate relationships between peoples and their domestic governmental and political systems and in the international arena. Political scientists study such topics as peace and war, the making of public and international policy, the values held by people in particular political systems, political participation, and the political roles of special interests, the media and public opinion, among other issues. All of these are related to the expectations people have of their leaders and how their leaders behave. The Political Science department offers students the opportunity to integrate theory and classroom learning with practice, through such experiences as classroom simulations, internships or participation in Model UN. The department offers a wide range of courses in the areas of American politics and government, comparative politics and government, international relations, law, and political theory. Each of these sub-fields of the discipline of Political Science is crucial to an understanding of the entirety of the discipline. While students may pick departmental electives based on their special interests, the Political Science department has instituted specific concentrations within the major. For descriptions of the concentrations in American Government & Politics, and International Relations & Comparative Politics, see below. The senior internship seminar is the capstone course that offers the opportunity for students to work with political and governmental decision makers, interest groups, legislators and the media. Emmanuel College
Graduates of the Political Science department have excelled in a variety of fields, including law, academe, public policy, government, journalism, campaign management and in elective offices. Political Science graduates have had a profound impact on the domestic and international arenas, and are involved in a range of issues and movements, such as human rights both at home and abroad, political reform, legal reform and public policy advocacy.
Learning Goals and Outcomes At the completion of the Political Science degree, the student will: • Understand the basic tools and concepts of the discipline of Political Science and each of its subfields: American Government, Comparative Politics, International Relations and Political Theory. • Understand how the various subfields interact. • Demonstrate a practical application of concepts and theories of the discipline. • Be able to orally communicate effectively • Develop an understanding of non-Western governments. • Develop an understanding of the interactions in the international arena.
The Capstone Experience The culminating experience for all Political Science majors is the Senior Seminar and Internship in Political Science (POLSC4100). This course is completed in the spring semester of the student’s final year of study. The course includes an internship component and students must complete the Pre-Internship and Career Development course (INT1001) before beginning the internship. For the capstone