Political Science Major

Goals

1. Gain an understanding of the history of political thought and familiarity with the central texts and intellectual currents in that history.
2. Gain an understanding of American political institutions, including the rationale of their design, their historical function, and current significance. Gain an understanding of the policy-making process, of the role non-governmental actors play in American politics, and of American political culture and political socialization.
3. Seriously consider personal civic responsibility in American democracy.
4. Gain an understanding of the theory, history, and contemporary dynamics of international relations. Gain a basic understanding of comparative government, and of the ways different political systems, economies, and cultural differences shape world politics.
5. Think critically when evaluating political ideas, events, and policies, especially in light of Christian beliefs and values.

Objectives

1. Possess effective skills of written and oral communication.
2. Know the central theories and major theorists in the history of political thought and be able to articulate his/her own perspective on fundamental theoretical issues.
3. Understand and be able to evaluate critically the drama of American politics and the roles of governmental and non-governmental actors in political decision-making.
4. Understand and be able to evaluate critically the complex dynamics of international relations and the political, military, economic, and cultural influences that shape it.
5. Understand and be able to evaluate critically basic differences and similarities between American government and politics and those of other key states.
6. Recognize the civic responsibilities incumbent upon democratic citizens.
7. Be able to put into context and evaluate news stories dealing with political issues.
8. Know what sources are available and how to go about accessing them in studying political topics.