Political Science Department
The study of politics explores relationships between government and the governed, political processes and policy outcomes, the powerful and powerless in society, and identity and interests. Political Science majors investigate broad questions like: How do people organize to govern themselves at varying levels of society? What is democracy, and under what conditions is it most likely to flourish? How does religion intersect with politics? What are the ideological differences between political parties? How do minority groups and activists affect political change? What is social justice, and how would we know if a policy is just? Why would governments enact public policies that appear to be against the interests of greater society? What are the causes of war and what are its impacts on society? Would the practice of politics be different if more women were leaders? How is the international community adapting to address transnational problems such as climate change, organized crime, and terrorism?
The Political Science curriculum is comprised of five subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international politics, political theory, and public law. Students are encouraged to take courses in each field, and many students choose to specialize in one. As one of the diverse and most practical majors on campus, the Political Science curriculum is intended to help students acquire the tool set and knowledge they need to excel in an increasingly interconnected world.
