Political Science B.A.
Political Science Major
The B.A. Political Science-Liberal Arts major requires a minimum of 120 total hours to graduate. This total includes UNIFI/General Education requirements and the following specified major requirements, plus electives to complete the minimum of 120 hours.
| Required courses: | ||
| POLSCI 1014 | Power & Politics in the U.S. * | 3 |
| POLSCI 1025 | Global Politics * | 3 |
| POLSCI 1070 | Democracy | 3 |
| POLSCI 2010 | Analyzing Politics | 3 |
| POLSCI 2050 | Introduction to Political Theory: Freedom, Justice and Power * | 3 |
| Engaged Learning requirement: | 3-8 | |
| Citizen Participation and Civic Engagement | ||
or POLSCI 3181 | Internship in Politics | |
| Students must take one Senior Seminar in Political Science: | ||
| POLSCI 4184 | Senior Seminar in Political Science | 3 |
| Elective hours (POLSCI 2xxx or above): | 18 | |
| Total hours: | 39-44 | |
Note: Not more than 9 semester hours of political science taken within the International Affairs minor or Legal Studies minor may also be counted for credit on this major.
- *
POLSCI 1014 satisfies the Human Condition (Domestic) UNIFI/General Education requirement. POLSCI 1025 satisfies the Human Condition (Global) UNIFI/General Education requirement. POLSCI 2050 satisfies the Responsibility UNIFI/General Education requirement.
Four-Year Plan
Political Science-Liberal Arts, B.A.
This is a sample plan of study with a suggested sequencing of classes for the major. University electives may be applied to earn additional academic majors, minors, or certificates. Students should regularly meet with their academic advisor to plan their specific semester schedule to include UNIFI/General Education program and/or university elective hours required.
| Freshman | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hour | |
| POLSCI 1014 | Power & Politics in the U.S. | 3 |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| POLSCI 1025 | Global Politics | 3 |
| POLSCI 1070 | Democracy | 3 |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| Fall | ||
| POLSCI 2050 | Introduction to Political Theory: Freedom, Justice and Power | 3 |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| POLSCI 2010 | Analyzing Politics | 3 |
| Political Science Elective | 3 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Junior | ||
| Fall | ||
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 9 | |
| Political Science Elective | 6 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Political Science Electives | 6 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 9 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Senior | ||
| Fall | ||
| POLSCI 4184 | Senior Seminar in Political Science | 3 |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Political Science Elective | 3 | |
| UNIFI/General Education or University Electives | 12 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
Learning Outcomes
Political Science, B.A.
- Demonstrate effective written communication skills, (including clear and concise wording, and citing evidence appropriately in various contexts)
- Demonstrate effective oral communication skills, (including organized, professional presentations as appropriate in various contexts)
- Demonstrate the ability to think analytically about issues in Political Science by constructing arguments using evidence and analysis
- Apply the scientific method to study empirical questions in Political Science
- Employ information literacy skills to find and evaluate the reliability and relevance of information related to political issues
- Demonstrate data literacy skills by interacting with scientific literature and interpreting findings
- Demonstrate competencies required of citizens in a democracy, including an understanding of concepts such as freedom, equality, rights, justice, and diversity.