Mar 28, 2024  
Mansfield University 2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
Mansfield University 2017-2018 Undergraduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Political Science, Bachelor of Arts


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs

Offered by the Department of History, Philsophy and Political Science
Professor Carpenter, Guenther, Newman
Associate Professors Bosworth (chairperson), Chua, Gaskievicz, Holderby, McEvoy, Rothermel


The Department of History, Philsophy and Political Science offers a B.A. in Political Science. The Department offers minors in History, Political Science, International Studies, and Environmental Studies.

Mission

The mission of the political science major is to promote the skills, knowledge, character, and experiences necessary to produce good leaders and citizens.  To that end, our program emphasizes quality teaching, personal advisement, high academic standards, and civic awareness.   Students will be challenged to develop skills essential to succeed in a competitive global work force. 

Program Goals

Our program will:

  • Provide an academically challenging curriculum based around the sub-fields of political science:  American politics, comparative politics (politics within countries), and international relations (politics among countries) 
  • Promote independent thinking, thorough analysis, and critical perspectives on issues and problems 
  • Instill an appreciation for the complexities of politics and the importance of civic engagement

Program Description

Political Science is a broad social science discipline devoted to the study of government and politics of the US, other countries, and the international system. Our central goal is to produce students with a well-rounded knowledge of the discipline and a set of skills that serve as a basis for careers in any number of fields after graduation.

The study of political science provides an excellent basis to learn new skills and knowledge that can be applied in nearly any field. As a discipline, the focus of study is on the political process and institutions of various political systems, including the United States. However, the analysis of politics and government often involves other disciplines, such as history, economics, philosophy, sociology, anthropology, psychology, business, criminal justice, etc. This explicitly multi-disciplinary approach contributes to well-rounded graduates, which naturally leads them into a wide variety of careers. Moreover, the major emphasizes examining problems from multiple perspectives, attention to factual details, and the need to continually develop and revise broader theoretical ideas. This academic experience is later utilized by graduates in whatever careers they choose to pursue.

The Political Science program emphasizes the development of a key set of skills that will enhance a graduate’s long-term career prospects. Specifically, our courses highlight the importance of reading comprehension, critical and analytical thinking, and written and oral communication skills. For students that choose advanced educational opportunities after graduation, such as law school or graduate school, these skills serve as an essential foundation for future academic success. Other students prefer to directly enter the workforce and these same skills are widely applicable in politics, business, journalism, public administration, criminal justice, communications, marketing, and research. Put simply, the emphasis on skills is designed to allow our graduates to excel in almost any career path. Indeed, our recent graduates have selected careers related to politics, government, business, education, law, and criminal justice.

Students in the program develop a broad body of knowledge about politics and government that serves two further goals. First, the factual basis of government and politics is the subject that we use to develop key skills-reading, analysis, and communication. Knowing the basic structures of government and the rules of political behavior is the basis for contrasting and applying different ideological and philosophical perspectives on politics. Second, a strong knowledge-base serves to help students (and ultimately graduates) exercise leadership and civic engagement. In other words, knowledge of political systems affords students an important advantage to engage in political participation and advocacy.

The curriculum in Political Science reflects our wide-ranging perspective on politics, with courses that range from US politics to regional politics and international relations.  These include courses on the presidency and congress, state and local politics, campaigns and elections, civic engagement and participation, US foreign policy, and courts and the Constitution. The department also offers courses about specific regions, such as Latin America and the Middle East, as well as thematic courses about global democratization, political economy, terrorism, human rights and international activism, and international organizations. Moreover, students are encouraged to take additional courses with significant political content outside of the department.

The Political Science major requires a total of 36 credits (typically 12 courses) and provides students maximum flexibility to pursue their interests. Only four courses are specifically required: the foundations courses in each of the three major subfields (American politics, comparative politics, and international relations) and one course in social science methodology. Remaining courses may be selected by the student based on interest and availability. In most cases, courses are relatively small and students receive individual attention. Political Science majors work closely with advisors throughout the program to select appropriate courses in both the discipline and the General Education program (required of all graduates). As a small-but growing-program, we work to serve the varied needs and interests of our majors as we prepare them for the highly competitive global workforce.

All majors are encouraged, but not required, to consider three key opportunities at Mansfield University. First, we strongly support the study of a foreign language. Developing a foreign language skill requires hard work and dedication, but the benefits include a better understanding of global culture, a way of distinguishing a graduate from the competition, and the further honing of critical thinking skills. Second, we urge majors to take advantage of our extensive study abroad options. A semester-long experience in any foreign country teaches students about the target country, about the US, and about themselves. In most cases, students can take courses toward the major (and the General Education requirements) while overseas. Some study abroad options do not require foreign language experience. Last, we highly recommend that our majors gain some practical work experience through internships. We have placed full-time interns in both Washington DC and Harrisburg, working for government agencies and interest groups. Part-time internships can be arranged locally during the semester and over the summer. Up to 6 credits may be applied toward the major; all credits count toward graduation requirements.

Program Outcomes

The student will:

  • identify and explain the underlying principles, actors, institutions, and processes of the U.S. political system.
  • identify and explain the underlying principles, actors, institutions, and processes of Western and non-western political systems.
  • identify and explain the theories, actors, problems, and issues that affect international relations among countries within a global system.
  • contrast and apply different ideological and philosophical perspectives on politics.
  • relate current events to political science.
  • demonstrate basic geographic knowledge of the world.
  • investigate political phenomena using social science methods.
  • demonstrate effective communication skills (written and oral).
  • use technology to find appropriate sources of information related to politics.
  • summarize key concepts and arguments from text.
  • construct analytical arguments supported with evidence.
  • critically evaluate various perspectives in political science.
  • demonstrate an ongoing interest in government and public affairs.
  • recognize the complexities and ambiguities of a global and diverse society.

Program Requirements: Political Science (B.A.): 120 s.h.


Total Credit Hours: 37


International Security Concentration


The International Security concentration within Political Science is designed to attract students particularly interested in issues of international security and focuses on providing a strong background in research and analysis of international and domestic policy issues.  In consultation with their assigned advisor, students will develop a personalized plan of study of courses to best supplement their career goals and interests.  The study of a foreign language and a study abroad experience are strongly encouraged.

Program Objectives

  • Provide an academically challenging curriculum based around the sub-fields of comparative politics and international relations within political science
  • Promote independent thinking, thorough analysis, and critical perspectives on issues and problems
  • Instill an appreciation for the complexities of politics and the importance of civic engagement

Program Learning Outcomes

  • The student will identify and explain underlying principles, actors, institutions and processes associated with political science.
  • The student will relate current events to political science.
  • The student will contruct analytical arguments supported with evidence
  • The student will investigate political phenomena using social science methods.
  • The student will communicate ideas and information in an effective manner.

Total Credit Hours: 37


Pre-Law Concentration


The pre-law concentration provides a focused major for those students interested in law school.  Students in this program will be assigned an advisor to develop a personalized program.  In addition to the requirements of the PSC Pre-law program, the advisor helps students select additional courses that will cultivate the skills that the American Bar Association recommends for law school.  Students are provided with current information about law school requirements and strategies for applications.  Students also benefit from advice about the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and how best to prepare for it.  MU also has an active student-run Pre-Law Association that facilitates information sharing about law school with local attorneys, alumni, and others.  We also maintain an Express Admissions Program and a 3 + 3 Joint Degree program with Widener University School of Law in Harrisburg.

Program Objectives

  • Provide an academically challenging curriculum based around the sub-fields of political science:  American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory / philosophy
  • Promote independent thinking, thorough analysis, and critical perspectives on issues and problems
  • Instill an appreciation for the complexities of politics and the importance of civic engagement

Program Learning Outcomes

  • The student will identify and explain underlying principles, actors, institutions and processes associated with political science.
  • The student will related current events to political science.
  • The student will construct analytical arguments supported with evidence.
  • The student will investigate political phenomena using social science methods.
  • The student will communicate ideas and information in an effective manner.

Total Credit Hours: 37


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Academic Programs