Department of Political Science

• Faculty
• Field Description
• The Major
  • Program Learning Goals
  • Major Course Requirements
• Honors Thesis in Political Science
• The Minor
• Courses
  • Courses in Political Science (POL)
• Department of Political Science Web Site

 

Field Description

Our lives, our communities, and our world are to a considerable degree shaped by political events. Political science provides students with an understanding of the multifaceted ideas, structures, and processes of politics in the United States and abroad. Courses are designed to accomplish three principal objectives: to help the student acquire and establish habits of critical and creative thinking about public issues; to enlarge and broaden the students understanding of significant data, major ideas, and activities regarding politics; and to prepare students for careers in law, government, journalism, and education.

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The Major

In order to officially become a major in Political Science, students must come in person to the Political Science Department (VC 5-280) to fill out our major declaration form and have it approved by the chair.

The Political Science major is unusually flexible. Students are required to take American Government (

), a capstone seminar (), plus seven other political science courses, representing at least four of the six subfields outlined below. At least two electives must be at the 3000-level.

In addition to our field-specific courses, students can also receive elective credit for Special Topics courses (

), Independent Study projects (), Research Practicums (), or Honors Thesis projects (, ).

 

Important Advisory Regarding Capstones: At least one of the two required 3000-level courses in Political Science must be completed BEFORE taking the capstone

. (If necessary, students are permitted to take the second 3000-level course during the same semester as the capstone, but must consult with the department to do so.) Political Science does NOT offer capstone courses in winter sessions.

 

Program Learning Goals

Upon Completion of a Major in Political Science, students will be able to:

Political Science Concepts

1. Gain a broad exposure to central issues of political science, which include:
   
   • the ethical problems attendant to the exercise of power;
   • the history of important political ideas, such as "liberty," "justice," "community," and "equality";
   • the impact of historical, economic, and social forces on the operation of politics;
   • the functioning and distinctive features of the US political system;
   • the diversity of political systems found among nations and the significance of these differences;
   • the interaction among international actors and the causes of war and peace.
2. Employ a key concept, theory, or method of political science.

Critical Thinking Skills

1. Articulate a thesis regarding a political question.
2. Consider alternative perspectives regarding a political question.
3. Evaluate evidence regarding a political question.

Research Skills

1. Gather appropriate evidence pertinent to a political question, including:
   
   • primary evidence (quantitative data, court cases, interviews, etc.);
   • secondary evidence (political science literature).

Written and Oral Expression

      1.  Craft a well-structured written or oral argument regarding a political question.

Civic Engagement

      1.  Develop a greater sense of civic duty to participate in public affairs.

Major Course Requirements

 

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Honors Thesis in Political Science

The Honors Thesis is a two-semester sequence (

, ) that offers students of superior academic achievement the opportunity to work individually with a professor on a major research project in Political Science. This project involves in-depth and original research of an empirical and/or theoretical question in the field. The degree "with honors" is conferred upon acceptances of the honors project by the Committee on Undergraduate Honors. the six credits earned from completing a thesis will be accepted as part of the 24 credit major.  

Prerequisites:

• 3.5 GPA in Political Science and also a 3.5 cumulative GPA
• Complete a minimum of four courses in Political Science, including at least two at the 3000-level or above
• Submit an application and prospectus that has been approved by the prospective faculty mentor, the Chair of Political Science (Dr. David Jones), and the Chair of the Committee of Undergraduate Honors (Dr. Frank Heiland). The deadline for the prospectus is April 1 for a student who wishes to begin the thesis in the Fall semester, and November 1 for a student who wishes to begin the thesis in the Spring semester.
• Students do NOT have to be enrolled in the Honors Program to write an honors thesis.

For more information, please visit the Honors Thesis in Political Science website

 

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The Minor

A minor in political science will help students to flourish in the political environment in which their future economic and social activities will be carried on. To suit the special educational needs and objectives of individual students, appropriate substitution of designated courses may be made after consultation with the departmental advisor. Students may minor by taking 6 credits of 3000-level courses plus

Political Science Capstone Seminar. In order to officially become a minor in Political Science, students must submit a minor declaration form to the Registrar's Office. 

Important Advisory Regarding Capstones: At least one of the two required 3000-level courses in Political Science must be completed BEFORE taking the capstone . (If necessary, students are permitted to take the second 3000-level course during the same semester as the capstone, but must consult with the department to do so.) Political Science does NOT offer capstone courses in winter sessions.

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Courses in Political Science

Important Note: A number of the courses listed below are not offered every semester. Please consult CUNYfirst for the information on what courses are currently being offered. 

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