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Political Science

Program Codes: BAPOLSC
Bachelor of Arts

Introduction
The political science major is designed to prepare students for graduate school, law school, and careers such as journalism, teaching, foreign service, public service, public policy, and public administration. In addition to the standard political science major,  the  department  offers  two  concentrations:  Pre-Law and International Relations. Students with an interest in other subfields of the discipline including public administration and/or policy, environmental politics, and campaigns and elections may choose to focus their studies in these areas. The department also offers three minors: political science, international relations and diplomacy, and public policy.

The department works closely with students, each of whom chooses their advisor. They meet each semester with their advisor to schedule classes for  the following semester, discuss internships, and, in the spring semester, complete a “spring review.” All majors are required (unless waived by the department) to complete an internship, study abroad program, or another department-approved  experience.  The  department  has  an  active  chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha (the national political science honor society), a pre-law society, and other extracurricular activities. The department also operates a computer-assisted telephone interviewing facility where students and faculty work together to  conduct public opinion polls on  a  wide range of topics.

Mission Statement
We seek to foster life skills such as reading, writing, persuading, negotiating, and presenting; the ability to think spatially; understanding of numerical data; historical awareness; and international, cross- and multi-cultural appreciation. These life skills also include an understanding of how political scientists think, gather evidence, process data, and reach tentative conclusions. Graduates will develop an ability to think critically about political phenomena and thought, and be prepared for the worlds of work (formal employment in the labor market) and citizenship (civic and community life) and have a solid academic foundation for graduate studies or law school. Thus, specific career plans and interests aside, graduates will be well-prepared to comprehend and interact with the political world.

As liberal arts college graduates with a particular interest in politics, they should receive enough in-depth training and a wide enough breadth of perspectives to follow their own inclinations to interact politically with that world whether as “simply” citizens, professional business men and women, journalists, lawyers, interest group participants, active electoral involvement, government or private sector analysts, or academic political scientists. We attempt to reveal the importance and personal impact of political events and issues; and, more significantly, we seek to equip them to be able to understand, evaluate, and potentially shape the political events, actions, and problems/solutions of the future.

These are crucial components of a liberal arts education and, along with knowledge of politics and government, key components of the sort of civic education on which democracy depends.

Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the political science program, including any of its concentrations, graduates will be able to:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of foundational and contemporary political science theories; apply theoretical approaches to data analysis and practical experiences.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of relevant political science methodologies; apply relevant models of inquiry to data gathering and
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the institutions and processes associated with governance and apply this knowledge to historical and contemporary
  • Demonstrate the ability to think critically, which includes identifying and explaining issues, recognizing concepts and assumptions, acknowledging multiple perspectives, and evaluating evidence to reach
  • Demonstrate written and oral communication skills expected of a professional in the field.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of, and preparation for graduate education and careers associated with the field of political science.

 

Degree Requirements for a BA in Political Science

Each spring the academic progress of students is reviewed in addition to course scheduling and regular advising. All political science majors and minors meet with faculty to discuss progress toward graduation, plans after graduation, student concerns, and other academic matters (e.g., minors, double majors, honors status, writing skills).

Students whose performance is unsatisfactory are placed on probation or disenrolled from the major. Students who are excelling will receive commendations. An overall 2.5 GPA is required for admission to the major (including all concentrations).

There are eight (8) required courses, as well as seven (7) elective courses that must be completed in the major. A 2.5 G.P.A. must be maintained in the major.

REACH
Mercyhurst - REACH and outREACH
39
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
Course Code:
POLI 100
Course Group(s):
CONTEXTS AND SYSTEMS
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

Introductory course in political science stressing how policy-making is done at the national level. Beginning with the Constitution, an introduction is given to the three main branches of the U.S. government. Attention is also given to elections, economics, political parties, interest groups and the federal system.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 100
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
3
GLOBAL ISSUES
Course Code:
POLI 105
Course Group(s):
CONTEXTS AND SYSTEMS
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:
An overview of significant global issues, such as human rights, arms proliferation, regional conflicts, and sustainable development, with attention to the scope, causes, and consequences of these issues. Special emphasis will be placed on theories of global civil society and the role of NGOs and transnational advocacy groups in mobilizing responses to these issues. The contributions of the constructivist perspective in international relations, with theoretical insights drawn from both political science and sociology, will be explored and debated in readings and assignments.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 105
GLOBAL ISSUES
3
INTRO TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Course Code:
POLI 325
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Even Years
Course Description:
Public administration is a major sub-field of political science and at the core of what government is all about. Subjects surveyed include ethics, leadership, budgeting, personnel, policy analysis, public versus private administration, clientele/stakeholders, bureaucracy, and democracy.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 325
INTRO TO PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
3
SEMINAR CONTEMP ISSUES IN POLI
Course Code:
POLI 411
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Randomly
Course Description:
Each year the seminar will be focused on a special topic determined by the professor who is offering the course. One year the topic might be feminist politics; another year the topic might be the Supreme Court; another year political psychology might be the focus.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 411
SEMINAR CONTEMP ISSUES IN POLI
3
POLITICAL SCIENCE PROJECT
Course Code:
POLI 437
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ All Years
Course Description:
A capstone course designed for senior majors and minors to engage in critical reflection on their political and intellectual identity. A series of readings, class exercises, and discussions will culminate in a final "intellectual memoir" wherein each student examines his or her political socialization process, major intellectual commitments and future plans. This course is offered every fall semester and must be taken in the fall of the senior year.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Project
Total hours: 22.5
x
POLI 437
POLITICAL SCIENCE PROJECT
3

Choose one (1) of the following courses (3 credits):

AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY
Course Code:
POLI 335
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Randomly
Course Description:

Stresses evaluation of U.S. foreign policy and world role. Analyzes how and by whom policy is made, its goals, and its domestic/foreign consequences. Primary emphasis is on U.S. policy since WWII.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 335
AMERICAN FOREIGN POLICY
3
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS&DIPLOMACY
Course Code:
POLI 336
Active Term:
Randomly
/ All Years
Course Description:
The existence and prominence of international organizations (IOs), such as the United Nations, in today's world is a remarkable achievement of modern diplomacy. In this course we will explore the interworking of several prominent international organizations that transformed the global political landscape since the end of WWII. Additionally the students will engage in diplomatic role-playing activities simulating the functions of IOs. Students will engage in individual and team research and participate in intercollegiate competitions.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 15
x
POLI 336
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS&DIPLOMACY
3

Choose one (1) of the following courses (3 credits):

STATE AND LOCAL POLITICS
Course Code:
POLI 300
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ Odd Years
Course Description:
A general overview of and introduction to the structure and policy making process of state and local government. It also includes some analysis of federalism-how state and local government fit into the American constitutional framework. The course addresses budget issues, political participation, and direct democracy.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 300
STATE AND LOCAL POLITICS
3
AMERICAN PRESIDENCY
Course Code:
POLI 491
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Odd Years
Course Description:

An overview of the development of the modern American presidency. Topics include the selection process; the executive branch; and the relationship between the president, the press, the Congress, the courts and the public. Also covered are the powers, roles and responsibilities of the president.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 491
AMERICAN PRESIDENCY
3
AMERICAN CONGRESS
Course Code:
POLI 492
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Randomly
Course Description:

A study of the role of Congress in the American political system. The course examines the Framers' view of legislative power and pays particular attention to the role and meaning of representation. The course also covers the organization and structure of Congress including the committee system, the law making process, and the leadership of each house.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 492
AMERICAN CONGRESS
3

Choose one (1) of the following courses (3 credits):

AMERICAN POLITICAL THOUGHT
Course Code:
POLI 301
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Randomly
Course Description:

A study of American political theory. The course focuses on the philosophical roots/origins of the American political tradition and surveys the evolution of political theory in American political history. Special attention is given to the period of the American founding and the ideas that informed the Constitution.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 301
AMERICAN POLITICAL THOUGHT
3
POLITICAL THEORY
Course Code:
POLI 400
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Even Years
Course Description:
A study of major figures in the history of political theory and their particular political theories. The primary purpose of the course is to analyze the relationship between political theory and political action. The course covers the three general historical periods: ancient, Christian, and modern. Some of the political thinkers and theories covered include: Plato, Aristotle, Buddha, St. Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Burke, and contemporary figures like Voegelin and Rawls.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 400
POLITICAL THEORY
3

Choose one (1) of the following courses (3 credits):

INTRO TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESEARCH
Course Code:
CRJS 318
Active Term:
Fall Term
/ All Years
Course Description:

An introduction to social science research, with emphasis on research appropriate to criminal justice. Students learn to form research questions, to select and carry out appropriate research strategies, and to present findings in a professional manner.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
Prerequisites:

CRJS-101 CRJS-230 

x
CRJS 318
INTRO TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE RESEARCH
3
INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC
Course Code:
PHIL 101
Course Group(s):
REASON AND FAITH
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:
An introduction to the rules and processes of rational thinking, argumentation, analysis and criticism. Students will learn the elements of logic, become skilled at constructing rationally compelling deductive and inductive arguments, and learn how to effectively analyze and criticize arguments through a study of formal and informal fallacies. Lecture/discussion.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
PHIL 101
INTRODUCTION TO LOGIC
3
RESEARCH METHODS IN SOCIAL SCIENCES
Course Code:
POLI 290
Course Group(s):
CONTEXTS AND SYSTEMS
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Randomly
Course Description:
An introduction to reading, writing, and conducting both quantitative and qualitative research in the social sciences. Special attention is given to the logic of research design, including: research questions, variables, hypotheses, and data analysis. This course is important particularly to those students going on to graduate school and to those who plan on working in politics.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 290
RESEARCH METHODS IN SOCIAL SCIENCES
3
SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH METHODS
Course Code:
SOC 300
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:

This course is focused on learning the basics of conducting social science research as well as critiquing and utlizing existing research. Students are exposed to key aspects of the research process including: choosing a research topic; identifying the population of interest; conducting a literature review; selecting a research design; collecting data; and descriptive analysis.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
SOC 300
SOCIOLOGICAL RESEARCH METHODS
3
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL STATISTICS
Course Code:
STAT 130
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:
This course introduces students to statistical methodologies and basic knowledge on the use of statistics in scientific research. Students use quantitative reasoning as they gain an understanding of descriptive and inferential statistics, including the interpretation and application of quantitative data.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
STAT 130
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL STATISTICS
3

AND Any Seven (7) Political Science Electives

Pre-approved off-campus study and pre approved cognate courses from other disciplines may be used to fulfill political science elective courses

Political Science Minor

Required Course

POLI 100 American Government - 3 credits

Six additional POLI courses - 18 credits

Public Policy Minor

This minor is designed for students of all majors who have an interest in public policy and/or administration. The minor is housed in the Political Science Department, but allows for utilization of some cognate courses from other departments, depending on the student’s interests, major(s), and university REACH course selections. A 2.5 G.P.A. must be maintained in the minor.

I. Required Courses (12 credits)

POLI 100 American Government - 3 credits

               OR

ECON 105 Macroeconomics - 3 credits

POLI 105 Global Issues - 3 credits

               OR

ECON 106 Microeconomics - 3 credits

POLI 308 Public Policy Analysis and Impact - 3 credits

POLI 325 Introduction to Public Administration - 3 credits

II. Choose one (1) of the following courses (3 credits)

CRJS 318 Introduction to Criminal Justice Research - 3 credits

PHIL 101 Introduction to Logic - 3 credits

POLI 290 Research Methods in Social Science - 3 credits

SOC 300 Social Research Methods - 3 credits

SOC 330 Statistics in Social Science 3 credits

III. Any two (2) additional Political Science courses (6 credits)

(or pre-approved cognate courses from another department)

Related Programs

BAPOLPL

Political Science - Pre-Law Concentration

BAPOLIR

Political Science - International Relations Concentration

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