Apply Now Request Information Schedule a Visit

Political Science - International Relations Concentration

Program Codes: BAPOLIR
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.

 

International Relations Concentration

The International Relations (IR) Concentration in political science addresses a significant need in an era of globalization. Mercyhurst students can specialize in international relations, focus on courses most relevant to this field, and graduate with a diploma that identifies IR as their chosen field of study. The innovative curriculum, which emphasizes international politics and regional political systems, is enhanced by versatile study abroad opportunities.

Students who select the IR Concentration are preparing for a variety of careers, including diplomacy, academia, journalism, public service, or work with the vast array of non-governmental organizations engaged in advocacy and service around the world. A large percentage of Mercyhurst political science graduates pursue graduate school, and those seeking an IR program will be well prepared upon completion of the IR track at Mercyhurst. Alumni in school and those currently working for the government at home and abroad, as well as for non-profits and businesses, are testimony to the quality of preparation received. The marketable skills at the center of this concentration include proficiency in research and analysis, the ability to read critically, an appreciation of diverse and complex views, and an enhanced understanding of world events and the conditions that influence them. For successful completion of the IR Concentration, students must take 15 three-credit courses (6 required and 7 electives). Students will work with their advisor to plan their specific program. A 2.5 G.P.A. must be maintained in the major.

International Relations and Diplomacy Minor

This 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 Foundational Courses (12 credits)

  • POLI 105 Global Issues (3 credits)
  • POLI 336 International Organization and Diplomacy (3 credits)
  • POLI 402 War and World Politics (3 credits)
  • One of the following courses (3 credits)*  
    • POLI 240 Comparative Polititcs Africa
    • POLI 241 Comparative Polititcs Asia
    • POLI 242 Comparative Polititcs Europe
    • POLI 245 Comparative Polititcs Middle East

II. Choose three (3) of the following courses (9 credits):

  • POLI 240 Comparative Polititcs Africa (3 credits)
  • POLI 241 Comparative Politics: Asia (3 credits)
  • POLI 242 Comparative Politics: Europe (3 credits)
  • POLI 245 Comparative Politics: Middle East (3 credits)
  • POLI 285 Ethnic Conflict (3 credits)
  • POLI 290 Research Methods in Social Sciences (3 credits)
  • POLI 335 American Foreign Policy (3 credits)
  • POLI 380 Politics of the Global Economy (3 credits)
  • POLI 411 Seminar: Revolutions and Political Violence (3 credits)
  • RIAP 313 Intelligence and National Security (3 credits)
  • Any other POLI course (limit 2)

III. Other requirements
     Foreign language competency at 2nd level (usually two classes)

     Students who have not lived outside the United States are strongly encouraged to avail themselves of our study abroad opportunities- but this is not a requirement.

*The course credits of POLI 240, 241, 242, or 245 students take as a part of required courses cannot be counted as a part of elective courses.

Political Science Major - International Relations Concentration

REACH
Mercyhurst - REACH and outREACH
39

I. Required Political Science Courses (18 credits)

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
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
WAR AND WORLD POLITICS
Course Code:
POLI 402
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Even Years
Course Description:
Wars can have a substantial political impact on participants, neighboring countries, and even the global system. Given the far-reaching effects of these violent events, it is important to understand why countries engage in armed conflict and how to avoid it in the future. The purpose of this course is to familiarize students with the theoretical explanations surrounding the study of war in the international system.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 402
WAR AND WORLD POLITICS
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

One of the following courses (3 credits)

COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Course Code:
POLI 245
Course Group(s):
CONTEXTS AND SYSTEMS
Course Description:

The Middle East and North Africa is a region rich in tradition, religious and cultural diversity, historic rivalries, strategic resources, and significant geopolitical linkages. This course will examine the political systems of representative countres, explore enduring issues, and examine the region's role in the context of world politics.

Credit:
3
x
POLI 245
COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST
3

OR

COMPARATIVE POLITICS: EUROPE
Course Code:
POLI 242
Course Group(s):
CONTEXTS AND SYSTEMS
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Odd Years
Course Description:

A comparative study of a variety of political systems emphasizing Europe. Survey of topics includes government structure, political parties and coalitions, social movements, European integration, economic transition, and foreign relations with the United States. Special emphasis on Britain, France, Germany, Poland and the European Union.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 242
COMPARATIVE POLITICS: EUROPE
3

OR

COMPARATIVE POLITICS: ASIA
Course Code:
POLI 241
Course Group(s):
CONTEXTS AND SYSTEMS
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Even Years
Course Description:

A comparative study of a variety of political systems emphasizing Asia. Survey of topics/problems related to economic development, democratization, government structure, and foreign relations with the United States. Specific countries examined include China, Japan, India, Indonesia and South Korea.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 15
x
POLI 241
COMPARATIVE POLITICS: ASIA
3

OR

COMPARATIVE POLITICS: AFRICA
Course Code:
POLI 240
Course Group(s):
CONTEXTS AND SYSTEMS
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Randomly
Course Description:

Africa is a resource-rich region, comprising 53 states. Endemic poverty, pervasive corruption, patronage and ethnic cleavages are often used to describe the entire region. Yet, it is inaccurate to paint the region with such a broad brush. Within Africa, there is diversity as some states perform better than others on many politico-economic indicators. Thematically, this course examines the complexities of politics in Africa. Specifically, we will explore the interaction of political culture, institutions, and domestic and international actors and the political outcomes they produce in African countries.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 240
COMPARATIVE POLITICS: AFRICA
3

II. Political Science Electives - Choose five (4) of the following courses (12 credits):

COMPARATIVE POLITICS: AFRICA
Course Code:
POLI 240
Course Group(s):
CONTEXTS AND SYSTEMS
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Randomly
Course Description:

Africa is a resource-rich region, comprising 53 states. Endemic poverty, pervasive corruption, patronage and ethnic cleavages are often used to describe the entire region. Yet, it is inaccurate to paint the region with such a broad brush. Within Africa, there is diversity as some states perform better than others on many politico-economic indicators. Thematically, this course examines the complexities of politics in Africa. Specifically, we will explore the interaction of political culture, institutions, and domestic and international actors and the political outcomes they produce in African countries.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 240
COMPARATIVE POLITICS: AFRICA
3
COMPARATIVE POLITICS: ASIA
Course Code:
POLI 241
Course Group(s):
CONTEXTS AND SYSTEMS
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Even Years
Course Description:

A comparative study of a variety of political systems emphasizing Asia. Survey of topics/problems related to economic development, democratization, government structure, and foreign relations with the United States. Specific countries examined include China, Japan, India, Indonesia and South Korea.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 15
x
POLI 241
COMPARATIVE POLITICS: ASIA
3
COMPARATIVE POLITICS: EUROPE
Course Code:
POLI 242
Course Group(s):
CONTEXTS AND SYSTEMS
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Odd Years
Course Description:

A comparative study of a variety of political systems emphasizing Europe. Survey of topics includes government structure, political parties and coalitions, social movements, European integration, economic transition, and foreign relations with the United States. Special emphasis on Britain, France, Germany, Poland and the European Union.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 242
COMPARATIVE POLITICS: EUROPE
3
COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST
Course Code:
POLI 245
Course Group(s):
CONTEXTS AND SYSTEMS
Course Description:

The Middle East and North Africa is a region rich in tradition, religious and cultural diversity, historic rivalries, strategic resources, and significant geopolitical linkages. This course will examine the political systems of representative countres, explore enduring issues, and examine the region's role in the context of world politics.

Credit:
3
x
POLI 245
COMPARATIVE POLITICS OF THE MIDDLE EAST
3
ETHNIC CONFLICT
Course Code:
POLI 282
Course Group(s):
CONTEXTS AND SYSTEMS
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Randomly
Course Description:

A study of the sources, conduct, and settlement of ethnic conflicts. Theories of identity, nationalism, causes of conflict, changing international norms, and post-conflict reconstruction are examined in the context of real-world examples.

Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 282
ETHNIC CONFLICT
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
POLITICS OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
Course Code:
POLI 380
Active Term:
Randomly
/ Even Years
Course Description:
This course blends perspectives of economics and politics to analyze economic relations among state and non-state actors as they pursue their interests. This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to some of the mainstream approaches to the study of international political economy and some of the pressing debates in the field including cross border flows of trade, capital, labor, and ideas. These topics will be discussed in the context of competing theoretical perspectives, the role of international financial institutions (WTO, World Bank and IMF) and the views from the Global North (rich nations) and Global South (poor countries).
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
POLI 380
POLITICS OF THE GLOBAL ECONOMY
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
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
NATIONAL SECURITY & INTELLIGENCE
Course Code:
RIAP 213
Active Term:
All Terms
/ All Years
Course Description:
An introduction to national security decision-making in the U.S. with a special emphasis on the role of intelligence in formulating policy. Historical overview of national security politics and strategy since WWII. Description of major institutions and processes involved in national security policy- making. Survey of significant national security problems and their changing nature in the 21st century. 3 credits.
Credit:
3
Instruction methods:
Lecture
Total hours: 45
x
RIAP 213
NATIONAL SECURITY & INTELLIGENCE
3

III. Choose Two (2) Additional Elective in Consultation with Advisor

IV. Other Requirements - Any foreign language through the second level

Related Programs

BAPOLSC

Political Science

BAPOLPL

Political Science - Pre-Law Concentration

Menu
Degrees & Certificates
A-Z By Department By Area of Interest
Course Descriptions
By Course Code (A-Z) By Department
Academic Affairs
Academic Calendar and Credit Hours Academic Honesty Academic Standards and Grades Academic Transcripts Class Attendance Mercyhurst Honors Program Class Standing and Student Status Competency Requirements Cooperative Academic Agreements Graduation Requirements Internships and Off-Campus Learning Experiences Nontraditional College Credit Privacy: FERPA and HIPAA REACH Curriculum Registration Policies and Procedures Transfer Credits Student Grievance Policy Study Abroad
Academic Services and Support
Career & Professional Development Learning Support Services Prestigious Awards The Testing, Tutoring, and Writing Centers University Library Academic Support
Admissions
Admissions Decisions Confirmation Deposit Professional Admissions Campus Visits International Students Transfer Policy
COVID-19 Disclaimer
Mercyhurst University
Campus and Buildings Introduction Mission and Values Notice of Non-Discrimination Academic Calendar Academic Programs Overview Accreditations Minors
Student Financial Services
Financial Aid Awarding Policies State Grants, Scholarships and Other Programs Tuition and Fees Payment Policy Tuition and Fees Refund Policy Satisfactory Academic Progress Cost of Attendance
Student Life
Accessibility Services & Accommodations (ADA) Athletics Autism Initiative at Mercyhurst (AIM) Campus Involvement Center Campus Ministry Counseling Center Health Center Veterans’ Resources Mercyhurst Student Government Police and Safety Services Residence Life Student Handbook Student Conduct Code Community Engagement
Academic Directory
Faculty Administration Conference for Mercy Higher Education