Political
Science
Political
Science analyzes political systems and processes on the local, national, and
world levels. The goals of the major include the mastery of facts, the examination
of values, the sharpening of analytical skills, and the formulation of considered
views.
Students should consult the College Bulletin (www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/polisci.html) to get a sense of the range of specific courses that are offered. Note also that POLSC 190 and 290 are special topics courses which are normally offered every semester and which vary widely in the topics covered.
Advanced
placement (AP): course credit and/or placement
Transfer Credits If
there is a problem about course equivalents, students should see the department
chair. Note: At least five of the courses required for the major must
be taken at
Introductory Courses appropriate for Prospective Majors
The department recommends that a student test his/her interest in Political Science by taking at least one of the four introductory courses:
POLSC 120 American Government
POLSC 150 Comparative Politics
POLSC 170 International Relations
POLSC 180 Political Philosophy
Such a choice will help the student decide whether or not to consider further courses and, at the same time, will meet departmental major requirements.
NOTE: The numbering of the introductory courses is arbitrary and is NOT meant to indicate the relative difficulty or the order in which they should be taken. Where one begins should be determined largely by student interest.
Introductory Courses that fulfill Distribution Requirements
Division II: social sciences One course from the department may be used towards this requirement.
POLSC 120 American Government
POLSC 150 Comparative Politics
POLSC 170 International Relations
POLSC 180 Political Philosophy
Ordinarily,
non-majors should take these courses that have no prerequisites.
refer
to www.dickinson.edu/bulletin/polisci.html
New
courses are described on the Registrar’s Web page
www.dickinson.edu/departments/reg/
Teacher Certification For information, see the Director of Teacher Education, or see: www.dickinson.edu/departments/educ
Independent
Study or Research and Internships
Many majors take courses in independent study and research, as well as internships. The department chair or departmental advisors should be consulted for details on topic options and general opportunities.
Opportunities for Off-Campus Study
Majors may apply to spend: (1) their junior year in Bologna, Italy, as students at Dickinson's K. Robert Nilsson Center for European Studies specializing in European and International Studies, or (2) in Washington, D.C. in the Washington Center Program specializing in a wide variety of programs, such as American Government, Justice, Foreign Policy, and International Development. Please see the appropriate coordinator for these and many other off-campus study possibilities.
Preparation for Graduate Study Students
contemplating graduate work in political science should consult with members
of the department with expertise in their particular area of interest. Nearly
all of these individuals will be advised to take POLSC
239 Research Methods. Those students interested in law school should consult
with the
Advising: After consultation with the chairperson, each major selects his/her departmental advisor on the basis of disciplinary interests and research specialization. All departmental members serve as major advisors.
Careers: Majors go on to law school or graduate school in the social sciences or business, state, national or international government service, domestic and international corporations and journalism.
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Updated June 21, 2005