Political Science, B. A., International Studies Concentration

Chair: Dr. Denise Holladay Damico
Coordinator: Dr. Mark C. Gentry

Program Description

The BA in Political Science with an International Studies Concentration reflects the reality of globalization and prepares students to address, manage and resolve contemporary foreign policy and public policy challenges, problems and issues employing an international and comparative perspective. The concentration addresses political, social, cultural and economic issues in their global and historical context. Students completing the concentration will have a sound grounding in international affairs and will have the analytical and problem-solving tools to address complex global public policy issues. The concentration will prepare students for further graduate study and careers in international trade, international law, international social and economic development, international security, and foreign policy through employment with international governmental organizations, the non-profit sector, law firms, international business, and the U.S. government.

Student Learning Outcomes

1. Critical Thinking: Students will develop the ability to think critically about information (e.g., data or texts), theories, concepts, problems, issues, institutions and processes of American Politics and Government, World Politics and Political Theory before accepting or formulating a position or conclusion or proposing a solution to a problem.
2. Citizenship: Students will develop a deeper and fuller understanding of political processes, acquiring a solid conceptual foundation that can be built upon in their lives as citizens.
3. Research Methods: Students will be able to use and explain research methods used in the discipline of political science and evaluate conclusions derived from these methods. Students will develop skills that include the ability to identify, locate and access sources of information, the ability to critically evaluate information, the ability to organize information to present a sound central idea in a logical order, and the ability to use the work of others accurately and ethically.
4. Communication Skills: Students will demonstrate the necessary oral and written skills (English and Public Speaking) to convey their knowledge to others about political science or other appropriate topics.
5. Ethics: Students will demonstrate familiarity with theorists and ethical frameworks that can help them make hard decisions, evaluate the policy decisions that public officials make on their behalf, and recognize the implications of these choices; Knowledge of reliable frameworks of principles will help students evaluate ambiguous facts and define behavior as “right” or “good.”

Estimated Completion Time:

Typically 4 years of full-time study

Total Credits Required:

128 credits