Political Science (POL) Undergraduate Programs

329 BROWN HALL/(320) 308-2162

Also see College of Social Sciences description and requirements.

Chairperson: Steven C. Wagner
Faculty: Bodelson, Brazier, Butenhoff, Frank, Greaves, Haniff, Kilkelly, Kukoleca Hammes, Lindsey, Nyendu, Uradnik, Wagner

The international relations major and minor and the public administration major and minor, are also programs of the department. Students interested in those programs should consult the individual program description in this catalog. Department also handles pre-law advising.

Bachelor of Arts

Political Science Major (39)
Required: POL 101, 195, 201, 251 and 429.
One course in American government (300- or 400 level).
One course in comparative government (300- or 400 level).
One course in international relations (300- or 400 level).
One course in political theory (300- or 400 level)
For a current list of courses that fulfill each of the above distribution areas go to the Department of Political Science Office.

Electives: 12 Cr.

Any POL course not used to meet the above requirements may be used as an elective, with the following exceptions: a maximum of 6 credits from POL 444 and up to 3 credits of independent study as survey director may be earned. A maximum of 3 credits may be used from non-departmental offerings, including the following ECON courses (350, 360, 460, 461, 474, 478, 483), and other courses by petition and with the approval of the department. Selection from other courses must be included with the initial major application accompanied by a reason for the request showing how the proposed course relates to the political science major.

A student must pass POL 101 and 195 with a grade of "C" or better before admission to the major. Only courses with a grade of "C" or better may be counted toward the major. At least 24 credits must be taken at the 300- level or above. The university required upper division writing requirement is met in the capstone course (POL 429, Senior Seminar). The requirement is met by completing a portfolio of work, a single written paper or through multiple papers with a grade of C- or better.

A student may apply to the departmental chairperson to pursue the departmental honors program. Upon successful completion, a notation of departmental honors will appear on the transcript at graduation. The departmental honors program requires (a) a cumulative grade point of at least 3.25 in the total university program and 3.5 in the major; (b) a senior project through an honors independent study course (3 credits toward the major); and (c) passage of an oral exam on the senior project. See departmental chairperson for detailed procedures. Majors in all three programs (international relations, political science, and public administration) must meet the same basic requirements for honors.

This major requires either one year in a single foreign language OR a minor.

Political Science Minor (18)
POL 101, 195, 251
One course in American government (300-or 400 level).
One course in comparative government or one course in international relations (300- or 400 level)
One course in political theory (300-or 400-level)

For a current list of courses that meet each of the above distribution areas, see the Department of Political Science Office.

A student must pass POL 101 and 195 with a grade of C or better to be admitted to the minor. Only courses with a grade of C or better may be counted toward the minor.

Students will normally take POL 101 and 195 in the freshman year and take 201 and 251 in the sophomore year. Majors and minors normally should take all required core lower level courses before registering for 300- and above courses in the major or minor. Students will normally take the capstone course (429) in the last semester of attendance.

Bachelor of Science

The Social Studies Education major prepares students for Minnesota licensure as middle/secondary (5-12) social studies teachers. Students selecting this major must complete the General Education program, the Social Studies Licensing Core, one of the emphases in the B.S. Social Studies major designated for licensure, and the Professional Education component.

The following courses make up the University's approved Social Studies
ANTH: 250; ECON 201; GEOG 253, 270; HIST 140** or 141**, 106* (global only), 385; ETHS 310; POL 195, 251; PSY 240; SOC 160; SST 253, 453. Many of these social studies licensure core courses may be used in the general education program. (*Students emphasizing history will use HIST 210, 211 and electives in African, Asian, and/or Middle Eastern history instead of HIST 106 (global only). **They will also include both HIST 140 and 141 in their emphasis.)

Individuals who plan to seek this licensure should consult the Director of Social Studies Education in the College of Social Sciences, SH 361, 320-308-5226, immediately upon enrolling at SCSU or changing to this field to determine the current plan for the social studies licensure competencies to be developed and demonstrated. Fifteen credits of coursework at SCSU and a 2.50 GPA at SCSU are required for admission to the Bachelor of Science Social Studies Education (Teaching) major leading to middle/secondary social studies licensure.

Major-Teaching

Social Studies Major Political Science Emphasis (24)
Political Science Core:
POL 101, 195, 251, 311, 312, 491 or 492
One course in comparative government or one course in international relations (300/400). 3 Cr.
One course in political theory (300/400). 3 Cr.