Political Science

Sarah C. Andrews, Associate Professor

Julie Blase, Professor

Brian D. Roberts, Professor

John W. Williams, Professor

Political science is the systematic study of government, politics, and the policy process. It focuses on power—its pursuit, exercise, and restraints. It involves analysis of structures, functions, processes, and systems of government and their interrelationships; of political behavior, such as elections and public opinion; and of the formation of public policy—including the conflicts and compromises involved, as well as the merits of policies that are the ever-changing results of the political process.

The program provides two concentrations: Politics and Policy, and International Relations. Non-majors can take either concentration as a minor. The Politics and Policy concentration focuses on core fields of political science, including American government and politics, international relations, comparative politics, political philosophy, and methodology. This concentration is strong preparation for law school. The International Relations concentration considers issues of global significance, such as why nations go to war, when countries cooperate, the evolution of the world economy, the role of democratic ideals in different regions of the world, and how security can be achieved. Among the topics considered are the enduring influence of history and how culture, technology, and religion influence political identity.

Theory and practice are emphasized in both concentrations. American politics courses combine study with fieldwork in the surrounding areas. Students have undertaken internships in Washington, DC, around the United States, and abroad. They also have opportunities to represent Principia at nationwide conferences on domestic and international issues.

Transfer students, for a major in either concentration, must take at least four courses (12 semester hours) from Principia political science faculty. Two of these courses must be at the 300 level.

Independent study courses on and off campus are available to majors by arrangement with political science faculty. No more than nine semester hours of independent study taken off campus can be applied toward the requirements of the major or three semester hours for the minor.

The foreign language requirement for the International Relations concentration can be met by testing out at the required level of proficiency. Testing is done by the Languages and Cultures Department. Students whose native language is not English are exempt from the foreign language requirement.