Department of Political Science

Department Chair: Dr. Brian Mello, Professor of Political Science
Professors: Borick, Deegan, Gambino, Hashim, Mathews-Schultz, Mello
Assistant Professor: Dardani

Political science is a dynamic field of study that explores dimensions of power and the ways in which governmental systems shape and reflect ideas, norms, institutions, cultures and political behavior.

A commitment to engaged democratic citizenship—locally, nationally, globally—is core to the mission of our program. A majority of students engage in long or short-term study abroad experiences and/or a wide variety of internships—volunteering for political campaigns, interning in legal offices and courts of law or working for nonprofit organizations on issues such as immigration, reproductive rights and educational equality.

The program equips students with research concepts, theories and methods and tangible leadership qualities required for effective engagement in a globalized, interdependent world. All students undertake independent research in close mentoring relationships with program faculty.

Political Science students are strongly encouraged to study abroad, to participate in the Lutheran College Washington, D.C. semester, and to complete an internship. Language study is strongly encouraged.

Honors Program

Exceptional students in Political Science are invited to propose a research project for honors consideration during their senior year. Proposals must be approved by a faculty committee by the end of the fall semester. Honors candidates work closely with a faculty member in developing and completing an honors thesis using empirical or theoretical research methods. To be eligible for honors, students must meet the following requirements:

A 3.75 GPA in political science courses and an overall 3.50 GPA at the end of their junior year.
In consultation with a faculty advisor, candidates will select at least 2 additional faculty committee members to serve as additional advisors. The candidate is expected to have their proposal approved by their committee no later than the end of the Fall semester prior to thesis completion. More information about this process is available from political science faculty and/or the department chair.
Honors candidates will enroll in an Independent Study (PSC 970) in either semester of their senior year. Under the direction of a faculty advisor, the applicant will develop a senior thesis using empirical and/or theoretical research methods.
The student will present and successfully defend his or her thesis in a public forum before political science faculty and students. After the thesis defense, department faculty will determine the award of honors.
The grade for the independent study is a separate consideration from the awarding of honors; in the event that a student does not receive honors for their thesis, the student will still receive a grade for the independent study.

Programs

Major

Political Science, leading to a B.A. degree

Minor

Political Science Minor

Courses

Political Science

Courses in political science are numbered as follows:

100 - 199	Introductory courses open to all students; required for the major.
200 - 299	Intermediate courses normally open to students beyond the first semester of college.
300 - 499	Advanced courses with previous course work in political science normally required; usually require a significant research project or sustained high-impact experience (e.g., simulations, service learning, etc.).

Political Science courses are grouped into five thematic areas:

States, Conflict, and Culture
Problems in Democracy
Institutions, Processes, and Public Policy
(In)Equality, Justice, and Power
Citizenship and Political Engagement