Department of Political Science

Department Chair: Professor A. Lanethea Mathews-Schultz
Professors: Borick, Deegan, Gambino, Hashim, Herrick
Associate Professor: Mello
Assistant Professor: Dardani

Political Science is a discipline that aims to understand, analyze, and evaluate governmental institutions, public policy, political ideas, and collective action within societies and among nations. By introducing students to the tools of the discipline - its theories, concepts, and research methods - the study of political science enables them to explore the power relationships, social-economic conditions, and ideological commitments that shape political action and public argument in a diverse and globally interdependent society. The Political Science Department takes seriously the mission at the heart of liberal arts education: cultivating thoughtful, articulate, active, and responsible citizens. In doing so the department offers courses and research experiences emphasizing the development of writing skills, critical thinking, and active and intelligent engagement with issues affecting contemporary public life.

Political Science students develop an array of skills and experiences that lead to graduate studies and/or careers in federal, state, and local government; international organizations; law; nonprofit organizations and associations; campaign management and polling; journalism; and teaching.

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 his/her proposal approved by his/her 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 his/her 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 six thematic areas:

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

International Politics and Foreign Policy

International Politics in the study of the interaction among nations, international organizations, and an increasing range of non-state or nongovernmental actors, such as multinational corporations, terrorist organizations, etc. International relations also seeks to explain the processes by which this wide range of actors attempt to address the increasingly broad range of security, development, and environmental issues facing the world.

PSC 440 - Seminar in International Studies