Political Science Minor
Political scientists study
government institutions and the political systems related to them. Students who
minor in political science take courses that give them an understanding
of the American political system, the political systems of other nations, and
international politics. Fifteen of the 18 credits in this minor must be
taken in core requirements; the final course is an elective of the student's choosing.
At Lebanon Valley College, the political science program is oriented to the study of
government and politics, with a particular interest in the political behavior
of individuals, groups, and institutions. It also emphasizes an understanding
of public policy processes in the domestic and international fields. The
program is designed to provide a sound knowledge of essential principles and
problems within a broad liberal arts education. It seeks to enhance the student's
ability to analyze politics and to develop his or her values with respect to
politics and government. Careers in political science are bridges to a wide
variety of exciting and rewarding careers.
Minors in political science must earn 18 credits in the discipline. One elective course in political science.
Required courses:
PSC 100 Intro. to Political Science| This course is designed as a broadly-based introduction to the discipline of political science. It will acquaint students with the concepts, structures, trends, and belief systems that form the basis of political activity throughout the world. Those taking the course will leave with an enhanced understanding of - if not appreciation for - the multiple ideologies, institutions, issues, and actors that shape and drive politics. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 2 (Social Science). 3 credits. |
| This course provides a survey of key developments, institutions, and issues in American politics. Topics include the ideas that shaped the original American political system, the presidency; Congress and federal courts; the operation of political parties and interest groups; domestic and foreign policy debates; and contemporary issues such as civil rights and affirmative action. Fulfills general education requirement: Liberal Studies Area 2 (Social Science). 3 credits. |
| This is an introduction to the study of comparative politics: the comparison of political systems in order to understand how and why these systems function differently. The course is built around three fundamental questions: What is comparative politics? What kinds of phenomena do we compare? What are the major theoretical approaches that guide our studies? We also examine distinctions between the "developing" and the "developed" worlds, and between authoritarian and democratic political regimes. Prerequisites: Sophomore standing or permission of the instructor. 3 credits. |
| This course is designed to expose students to the study of concepts and theories of international relations. It will provide students with a conceptual approach to understanding the principal actors in the international system and a systematic analysis of advanced international relations theories, namely realism, liberalism, radicalism, constructivism, and feminism. Topics addressed include international relations theory, history of international relations, the global system, the state and the individual, global organizations, non-governmental organizations, international law, war and strife, international political economy, and transnational issues. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. 3 credits. |
| Students in this course study the development of Western political thought from Classical Greece to modern times, examining the conceptual evolution of citizenship, civic obligation, and the nature of justice and exploring the connection between moral and positive law in the western tradition. Fulfills general education requirement: Writing Process. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the instructor. 3 credits. (This course is cross-listed with PHL 345) |
One elective course in political science is required.