Nov 24, 2024  
2016-2017 Governors State University Academic Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Governors State University Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Political Science, B.A.


Students who major in Political Science at the undergraduate level through the College of Arts and Sciences , will begin with the study of a rich array of courses that cover the four major sub-fields of the discipline. This includes courses in: American Politics and Policy, Comparative Political Analysis, International and Global Politics, and Social Justice and Civil Engagement. Building on this foundation, students will take elective courses that both deepen their understanding of these fields and allow them to apply what they have learned to the real world in terms of analysis and activism (advocacy, and civic engagement). Emphasis is given to the common interdisciplinary pursuit of critical thinking as it applies to social problem solving. Beyond the core, students will select 21 hours of electives which will deepen their understanding and expertise of the program’s four fields: American Politics and Policy, Comparative Political Analysis, International and Global Politics, and Social Justice and Civil Engagement. This will allow them to tailor the program to meet their educational and career goals and be more competitive in the job-market. Depending on their career goals and objectives, graduates of the program will also have the theoretical understanding for graduate work in the social science disciplines and the practical skills that are highly in demand in government, public service, education, political advocacy, and the private sector.

Degree Requirements


Students must meet all university requirements for a bachelor’s degree.

General Education Requirement (37-41 Hours)


See Bachelor’s Degree Requirements  for general education requirements.

NOTE:


Courses with an * may be substituted with a lower-division course.

Selectives (18 Hours)


Students, with the assistance of their advisor, will select an additional 18 hours of courses relevant to the four major sub-fields of the program, i.e. American Politics and Policy, Comparative Political Analysis, International and Global Politics, Social Justice and Civic Engagement. This may be done with the degree of generalization and specialization that best suits the student’s personal and professional goals. It is also recommended that students who want to enrich their undergraduate education consider registering with the University Honors Program.

The following courses are suggestive of what may be used:

Electives (44 Hours)


Total - 120 Hours