POLITICAL SCIENCE OPTION

Political Science, at its most basic level, is the study of societal decision making, the mastery of which is an important component of the Waynesburg University Mission Statement of providing opportunities for students of lives of leadership and scholarship.

Students who seek to focus on the study of political science should see the Political Science Option of the Social Science major. Students interested in the practice of law, who seek a rigorous undergraduate program with numerous courses in political science, philosophy, and history, should see the Pre-Law Option of the Social Science major. In addition, there is a political science minor described below. The objectives of the political science major are to:

• enable a citizen of the United States to understand politics and government;
• encourage students to develop a critical understanding of law, politics, and government, both national and international;
  
• prepare students for future careers in business, education, government, journalism, law, and politics;
  
• introduce students to the major fields of study in political science; and
  
• train students in political science as part of an interdisciplinary major in social science.
  

Through specific learning objectives embedded in each course, political science majors should be able to understand or demonstrate:

• the institutions of government and politics at the local, state, national and international level;
  
• the roles of various political actors and institutions in the governmental process; identify the relevant historical circumstances and events that shape current political events; compare and contrast alternative economic and political systems;
  
• the complex interrelationships of politics with other disciplines, such as economics, geography, criminal justice, and sociology;
  
• the theoretical foundations of the discipline;
  
• effective communication skills, both written and oral;
  
• a wide variety of learning skills, including analytical and conceptual skills, social science methodology, reading skills, and technology-based skills;
  
• an understanding of the research processes of Political Science, both empirical and normative;
  
• the basic knowledge, skills, and values needed for responsible and active citizenship participation.
  

These objectives will be assessed through written examinations, quizzes, research projects, classroom participation, current events presentations, and simulations.

The Political Science Option is available as a Major or Minor