Political Science (B.A.) - J

Program Description

The B.A. in Political Science is designed to develop understanding of the theoretical and practical relationship between political culture and governmental structures at the four traditional levels of political organization: local, state, national and international. Students develop the ability to compare alternative systems and to understand the political process at various levels. Writing and research skills are also developed, especially in seminar and independent research courses. Graduates of the program are prepared for graduate and professional study and for positions of responsibility in public and civic organizations.

Student Learning Outcomes

Graduates will:

Possess content knowledge of a broad array of political phenomenon, concepts, and theory as well as basic historical and geographic factors that influence political behavior.
Develop the ability to analyze and interpret the influence social, economic, cultural, and environmental variables have on political behavior and outputs.
Understand how individual and global cultures can impact political beliefs and actions.
Be able to comprehend, interpret, and apply sicentific methodology to the study of political behavior.
Be able to apply critical thinking, limit bias, and explore all potential causal relations.
Successfully communicate, in oral and written form, his or her findings and interpretations, using proper documentations and scholarly conventions.

Political Science Curriculum at NVU-Johnson

Political science faculty strongly recommend a semester-long internship with such agencies or organizations as the Vermont General Assembly or Legislative Council, state and federal agencies, newspapers and wire services, U.S. Congress, international organizations, law offices, legal aid programs, public-interest groups, public affairs foundations, election campaigns, etc. Such experiences often lead directly to career opportunities in these fields. Internships enable students to meet many decision-makers and are particularly valuable when integrated with seminars in political science.

Required Core Courses (18 credits)

POS 1010 - Introduction to Political Science Credit(s): 3
POS 1020 - American Politics and Government Credit(s): 3
POS 2050 - International Economics & Politics Credit(s): 3
POS 1040 - African-American History & Politics Credit(s): 3 OR
POS 3070 - Terrorism, Religion & the Nation-State Credit(s): 3
POS 3010 - Survey of Western Political Thought Credit(s): 3 OR
POS 3025 - Research Design & Analysis Credit(s): 3
POS 4730 - Senior Seminar in Political Science Credit(s): 3 OR
POS 4740 - Senior Thesis Credit(s): 3

Electives (21 credits)

Choose 2 of the following:

POS 1030 - Comparative Government Credit(s): 3
POS 2010 - Observation of the Legislative Process Credit(s): 3
POS 2040 - International Relations Credit(s): 3
POS 2810 - Internship in Political Science Credit(s): 1-12

Choose 5 of the following:

POS 3040 - The Politics of Gender Credit(s): 3
POS 3050 - Environmental Ethics & Politics Credit(s): 3
POS 3060 - Vermont Politics Credit(s): 3
POS 3130 - Church & State Separation: The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution Credit(s): 3
POS 3150 - Campaigns & Elections Credit(s): 3
POS 3170 - U.S. Constitutional Law Credit(s): 3
POS 3180 - Politics in Film Credit(s): 3
POS 3210 - Canadian Politics Credit(s): 3
POS 3220 - Genocide: Inhumanity Across the Ages Credit(s): 3
POS 3270 - Revolutions, Transformed Economics & Social Change Credit(s): 3
POS 4010 - American Foreign Policy Credit(s): 3
POS 4020 - International Relations Credit(s): 3
POS 4810 - Internship in Political Science Credit(s): 1-12 (Johnson); 1-6 (Lyndon)
HIS-2410 Latin American History & Culture, Credit(s): 3 (CSC course)
HIS 3165 - Vermont History Credit(s): 3
HIS 3312 - Europe in the 20th Century Credit(s): 3

Total: 37-39 credits

Secondary Teaching License in Social Studies

Students pursuing licensure endorsement to teach Social Studies in grades 7-12 must successfully complete either the History (B.A.) - J or the Political Science (B.A.) - J , as well as specific teacher-education coursework and requirements. Please refer to the Secondary Teacher License Endorsement - J section for details.

Important:

In order to earn a degree, you must successfully complete all requirements for your major as listed here AND meet all other Degree Requirements , including the General Education Core Curriculum and NVU Graduation Standards .

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