Requirements

Political Science learning objectives

The department is structured to entice students to take electives that fit their passions; and to culminate their experience with an in-depth research project of their own choosing. The members of the Political Science Department see political science as encompassing a wide range of academic and practical skills. Graduates of the political science department will leave with:

1. Both broad and specialized content knowledge in Political Science;
2. Skills in critical thinking, including empirical and normative analysis;
3. Communication skills, both orally and in writing;
4. The ability to apply what they learn to real-world problems and issues outside of the classroom; and
5. Preparation appropriate for a range of opportunities for higher education, careers, service, and a rewarding intellectual life.

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Political Science major requirements (10 credits)

Required courses

• POLS 103 American Politics
• POLS 200 Introduction to Comparative Politics
• POLS 230 Political Philosophy
• POLS 270 Introduction to International Relations

One of the following quantitative reasoning in practice (QRP) courses

• POLS 208 Understanding Capitalism
• POLS 210 Public Opinion
• POLS 287 Political Psychology
• POLS 375 Environmental Politics

Five other Political Science course credits, with two courses at the 300 level or above

• POLS 110. Moot Court (0.25 course credit; may be repeated)
• POLS 120. Film and Politics (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 150. Global Justice (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 175. Politics of US Public Policy (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 202. Modern Japan (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 208. Understanding Capitalism (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 210. Public Opinion (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 229. The Meaning of Patriotism
• POLS 244. Religion and Politics (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 245. The Politics of Developing Nations (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 250. Special Topics (0.5 to 1.0 course credit; may be repeated)
• POLS 280. Latino Politics (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 287. Political Psychology (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 291. Civics & Political Systems for Elementary Education (0.5 course credit)
• POLS 292. Campaign Methods (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 295. The Politics of Criminal Justice (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 301. Liberty and the Citizen (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 305. Politics and Government in the Midwest (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 310. Issues Seminar (1.0 course credit; may be repeated)
• POLS 311. Parties and Elections (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 325. Congress and the Presidency (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 333. U.S. Foreign Policy (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 351. Constitutional Law: Institutional Powers and Restraints (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 352. Civil Liberties (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 361. Africa in World Politics (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 366. International Organizations (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 370. Development Policies and Interventions (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 375. Environmental Politics (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 395. Constitutional Issues (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 409. The Supreme Court (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 414. American Political Thought (1.0 course credit)
• POLS 420. Independent Study or Internship (0.5 to 1.0 course credit; may be repeated)
• POLS 425. Advanced Research (0.25 to 1.0 course credit; may be repeated)
• POLS 450. Senior Honors Tutorial (1.0 course credit)

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Political Science minor requirements (5 credits)

Two courses must be taken out of the following four fields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory. At least 4 of the 5 courses must be taken at Monmouth College campuses and two of these courses must be at or above 300 level.

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Transfer Credits:

Across the Core Curriculum and other programs of Monmouth College, most transfer courses are accepted. Departments Chairs have the final determination regarding how transfer credit will be applied to meet major or minor requirements. More information for transfer students is available on our Admission Transfer Credits page.

Study Abroad Credits

All Political Science students are encouraged to consider a study abroad program or our Semester in Washington, DC program. The department will work with interested students to make sure that they can complete their major while participating in those programs.

Teacher Licensure

Students wishing to become high school political science teachers can major in Social Science Education with a concentration in Political Science.