Political Science, BA

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Pre-Law Option
Credit for Graduate Coursework
Curriculum
Curriculum Sequence

The political science major focuses on the way the “rules of the game” are established for conflict resolution and the processes by which conflicts in decision making are resolved or lead to forceful confrontation. Various forms of political institutions are examined with respect to making binding rules (legislation), applying them to ongoing activities (executive and administrative action), and settling disputes about the application of rules (adjudication).

Strong preparation in political science can lead to graduate study in political science, law, international affairs, public administration, urban government, city planning, community affairs, and policy analysis. The field can also lead to careers in the administration of business, government, hospitals, and other types of non-profit organizations. The major is good preparation for journalism and for other public service-oriented professions.

Pre-Law Option

Political science is one of the majors traditionally chosen by students interested in going to law school. By special arrangement with Widener’s School of Law, political science majors may choose a “3+3” option whereby they use the first year at Widener Law School to complete the last year of their Widener undergraduate degree in political science. Eligibility for participation in the three-three program is based upon high school record and SAT scores. Students considering this option should speak with the pre-law advisor for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Political science students considering the study of law should pursue the legal studies and analysis minor offered by the College of Arts & Sciences . Students seeking further information on these programs and on preparation for law school admissions should contact pre-law advisor Professor Suzanne Mannus (Arts & Sciences) or Anne Cole Servin, Esq. (School of Business Administration).

Credit for Graduate Coursework

Undergraduate political science majors may petition the MPA Advisory Committee of the public administration faculty to take a maximum of two 500-level public administration courses. Students must have senior standing and must file a written petition with the political science faculty. Students will receive undergraduate political science credit as well as credit toward completion of the graduate MPA program for each MPA course they successfully complete.

Curriculum

Introductory Courses (12 Credits)

POLS 101 - American Government and Politics 3 Credit(s)
POLS 102 - Foreign Government and Politics 3 Credit(s)
POLS 121 - Introduction to International Relations 3 Credit(s)
POLS 202 - Political Economy 3 Credit(s)

Core Courses (31 Credits)

POLS 205 - American Public Policy and Politics 3 Credit(s)
POLS 306 - Modern Political Theory 3 Credit(s)
POLS 310 - Empirical Political Analysis 4 Credit(s)

American Politics (6 Credits)

(two courses from the “American Politics” series)

POLS 201 - State and Local Government 3 Credit(s)
POLS 203 - The (Dis)United States: Conflict and Consensus in American Politics 3 Credit(s)
POLS 206 - Ethics, Politics, and Policy 3 Credit(s)
POLS 207 - Power and Influence: Interest Groups in American Politics 3 Credit(s)
POLS 208 - College?: Higher Education Politics and Policy 3 Credit(s)
POLS 215 - Environmental Politics and Policy 3 Credit(s)
POLS 218 - Law and Society 3 Credit(s)
POLS 313 - The American Presidency 3 Credit(s)
POLS 316 - American Political Parties and Elections 3 Credit(s)
POLS 317 - The Presidency and Congress 3 Credit(s)
POLS 319 - Introduction to Constitutional Law 3 Credit(s)
POLS 320 - Constitutional Rights and Liberties 3 Credit(s)

International Relations (6 Credits)

(two courses from the “International Relations” series)

POLS 204 - Current Issues in World Affairs 3 Credit(s)
POLS 222 - American Foreign Policy 3 Credit(s)
POLS 225 - Genocide and Political Power 3 Credit(s)
POLS 226 - The Developing World 3 Credit(s)
POLS 228 - Politics of European Integration 3 Credit(s)
POLS 235 - Coups, Cartels, and Carnevale: Politics in Latin America 3 Credit(s)
POLS 243 - Terrorism and Counterterrorism 3 Credit(s)
POLS 247 - Vodka and Capitalism: Russian Politics in the 21st Century 3 Credit(s)
POLS 307 - Theories of International Relations 3 Credit(s)
POLS 337 - Politics in the Middle East 3 Credit(s)
POLS 345 - War and Peace 3 Credit(s)
POLS 347 - Star Wars, Star Trek or Firefly: Nation-States and Globalization 3 Credit(s)

Political Science (9 Credits)

Three electives in political science 9 Credit(s)

Research (3 Credits)

POLS 410 - Senior Research Seminar 3 Credit(s)

Total Credits: 46

The program of study that appears here applies to students who were admitted for the summer session of this catalog year and later. Students admitted prior to that term should select the appropriate catalog year of their admission. Choose previous catalogs from the Home, Graduate, or Undergraduate Catalog Page at http://Catalog.widener.edu.

Curriculum Sequence

Political Science Curriculum Sequence