Political Science and Public Policy Major Description and Requirements

This major, which begins in the Fall of 2008, combines the study of government and the political process with an academic and practical understanding of the creation and implementation of public policies. This unique program offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of governments, politics, and policy at local, state, national, and international levels.

Foundation Courses

POSC 201 Introduction to Political Science: American Government (3 credits) Introduces the major institutions of national and state government and the discipline of political science. Through interdisciplinary study, students will develop an understanding of political behavior and the public policy processes in the United States.  

POSC 202 Introduction to Political Science: Comparative Government (3 credits) Provides a comparative introduction to world political cultures and the discipline of political science. Through an interdisciplinary study of various nation-states, students will develop an understanding of political behavior and public policy processes. 

POSC 320 International Relations (3 credits) Studies relations among nation-states. Analyzes the nature of world political systems by examining the concepts of power, political economy, decision-making, nongovernmental actors, international organizations, and political ideology.  

HIST 104 Modern World Civilization (3 credits) Provides an introductory historical survey of the major events, ideas, and people which have shaped world civilizations since 1500, the beginning of the modern era of history. Takes a comparative, interdisciplinary, and non-Eurocentric approach to historical analysis, emphasizing diversity and global awareness.  

HIST 203 American History I (3 credits) Focuses on the development of American political, economic, social, philosophical, and cultural values and institutions from Colonial beginnings up to 1877. Sufficient emphasis will be placed on the Massachusetts and Federal Constitutions to meet the state requirement. 

HIST 204 American History II (3 credits) Focuses on the development of American political, economic, social, philosophical, and cultural values and institutions from 1877 to the present. Sufficient emphasis will be placed on the Massachusetts and Federal Constitution to meet the state requirement.  

Methods/Theory/Political Philosophy (choose one of the following)

HIST 200 Research and Bibliography (3 credits) Acquaints the students with the methods and materials of basic bibliography and research. Introduces a variety of reference sources such as bibliographies, periodical indexes, government publications, handbooks, computer databases and CD-ROMs.  

MATH 232 Introduction to Statistics (3 credits)

Examines descriptive statistics, probability, sampling theory, and inferential statistics,

PHIL 360 Social and Political Philosophy (3 credits)

Investigates conceptual and moral questions posed by life in community with others. These include justifications of democracy, political freedom, natural rights, political obligation, social justice, and the challenge of anarchism.

POSC  Political Science and Theory (3 credits)

Upper-Level Electives

POSC 401/402 Seminar in Problems in Political Science (3 credits)

Or

POSC 403-404 Seminar in Public Policy (3 credits)

POSC 540 Internship in Political Science and Public Policy (3 credits)

Electives (18 credits required—choose from below)

POSC 300 Politics and the News Media in America (3 credits)

Examines politics in 20^th century America with an eye to the role and responsibility of the news media in, and the relationship of the press to, politics. Analyzes the print and electronic media and current political campaigns, as well as how politics and the news media have been portrayed in film.

POSC 304 Constitutional Law (3 credits)

Analyzes constitutional law with special emphasis on civil liberties and civil rights. Legal issues will be examined in the light of relevant social and political conditions.

POSC 315 Topics in Political Science (3 credits)

Focuses on political science and government in national, regional, and international organizations throughout the world.

POSC 316 Topics in Public Policy (3 credits)

Focuses on selected public policies and the policy process in the United States and/or state governments.

POSC 325 Canadian Politics (3 credits)

Introduces Canadian politics and culture. Aids in the understanding of the development of Western democracy. Students will gain an understanding of Canadian political culture and history, parliamentary democracy, contemporary political developments in Canada and U.S.-Canadian relations.

POSC 331 Africa (3 credits)

Examines the nation-building issues facing the countries of Africa. Students will study the African triple heritage (indigenous culture, Islam, and Western colonialism) to gain insights into contemporary political and economic issues.

POSC 368 Introduction to Public Administration (3 credits)

Offers an introduction to the study of local, state and federal administration policies, processes and responsibilities within the respective bureaucracies. Approached from a behavioral science frame of reference, the course relates the influences of the individual and the organization to the implementation of policies.

POSC 500 Directed Independent Study (3 credits)

Open to juniors and seniors who desire to read widely in a given area or study a specific topic in depth. Written reports and frequent conferences with the advisor are required.

POSC 510 Teaching Assistantship in Political Science (3 credits)

POSC 540 Internship in Political Science (3-9 credits)

This elective possibility would be in addition to the required 3 credit internship (see above)

ECON 411 Macroeconomics (3 credits)

Examines the organization of American economic systems, with comparison to those of other countries. Emphasis is on the problems of unemployment, inflation, budget deficits, and the possible fiscal and monetary policies used to correct them. The course studies such aggregate economic variables as consumption, investment, government expenditures, and taxes.

SOCI 331 Methods of Social Research (3 credits)

Examines scientific methods commonly used in the study of social phenomena as well as ethical and political issues related to the research process. Explores the various steps of research design, date collection (questionnaire construction, interviewing, observation, content analysis), and data analysis.

Total Credits for a Major in Political Science and Public Policy: 45