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Academic Programs / Liberal Arts Political ScienceGary Mucciaroni, Chair Richard Joslyn, Undergraduate Chair Daniel Chomsky, Undergraduate Faculty Advisor 408 Gladfelter Hall The Political Science major and minor provide a systematic study of politics in the United States (federal, state, and local) and foreign countries. Students will have an opportunity to compare United States politics and policy to those of other nations and to study the relationship among states within the international system. Special emphasis will be placed on using theoretical tools to study the role institutions and social relations play in shaping political outcomes, as well as the relationship between politics and economics (political economy). The key educational goal for political science students is analytical thinking. Students will recognize and understand various patterns in the distribution of political power and recurrent models of political behavior. Students will also gain insight into the relationship between the distribution of resources and power within society and political outcomes. As politics inherently involves how societies distribute life opportunities, students will also reflect upon the moral choices involved in political life. The department teaches students how to develop the capacity to conduct empirical research in order to illuminate and revise theoretical models of politics. Students will be expected to use a full range of data and to write clearly. Political Science graduates pursue a wide range of careers. They may work in government offices (at all levels), political campaigns, private voluntary organizations, unions and community organizations, as well as the private sector. Some pursue teaching careers. A degree in Political Science is also excellent preparation for law school. The department can arrange internships, which are typically linked to academic study. In addition, our Experiential Learning Program offers internships combined with academic seminars every term. The department has two important student organizations: the Political Science Majors Association and the Political Science Honor Society - Pi Sigma Alpha, Temple Chapter. Requirements for the Major
Note: Courses should be sequenced so that students take the introductory courses before the upper-level courses. PS C051 is an introduction to U.S. politics and should be taken before upper-level courses in this area. Similarly, PS C052 introduces foreign governments and precedes upper-level courses in this field. PS C053 introduces International politics and is a prerequisite for upper-level courses in this subject matter. PS W101* introduces Political Theory and should be taken after a student has had several political science courses and should precede upper-level theory courses. PS W340* is the Capstone course for the major and should be taken in the senior year after the completion of PS C051, C052, C053, W101 and four Political Science courses numbered 100 or higher. Not all courses are offered every semester. Please check the Schedule of Classes for actual course offerings each semester. Requirements for the Minor
Special ProgramsThe Political Science Honors Program: The honors program is open to majors who exhibit particular promise in the field. The program enables majors to develop the analytic and research skills necessary for graduate or professional school and for careers in political research. Students entering the junior or senior year who have at least a 3.4 GPA overall and a 3.5 GPA in political science may apply for admission. Completion of the program involves achieving grades of B or better in two honors seminars and enables the student to graduate with "Distinction in the Major." Departmental honors seminars provide a dynamic and participatory environment in which the best and most motivated students in the department engage some of the most pressing issues in national and international politics. Recent courses have explored the politics of democracy and authoritarianism, money and the electoral process, and constitutional law. While each seminar involves close reading of a significant body of literature and the writing of analytic essays or a research paper, the time demands of the seminar will not interfere with successful performance in other courses. Those interested in applying for admission should write or call the Honors Program Coordinator, Dr. Hawley Fogg-Davis (phone: 215-204-6929, e-mail: hfd@temple.edu). Experiential Learning/COOP Program: The Cooperative Education Program is designed to provide experience in an actual job situation for which the student earns academic credit when their work is done in conjunction with academic supervision. Interested students should see Ms. Karen Owens, Coop and Internship Coordinator, for more information (Gladfelter Hall, Room 457; phone: 215-204-6795; e-mail: KarenMOwens@temple.edu). Pre-Law Studies: Political Science is one of the most popular majors for pre-law students. Although law schools neither give preference to any particular major nor require any specific undergraduate courses, they do make some general recommendations about getting a sound Liberal Arts education. Students should visit the CLA website, www.temple.edu/claprelaw/, for more information. In general pre-law students should develop skills in communicating ideas in both written and spoken form. In addition, pre-law students should sharpen their analytical abilities and ability to think logically. Law schools also recommend that pre-law students acquire in-depth understanding of at least one social science (such as Political Science). Finally, some knowledge of business structure and terminology may be useful in law school. For further information, students interested in pre-law studies should contact Professor Conrad Weiler (Gladfelter Hall, Room 431; phone: 215-204-7746; e-mail: weilerc@temple.edu). Study Abroad: Temple provides a number of opportunities for students to study abroad, and the experience of living in, and meeting people from, other cultures, seeing different countries, and learning a foreign language can greatly enrich the undergraduate experience. The Office of International Programs (200 Tuttleman Learning Center; phone: 215-204-0720; www.temple.edu/studyabroad/) has information on a variety of programs abroad. Temple study abroad locations include Tokyo, Rome, Israel, London, Paris, Germany, Ghana, and Mexico. The Political Economy Certificate Program: The Department of Political Science and the Department of Economics offer an interdisciplinary program leading to a Certificate in Political Economy. The program focuses on the interaction between government and the economy and is ideal preparation for students planning careers in either the public or private sector. It also provides an excellent foundation for graduate studies in law, the social sciences, and public administration. The program is open to all matriculated students in the University. Contact Dr. Richard Deeg (phone: 215-204-7123; e-mail: rdeeg@temple.edu) for specific details and requirements. Student OrganizationsThe Political Science Majors Association is the organization of all Political Science majors at Temple University. The primary purpose of the Association is to represent the opinions and interests of undergraduate majors within the Political Science Department. The Association sponsors activities for Undergraduate majors, including career forums, lectures, student and faculty mixers, law and graduate forums, seminars on popular topics, and trips to Harrisburg. Pi Sigma Alpha is the national Political Science Honor Society, into which students who have distinguished themselves in the field of Political Science are inducted. Inquiries about membership should be directed to the faculty advisor of Pi Sigma Alpha, Dr. Robin Kolodny (phone: 215-204-7709). |
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