Political Science
Division V Chair: S. Gowler
Program Chair: J. Heyrman
Faculty: M. Berheide, J. Heyrman, and A. Rifai
Website: http://www.berea.edu/psc/
Courses: PSC Courses
Major/Minor Requirements: Political Science B.A; Political Science Minor
A major in Political Science provides an understanding of how humankind attempts to deal with ordered relationships in institutions through the study of political organizations such as legislatures, courts, and executives. In addition, the focus of study is on local political affairs, national politics, and international relations. The student becomes aware of the scope of political topics and activities using philosophical, historical, and behavioral methods. Majors are expected to develop research skills in the pursuit of topics in which they have an interest. Political Science provides a particularly useful background for students planning a career in government or public service, law, teaching, business, and other professions that involve an understanding of ordered relationships.
The Program offers one major—a B.A. Degree with a major in Political Science as well as a minor in Political Science.
I. As qualified members of the liberal arts community, students should:
- Demonstrate proficiency in speech.
- Demonstrate good writing and acquire a lifelong habit of writing.
- Demonstrate understanding and habitual application of principles of logical and scientific analysis.
- Demonstrate an ability to read comprehensively and interpretively.
- Demonstrate awareness of significant global issues and problems.
II. As beginning members of the profession of political science, students should:
- Demonstrate a knowledge of the structure, processes and institutions of American government that goes beyond that of the average citizen.
- Demonstrate an understanding of principles of government through knowledge of differing types, seen historically and in contemporary times.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamental structures, processes and institutions of international relations and organizations.
- Demonstrate an ability to undertake both quantitative and non-quantitative analyses of political phenomena and behavior.
- Demonstrate familiarity with the "classics" of the theoretical and philosophical analysis of politics.
- Demonstrate an understanding of concepts and terminology in common use in the profession.
Political Science Course Sequencing Table:
Please be aware that the table below represents current planning and is subject to change based on faculty availability and student interest. It is not meant to represent any guarantee to the student that the courses will be offered in the term in which they are currently planned.