Political Science

The major in political science is designed to offer the interested student an opportunity to examine many related aspects of political life including the emerging links between politics in nation states and the on-going phenomenon of globalization. The courses will acquaint the student with various methods of analysis available for and applicable to the study of political institutions, political thought, and political behavior. In addition to careers in political science, students frequently go on to careers in teaching, criminal justice and pre-law studies.

The department offers courses on a variety of topics that range in format from introductory lecture-discussion classes to participatory seminars. Courses at the 100 and 200 levels introduce students to the subfields of political science and to selected topics of interest to non-majors as well as majors. Political Analysis (POL 240) and Public Interest Research (POL 241) prepare majors for further upper-division work. At the 300 level, courses offer depth as well as breadth addressing specific topics of special interest to instructors and students.

The Department of Political Science currently offers the following programs:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science - The Political Science major requires students to take five four credit courses in American National Government, International Politics, Modern Governments, Political Theory, and Political Analysis.  Majors are also required to take an additional five courses totaling fifteen semester hours, at least two of which must be taken at the 300-400 level. 

Minor in Political Science - The Political Science minor requires students to take two of the five four credit courses listed above, plus two advanced courses and an additional elective, totaling 17 credits.

Bachelor of Arts in International Studies - The International Studies major requires students to take INT 200 (Introduction to International Studies); complete either POL 211 (International Politics) or POL 221 (Introduction to Comparative Politics), take one course from three of the four groups that constitute the interdisciplinary basis for understanding global issues; take four upper division electives from at least two disciplines from those listed in here; exhibit competence in  at least one foreign language (i.e., a language other than their native language); and, students must take INT 463 (an integrative, interdisciplinary capstone seminar).  For more detailed information about International Studies as an academic major, please visit the INT website at http://www.bw.edu/academics/intls/ or contact Dr. Judy Krutky at jkrutky@bw.edu.

Minor in International Studies - The International Studies minor requires students to take Introduction to International Studies, one course from three of five required groups listed here and two 300-400 courses from two different disciplines chosen from the upper division electives listed here or from INT interdisciplinary seminar offerings (totaling 18 credits).

Minor in Legal Studies - The Legal Studies minor requires students to take POL 207 (Introduction to Law), two basic courses (100 – 200 level) in Political Science and Philosophy, and three advanced courses in Political Science and Business, for a minimum of 18 credits.

The Political Science Department is a co-sponsor of the Criminal Justice Studies major, and provides coursework for the Education and Sustainability Studies majors.

Department Mission Statement

The BW department of political science supports the college mission of preparing contributing, compassionate global citizens who are committed to lifelong learning and personal and professional excellence. The department seeks to add specifically political content to the idea and practice of citizenship, in particular by emphasizing its democratic, participatory, and decision-making dimensions in all aspects of human life from the local to the national and global levels. The department also seeks to prepare students for a multiplicity of career options in a rapidly changing global environment. The department views the liberal arts and sciences as the best foundation for pursuing its mission.