Political Science, Field III: Political Theory, B.A.

FACULTY:
Angela Bos, Chair
Jeremy Bowling
Kent Kille
Matthew Krain (on leave Fall 2016)
Jeffrey Lantis (on leave Spring 2017)
Michele Leiby
Eric Moskowitz
Boubacar N’Diaye
Bas van Doorn
Desiree Weber

Political Science is concerned with the study of power, government, and the state. Power relationships among individuals, groups, nations, and their governmental and policy results are examined using a variety of political science methods, including case studies, textual analysis, field research, interviews, and statistical analysis of quantitative data.

The discipline is divided into four major fields, listed below. Students of United States national politics examine the interactions among citizens, political parties, interest groups, social movements, and government institutions in the United States. Comparative politics provides students with a broader view of their own society by putting their experience into the context of how other societies in different parts of the world have attempted to solve problems of governance, justice, economic development, and political stability. International relations is concerned with patterns of conflict and cooperation among nations, countries, international organizations, and non-governmental actors such as human rights organizations, terrorist groups, and multinational corporations. Political theorists question the philosophical underpinnings of our understanding of the political world and implications for justice and the common good.

A major in Political Science provides the diverse analytical and critical skills appropriate to a liberal arts education at The College of Wooster. Political Science majors often continue their education by attending graduate school or law school. Many of our majors are employed by interest groups, government officials, research organizations, campaigns, and law and business firms.

Major in Political Science, Field III: Political Theory

Consists of eleven courses:

Two 100-level courses:
PSCI 11000 - Introduction to United States National Politics
PSCI 12000 - Introduction to International Relations
PSCI 13000 - Introduction to Contemporary Political Ideologies
or
PSCI 14000 - Introduction to Comparative Politics
Three courses in Field III, one of which is PSCI 13000
Three electives, one from each of the other fields
Two elective Political Science courses
PSCI 33000 - Research in Political Theory
PSCI 45100 - Senior Independent Study - Semester One
PSCI 45200 - Senior Independent Study - Semester Two

Special Notes

The two 100-level courses should be completed by the end of the sophomore year.
Students will be asked to confirm their concentration field when they declare their major.
Students who declare a concentration in Field I, II, or IV are required to take PSCI 35000 , usually in the junior year. Students who declare a concentration in Field III are required to take PSCI 33000 , usually in the junior year.
Students should consult their adviser or the chair of the department concerning which courses might best complement their chosen concentration and interests.
Senior Independent Study is completed in the field of concentration.
Students may count towards graduation as many as three additional elective courses in Political Science. Indeed, students are strongly encouraged to take additional upper-division political science courses in order to acquire depth of understanding in preparation for internships and Senior Independent Study.
Teaching Licensure: Interested students should consult with the chairs of Political Science and Education during their first year of study.
Advanced Placement: A student may receive advanced placement credit in Political Science if a score of 4 or 5 is obtained on the following AP tests:
- United States Government and Politics Test: credit for PSCI 11000
- Comparative Government and Politics Test: credit for PSCI 14000
Qualifying students must see the chair of Political Science. The advanced placement policy of the College is explained in the section on Academic Policies .
Only grades of C- or better are accepted for the major or minor.