Bachelor of Arts in Political Science
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The Political Science major is designed to give students a practical and theoretical understanding of the political world. It is a skills based major which focuses on critical thinking, writing, analysis and information literacy.
Studying at Caldwell University has many advantages. Our department offers small class sizes with experienced faculty who are committed to your success. We offer a student centered experience which is challenging yet approachable. Our unique Dominican heritage is clearly evident in our courses as we seek the “truth” through fact finding, dialogue and engagement.
Special opportunities for Political Science majors include a variety of internship and cooperative education programs available with local government administrators, the New Jersey Historical Society, and the Grover Cleveland Birthplace. A Washington Semester program is available through American University, and study abroad options are possible. Independent study projects in all areas of history and political science are open to majors. Students may aspire to membership in Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society.
In our program, students acquire skills that are easily applicable to many fields in the modern workplace – in both the public and private sectors. Political Science graduates are well suited to pursue careers in teaching, policy analysis, public relations, law, fundraising, grant writing, diplomacy, political consulting, campaign managing, and much more!
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the B.A. in Political Science, students will be able to:
1. Utilize the skills and apply the concepts of historical thinking. These include understanding and explaining historical arguments, explaining causation and change over time, and using historical context to enhance their understanding of past events.
2. Read, interpret, analyze and contextualize primary sources of various kinds.
3. Conceive of a meaningful research question and locate and use appropriate sources to develop a response which moves beyond description to analyze issues in a critical and systematic way.
4. Write a well-organized research paper which clearly presents both argument and evidence and includes correct citations.
5. Describe and explain the basic theoretical approaches within the major subfields of Political Science.
6. Apply the basic theoretical approaches used in Political Science to think critically about both domestic and international events, past and present.
STUDENTS WHO MAJOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE MUST COMPLETE:
Course Code : PO 225
Course Description :
Focuses on the structure and power of the national government and major problems of national policy.
Credit : 3
Course Code : PO 362
Course Description :
Studies the historical development, principles, and procedures of the diplomatic relations between nations in the modern period.
Credit : 3
OR
Course Code : PO 364
Course Description :
Studies the institutions, structures, and processes of government in both western and non-western nations, with special attention to the problem of political instability in developing nations.
Credit : 3
Course Code : PO 372
Course Description :
Studies government administration, management and organization. Analyzes bureaucratic policy making, public budgeting and the impact of pressure groups.
Credit : 3
OR
Course Code : PO 375
Course Description :
Focuses on the cycle of public policy-making in the domestic context, from conceptualization of a problem through implementation and evaluation. Examines and analyzes contemporary domestic issues and policy approaches to them.
Credit : 3
Course Code : PO 453
Course Description :
Examines the major theorists on the nature of politics and political life from the Greeks to the present. Emphasizes the analysis and interpretation of primary texts.
Credit : 3
Course Code : PO 492
Course Description :
In this course students will undertake a significant research project in order to fulfill the Outcomes Assessment requirement for all major programs in the History and Political Science Department. This project will consist of a series of steps, including a research proposal, a preliminary bibliography, 2 preliminary drafts, a final draft of at least 20 pages in length, and an oral presentation to Department faculty. This course must be taken in tandem with one of the designated senior seminars—the Research Seminar cannot be taken alone.
Credit : 3
Five (5) additional departmental offerings in Political Science
SENIOR SEMINAR (choose one of the below):
Course Code : HI 407
Course Description :
An examination of the political, social, and cultural forces that shaped North America from the pre-Columbian period to the ratification of the United States constitution in 1789. Major topics to be covered include: pre-European Native America; the Age of European exploration and expansion; cross-cultural contacts between Indians, Africans, and Europeans; slavery; colonial ethnicity and the roots of American pluralism; colonial political structures; the Salem witch trials; colonial American culture; the American Revolution; and the Constitutional Convention.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 440
Course Description :
Analyzes social, political and cultural developments since 1945 with special emphasis on social movements and political protest.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 455
Course Description :
Examines major topics in global history since 1945, including the rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, independence movements in colonized nations in Africa and Asia, and various issues related to global economic development.
Credit : 3
Course Code : HI 432
Course Description :
An in-depth and historically grounded examination of selected problems and issues, with topics chosen dependent upon the expertise of the instructor and the changing nature of world concerns.
Credit : 3
Political Science majors should take PO 125 Understanding the Political World as one of the required Social Science courses for the core curriculum.