 |
|
|
Department
of Political Science It is in the political arena that human aspirations are crafted into social policies which directly affect us all. Political science as a discipline analyzes how that happens. Students in the field examine the problems facing our nation and others and seek answers to the questions that we confront. Training in political science also helps the student think clearly and communicate effectively — skills that are required in any career. The major helps prepare students for careers in public service, law, diplomacy, journalism, the military, and teaching. Students who wish to go to law school may choose any major. Nevertheless, political science remains the most frequently selected major of those students who actually go to law school. For this reason, the political science department at Chapman University is the home of the Legal Studies Program, which is affiliated with Chapman’s ABA accredited law school. The political science program at Chapman University emphasizes theoretical concepts learned in the classroom with practical “hands-on” experience learned by conducting polls in the Ludie and David C. Henley Social Sciences Research Lab, through internships in local and national government, travel, and participation in groups such as the Model United Nations. requirements All majors are required to take the following core classes (19 credits). Posc 110 Introduction to American Politics 3 Posc 120 Introduction to International Relations 3 Posc 200 Introduction to Political Philosophy 3 Posc 267 Social Sciences Forum 1 Soc 201 Social Research Design 3 Majors take three upper-division courses in one emphasis (American Politics, International Relations and Comparative Politics, or Political Philosophy): 9 credits (core courses do not apply); and two upper-division courses in each of the other emphases: 12 credits (core courses do not apply). At least 21 credits must be upper division (300 and above). At least 12 of these must be in residence. total credits
40 Students are exposed to the discipline of political science (the major concepts, vocabulary, and methods of the profession) in Posc 100 Introduction to Politics. In Posc 110 Introduction to American Politics, Posc 120 Introduction to International Relations, and Posc 200 Introduction to Political Philosophy, students learn the theory and practice of American politics and government, the concepts and theories central to an understanding of international relations, and the great and enduring ideas of political philosophy. Posc 267 Social Sciences Forum is a one-credit class that meets once a week during the noon hour. It features a wide variety of speakers from the community who are involved in public service in one form or another. The “forum” is a place where current events can be discussed. It also exposes students to possible careers they may wish to pursue. So that students can actually “do” political science, we require them to take Soc 201 Social Research Design. Students learn basic research methods and survey research techniques. Senior Seminar is the culmination of the major’s course work. Students have the opportunity to reflect on the courses they have taken and the political experiences they have had outside the classroom (i.e., overseas study, internships, field trips, political activities, and guest speakers) as they produce an original research paper and get prepared for law school, graduate school, or the job market. Our courses fall into three groups or emphases: American Politics, International Relations and Comparative Politics, and Political Philosophy. Americanists are interested in isolating problems in American political institutions and processes and suggesting solutions. Courses on the Presidency, Courts, Congress, the media, interest groups, political behavior, campaigns and elections, and local and state government fit in this category. Posc 211 Politics in Film and Television 3 Posc
240 Introduction to Law (counts toward emphasis) 3 Posc 310 The United States Presidency 3 Posc 311 The Legislative Process 3 Posc 312 Road to the White House 3 Posc
314 Governing the Golden State 3 Posc 317 The Politics of the 1960s 3 Posc
343 Constitutional Government 3 Posc
493 Washington Semester Research Paper 3 Posc 497 The Orange County Internship Program 6 Posc 498 Orange County Internship Program Seminar 3 Emphasis
in International Relations and Comparative Politics Emphasis in Political Philosophy Questions of political philosophy underlie the entire discipline of political science. Political philosophers pose questions concerning the nature of democracy, justice, freedom, and equality, and ask to what degree do we achieve these aspirations. The student of political philosophy masters the critical and analytical methods of political philosophers while exploring crucial issues at the heart of politics in preparation for careers in politics, Posc 300 American Political Thought 3 Posc 301 History of Political Philosophy I 3 Posc 302 History of Political Philosophy II 3 Posc 308 Topics in Political Philosophy 3 Posc
309 Gay and Lesbian Politics 3 Extracurricular
Opportunities A minor in political science requires a total of 21 credits in political science with at least 12 upper-division credits. Students who wish to design a minor in a particular emphasis should speak with one of the political science faculty. Legal Studies The legal studies
major provides students a foundation to study the role of law through
familiarity of legal institutions, legal process, and legal theory.
It is designed to equip students with an interdisciplinary perspective
of law based on a liberal arts tradition and not as a substitute
to a law school education. As such, legal studies is a liberal arts
major in the Wilkinson College of Letters and Sciences. core requirements (12 credits) Posc 110 Introduction to American Politics 3 Posc 240 Introduction to Law 3 Posc 267 Social Science Forum 1 Soc 201 Social Research Design 3 four of the following (12 credits) Phil 318 Political and Legal Philosophy 3 Posc 320 International Law, International Organization, and World Order 3 Posc 341 Mass Communications Law 3 Posc 343 Constitutional Government 3 Posc 344 Constitutional Rights 3 Posc 348 Native American Law and Society 3 Posc 440 Jurisprudence 3 Hist 323 The Western Legal Tradition 3 Hist 323 The Western Legal Tradition 3 Hr 406 Legal Issues in Administration 3 Pcst 453 Conflict Resolution 3 emphasis
(15 credits) A minor in legal studies requires a total of 21 credits in legal studies courses with at least 12 upper-division credits. Students who wish to design a legal studies minor should speak with an advisor in the political science department. Peace Studies The dramatic changes in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union and the new spirit of cooperation between these countries and the United States have signaled the end of the Cold War. Despite these positive changes, conflict and social turmoil continue throughout the world. While ideological differences among nations persist, national, ethnic, and religious strife (often fueled by economic injustice) have re-emerged as fundamental challenges to world peace. Responding to these challenges, the peace studies program reaches beyond the confines of strategic studies and disarmament issues to probe the underlying causes of international conflict and domestic strife. The peace studies program offers a major and minor which encourage students to analyze the sources of social conflict and explore the potential for the nonviolent resolution of such strife. The problem-centered, multicultural, and interdisciplinary program is premised on the belief that the analysis of conflict demands a thorough synthesis of insights from various fields of knowledge. Those in the Model United Nations program annually attend the National Model United Nations Conference in New York City. Peace studies majors are strongly encouraged to consider overseas study as well as internship opportunities. Peace Studies majors may pursue careers in government service, the United Nations or other international organizations, labor-management relations, and religious or service organizations. Most careers will benefit from peacemaking skills. Students
pursuing a peace studies degree must receive at least a C- in all
major core courses. Moreover, peace studies majors cannot take a
“pass” or “no pass” in any of the core major
courses. core requirements (18 credits) Pcst 250 Peace, Justice, and Peacemaking 3 Pcst 253/453 Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice 3 Pcst 354 Non-Violent Social Change 3 Pcst 375 Violence and Nonviolence in Society and Religion 3 four of the following (12 credits) Pcst
120 Introduction to International Relations 3 Phil 318 Political and Legal Philosophy 3 Pcst 320 International Law, International Organization, and World Order 3 Pcst 325 Albert Schweitzer: His Life and Thought 3 Hist 326 The African-American Historical Experience 3 Soc 328 Social Inequality and Social Stratification 3 Soc 335 Society and the Environment 3 Eng 347 Society, Culture, and Literature: Literature of Peace and Justice 3 Pcst 348 Native American Law and Society 3 Psy 350 Psychology of Helping 3 Pcst 351 Reversing the Arms Race 3 Pcst 352 Race and Change in South Africa and the United States 3 Pcst 353 Peace and Conflict in the Middle East 3 Soc 381 Sociology of Sex and Gender 3 Psy 421 Cross-Cultural Psychology 3 Econ 441 Economic Development 3 emphasis in one department (12 credits) Four courses, three of which must be upper division, selected to provide the specific expertise which will enhance the major. Subject to prior departmental approval. total credits 42 A minor in peace studies requires a total of 21 credits chosen from the peace studies major distributed as outlined below. Twelve credits must be upper division. Students who wish to design a minor in a particular area of specialization should speak with an advisor in the peace studies program. minor requirements (12 credits) Pcst 250 Peace, Justice, and Peacemaking 3 Pcst 253/453 Conflict Resolution: Theory and Practice 3 Pcst 354 Non-violent Social Change 3 Pcst 375 Violence and Nonviolence in Society and Religion 3 three other peace studies courses 9 total credits 21
|
|
