First, you’ll read some of the greatest thinkers and writers who have influenced our political system. You’ll explore the classic works of ancient thinkers like Plato, Aristotle and Cicero. You’ll see the influence of the Middle Ages by reading Augustine and Aquinas. Then, you’ll read great books that helped build our nation. These include books written by John Locke, Montesquieu, Blackstone, the Founding Fathers, Tocqueville and many more. By the time you finish our Political Science program, you’ll be well-versed on the big ideas that shaped our country and still influence our political system.
You’ll also get to know our founding documents very well. All of our students take a basic class on the content of the Constitution, where you’ll explore the document line-by-line, discuss the intent of the Founding Fathers and explore the implications for modern politics. You can take classes that focus on the intellectual origins of the American Founding where you’ll read things like the Mayflower Compact, the Declaration of Independence and the Gettysburg Address. In our Constitutional Law class, you’ll study famous court cases and develop an understanding of jurisprudence, the Court’s decision, and the impact of those cases. And we have a number of new and exciting law classes for students interested in going to law school.
Finally, all of our Political Science major courses are designed to enhance your analytic and communication skills. All of our classes require a substantial amount of reading, writing and discussion. As a Political Science major, we’ll help sharpen your ability to synthesize data, explain complex theories and ideas and communicate effectively. We’ll help prepare you for a career in law, politics, public service or business. The study of Political Science is more than just current events and politics. It’s about formulating a worldview, wanting to be an advocate for change and having the skills to make it happen.
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For more information about course listings and requirements, click the “course catalog” button at the top of this page.
You may also be interested in learning about the Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty which serves to promote an appreciation of American history and understanding of our nation’s founding principles including liberty, limited government, the rule of law, and free enterprise.