The Department of Political Science has adopted a number of learning objectives outlined below:    

1. Factual Political Knowledge  

2. Theoretical Perspectives on Politics  

3. Analytical Skills  

4. Research and Persuasive Writing Skills  

5. The Ability to Read Political Science Source Materials Critically  

6. Familiarity with Political Science Research Source Materials  

7. Facility in the Analysis of Quantitative Political Data  

8. An Understanding of Political Science Research Design  

9. Experience Conducting Independent Political Science Research  

10. Oral Presentation Skills  

Note: The applicability of specific learning objectives will vary depending on the particular emphasis students have chosen.

1. The student in the Political Science Major will demonstrate basic knowledge of the disciplinary questions in the major fields of political science. Specifically, the student will demonstrate basic knowledge and critical thinking regarding rights and duties of U.S. citizenship, United States constitutional law, public policy, political theory, international relations, and the comparative politics field, including political systems in various regions of the world, and research methods of political science.

2. The student in the Law and Constitutional Studies will also demonstrate basic knowledge in the theory, principles, history, and issues in U.S. constitutional thought.

3. The student in the interdisciplinary program of International Studies is expected to cultivate the development of language and intercultural skills; to develop understanding of global problems and circumstances; and to expand the student's capacity to make informed judgments regarding complex international and global issues.

Master Degree Learning Objectives

The graduate student will:

1. Acquire competence in the research methods of political science.

2. Acquire knowledge of the basic theories about political behavior, including the motives of policy makers and incentive structures of government.

3. Acquire knowledge of various policy issues in the areas of natural resources, health, education, and social welfare.

4. Acquire knowledge of the basic theories of international and comparative politics, especially those relating to political and economic change.

5. Acquire knowledge of an array of topics including democratization