College of Social & Behavioral Sciences
Political Science/Law Enforcement Department
109 Morris Hall
507-389-2721
Chair: Doran Hunter, Ph.D.
Faculty: Abdalla Battah, Ph.D., Jeff Bumgarner, Ph. D., Susan Burum, J.D., Scott Granberg-Rademacker, Ph.D., Doran Hunter, Ph.D., Tomasz Inglot, Ph.D., Avre Johnson, Ph.D., Eiji Kawabata, Ph.D., Joseph Kunkel, Ph.D., Mark Robbins, Ph.D., Fred Slocum, Ph.D., Jackie Vieceli, Ph.D., Tamara Wilkins, Ph.D.
Political science is the systematic study of polities, power relationships and government. Political science is in one sense an ancient discipline: Aristotle called it the "queen of the sciences."
Yet the focus for much of today's political science was developed in the past sixty years. Scientific observations have now joined older philosophical traditions. Modern political science examines politics in the United States, countries and regions of the world and in international relations. It explains how and why public decisions are made. Political science majors can qualify for a wide variety of careers in public and private sector organizations, including business, law, government, journalism, international organizations and finance, political campaigns, interest groups and secondary and college teaching. The study of public affairs and government is essential for developing effective citizenship. This training prepares one for professional or volunteer involvement in community organizations, issue movements, electoral politics, and other activities in the public arena.
Political Science BA, BS
Program Requirements:
Admission to Major: Admission is granted by the department. Minimum university admission requirements are 32 earned semester credit hours and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 (C). Contact the department for application procedures.
Required for Major (Core, 9 credits):
- POL 111 U.S. Government (3)
- POL 221 Introduction to Political Analysis (3)
- POL 241 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3)
Required for Major (Options, 24 credits):
Concentration (15 credits)
Complete at least 15 credits in two of the seven areas.
Distribution (9 credits)
Complete at least one course from three of the other five areas.
Area 1: Theory
- POL 311 Ancient and Medieval Political Philosophy (3)
- POL 312 Modern Political Philosophy (3)
- POL 313 Contemporary Political Philosophy (3)
- POL 410 Topics in Political Philosophy (1-4)
- POL 414 Early United States Political Thought (3)
- POL 415 Recent United States Political Thought (3)
- POL 416 Nonwestern Political Philosophy (3)
Area 2: Behavior and Participation
- POL 321 Democracy and Citizenship (2)
- POL 322 In Service: Public Achievement (1)
- POL 420 Topics in Participation and Behavior (1-4)
- POL 422 Campaigns and Elections (3)
- POL 423 Political Parties (3)
- POL 424 Women and Politics (3)
- POL 425 Terrorism and Political Violence
- POL 426 Racial and Ethnic Politics (3)
- POL 427 Political Psychology (3)
Area 3: International Relations
- POL 231 World Politics (3)
- POL 430 Topics in International Relations (1-4)
- POL 431 International Relations (3)
- POL 432 International Law (3)
- POL 433 International Organization (3)
- POL 434 U.S. Foreign Policy (3)
- POL 436 International Political Economy (3)
- POL 437 International Conflict Resolution (3)
Area 4: Comparative Politics
- POL 435 Capitalism, Nationalism, and Democracy (3)
- POL 439 Comparative Social Policy: The Welfare State in Europe and the Americas (3)
- POL 440 Topics in Comparative Politics (1-4)
- POL 441 Russia and Neighboring States Politics (3)
- POL 442 South Asia: Politics and Policy (3)
- POL 443 Middle East Politics (3)
- POL 444 Latin America Politics (3)
- POL 445 Asia Pacific Rim: Politics and Policy (3)
- POL 446 African Politics (3)
- POL 447 Europe: Politics and Policy (3)
- POL 448 Political Development and Change (3)
- POL 449 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems (3)
Area 5: Public Law
- POL 450 Topics in Public Law (1-4)
- POL 451 Administrative Law (3)
- POL 452 Jurisprudence (3)
- POL 453 Constitutional Law (3)
- POL 454 Civil Liberties (3)
- POL 455 American Legal Philosophy (3)
Area 6: Policy and Administration
- POL 260 Introduction to Public Administration (3)
- POL 361 Public Budgeting (3)
- POL 460 Topics in Public Policy/Administration (1-4)
- POL 461 Environmental Politics (3)
- POL 462 Collective Bargaining: Public Sector (3)
- POL 463 Public Personnel Administration (3)
- POL 464 Aging: Policy Issues (3)
Area 7: Institutions and Process
- POL 371 State and Local Government (3)
- POL 470 Topics in Institutions, Process (1-4)
- POL 471 Public Opinion and Polling Methods (3)
- POL 472 Urban Government (3)
- POL 473 The Legislative Process (3)
- POL 474 The Executive Process (3)
- POL 475 The Judicial Process (3)
- POL 476 Southern Politics (3)
If approved by advisor, these courses may be used to satisfy area requirements.
- POL 391 Colloquium (1-4)
- POL 480 Topics in Political Methods (1-4)
- POL 490 Workshop (1-6)
- POL 491 Internship (1-12)
- POL 492 Individual Study (1-5)
- POL 493 Individual Study: Social Studies Teaching (1-3)
Required for Major (Electives, 9cr):
POLxxx
POLxxx
POLxxx
Total credits required for Major (42)Required for Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree ONLY: Language (8)
Required Minor: Yes. Any.
Political Science Minor
Required for Minor (18 cr): Choose at least 18 credits, 12 credits at the 300-400 level.
POL Any Level xxx
POL Any Level xxx
POL 300-400 XXX
POL 300-400 XXX
POL 300-400 XXX
POL 300-400 XXX
Policies and Information
Students must consult with the program advisor who will approve and file the program of courses selected and approve changes in the program.· Pass/No Credit Policy. With the exception of internship credits, which must be taken on a P/N basis, no more than one-fourth of the credits in a political science major or minor may be taken as P/N. Internship credits will not be counted as part of the one-fourth limitation, but will be subtracted from the total hours required for the major or minor prior to the computation of the one-fourth limitation.
Questions?
Drop by, give us a call or contact us on the web.
109 Morris Hall · (507) 389-2721
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Political Science / Law Enforcement Department
Minnesota State University, Mankato, MSU 7
P.O.Box 8400
Mankato, MN 56002-8400
Office Manager: Pat Davis
507-389-2721 (V)
800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY)
Fax: 389-6377
e-mail: patricia.davis@mnsu.edu
For general admissions questions, please contact admissions:
507-389-1822
or
Toll Free: 1-800-722-0544
e-mail: admissions@mnsu.edu
Write:
Office of Admissions
Minnesota State University, Mankato
122 Taylor Center
Mankato, MN 56001
