University of Maine at Farmington 2015-2016 Catalog
 
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Context

Political Science
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Degree Earned
Bachelor of Arts: Political Science

The political science program aims to help students learn about: 1) the processes of governance, politics and power; 2) the methods and philosophy of social science; 3) an understanding and respect for diverse perspectives about political and cultural issues; and 4) a capacity to critically assess and think about issues and ideas involving politics and society. In the process we aim to produce citizen scholars, who are both motivated to act and respectful of other people and opinions.

Learning Goals:
  • Students will understand how governments function, with the capacity to compare governments in terms of institutions, processes, and outcomes.
  • Students will understand that politics is not always from formal governmental structures, and be able to explore the importance of civil society, political culture, ideology, religion, and other aspects of social life which impact power relations.
  • Students will understand and appreciate diverse perspectives, listening to and engaging a wide variety of ideas and methods with respect and critical reflection.
  • Students will develop the capacity to craft effective research papers, using research sources well, integrating social science methods, and use English in an effective manner.
  • Students will have an understanding of the changing nature of world politics due to globalization, including but not limited to the impact of economics, history, religion and geography.
  • Students will understand the nature of governance and politics in their own country, ranging from the political process to institutional functions and the philosophical and legal underpinnings of the United States system of government.

Assessment Criteria:

In order to assess whether or not we achieve the goals stated above, we have defined eight outcomes of objectively observable results. Students will be evaluated on these outcomes based on written work, public presentations, group work and presentations, class discussion, activity outside class in student clubs or community service, and by examination.

  • Students will demonstrate a broad multidisciplinary knowledge base, integrating an understanding of political science with historical context, the importance of geography, social theory, and connection with culture and the arts.
  • Students will demonstrate an understanding of philosophy of science issues, as they relate to social scientific inquiry. These include various approaches to social science (positivism, interpretivism, hermeneutics, and critical theory).
  • Students will understanding basic social science methods, both quantitative and qualitative, and a) be able to identify them and critique them in reading social scientific work; and b) use these methods in their own research by their junior year.
  • Students will be aware of ethical concerns surrounding, political and social issues, and reflect this awareness in their writing and research.
  • Students will demonstrate a solid knowledge base in political science. This includes basic knowledge in all the main subfields (covered in the required introductory courses), as well as specialized knowledge about content and methods in their concentration.
  • Students will be able to integrate political science with other social science disciplines in thought papers and critical analyses.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of different cultures and subcultures, as well as methods of analyzing and understanding these differences.
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of how political considerations are influenced by culture, society, history, location, personality and the economy as they develop strong analytical, critical thinking, and communication skills.

 

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

Required Courses:

POS 101S Introduction to American Government                                       4

POS 440*   Political Science Capstone Experience

 *Taken in conjunction with an approved upper level course

4

One International Relations course from:

4
POS 136S World Politics  
POS 233S War and Peace  
POS 322S The European Union  
POS 336S Globalization and the International Political Economy                  
   

One Political Philosophy course from:

4
POS 151S Classical Political Theory: Ancient Greece to the Enlightenment  
POS 252S Modern Political Theory  
POS 352S Contemporary Political Theory  
   

One Comparative Politics course from:

4
POS 121S Comparative Politics  
POS 226S Islam and Politics  
POS 227S African Politics  
POS 223S East European and Russian Politics  
POS 266S The Politics of Germany and Italy  
POS 267S The Politics of France and Great Britain                                     
POS 321S Identity Politics  
   
Elective Credits in Political Science 20

Total Credits for the Major: 40

 

FOREIGN LANGUAGE REQUIREMENT
One year of one foreign language at the college level or two years of one foreign language at the high school level.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
For specific information about general education requirements and expectations, see the General Education Requirements in the Academic Programs section of this catalog.

MINIMUM TOTAL CREDITS FOR THE DEGREE: 128

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