Requirements for a Major or Minor in Political Science


– also see Education
– also see Environmental Studies
– also see Global Studies
– also see History

Programs offered
• Major in Political Science (32 credits)
• Minor in Political Science (20 credits)
• Joint Major in Political Science and History (32 credits)
• Joint Minor in Political Science and History (20 credits)
• Major in Social Studies Education (see social studies and education) (52 credits plus 32 credits in education)
• Add-on endorsement preparation in Social Studies for Elementary Education majors (see education) (30 credits)

Pre-Law Program
In accordance with American Bar Association recommendations, Concordia College does not offer a specific pre-law curriculum; but rather, encourages all students interested in the law to pursue a well-rounded liberal arts education. In addition, Concordia’s pre-law advisors design individual programs to fit students’ strengths and interests. These programs are remarkably varied but all share the goals of clear thinking, critical reading, careful argumentation and persistent intellectual curiosity.

Faculty
Michael G. Bath, chair
Rebecca R. Moore
Kenneth W. Foster
Max W. Richardson
Peter C. Hovde

The study of political science at Concordia College offers a solid theoretical foundation complemented by strong vocational preparation. Political science majors learn not only the concepts, theories and methods associated with their discipline, but also gain the cognitive and presentational skills required of tomorrow’s leaders, public and private. At its core, politics is about building and maintaining the communities that make life possible, at the local, state, national and international levels. To be responsible citizens, we must understand these communities; the mission of the political science department, therefore, is to help students not only to understand but also to influence the various communities in which they will participate. The political science department provides learning experiences that prepare students to achieve the following outcomes:
• be familiar with major theories and analytical approaches in political science
• understand ethnic, gender or cultural dimensions of political problems and policies
• understand the international dimensions of political problems and policies
• be able to use quantitative and statistical approaches to political science
• understand normative approaches to political problems and policies

While many graduates in political science find their callings in the fields of law and/or government, majors pursue a variety of occupations; therefore, students are advised to complement their majors with courses in world languages, economics, data analysis and study abroad. Students are strongly encouraged to put their theoretical learning to practical use through internships and other off-campus opportunities. The department participates in the global studies major and in fieldwork under special studies when it can be properly arranged. Also available are the Washington (D.C.) Semester Program through American University, and the Lutheran College Washington Semester Program studying governmental affairs. Concordia’s nationally recognized forensics and mock trial programs also give students hands-on experience that can be invaluable (see Global Learning at Concordia, Page 25; Expanded Academic Opportunities, Page 26; and Cocurricular Programs, Page 30).

The political science department sponsors an honors program for exceptional students. For details, see the department chair.

Major in Political Science
The requirements for a major in political science are 32 credits:
• PSC 211 – U.S. Political System, 4 credits
• PSC 241 – International Politics, 4 credits
• PSC 256 – Comparative Politics, 4 credits
• PSC 411 – Political Philosophy, 4 credits
• 16 credits in other political science courses

Minor in Political Science
The requirements for a minor in political science are 20 credits:
• PSC 111 – People in Politics, 4 credits OR
PSC 211 – U.S. Political System, 4 credits
• 16 credits in other political science courses

Joint Major in Political Science and History
The requirements for a joint major in political science and history are 32 credits elected from these three categories:
• 12 credits from the following lower-level courses:
– HIST 111 – United States in Perspective to 1865, 4 credits
– HIST 112 – United States in Perspective since 1865, 4 credits
– HIST 131 – European History in Perspective to 1500, 4 credits
– HIST 132 – European History in Perspective since 1500, 4 credits
– HIST 151 – World in Perspective to 1500, 4 credits
– HIST 152 – World in Perspective since 1500, 4 credits
– PSC 111 – People in Politics, 4 credits
– PSC 211 – U.S. Political System, 4 credits

No more than two of these courses may be elected from either department.
• 16 credits from 300-level courses, two from each department. Each course must represent a different segment of the departmental programs.
• one seminar study:
– HIST 410 – History Research Seminar, 4 credits OR
PSC 311 – Methods and Techniques of Political Analysis, 4 credits

Joint Minor in Political Science
and History
The requirements for a joint minor in political science and history are 20 credits elected from these two categories:
• 8 credits from the following lower-level courses, one elected from each department:
– HIST 111 – United States in Perspective to 1865, 4 credits
– HIST 112 – United States in Perspective since 1865, 4 credits
– HIST 131 – European History in Perspective to 1500, 4 credits
– HIST 132 – European History in Perspective since 1500, 4 credits
– HIST 151 – World in Perspective to 1500, 4 credits
– HIST 152 – World in Perspective since 1500, 4 credits
– PSC 111 – People in Politics, 4 credits
– PSC 211 – Political System, 4 credits
• 12 credits from 300-level and 400-level courses, but not more than two from either of the departments. One may be an approved seminar.