Political Science (Bachelor of Arts and Minor)
The political science program at Aurora University is designed to prepare
students for business and industry, government service, and graduate or
law school. The majority of political science majors enter the business
and professional world immediately upon graduation. The program is designed
to prepare students to meet these goals, and students are encouraged to
have a double major or minor to increase their opportunities in today's
competitive job market. For example, students are urged to consider business,
communications, computer science, criminal justice, finance, history,
international studies, marketing, psychology, and sociology as second
majors or minors.
In addition to course work and on-campus activities and organizations,
students have the opportunity to gain practical experience through a variety
of off-campus experiences, including work-study terms, state and national
internship programs and the Model Illinois Government simulation in Springfield.
Political science majors have participated in state internships and internships
in Washington, DC, as well as study in Egypt, Germany, Great Britain,
Italy, Pakistan and Switzerland. Students also have the opportunity to
participant in the Aurora Community Study Circles Program.
The political science program is highly individualized. Each student
meets every term with faculty to discuss her or his course selection,
progress and goals. The program averages 40 majors, and there is a tremendous
camaraderie among the students and faculty. The average class size in
upper division political science courses is 15 students, which provides
more opportunity for class participation, individualized instruction,
and faculty/student interaction. Students also have the opportunity to
participate in independent study course work designed to explore areas
of particular interests.
For students who are considering graduate or law school, the political
science program is very effective in preparing for the highly competitive
Graduate Record Examination and the Law School Admissions Test. Aurora
University political science graduates have been accepted to outstanding
graduate and law schools across the United States. ±
BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
The political science program at Aurora University is designed to prepare students for business and industry, criminal justice, government service, and graduate or law school. The majority of political science majors enter the business and professional world immediately upon graduation. The program is designed to prepare students to meet these goals, and students are encouraged to have a double major or minor to increase their opportunities in today’s competitive job market. For example, students are urged to consider business, communication, computer science, criminal justice, history, psychology, social work and sociology as second majors or minors.
For students who are considering graduate or law school, the program is very effective in preparing for the highly competitive Graduate Record Examination and the Law School Admissions Test. Our graduates are able to successfully compete for admission at the national level. Aurora University political science graduates have been accepted to outstanding graduate and law schools across the United States.
The political science program is highly individualized. Each student meets every term with faculty to discuss his or her course selection, progress and goals. In addition to coursework and on-campus activities and organizations, students have the opportunity to gain practical experience through a variety of off-campus experiences, including work-study terms, both state and national internship programs and the Model Illinois Government simulation in Springfield. Students also have the opportunity to participate in independent study coursework designed to explore areas of particular interests.
Required Courses: 32 semester hours
All students complete PSC2110 and then choose one course from each category below:
American Politics
PSC3140 Political Participation and the Electoral Process (4)
PSC3150 The Executive and Legislative Process (4)
Comparative and International Politics
PSC3310 International Organization and Politics (4)
PSC3550 Comparative Political Systems: Industrial Nations (4)
PSC3560 Comparative Political Systems: Developing Nations (4)
Political Philosophy
PSC/PHL4650 Classics in Political Philosophy (4)
PSC/PHL4660 Modern Political Philosophy (4)
Selected Courses: Choose four courses, not including those already chosen above.
PSC1100 Politics, Culture and Society (4)
PSC3140 Political Participation and the Electoral Process (4)
PSC3150 The Executive and Legislative Process (4)
PSC/CRJ3180 Constitutional Law and the Judicial System (4)
PSC3310 International Organization and Politics (4)
PSC3550 Comparative Political Systems: Industrial Nations (4)
PSC3560 Comparative Political Systems: Developing Nations (4)
PSC/PHL4650 Classics in Political Philosophy (4)
PSC/PHL4660 Modern Political Philosophy (4)
PSC1810, 2810 Selected Topic:
3810, 4810
PSC4830 Directed Study
PSC4980 Independent Study
MINOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE - 18 semester hours
Required Course:
PSC2110 United States Government (4)
Selected Courses: Choose 14 semester hours from the list below.
PSC1100 Politics, Culture and Society (4)
PSC3140 Political Participation and the Electoral Process (4)
PSC3150 The Executive and Legislative Process (4)
PSC/CRJ3180 Constitutional Law and the Judicial System (4)
PSC3310 International Organization and Politics (4)
PSC3550 Comparative Political Systems: Industrial Nations (4)
PSC3560 Comparative Political Systems: Developing Nations (4)
PSC/PHL4650 Classics in Political Philosophy (4)
PSC/PHL4660 Modern Political Philosophy (4)
PSC2810/3810/4810 Selected Topic (2-4)
PSC4980 Independent Study (1-4)
MINOR IN INTERNATIONAL STUDIES - 18 semester hours
The International Studies minor provides students with an opportunity to explore and learn from a multi-disciplinary perspective how to live and work in a complex and diverse world.
The goals of this minor are twofold: 1) to help students gain the knowledge and information necessary to live and work effectively and harmoniously in our complex world; and 2) to help students develop critical thinking and analytical skills by using an international perspective to recognize and understand the diversity of people and cultures in the world.
The minor will be attractive to students interested in international business and government, as well as to fields such as education, nursing, and social work, where graduates will interact with people of diverse cultures.
Required Course:
PSC1100 Politics, Culture, and Society (4)
Selected Courses: Choose a minimum of 14 semester hours from the list below:
BUS3500 International Business (3)
COM3500 Cross Cultural Communication (3)
CRJ3010 International Crime and Justice (3)
HIS3450 Latin American History (4)
HIS3700 History of the Middle East (4)
HIS3750 The Far East (4)
PSC3310 International Organization and Politics (4)
PSC3550 Comparative Political Systems: Industrial Nations (4)
PSC3560 Comparative Political Systems: Developing Nations (4)
REL1050 An Introduction to World Religions (4)
REL2070 Exploring Judaism (4)
REL2080 Exploring Islam (4)
REL2090 Exploring Hinduism (4)
SOC2150 Cultural Anthropology (3)
SOC/PSC3400 Social Problems in an Urban Society (4)
SOC/PSC3480 Globalization and Social Change (4)
SOC4500 Human Rights and Social Justice (4)
SPN3400 Advanced Spanish Skills(3)
NOTE: Internships in foreign countries and study-abroad programs can be included.
POLITICAL SCIENCE COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PSC1100 Politics, Culture and Society 4 semester hours
Survey of political science, including political ideologies, comparative politics, and international relations. The politics and culture of African, European, Latin American, and Middle Eastern societies will be introduced. Contemporary global issues will also be examined.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education “Knowing Ourselves and Others” Group B requirement.
PSC2110 United States Government 4 semester hours
A survey of government and politics in the United States: Congress and the Presidency, the political process, political parties and interest groups, the social context of the political system, current issues and public policy, economic and foreign policy. Contemporary issues will also be examined. This course fulfills requirements for teacher certification.
No prerequisites.
Meets General Education “Knowing Ourselves and Others” Group B requirement.
PSC3140 Political Participation and the Electoral Process 4 semester hours
Examines the process by which leaders are selected and interests are identified. Topics include public opinion and behavior, the media in elections, the electoral process, candidate nominations and campaigns, organization and activities of political parties and interest groups. Contemporary issues will also be examined.
Prerequisite: PSC2110.
PSC3150 The Executive and Legislative Process 4 semester hours
The executive and legislative processes in federal, state, and local government, including the organization and structure of Congress, the American Presidency, the federal bureaucracy, and the relationship between the Congress and the Presidency. Contemporary issues will also be examined.
Prerequisite: PSC2110.
PSC/CRJ3180 Constitutional Law and the Judicial System 4 semester hours
The case method is utilized to analyze the principles of the American Constitution. Topics include presidential, congressional and Supreme Court power, equal protection of the law and race, gender, sexual orientation, implied fundamental rights to abortion choice and education, free speech and religion, and modern constitutional theories.
Prerequisite: PSC2110.
PSC3310 International Organization and Politics 4 semester hours
The contemporary international political system is examined within the context of the foreign policies of major national actors including the United States. Topics include the North/South conflict, hunger and population problems, environment concerns, international law and organizations (United Nations).
Prerequisite: PSC1100 recommended but not required.
PSC3550 Comparative Political Systems: Industrial Nations 4 semester hours
A comparative study of the structure and functions of industrial nations, including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan and Russia. Contemporary issues and methods of comparative analysis are also examined.
Prerequisite: PSC1100 recommended but not required.
PSC3560 Comparative Political Systems: Developing Nations 4 semester hours
A comparative study of the structure and functions of developing nations, including African, Asian, Latin American and Middle Eastern political system. Topics include imperialism and colonialism, poverty and inequality, women in developing nations and strategies for growth and development. Contemporary issues and methods of comparative analysis are also examined.
Prerequisite: PSC1100 recommended but not required.
PSC/PHL4650 Classics in Political Philosophy 4 semester hours
Methodological, conceptual and substantive ideas of major political theorists, emphasizing primary sources and the contributions of Aristotle, Plato, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau.
Prerequisites: Demonstrated research and writing skills; two prior 3000 level courses in philosophy and/or political science required.
PSC/PHL4660 Modern Political Philosophy 4 semester hours
Methodological, conceptual and substantive ideas of major political theorists and movements in the 19th and 20th centuries, emphasizing primary sources and the contributions of Bentham, Marx and Lenin, Nietzsche, Ortega y Gasset, Sartre, and contemporary approaches to the study of political science.
Prerequisites: Demonstrated research and writing skills; two prior 3000 level courses in philosophy and/or political science required.
Please note:
The information listed on this page is current according to the 2006-2008 Undergraduate Catalog, unless otherwise noted.
‡ This information has been added since the printing of the 06-08 Undergraduate Catalog.
±This information is additional information specific to the Web site, not provided in the Undergraduate Catalog.
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