Political Science
The political science minor satisfies state secondary teaching endorsement requirements in American government, if all elective hours are in classes designated American politics. Students must also complete the requirements of the secondary education program. See the education department listing for requirements.
Political science department homepage
Requirements:
Political science electives: 4 credits
PSC 101SS - American Government
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Self and Society) (American politics) A broad survey of the major political and governmental institutions in the United States, this course examines how citizens attempt to influence their government and how the government responds. The course also develops the foundations for a biblical perspective on the role of government and the role of citizens.
PSC 320 - Christians and the Political Order
(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) (American politics) This course centers on the implications of the Christian faith for Christians in the political order. We will explore historical and current Christian interpretations of the role of government in society, distilling biblical values which undergird them. Prerequisite: junior standing, or permission of the instructor.
Choose one course:
PSC 230SS - International Relations
(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) (NWCore option under Self and Society) This course investigates war and terrorism in a globalized world. We will examine possible causes of international conflict and the obstacles to peaceful solutions, as well as studying the various aspects of globalization (political, economic, social, etc.) as the context in which these issues take place.
PSC 235CC - Comparative Politics
(4 credits) (NWCore option under Cross-Cultural Engagement) A survey of the politics of several countries from different continents. Special attention is paid to historical development and ideological, religious, and cultural factors affecting a country's politics.
Choose one course:
PSC 310WIx - History of Political Thought
(4 credits, alternate years, consult department) (Writing intensive) A survey of the history of Western political thought, through study of selected major thinkers in the tradition. Emphasis will be placed both on each thinker's political theory and how it fits in the broader history of Western political thought. Prerequisite: junior class standing, or permission of the instructor. Cross-Referenced: Cross-referenced in philosophy.
PSC 325x - American Political Thought
(4 credits, non-yearly, consult department) (American politics) A survey of the historical development of American political thought with attention to significant American political thinkers from the colonial period to the present. Special emphasis will be given to the uneasy relationship between liberalism and democracy and the interaction between American political institutions and culture.
Prerequisite: junior class standing, or permission of the instructor. Cross-Referenced: Cross-referenced in history.
