Degrees and Requirements
Political Science Minor
The goal of the political science minor is to offer La Roche students exposure to the general study of political science, and to gain a basic understanding of the political science sub-fields of American Politics and Comparative Politics. Outcomes of the political science minor are: achievement of a general understanding of the American political system; achieving the ability to assess and analyze differing governments and political systems in various parts of the world; and understanding key concepts in political thought.
REQUIRED COURSES: 15 credits required for minor, divided among three (3) credit required courses and 2 (3) three credit advanced Political Science courses:
Summary of Requirements
Required Courses: 9 credits
POLI1022AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course introduces students to the major American political institutions, the way in which the houses of Congress function, and the Presidency while also analyzing civil liberties, constitutional rights, policy-making, social policy issues, the role of political parties, the electoral process, the political role of the media, and foreign policy debates.
POLI3015HISTORY/POLITICAL THOUGHT
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
In this course we inquire into the origins, evolution and development of political philosophies, focusing on the theories that have shaped Western political thought from ancient times to the present day. Key concepts in Western political thought such as liberty, justice, morality, political rights, and democracy are examined. Students will also be asked to create their own political theories. Students will learn the genesis of political thought over the past 2,000 years, how to critically assess these theories, and how to create their own theories. Cross-listed with HIST3015.
POLI3021COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT
Credits (Min/Max): 3/3
This course focuses on the government, policies and politics of different nation-states around the world, and investigates the political science approaches to studying government and politics in various areas of the world. The focus in not only on forms of governments, but also the major political and social factors that affect political change in different world areas, the relationship between states and societies, and the comparative study of democratic and non-democratic nations. Cross-listed with INST3021
Required Electives: 6 credits-Any two 3000-level-Political Science- 3 credit courses
POLI3XXX
Credits (Min/Max): /