Mar 29, 2024  
2016 Undergraduate Catalog 1.1 (WINTER - SPRING) 
    
2016 Undergraduate Catalog 1.1 (WINTER - SPRING) [ARCHIVED CATALOG - Consult with Your Academic Advisor for Your Catalog Year]

Government and Politics (B.A.)


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(Bachelor of Arts Degree)

Government and politics studies the processes, principles, and structure of power and authority. Governmental and legal systems and informal political structures and their relationship to various cultures are examined. Decision-making and the way in which society chooses social goals and allocates its resources are studied. This major is designed to meet the needs of those whose field of interest is government and politics and those who want a career as a social science teacher at the secondary school level or as an elementary school teacher. It is an appropriate major for careers in government service, law, and other positions which require an understanding of governmental policy and procedure.

Students considering public school teaching as a career should refer to the programs in education, listed alphabetically in this section of the catalog.

Total credit hours required for degree: 120

Learning Objectives

Students will demonstrate:

  • an understanding of the theoretical and practical workings of American government, international relations, and comparative politics.
  • the ability to collect, analyze, and critique information.
  • the ability to understand and accommodate diverse political ideas.
  • the ability to formulate effective written and oral arguments.
  • an appreciation of civic responsibility through practical experience.

Academic Requirements


See Core  section of this catalog.

Core: 34 - 55 Credit Hours


(Note: Some major concentration requirements have prerequisites which also can be taken to satisfy core. See your adviser.)

3 Credit Hours


Electives


  • Majors will take seven (7) elective courses, a minimum of two courses, in each of the subfields (21)
    • American Government and Politics (2)
    • Law (2)
    • International and Comparative Politics (2)

*Note: All majors must take ast least 18 credits at or above the 300-level.

Internships (3-15 credits)


All majors take an internship appropriate to their academic and/or career interests.

Students must maintain an overall GPA of 2.75, have no grade less than 2.0 in required courses, and receive a favorable recommendation from their academic adviser in order to partake in an internship. Students whose grades fall below this level, or who receive unfavorable recommendations, must take at least one 3 credit course at the 300-level or higher.

Electives


The student must complete sufficient elective courses to earn at least the minimum credit hours required for this degree, and at least 90 credit hours of the 120 required must be in the liberal arts and sciences.

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