Key Takeaways:
- Introduction to Political Science covers fundamental theories, political systems, and key concepts essential for understanding political science as a discipline.
- American Government focuses on the structure and functions of the U.S. government, including its institutions and political processes.
- Comparative Politics examines different political systems and governments worldwide to understand varying political structures and practices across countries.
Political Science is a popular field of study. Political science degree programs are the surest path towards a wide variety of exciting careers. Political science students of today are the lawyers, diplomats, and politicians of tomorrow. Here are five of the core courses one can expect to take when completing a political science degree program.
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1. American Politics
American Politics courses cover both the history and the present state of the American political system. Students will learn about the roles and the power held by the President of the United States, as well as the complete processes of Presidential election and other processes. They will learn about Congress and the Judicial System, the role of media and public opinion in American politics, and the importance of cultural diversity in politics. They will complete a deep dive into the various American political parties and the process of voting.
2. Public Policy
Public policy courses cover all of the laws and procedures in place to protect social rights and the public good. Topics include interest groups and public opinion, the higher education system, economic issues in industrially advanced nations, policy surrounding race and gender, and an investigation on current issues such as political response to the drug epidemic. Students will learn how to write and interpret policy, and they will gain an understanding of how policies are put in place and enforced. Forbes offers a guide to how people should be thinking about public policy proposals in today’s society.
3. International Relations
International relations courses cover the political interactions and relationships between the United States and other nations. Topics include the global economy, war and peace, conflict and negotiation, nationalism, national security, the role of the United States as a nation of power, and ethical considerations in international politics. Students will learn about relationships between the United States and specific nations, both currently and throughout history.
4. Comparative Politics
Comparative politics courses look at political science courses through the lens of the comparative research method. The comparative method involves understanding by comparing and contrasting different nations’ approaches to addressing various political topics and issues. Comparative politics is a sequel to international relations courses. Topics of comparison include political campaigns and elections, economy, and democracy, bureaucracy, governance, justice, immigration, and political reform. The Journal of Comparative Politics offers students a collection of current research on this topic.
5. Political Theory, Methodology, and Research
In order to fully understand, and learn how to apply, the knowledge gained in the above courses, students will also take courses in political theory, methodology, and research. They will learn about the current political science research methods and which theoretical backgrounds are most relevant today. Students will also gain experience conducting and presenting their own political science research. Many degree programs culminate in a large scale research project.
Political science graduates find their degrees to be assets in a wide variety of career paths. Any of these course topics can lay the foundation for future graduate study and career specialization. Courses such as these provide students with a deep understanding of our nation’s policies and procedures, a unique, global perspective, and a solid work ethic.