Mar 29, 2024  
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2020-2021 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Political Science (B.A.)


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study

Eric Leonard, Professor of Political Science
Davis Hall, Room 208, (540) 545-7326, eleonard@su.edu

The study of Political Science aims to understand the rationale and mechanisms in which policy is formulated and executed for a society. This understanding includes an assessment of the moral and legal authority by which policy is or ought to be set. The center of interest for this program is the study of power, government institutions, bureaucracy and the state of human relations within the political context, both domestically and internationally. Emphasis is placed on enhancing the student’s overall comprehension and critical analysis of politics and the mechanisms of government so that he/she can become an effective citizen of the community, country and world.

Total Core Hours Required: 21 credits


Elective Courses


Choose at least seven from list below. Five of the seven elective courses required for the major must be at the 300 or 400 level and six of the seven must have a PSCI prefix. The student’s choice of elective courses should be made in consultation with his/her advisor in order to provide an educational track that will accord with his/her post-graduation plans.

Total elective hours required: 21 credits


Total hours required for the major: 42 credits


By adding PSCI 401 as a core coure, the total hours increased to 42 credits. 

Course Map


1st Year – Fall


Total: 15 credits


1st Year – Spring


  • Foreign Language Credit(s): 3 (Arts & Sciences requirement)
  • Creative Expression Shen Ed Credit(s): 3
  • Credit(s): 3 (Scientific Literacy–Behavioral Science)
  •  

  • Credit(s): 3 (Quantitative Literacy)
  • Navigating Difference-Ethical Reasoning Shen Ed Credit(s): 3

Total: 15 credits


2nd Year – Fall


Total: 15-16 credits


2nd Year – Spring


  • Foreign Language Credit(s): 3 (Arts & Sciences requirement)
  • PSCI Elective Credit(s): 3
  • PSCI Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Gen Ed Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Elective for minor Credit(s): 3

Total: 15 credits


3rd Year – Fall


Total: 15 credits


3rd Year – Spring


  • PSCI Elective Credit(s): 3
  • PSCI Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Elective for minor Credit(s): 3
  • Elective for minor Credit(s): 3
  • Elective for minor Credit(s): 3

Total: 15 credits


4th Year – Fall


  • Credit(s): 3
  • PSCI Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Elective for minor Credit(s): 3
  • Elective for minor Credit(s): 3
  • Elective for minor Credit(s): 3

Total: 15 credits


4th Year – Spring


  • PSCI Elective Credit(s): 3
  • PSCI Elective Credit(s): 3
  • Elective for minor Credit(s): 3
  • Elective for minor Credit(s): 3
  • Elective for minor Credit(s): 3

Total: 15 credits


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study