Political Science Minors

Political Science Minor

The minor in Political Science will assist students in improving their knowledge of political institutions and current issues, and developing skills needed for active, ethical citizenship.

Political Science minors must take these courses:

POL 121 – Global Politics or POL 127 – American National Government (although both are recommended)
POL 344 – Advanced Research Methods
POL 409 – Capstone in Political Science or ITS 409 – International Studies Capstone Research Seminar (with permission of the ITS and POL chairs)

Minors must also complete one course from the following:

POL 240 – African Politics
POL 250 – Latin American Politics
POL 263 – European Politics
POL 270 – Asian and Pacific Rim Politics

And one course from the following:

POL 376 – Global Issues I: War and Peace
POL 377 – Global Issues II: Human Rights and Social Justice
POL 408 – Classic Texts in Political Science

In addition, Political Science minors need to take 3 additional POL semester hours (for a total, when combined with the above, of 18).

Legal Studies Minor

The goal of the Legal Studies minor is to enhance knowledge of the legal system for those students interested in legal issues, considering law school and/or careers in the legal professions or interested in the many interfaces between society and the law.

Legal Studies minors must take these courses in the Political Science and Anthropology Department:

POL 200 – Introduction to Political Philosophy
POL 235 – The Constitution and the Structure of Government: Struggles for Power
POL 236 – The Supreme Court and Individual Rights
POL 377 – Global Issues II: Human Rights and Social Justice

In addition, Legal Studies minors must take 6 semester hours from the following courses in other departments:

BAE 318 – Business Law I
BAE 319 – Business Law II
ECO 346 – Law and Economics
BIO 361 – Environmental Law and Regulations
MED 375 – Mass Communication Law

Special Notes:

• All students must complete the General Education requirements for the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees that are described in the college catalog. Each degree requires students to take courses in the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, cultures and mathematics. These courses are designed to provide a broad liberal arts background and skills specific to the particular degree program.
• The Political Science minor is not available to students majoring in Political Science; however, students may major in Political Science and minor in Legal Studies.