Political Science Minor

Political Science
100 Eggers Hall
315-443-2416

Chair: Shana Gadarian

Undergraduate Director, Daniel McDowell

Political science is the study of politics, government, and their relationship with other aspects of society. Courses in political science enable students to use political theory and empirical analyses to make sense of their world, to interpret political phenomena in the United States and in other areas of the world, and to understand global politics. Political science students gain research, critical thinking, and writing skills that help prepare them for a variety of careers including law, public service, electoral politics, public policy, nonprofit advocacy, international relations, business journalism and communication, and academia.

Note:

Students are required to fulfill the requirements for the B.A. or minor in political science as stipulated in the course catalog for the academic year in which they enter Syracuse University. Graduation with a B.A. or a minor in political science requires a 2.0 average in the upper-division coursework applied toward the major or minor.

Student Learning Outcomes:

1. Describe U.S. political institutions and processes and explain how they operate.

2. Describe the structure and politics of the international system or countries outside the United States.

3. Apply political science concepts, theories, and/or philosophies to current political issues and policy debates.

4. Communicate in written and oral form about politics in a way that demonstrates the ability to organize ideas, create and defend an argument, and use and cite sources properly.

Minor Requirements

The minor in political science requires 18 credits of coursework. Students are required to take one of the following courses at the 100 level:

Remaining Credits:

Of the remaining 15 credits, 12 are taken in courses numbered 300 or above. The remaining 3 credits may be taken at either the 100 or 200 level or in a course numbered 300 or above. PSC minors must take at least one course from the approved list of courses with international content (approved courses are designated with an asterisk [*], see list below). PSC courses with a grade of D may not be applied toward the minor requirements. Experience credit courses may not be used to satisfy minor requirements.

Courses

The courses regularly offered by the department for application toward the minor are listed below. Courses taken abroad may also count with the approval of the undergraduate advisor.

Note:

* Foreign or international content