Political Science

Political Science (Minor only)

The minor in political science is designed to introduce students to the traditional fields of study in the discipline, including American politics, comparative politics, international relations, and political theory, while encouraging them to engage in and contribute to contemporary political debates.  Via active involvement in drafting legislation and role-playing simulations, students will develop an appreciation for the complexity of governance and its impact at the local, national, and international levels.   Given the importance of an active and informed citizenry, the minor benefits students of all disciplines and is especially relevant for those interested in law, journalism, education, public administration, criminal justice, social work, and diplomacy.

Studying Political Science at AIC has expanded my understanding of the world and of the human condition. I have learned to appreciate the complexities of varying perspectives, and have gained the skills needed to answer the philosophical and political questions facing our society.

—John Mbengam ‘15 Political Science Student

In the classroom. In the workforce.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll have significant intellectual freedom to focus your studies on political issues that interest you most, whether they be the American political system, globalization, human rights, or economic development in the Third World.

Future Studies

This course of study develops the analytical, research, and communication skills necessary for you to address issues in contemporary politics, or to apply your skills to careers in law, business, journalism, education, and the nonprofit sector.

Career Opportunities

The program provides you with the skills needed for positions in federal, state, and local governments, campaign management teams and electoral organizations, international organizations, and nonprofit associations.

Minor Requirements

  • POL1400: Intro to American Politics
  • POL1000: Comparative Politics
  • POL2410: International Relations

Plus 9 semester hours of additional political science courses, including a minimum of three hours from:

  • POL3642 Issues in Modern Political Thought
  • POL3660 Political Philosophy I
  • POL3661 Political Philosophy II
  • POL3700 American Political Thought

Course Descriptions

This course provides an overview of American politics and government, focusing on Constitutional principles, national institutions of governance, and politics actors, such as political parties and the media.

This course provides an overview of the discipline of political science, including its division into the four fields of political theory, American Politics, comparative politics and international relations. Students will learn basic concepts in politics and analyze governmental types, forms of political participation, and political socialization.

This course is a study of the international community and of the forces that determine political relations among the nation states it comprises. Consideration is given to the character of the nation state, the nature and determinants of political power in a multistate system, and the conduct of diplomacy.

This course surveys the ideas of leading political thinkers from ancient times to the Renaissance. Figures such as Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, St. Thomas, and Machiavelli will be discussed.

This course surveys the ideas of leading political thinkers from early modernity through to the present day. Figures such as Bodin, Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau, Burke, Hegel, Marx, and Mill will be discussed.

This course studies American political thought from its Puritan origins to present day. The course is organized around defining moments of political thought, such as the Revolution, Constitutional Founding, Civil War, Great Depression, and Civil Rights Movement, with selections from mainstream and radical voices in each period. Readings include selections from James Madison, John Adams, Abraham Lincoln, Emma Goldman, Eugene Debs, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

Organized thematically, this course explores diverse issues current in modern political thought and pertinent to contemporary governments and societies.

Site map

© 2024 American International College