Degrees Offered:
- B.A.: Political Science
- Minor: Political Science
Course Listings
- Click here to read complete descriptions of the Political Science courses offered at Wittenberg.
Degree Requirements:
Major in Political Science
A minimum of 36 credits, including Political Science 101, 102 or 103, 260, and any political theory class chosen from among the following: 211, 212, 215, or 216. A minimum of 4 credits must be taken in each of the 3 areas listed below. (The required political theory course counts as a course in that area.) Sixteen credits must be completed at the 300-level or above. Methodology (260) should be taken no later than the spring semester of the junior year. Exceptions may be granted to permit students to take advantage of year-long off-campus programs. Topics courses in each area, the Political Science Seminar, Independent Study, or the Internship may satisfy area requirements depending on course content.
Department Colloquia
Majors must attend departmental colloquia each semester and submit a one-page reaction paper within one week following the colloquium. Attendance may be considered when writing letters of recommendation.
Senior Comprehensive Exam
All majors are required to present their research on a topic based on a previously written paper to an audience at the Senior Conference during the spring of their senior year.
Recommended in Related Departments
Economics 200 and Data Science 227 are strongly recommended.
See the Learning Goals for the major below the course listings.
Required Courses
- 101: Intro to Political Science: American Politics
- 102: Intro to Political Science: Comparative Politics OR 103: International Relations
- 260: Methodology
- 211, 212, 215 or 216
Area I: Comparative Politics and International Relations
- 202: Comparative Political Economy & Public Policy
- 205: Chinese Politics
- 209: Topics in Comparative Politics
- 210: East Asian Politics
- 302: North American Politics
- 305: European Politics
- 309: Advanced Topics in Comparative Politics
- 253: International Political Economy
- 259: Topics in International Relations
- 350: American Foreign Policy
- 354: Chinese Foreign Policy
- 355: East Asian Foreign Relations
- 359: Advanced Topics in International Relations
Area II: Political Theory and Law
- 211: Ancient & Medieval Political Philosophy
- 212: Modern Political Philosophy
- 215: American Political Thought
- 216: Family Values: The Politics of Virtue, Care, and Equality
- 217: Ideology and Identity in Polish Culture (field study)
- 219: Topics in Political Theory
- 315: Feminist & Postmodern Political Thought
- 319: Advanced Topics in Political Theory
- 322: American Constitutional Law
Area III: American Politics
- 221: State and Local Government
- 222: Urban Politics
- 223: Introduction to Local Government Administration
- 224: Presidency
- 229: Topics in American Politics
- 230: Campaigns and Elections
- 232: Public Opinion
- 234: Black Politics
- 236: Media and Politics
- 320: Public Administration
- 321: Public Policy
- 323: U.S. Congress
- 329: Advanced Topics in American Politics
- 332: Political Parties & Interest Groups
Other Courses:
- 460: Political Science Seminar
- 490: Independent Study
- 491: Internship
- 499: Honors Thesis
With a political science degree from Wittenberg, students will find success in a variety of settings - in the public and private sectors, higher education and beyond - by developing skills in critical thinking, communication and data analysis, all in the context of appreciating and leveraging knowledge of the key role that politics plays in human interactions from the local to the global level.
Learning Outcomes
A student majoring in political science should develop skill and achieve proficiency in the following four areas:
- Critical Thinking - A student will be able to describe, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate politics.
- Communication Skills - A student will be able to communicate effectively, delivering content in a form that is appropriate for the intended audience.
- Data Analysis - A student will be able to comprehend quantitative political science research, and design and conduct their own research projects in political science that test hypotheses with quantitative data.
- Knowledge of Politics - A student will be able to define and discuss key concepts/ideas in at least two/three sub-fields of political science.
Minor in Political Science
A minimum of 20 credits, including 101, 102 or 103, any political theory class chosen from among the following: 211, 212, 215 or 216, and 8 additional credits with a minimum of 4 credits at the 300-level or above. Minors should consult with an advisor in the department.