Political Science and Public Administration

120 Minné Hall
507.457.5500, Fax: 507.457.2621
Political Science website
Fredrick Lee, Chairperson

Faculty

Elissa Alzate, Assistant Professor; BA, Florida International University; MA, PhD, University of California-Davis; 2012 -
Matthew Bosworth, Professor; BA, Johns Hopkins University; MA, PhD, University of Wisconsin-Madison; 1997 -
Darrell Downs, Professor; BA, BS, Montana State University; MS, Oregon State University; PhD, Colorado State University; 1992 -
Edward Guernica, Associate Professor; BA, San Jose State; MA, PhD, Tulane University; 2004 -
Fredrick Lee, Professor; AB, University of New Orleans; AM, PhD, University of Michigan; 1992 -
Kara Lindaman, Professor; BA, MA, University of Northern Iowa; PhD, University of Kansas; 2006 -

Purpose

Political science deals with the theory and practice of politics, government, and administration. The essence of political science is to discover how, when, and why people and governments shape public decisions. As an academic discipline, it includes political theory, public law, public administration, American politics and policy (domestic and foreign), and governments and politics of different countries.

The primary objective of the political science curriculum is to prepare students for graduate studies and/or careers in public service, business, or education. The study of political science also provides a strong background for success in law school. Generally, students majoring in political science find that it helps them understand the changing political environment and prepares them to take responsibility in their community, nation, and the world at large. Whether a student is interested in a career in public service, the study of politics is a solid preparation for life as a critical thinking adult.

Pass/No Credit (P/NC) Courses

Except for internships, students must take all courses in the major and minor on a grade-only basis. The P/NC option is available to non-majors for all courses.

Double Majors

For students majoring in both political science and public administration, required courses for one major can be applied to the requirements of the other, but at least 15 semester hours must be non-duplicative.

General Education Program Intensive Requirements

Students may use intensive courses to satisfy both General Education Program and major requirements. Intensive courses will usually be in the student’s major or minor program. The Department of Political Science and Public Administration offers the following intensive courses in the General Education Program:

Intensives

Oral (◎)

Math/Critical Analysis (◆)

Writing (△)

POLS 260 - Classical Political Thought (3)
△ POLS 321 - American Presidency (3)
△ POLS 322 - Political Parties, Interest Groups, & Movements (3)
△ POLS 325 - History of Political Thought (3)
△ POLS 330 - Race & American Politics (3)
△ POLS 333 - Media and Politics (3)
POLS 336 - Post Communist Political Systems (3)
△ POLS 347 - International Organizations (3)
POLS 358 - Contemporary Political Thought (3)
△ POLS 425 - Policy Studies △ POLS 425 - Policy Studies (3)
POLS 450 - Feminist Political Theory (3)
△ POLS 475 - Democratization and Its Challenges (3)

Intensive courses that can be used to satisfy political science major/minor requirements are identified in the lists of required courses and electives in this section.