Political Science

Matthew Powers, Ph.D., Program Coordinator

Goodhue Academic Center, Room 303

(270) 384-8119                 powersm@lindsey.edu

Mission Statement

The mission of the political science program is to develop students’ understanding of politics by providing them with the conceptual tools needed to evaluate the political world.  In the process, the political science program exposes students to all of the discipline's different subfields by educating them on each subfield’s core principles and demonstrating the ways they relate to one another.  The political science program also strives to contribute to a deeper understanding of politics and government through faculty research and publications.

The education that students receive in political science is ultimately geared toward providing them with the skills required to pursue successful careers in government, academics, and the private sector.  A political science degree is particularly appropriate for students contemplating attending law school or graduate programs in the social sciences.  Students who have an interest in political science but who have career plans outside the discipline often minor in political science while majoring in another field.

Graduation Requirements

Some courses taken for the minor will simultaneously fulfill general education requirements. Please see the Graduation Requirements (bachelor’s degrees) section of this catalog for information on the general education program.

Students should note that the minor may contribute up to 12 hours toward the required 39 hours of 3000-4000 level coursework.

Program Requirements: 21 hours

Along with the general education program and a major, students must complete the minor’s core requirements and select program electives as indicated.

A.         Core Requirements: 15 hours

• U.S. Government (POSC 1003) – 3 hours
• International Relations (POSC 2213) – 3 hours
• Comparative Politics (POSC 2303) – 3 hours

B.        American Politics Requirements (select two of the following):  6 hours

• U.S. Constitutional Law (CRJS 3213) – 3 hours
• U.S. History: 1865 to Present (HIST 1043) – 3 hours
• U.S. Congress (POSC 2203) – 3 hours
• Public Policy (POSC 3213) – 3 hours
• The American Presidency (POSC 4203) – 3 hours
• Topics in Political Science & Politics (POSC 4TX3) – 3 hours

C.        International Perspectives (select two of the following):  6 hours

• World Civilization II:  1500 to Present (HIST 2243) – 3 hours
• U.S. Foreign Policy (POSC 2403) – 3 hours
• International Law (POSC 3313) – 3 hours
• Terrorism & Political Violence (POSC 3323) – 3 hours
• Ethnic Conflict & Civil War (POSC 3403) – 3 hours
• Politics of the Middle East (POSC 3503) – 3 hours
• Topics in International Issues in Political Science (POSC 3TX3) – 3 hours