Political Science Major

Help shape the world

The Political Science Major provides more than just an academic overview of the political world around us. It equips you with the tools to be the shapers of that world through a curriculum that takes place inside and outside the classroom. A political science education at Worcester State University begins with coursework in the subfields of American government, political theory, global politics, public policy, and legal studies. You will learn about political ideas that impact society, how different political systems around the world operate, the sources of conflicts at home and abroad, the ways conflicts can be resolved, and the reasons they sometimes are not. You will also obtain a variety of hands-on experiences that will train you to be engaged citizens and prepare you for careers in politics, law, public service, campaigns, consulting, education, communications, and business.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Develop a solid understanding of the foundations of political science
Analyze American political structures and politics from a variety of perspectives
Think globally and develop a rich understanding of the particularities of other countries as well as global structures and processes
Use political theories to make sense of the world we live in
Develop a rich and nuanced understanding of political conflict
Observe, reflect, and partake in the political world firsthand

Explore sample courses in this program

PO-110 American Government

This course introduces students to the American political system and thus it will be an exploration of American republican democracy. We will attempt to understand the way that the political system operates by examining Congress, the presidency, the judiciary, federalism, political parties, interest groups, elections, civil liberties and civil rights, and policy issues relevant to Americans. We will explore the way that institutional arrangements facilitate debate, which ultimately leads to policy changes. Our objective in this class will be to understand the workings of American democracy.

3 credits

PO-120 Global Politics

An introduction to comparative politics and international relations. In this course, students will learn how different countries around the world govern themselves and how they interact with each other. Topics may include democratic and non-democratic regimes, theories of war and peace, global political cultures, and intergovernmental organizations such as the United Nations.

3 credits

PO-130 Introduction to Political Theory

This course introduces students to the field of political theory by focusing on some of the major works and concepts such as democracy, freedom, liberty, and justice.

3 credits

PO-150 Foundations of Legal Studies

This course introduces the fundamentals of the American legal system. Primary topics will include the sources of law; constitutional interpretation; the roles of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government; federal and state judicial systems; civil and criminal law; legal ethics; and questions of power, authority, justice, inequality, individualism, and the community. Students will also learn the fundamentals of legal research, such as locating the texts of statutes, regulations, and court decisions on specific subjects; reading and analyzing statutes and case law; and developing techniques for legal writing and oral presentations.

3 credits

PO-160 Introduction to Civic Engagement

What are the responsibilities of citizenship? How do we define community? What are the ways we can participate in civic life? This course in civic learning and civic engagement will help prepare individuals for effective democratic participation, which in turn promotes growth of healthy communities, global economic vitality, social and political well-being and democratic human interactions. Through a variety of readings and experiential activities, students will be introduced to the four core pillars in the Civic Engagement field: Civic and Democratic Knowledge, Civic and Democratic Skills, Civic and Democratic Values, and Civic and Democratic Action.

3 credits

PO-201 International Relations Theory

Theory and practice of international security (realism and internationalism) and international political economy (liberalism and protectionism) in their historical context.

3 credits

PO-202 Globalization

The promise and problems of globalization (spread of free market capitalism and political democracy).

3 credits

PO-203 Gender, War and Peace

A practical and thematic examination of the relevance of the concepts of gender to war and peace. Students will become familiar with multiple, feminist approaches to topics such as: militarization, gender and armed actors, wartime violence, the impact of war on gender relations, peace activism, peace processes, and peacekeeping. Classes will also cover the emergence of new norms adopted by the UN system to address these issues, as well as the emergence of feminist foreign policies. We will examine cases drawn from across the globe.

3 credits

PO-209 Ancient and Classical Political Theory

This class introduces students to the ideas and concepts found in the works of ancient and classical political theorists. We will read major works by theorists like Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Locke, Mill, Hobbes, the Federalists, and Rousseau. Emphasis will be placed on how theorists justify the existence of government and how its conception has evolved over time. We then trace fundamental principles, such as democracy, liberty, and justice and show how these ideas are encapsulated in the US Constitution.

3 credits

PO-211 History of US Foreign Policy I

Colonial origins to the era of the Spanish American War. The sources and developments of United States foreign policy in that period.

3 credits

PO-212 History of US Foreign Policy II

From 1900 to recent times: United States foreign policy traditions and the challenges of great power status.

3 credits

PO-213 The Modern Presidency

This course will examine the evolution of the presidency. Special attention is given to those presidents who have expanded the office.

3 credits

PO-215 State and Local Government

Examines sub-national governments and politics in the United States; the structure and problems of these governments.

3 credits

PO-216 Political Parties and Interest Groups

Examines the organization, functions, and methods of political parties; the role of interest groups in the American political process.

3 credits

PO-217 The U.S. Congress

The nature and function of the United States Congress, including the complexities of the lawmaking process, Congressional elections, the relationship between individual members of Congress and their constituencies, major issues of public policy, and institutional relations between Congress, the Presidency, and the Judiciary.

3 credits

PO-220 European Politics

This course provides a comparative study of European government and politics, with a focus on major countries such as Great Britain, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Russia. Special emphasis will be placed on learning about the structure of political power within the state and on important institutions that form the link between state and society, such as political parties and interest groups. Diverse nationalistic responses to the European Union will also be considered.

3 credits

PO-221 Asian Politics

This course provides students with an analysis of selected political systems of the countries of Asia. Students will have the opportunity to learn about major theories in comparative politics, which will be applied to the understanding of countries in the Asian region. Topics will include communist and post-communist transitions, democratization, social movements, and economic reform.

3 credits

PO-222 Latin American Politics

This course provides a comparative study of the government and politics of contemporary Latin America. It will explore the political systems of various countries, as well as how political dynamics, such as democratization, authoritarianism, and crisis situations, have affected political, economic, and social policies throughout the region.

3 credits

PO-223 Political Communication

This course will analyze the relationship between citizens' opinions and the mass media through a focus on political campaign and governmental communication strategy. Specific attention will be given to the history of the relationship between politicians and the media. We will also study political campaign advertisements. We will analyze how political candidates and governments communicate with voters, how they shape their images and manage crises, and ultimately attempt to determine how effective politicians are in influencing public opinion.

3 credits

PO-224 Middle Eastern Politics

This course provides students with an analysis of selected political systems of the countries of the Middle East. Students will have the opportunity to learn about major theories in comparative politics, which will be applied to the understanding of countries in the Middle Eastern region. International rivalries in the area are also discussed.

3 credits

PO-230 Campaigns and Elections

This course examines political campaigns and elections in the United States, with a focus on the candidate nomination and electoral process, campaign structures and strategies, voting, political participation, public opinion, the media, political behavior, and the role of political parties.

3 credits

PO-262 Principles of US Public Policy

This course introduces students to how American public policy is formulated and how public policies can be evaluated. These theoretical and structural frameworks are then applied to a series of case studies of public policies to examine the role of politics in how the policy process works and to develop a fuller understanding of the political and ideological debates over contemporary public policy issues such as welfare, social security, heath care, education, labor, criminal justice, and the environment.

3 credits

PO-265 Racial and Ethnic Politics

This class will analyze the relationship between the United States government and racial and ethnic groups and explore the way that race is utilized in American politics. We will focus on issues affecting racial and ethnic communities in the United States, the politics behind racial and ethnic classification, and the use of racial and ethnic appeals in American political campaigns. The readings for this course will cover topics such as affirmative action, criminal justice reform, and civil rights. It will offer students an opportunity to analyze political speeches and advertisements that utilize race and ethnicity.

3 credits

PO-301 International Law

An examination of international law through the lens of international relations. This course will focus on international humanitarian law (the law of war), international human rights law, and territorial law (border disputes). We will examine contemporary and historical cases, such as genocide in Myanmar, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the expansion of human rights to women and Indigenous peoples, and China's claims to the South China Sea. Students will also learn about the courts and legal instruments involved in enforcing each area of international law.

3 credits

PO-311 Environmental Politics and Policy

Investigation of the factors that determine the formation of public policy on the environment with consideration of the roles played by federal, state, and local regulatory agencies in the United States. Case studies will include global climate change, air and water pollution, energy, land use, brownfields, waste management, endangered species, and population growth.

3 credits

PO-319 Constitutional Law of Civil Rights and Liberties

This course will provide students with an analysis of law pertaining to civil liberties and civil rights in the Unites States, with attention also given to Massachusetts. Following the historical development of constitutional law in the United States, we will begin with pre-Civil War law to see how fundamental civil liberties and civil rights have been applied to the states.

3 credits

PO-330 Politics of the Middle East I

Discusses governments and politics of eastern Arab countries, Turkey, Iran, and Israel. International rivalries in the area are also discussed.

3 credits

PO-361 The Rise of the Right: Conservative Politics From Goldwater to Today

This course will critically trace the development of conservative politics in the United States from the 1960s to today. Students will analyze various influential conservative activists and thinkers like Barry Goldwater and Charles Murray to consider their influence on the political campaigns and strategies of figures like Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, and Donald Trump. We will read the texts of key conservative thinkers on welfare, race, and foreign relations to analyze their lasting impact on American politics.

3 credits

PO-380 American Foreign Policy Since the Cold War

Instruments of American foreign policy; major foreign policy developments since 1947.

3 credits

Why study political science at Worcester State?

As a student of political science at Worcester State, you will gain a global perspective through hands-on experience history.

Hands-on history through applied learning: Curriculum that takes place inside and outside the classroom
Focus & Explore: Cultivate your own academic niche while also gaining a rich breadth of knowledge

Integrative learning for future educators: Get the skills you need to become an impactful teacher
Small intimate class sizes: Every student receives ample individual attention

Age of Empires
Ancient Worlds
International Relations Theory
Globalization
The United States Since 1945
Native America
History of Warfare
Asian Studies

American Immigrant History
Foreign Policy
Latin American History
African-American History
Cold War
Nationalism
China’s Rise to Power

See the diverse career paths that a degree in History & Political Science can prepare you for.

Explore a wide range of rewarding professional opportunities with your History & Political Science Degree from Worcester State.

Journalist

Human Rights Advocate

Public Programs Coordinator

Librarian

Teacher

Researcher

Lawyer

National Park Historian

Museum Exhibit Coordinator

Docent

Paralegal

Antiquarian

Policy Expert

Public Official

Translator

Grant Writer

Campaign Manager

Nonprofit Project Coordinator

Where will your Worcester State History & Political Science Degree Take You?

Map your path to a rewarding career in History & Political Science.

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