| POLITICAL SCIENCE Better knowledge of governing institutions and processes provide the tools to become more effective members of society. Students may want to be national political leaders, or work within the government in some capacity. Or students may want to become more involved and effective citizens within their city, county, state and nation. "The science of government is my duty to study, more than all the other sciences; the arts of legislation and administration and negotiations ought to take place of, indeed to exclude in a manner, all other arts. I must study politics and war, so that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy."... John Adams, in letter to Abigail Adams in 1780. What is Political Science? Political Science is the study of government and politics. Governments are the political institutions that establish, administer and enforce the rules, regulations and programs within societies. They vary in structure, practice, levels of legitimacy and effectiveness. They exist at national, state, local and international levels. Governing structures also exist in business and social organizations. Politics has been defined as “who gets what, when and how.” This definition at first reinforces the pejorative and negative views of those involved in politics. Those who correctly view politics as the necessary process in all societal groups in establishing how order, choices and liberties as well as requirements and restricted behaviors are regulated, reasonably conclude that politics is a necessary reality in all societies. Thus one can conclude that politics is involved and necessary in all governing bodies, including the fairest and most effective, as well as the most corrupt and least effective. Further political principles, concepts and processes are useful in better understanding and analyzing relationships and processes within all societal groups. Political principles and processes exist within families as well as work place organizations. What areas of Political Science can students study?
What possible careers may be available ?
Whether one works in one of the above career areas, or other career areas, political science courses provide opportunities to become a more knowledgeable and informed citizen in understanding political institutions and processes. For more information: Office of Admissions Humanities, Government & Modern Languages |
LIBERAL ARTS, COMMUNICATION & SOCIAL SCIENCES
Political Science (PLS)
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