Political Science

Professor K. den Dulk (Paul B. Henry Chair in Christianity and Politics), D. Koopman
Associate Professors M. Watson, J. Westra (chair)
Assistant Professor M. Pelz

The department offers a variety of courses in the areas of American politics, comparative politics, international politics, methods of political analysis, and political theory. Students may major in political science or international relations (a more specialized political science degree). Those who major in political science may choose to follow a program of concentration in policy studies and civic leadership. Those who major in international relations may choose to follow a program of concentration in comparative politics, governments, and globalization or a program of concentration in peace, conflict, and diplomacy.

Internships

Political science and international relations majors are encouraged to enroll in internship programs, and a variety of off-campus interims in the U.S. and abroad exist. The department encourages students to participate in the spring Henry Semester in Washington, DC, or to enroll in POLS 380 - Internship in Politics and Government . Interested students should contact M. Pelz. A maximum of six semester hours may be applied toward the political science major and three semester hours toward the international relations major. Students may take additional internship credits as electives and apply them toward the required total credits for graduation.

Honors

To graduate with honors in political science or international relations, a student must: (1) complete at least six non-interim honors courses overall, with a minimum of four honors courses in the major, (2) attain a minimum GPA of 3.5 in each honors course as well as a minimum GPA of 3.5 both overall and in the major, and (3) complete a senior honors thesis. Interested students should contact J. Westra.

To be admitted to the major program in either political science or international relations, a student must have completed POLS 101 , POLS 110 , POLS 214 , or POLS 207 with a minimum grade of C (2.0).

Programs

Major

Minor

Courses

Political Science

See the Political Science Department for a description of courses and programs of concentration in international relations.