UMM

Curriculum Committee

Form B

Rev: 07/2004

Route this form to:

Appropriate

Division Office

University of Minnesota, Morris

Curriculum Committee Form B:

Discipline Objectives and Requirements

All changes become effective the fall semester following Campus Assembly approval.

Date: September 20, 2006

Discipline/Division: Political Science

I. Introductory Statement:

This discipline is in the Division of the Social Sciences.

II. Objectives:

Students who complete the political science major are able to critically analyze not only the behavior of political actors, but also their respective political institutions and political systems. The main objectives of the political science major are to enable students to use strong analytical skills and critical thinking in their analysis of theories, institutions, and processes in political science. The program prepares students for work in government and private business, and it prepares students for additional training in law and graduate programs.

A political science major is expected to show knowledge of political institutions, behavior, and processes in domestic and/or international settings. Students learn how and why governments are structured, operate, make policy, and manage social conflict. A political science major is expected to demonstrate a critical understanding of the major schools of political thought. Upon completion of the major, students of political science:

1. have the ability to critically analyze, interpret, and synthesize the theories that are prevalent in a major subfield of political science
2. are more empowered to participate in government due to increased familiarity with politics and government
3. are adequately prepared for entrance into graduate or professional school.

III. Assessment:

IV. Requirements for a Major:

Major requirements include a minimum of 36 credits taken within the political science discipline, as well as either Stat 1601 or Stat 2601. Students majoring in Political Science are required to complete any two of the four introductory courses:

Pol 1101—Introduction to Political Inquiry: Thinking about Politics

Pol 1201 – American Government and Politics

Pol 1301 – Comparative Politics

Pol 1401 – World Politics

Political science majors must also complete all of the requirements in at least one of the following subfields:

Subfield I: American Politics

Pol 1201—American Government and Politics

12 upper division credits in the American politics subfield (Pol 32xx or 42xx)

8 upper division credits in political theory (Pol 33xx or 43xx), international relations (Pol 34xx or 44xx), and/or comparative politics (Pol 35xx or 45xx)

4 additional elective credits in Pol 3xxx or 4xxx courses (Pol 4901 not eligible)

Pol 4901—Senior Research Seminar in American Government

Subfield II: International Relations and Comparative Politics

Pol 1301—Comparative Politics

or Pol 1401—World Politics

12 upper division credits in the international relations and comparative politics subfield (Pol 34xx, Pol 35xx, 44xx, 45xx)

8 upper division credits in American politics (Pol 32xx or 42xx) and/or political theory (Pol 33xx or 43xx)

4 additional elective credits in Pol 3xxx or 4xxx courses (Pol 4902 not eligible)

Pol 4902—Senior Research Seminar in International Relations and Comparative Politics

Subfield III: Political Theory

Pol 1101—Introduction to Political Inquiry: Thinking about Politics

12 upper division credits in the political theory subfield (Pol 33xx or 43xx)

8 upper division credits in American politics (Pol 32xx or 42xx), international relations (Pol 34xx or 44xx), and/or comparative politics (Pol 35xx or 45xx)

4 additional elective credits in Pol 3xxx or 4xxx courses (Pol 4903 not eligible)

Pol 4903—Senior Research Seminar in Political Theory

Courses with grades of D/D+ may not be used to meet the major requirements.

The political science discipline strongly recommends that students take advantage of opportunities in internships, field studies, and study abroad.

V. Requirements for a Minor:

The political science minor requires at least 20 political science credits. Minors must complete any 1 of the 4 introductory courses:

Pol 1101—Introduction to Political Inquiry: Thinking about Politics

Pol 1201 – American Government and Politics

Pol 1301 – Comparative Politics

Pol 1401 – World Politics

And at least 8 of the 20 must be upper division Pol 3xxx or 4xxx credits.

Courses with grades of D/D+ may not be used to meet the minor requirements.

VI. Requirements for Teacher Preparation:

Students seeking teaching licensure in social studies 5-12 should refer to the Education, Secondary (SeEd) section of this catalog.

VII. Other heading (include heading title):