Department of Political Science

Dr. Saundra Ardrey, Head
e-mail: Saundra.Ardrey@wku.edu

Professor: E. Yager
Associate Professors: S. Ardrey, C. Cobane, S. Kiasatpour, S. Lasley, R. Murphy
Assistant Professors: V. Gordon, J. Kash, C. Taratoot, J. Turner
Optional Retiree: J. Petersen
Professional-in-Residence:  J. Chappell

Major in Political Science
A program of study in Political Science furthers student awareness and understanding of political concepts and processes, assists the student in developing critical and analytical abilities, and creates a knowledgeable citizen. Completion of a curriculum in political science provides an individual with a broad background preparatory to a number of careers. Among these are government service, politics, business, teaching, research in political science, and entry into law and other graduate schools. Students may major or minor in political science.

Major in International Affairs
The International Affairs major is designed to prepare students for success in a global society.  It integrates the information, techniques and skills of several disciplines including political science, economics, history, geography, religion and modern languages to study and understand the complexity of the international environment.  Students graduating in international affairs pursue careers in international and public affairs, international business, diplomacy, public service, journalism and international humanitarian work. 

When planning a program of study in this department, each student should be aware of the University’s academic requirements and regulations contained in this catalog in the chapter “Academic Information.” Specific attention should be given to the subsections in the chapter entitled (a) Academic Programs, (b) General Education Requirements, and (c) Academic Requirements and Regulations. Students should be aware that some academic programs may require additional scholastic regulations and standards not specified in the catalog. To obtain a copy of these regulations, students should contact the department head.

Study Abroad
The world is our classroom. The Department of Political Science offers several study abroad opportunities including the United Kingdom, Ghana, the Czech Republic, Russia and Turkey. Student scholarships and financial assistance are available through the University. For more information on international student travel, contact Drs. Roger Murphy, Soleiman Kiasatpour or Saundra Ardrey.

Honors Program
The Department of Political Science participates in the University Honors College. Department honors courses allow students of exceptional academic abilities to investigate political phenomena and concepts in a more in-depth manner and to discuss contemporary political issues in small group settings. Honor courses encourage the development of critical thinking skills and analytical writing. Students also have an opportunity to assist faculty with research, present papers at regional and national conferences and/or engage in self-designed research projects. Political Science majors/minors and International Affairs majors in the University Honors College can complete their honors thesis in consultation with an advisor. For further information on honors courses and opportunities, contact Dr. Saundra Curry Ardrey, Department of Political Science.

Major in International Affairs
The major in international affairs (reference number 702) requires a minimum of 45 semester hours and leads to a bachelor of arts degree.  At least 23 hours must be at the 300-level or above.  A minor or second major is required.  The requirements for a major include the following:  21 hours of core courses:

1. PS 250 (International Politics)
2. PS 260 (Introduction to Comparative Politics)
3. PS 357 (U.S. Foreign Policy)
4. PS 497 (Senior Seminar in International Affairs)
5. HIST 120 (Western Civilization Since 1648)
6. ECON 202 (Principles of Economics-Micro) or ECON 203 (Principles of Economics-Macro)
7. GEOG 110 (World Regional Geography)

Students are advised to take all core courses before enrolling in PS 497.

In addition to the 21 core hours, students are required to select 9 additional hours in political science from PS 200, 267, 299, 300, 303, 350, 355, 360, 361, 362, 363, 365, 366, 367, 368, 449, 450, 457, and 460.  Students may also enroll in PS 403, 405, or 407 for a total of three hours. (Note:  PS 200 is cross-listed as HIST 200, GEOG 200, and SPAN 200 and can be taken only once.)

The remaining 15 hours of electives should be chosen from the following courses with no more than 6 semester hours from one academic discipline.  Students should consult the appropriate department and course catalog for prerequisites.  COMM 463; ECON 380, 385, 386, 496; FIN 433, 436; FLK 340, 350; FREN 323, 427; GERM 202, 335; GEOG 101, 278, 425, 455, 464, 465, 466, 467, 485; HIST 299, 324, 335, 360, 365, 370, 425, 438, 439, 461, 462, 465, 471, 472, 494; JOUR 354; MGT 316, 403; MKT 324; RELS 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 308, 324; SPAN 372, 373.

Additional baccalaureate degree requirements for students pursuing a major in international affairs:

Students are required to take a modern language through the intermediate level (201 and 202).  For modern languages not taught at Western Kentucky University, students should consult with the Department of Modern Languages for transfer and testing information.

Students pursuing a degree in international affairs are strongly encouraged to participate in a study abroad program or an international internship experience.

Major in Political Science
The major in political science (reference number 686) requires a minimum of 34 semester hours and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. A minor or second major is required. The requirements for a major include the following: 19 hours of core courses:

1. PS 110 (American National Government)
2. PS 201 (Concepts of Political Science)
3. PS 250 (International Politics)
4. PS 260 (Introduction to Comparative Politics)
5. PS 301 (Research Methods in Political Behavior)
6. PS 330 (Introduction to Political Theory)
7. PS 499 (Senior Seminar in Government)

Students are advised to take all core courses before enrolling in PS 499.

In addition to the 19 core hours, students are required to select 15 additional hours to complete the major. No more than 6 hours total can come from PS 403, 405, 407, and 498. PS 324 and 325 can both be repeated once. Three hours can be used for the major and three hours as general electives.

The department offers two options:

Option One: Self Design
Students design their own program of study in consultation with an advisor: 15 hours of political science courses, with at least 10 hours of 300/400 level courses.

Option Two: Select a concentration from the following:

1. Comparative Politics
   Nine hours selected from PS 200, 267, 360, 361, 362, 363, 365, 366, 367, 368, and 460. Six additional hours of political science courses selected in consultation with an advisor.
2. International Relations
   Nine hours selected from PS 350, 355, 357, 449, 450, 457. Six additional hours of political science courses selected in consultation with an advisor.
3. Political Campaign Management
   PS 375 is required and 6 hours selected from PS 370, 371, 372. Six additional hours of political science courses selected in consultation with an advisor.
4. Public Law
   PS 220 is required and 6 hours selected from PS 326, 327, 328. Six additional hours of political science courses selected in consultation with an advisor.
5. Public Administration
   PS 440 is required and 12 hours selected from PS 210, 211, 310, 314, 316, 338, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 412, 415, 424, 441, 442, 480, 498.

Minor in Political Science
The minor in political science (reference number 383) requires a minimum of 24 semester hours with at least one-half of the hours to be earned at the 300-level or above. The requirements for a minor include the following:

12 hours of core courses:

1. PS 110 (American National Government)
2. PS 201 (Concepts of Political Science)
3. PS 250 (International Politics) or PS 260
   (Introduction to Comparative Politics)
4. PS 330 (Introduction to Political Theory)

In addition to the 12 core hours, students are required to select 12 additional hours to complete the minor. No more than three hours total may come from PS 403, 405, 407 and 498. PS 324 and 325 can both be repeated once. Only 3 hours can be used for the minor and 3 hours as general electives.

Certificate in Political Communication
This certificate allows for exploration of the role that communication plays in political systems by combining studies in the fields of communication and political science. The certificate is designed for students preparing for careers as legislative aides, political consultants, campaign managers, speechwriters, or lobbyists. Students who complete the certificate will have a foundation of communication skills and theory with a working knowledge of the political system.

Housed in the Potter College Dean’s Office, the certificate program consists of 15 hours of required and elective courses that complement both a student’s major/minor and career aspirations.

Students are required to take PS 375, Fundamentals of Political Campaign Management and PS/COMM 488, Senior Seminar in Political Communication. Students will select one course from a list of Political Science courses and 2 courses from a list of Communication Studies courses. Students should contact the Political Science or Communication Department for specific information on designing a certificate program.

Graduate Degree Program
The Department of Political Science offers courses leading to a master of public administration degree. Assistantships are available to outstanding graduate students. For further information see the Graduate Studies Catalog or contact the Department of Political Science.

Suggested Programs of Study

(A-F) denotes General Education Category

Suggested Programs of Study

(A-F) denotes General Education Category