Courses in the Political Science Department
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 those 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.
The major in political science 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:
- PS 110 (American National Government)
- PS 201 (Concepts of Political Science)
- PS 250 (International Politics)
- PS 260 (Introduction to Comparative Politics)
- PS 301 (Research Methods in Political Behavior)
- PS 330 (Introduction to Political Theory) or PS 435 (American Political Thought)
-
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. Students design their own programs of study in consultation with an advisor: 15 hours of political science courses, with at least 10 hours of 300/400 level courses.
Minor in Political Science
The minor in political science requires a minimum of 21 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:
6 hours of core courses: PS 110 (American National Government) and PS 250 (International Politics) or PS 260 (Introduction to Comparative Politics).
In addition to 6 core hours, students are required to select 15 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
The certificate in Political Communication 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.
Major in International Affairs
The major in international affairs 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:
A. PS 250 (International Politics)
B. PS 260 (Introduction to Comparative Politics)
C. PS 357 (U.S. Foreign Policy)
D. PS 497 (Senior Seminar in International Affairs)
E. HIST 120 (Western Civilization Since 1648)
F. ECON 202 (Principles of Economics-Micro) or ECON 203 (Principles of Economics-Macro)
G. 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 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.
