Political Theory
In one sense, political theory is a subfield of the discipline of political science, existing alongside other branches of political inquiry such as comparative politics, international relations, and American politics. But in another sense, political theory seems quite unique from the other subfields in that it can be regarded as the oldest and most fundamental form of political inquiry. It is a philosophical inquiry into political meaning that lays bare the most fundamental questions of the human experience.
What does it mean for an individual to be free? Is reason necessary to freedom? What form of equality should society strive for? How does one wield power for the sake of justice?
Political theory, then, does not just stand beside other branches, but can be considered foundational to the discipline of political science—the fountainhead of all other forms of political inquiry. Indeed, what appears to lie beneath the practice of inquiry in the other subfields of political science are fundamental questions and insights that strike to the heart of what we call political theory. For these reasons, it is essential that students have some exposure to political theory in order to: a) understand their own beliefs and ideological principles; b) evaluate contemporary political debate by understanding foundational principles that influence specific policy proposals and political positions; and c) articulate a sense of what justice, freedom, and equality are and how we should pursue these values in a democratic society.
Program Summary
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University Degree Requirements (Gen Ed) |
36 credit hours |
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Foreign Language Requirement/Cognates |
10 credit hours |
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Departmental Core Curriculum |
22 credit hours |
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Electives |
52 credit hours |
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120 credit hours total |
Core for Political Science Major [BA/BS]
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POLS 100 |
Orientation to Political Science |
3 hours |
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POLS 101 |
American Government |
3 hours |
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POLS 230 |
Introduction to International Relations |
3 hours |
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POLS 280 |
Introduction to Public Policy |
3 hours |
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PHIL 201 |
Political Philosophy |
3 hours |
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POLS 455 |
Research Methods |
3 hours |
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POLS 490 |
Senior Capstone |
3 hours |
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POLS 689 |
Internship in Political Science |
1 hour |
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22 hours total |
Courses in Political Theory
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POLS 201 |
Foundations of Political Theory |
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POLS 650 |
History of Political Theory |
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POLS 651 |
Recent Political Theory |
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POLS 653 |
American Political Thought |