Political Science Learning Outcomes

The Learning Outcomes for the Political Science Program are contained in seven core standards within three themes. The learning outcomes are embedded in the coursework, experiential requirements and opportunities and assessments throughout the Political Science major. At its essence political science is the study of power, and this study requires both the attention to content contained in the first three standards of the first theme, and the acquisition of skills and of ethical values discussed in the second and third themes.  Three benchmarks required in the course of the program are: maintenance of 2.0 or higher GPA in the major; completion of a minor, second major or significant experiential project (such as internship or study abroad); and satisfactory completion of a senior seminar.

Theme I: Understanding the role of power in shaping government and human relationships and forms and interactions of political institutions. 

Standard 1. Concepts of Power: Graduates understand key concepts and concerns in political science including notably the way power is acquired and exercised at the state and/or national levels and international levels.

Standard 2. Dimensions of Politics. Graduates illustrate a broad understanding of the four major subfields of political science, including American politics, international relations, comparative politics and political theory.

Standard 3. Current Event Awareness and Interpretation. Graduates are conversant in current political events through a close reading of the news and interpretation of events through political science theories and concepts.

Theme II: Developing and Exercising Relevant Skills

Standard 4. Research Skills: Graduates possess the ability to pose and answer relevant political questions through research and analysis. This means they: are familiar with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies; develop the ability to evaluate and synthesize information from diverse and reliable sources, identifying and differentiating between primary and secondary source material; and use these skills to produce a research paper, opinion paper, personal reflection or analytical essay.

Standard 5: Logical Argumentation and Critical Questioning: Graduates develop a logical argument and justify a position through written and oral presentations and demonstrate the ability to read and question original research and theoretical writings.

Theme III: Ethics and Social Responsibility

Standard 6: Understanding the critical importance of ethics. Graduates understand the relationship between personal ethics, individual decision-making and public outcomes at the national and international levels.

Standard 7: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice: Graduates appreciate persons with racial, ethnic, economic, sexuality, gender and gender identity, religious, and disability identities different from their own. They direct attention to the impact on equality, social justice and the rights of all persons of both individual actions and public policies.