Political Science and International Studies

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Professors Leahy (Department Chair), Neal and H. Smith; Associate Professor Johnson-Ross; Assistant Professor Boukhars.

Areas of particular teaching interest: Professor Smith: state and local governments, public opinion research, national and Maryland elections and campaigns; Professor Leahy: comparative politics of Western Europe, developing nations and communist nations, methodology of comparative politics and conflict resolution, international human rights; Professor Neal: judicial process, political theory, American political behavior;  Professor Johnson- Ross: comparative politics of developing nations, African politics, ethnicity and nationalism, gender, politics and popular culture.

To study the science and arts of politics is to examine and understand human behavior in a governmental context. The major in political science provides an informed sense of knowledge about governmental systems in general and of the American government and world affairs in particular. The curriculum in political science is directed towards an understanding of National and International Studies. It provides a particularly useful professional background for public service at the local, state, national, or international levels, for law, or for journalism, social work, teaching, and school administration.

Opportunity is afforded to students to participate in off-campus programs at the Washington Semester of The American University, the Washington Center, and other similar programs here and abroad.

Other Educational Options in Political Science: Dual majors with Economics, English, Foreign Language, History; Pre-Legal; Teacher Certification in Secondary (middle/high school) Social Studies. Minors are also available in Political Science and International Studies.

Please see the Education section under Curriculum in this catalog for teacher certification requirements in Political Science.

Please see the Dual Major section for dual majors with Economics, English, Foreign Language, History, Social Work.

PRE-LAW PREPARATION

Law schools do not require a particular undergraduate major. They are much more interested in the quality of the work done, and generally, a student will do best in the subjects that he or she likes best. Political Science, however, does offer a number of courses especially related to the study of the law, e.g., Constitutional Law, International Law, Public Policy, and Civil Liberties.

Contact: Dr. Neal, Political Science and International Studies

Political Science and International Studies Course Descriptions (PSI)

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