Faculty: INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE PGROGRAMS This major provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of political science, focusing on the study of political systems, behavior, and institutions. Students will explore key areas such as political theory, comparative politics, international relations, and public policy. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research, and analytical skills to prepare students for careers in government, law, international organizations, and academia. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamental concepts and theories of political science. - Develop skills in analyzing political systems, behavior, and institutions. - Learn techniques for conducting political research and data analysis. - Explore the role of politics in shaping societies and global relations. - Understand the principles of public policy and governance. - Analyze challenges and opportunities in domestic and international politics. - Develop communication and advocacy skills for engaging in political discourse. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Political Science** - Overview of political science, its history, and its significance in understanding governance. 2. **Political Theory and Philosophy** - Study of key political theories and thinkers (e.g., Plato, Machiavelli, Marx). - Techniques for analyzing and critiquing political ideologies. 3. **Comparative Politics** - Principles of comparing political systems and institutions across countries. - Techniques for understanding the impact of culture, history, and economics on politics. 4. **International Relations** - Exploration of global politics, diplomacy, and international organizations. - Techniques for analyzing conflicts, cooperation, and global governance. 5. **Public Policy and Administration** - Fundamentals of policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation. - Techniques for analyzing the impact of policies on society. 6. **Political Behavior and Public Opinion** - Study of voting behavior, political participation, and public opinion. - Techniques for conducting surveys and analyzing political data. 7. **Political Economy** - Exploration of the intersection between politics and economics. - Techniques for understanding the impact of economic policies on political systems. 8. **Research Methods in Political Science** - Principles of qualitative and quantitative research in political analysis. - Techniques for conducting fieldwork, interviews, and data analysis. 9. **Emerging Trends in Political Science** - Exploration of issues such as globalization, climate change, and digital politics. - Techniques for adapting to new trends and challenges in political science. 10. **Capstone Research Project** - In-depth research project on a specific political topic or case study. - Techniques for delivering a comprehensive and original scholarly contribution. **Assessment Methods:** - Research papers and essays on political theory and analysis. - Presentations and debates on political issues. - Participation in seminars and group discussions. - Final capstone project and defense. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Political Science: An Introduction" by Michael G. Roskin, Robert L. Cord, James A. Medeiros, and Walter S. Jones. - "Theories of International Relations" by Scott Burchill and Andrew Linklater. - "Comparative Politics: Interests, Identities, and Institutions in a Changing Global Order" by Jeffrey Kopstein and Mark Lichbach. - "Public Policy: Politics, Analysis, and Alternatives" by Michael E. Kraft and Scott R. Furlong. **Prerequisites:** No prior experience required, but an interest in politics, history, and society is recommended. Suitable for students in social sciences, humanities, and related fields. **Major Duration:** Typically 3-4 years, including research projects and seminars. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a degree in Political Science or a related field, depending on the program and institution. **Target Audience:** Aspiring politicians, policy analysts, researchers, and professionals seeking to understand and engage with political systems and processes. This major equips students with the critical thinking, research, and analytical skills needed to excel in political science, contributing to informed decision-making and effective governance in a complex world.