School:
College of Liberal Arts
Department:
Political Science
Student Type:
Undergraduate
Program:
Political Science
Faculty:
Joel Ostrow, Ph.D.
Roger Rose, Ph.D.
Tammy Sarver, Ph.D., J.D.
Lecturers:
Jim Ryan
Benedictine University Distinguished Fellow
The Lecturers listed are individuals who have been employed as instructors on an as-needed basis,
within the last several years, to teach courses at Benedictine University. Instructors listed may not
currently be employed by Benedictine University. The University is fortunate to be able to provide our
students with part-time faculty whose experience, credentials and commitment to education add to the high quality of our resident faculty.
Objectives:
Political Science students at Benedictine University learn both theoretical and practical material about political systems and their processes, both domestic and international, as part of our overarching goal to develop a strong understanding of the concept of citizenship and commitment to service. Our faculty take pride in challenging our students and helping them to developing critical research, writing and oral communications skills. The Department houses nationally-recognized Mock Trial and Model United Nations programs, and the Center for Civic Leadership and Public Service, directed by Distinguished Fellow and former Illinois Attorney General Jim Ryan. The Center's mission is to inspire students to consider careers in public service and help them to become effective citizens. The program prepares students to pursue career opportunities in national, state and local governments, journalism, education, non-profit organizations, and international development, among others, and graduate study in political science, law, public administration, business, or other advanced study.
The program is designed to:
1. Provide theoretical and practical knowledge about politics in the United States and political systems and processes around the world;
2. Prepare students to pursue careers in law, journalism, business, advocacy groups, non-profit organizations, politics and public service, government, and international organizations and agencies, among others;
3. Provide students an opportunity to choose from concentrations in pre-law or international affairs;
4. Develop writing and research ability and critical thinking essential for success in any career choice;
5. Develop a strong understanding of the concept of citizenship and a commitment to public service;
6. Provide internships and other non-classroom learning experiences in government, law, and business, and other opportunities under the Center for Civic Leadership & Public Service led by J. Ryan, Distinguished Fellow;
7. Encourage participation in our award-winning Model United Nations and Mock Trial teams.
Requirements - Major:
Political science majors must complete SOCL-C100(3); ECON-C101(3); and PSYC-C100(3). HIST-111(3), 112(3) are strongly recommended. Also recommended are 12 hours in a modern language and HIST-223(3). The major itself consists of a minimum of 36 hours in political science, completed with a grade of "C" or better, including PLSC-C102(3), C105(3), 201(3), C210(3), 299(3), 399(3), and 18 hours in other political science courses, nine hours of which must be at the 300-level. All major and cognate courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.
Global Studies (PLSC-101) will not count towards a Political Science major or minor requirement.
Students planning to attend law school may pursue the pre-legal concentration.
PRELEGAL CONCENTRATION:
In response to law school recommendations, the pre-legal concentration does not require a specific course of study but focuses on a broad range of offerings out of six academic programs. The thrust is a broad liberal arts background, which makes the student aware of pressing social problems, knowledgeable about the American system of government and capable of reading critically and writing in a clear, concise manner.
The student in the prelegal concentration is required to complete the following courses political science with a grade of "C" or better: PLSC-C102(3), C105(3), 201(3), C210(3), 230(3)/330(3), 231(3)/331(3), 243(3)/343(3), 299 and 399, ECON-C101(3), and five electives from the following courses: ACCT-111(3), 112(3); COMM-317(3); ENVS-205(3); GENS-C100(3); HIST-112(3), 260(3), 265(3); MGT-235(3), 236(3), PHIL-200(3), C240(3), C245(3), C250(3), C260(3), C355(3); PSYC-210(3); SOCL-205(3), 240(3), 260(3), 306(3), 321(3), 391(3); other courses related to the law, as approved by the Pre-Law advisor; or any PLSC 200 or 300 level course.
Requirements - Minor:
Twenty-one semester hours, with a grade of "C" or better, are required for a minor in political science. These 21 hours must include PLSC-C102(3), C105(3), 201(3), C210(3), 299(3) and six more hours above 200, including three hours at the 300-level.
Requirements - Teaching Certification:
Students desiring to be certified to teach political science/civics at the secondary level (grades 6-12) are required to major in social science (See Social Science major). Students must also complete the Teacher Certification Program in Secondary Education described in the education program.
Other Information:
Course repeat policy for majors and minors in Political Science: A student who has received an unsatisfactory grade (below a "C") in a course that satisfies requirements within the major or minor may repeat that course one time only. The course must be completed satisfactorily at Benedictine University. After three attempts (defined as enrollment beyond the add/drop date), a student will be denied further enrollment in a course within the major.
Major Sheet:
http://www.ben.edu/major_sheets/politicalscience.pdf (will open in a new window)
The information contained on this page is from the 2008-2009 Undergraduate Catalog and is valid until August 1, 2009.
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