Catalog 05-07 - Biola University

Political Science
Administered by the Department of History, Government & Social Science
Faculty
Chair: ....................................................... Judith Mendelsohn Rood, Ph.D.
Professor: .......................................................................................................Peters
Associate Professor: ................................................................................Rood
Objectives
The discipline of Political Science seeks to equip students to understand
the fundamental socio-political institutions of society, and
their effect on contemporary life; to participate in and contribute to
the political process; to assess the propriety of political issues and
government policies; and to recognize and help meet the needs of
the local, state, national and international community; all in a manner
consistent with biblical Christianity.
note: The student is required to take History 207 and 208 (one
of which will meet the general education history requirement)
before taking upper-division courses in history.
Degree Program
A Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science is offered in one of three
concentrations.
P o l I t I C a l s C I e n C e Co n C e n t r at I o n
The social science major requires completion of 30 units, 24 of
which must be upper division and include: POSC 225, a three-unit
upper division Political Science course, a concentration of l8 units in
History, Political Science, or Sociology, which must include (History
480, Political Science 470, or Sociology 443) research course, and
the remaining six units in upper division coursework chosen with
advisor’s approval. The appropriate research course to be determined
in consultation with the academic advisor.
P U b l I C a d m I n I s t r at I o n Co n C e n t r at I o n
Students interested in public service at the municipal, county, state
or federal level are advised to major in social science with a concentration
in public administration. The 18-unit concentration includes
Public Administration 301, 306, 470, and 488. Internship in Public
Administration should be taken in the public sector. For advisement,
contact the Department of History, Government & Social Science.
s e Co n da ry te aC h I n G C r e d e n t I a l
The Department of History, Government & Social Science in cooperation
with the Education Department provides a program leading to
the Social Science Secondary Teaching Credential. For specifics on
the Secondary Social Science program contact the Education and
Department of History, Government & Social Science departments
for details. This program prepares students to teach history, government,
geography and economics in California high schools.
Off-campus Programs
a m e r I C a n s t U d I e s P r o G r a m
Biola University cooperates with the American Studies Program in
Washington, D.C. This program provides work / study opportunities
for students each semester in all of the disciplines offered at Biola,
especially political science. Based on the principle of integrating faith,
learning and living, students are invited to spend time in the nation’s
capital serving as interns, participating in an academic seminar program
and living in a unique community of Christians from different
geographical regions and denominational backgrounds.
The American Studies Program is designed for juniors and seniors
with a wide range of academic majors and vocational interests. Students
are involved in the American Studies Program for either the fall
or spring semester, earning 16 semester units in the internship and
study seminars. A student may earn all 16 units in Political Science or
13 units in Political Science and three in Bible, if desired.
Prerequisite: Survey of American Government 225. To make application
to the program, interested students should see the chairman of
the Political Science Department, who also serves as director of the
Biola / Washington D.C. American Studies Program.
Courses (POSC)
PosC 225 survey of american Government ......................................3
The history, organization and function of the legislative,
judicial and executive branches of the American government.
Includes one hour per week involving students in a local gov-
ernment civic service or life experience activity. Satisfies the
state requirement in institutions in American history. Meets
the requirement for United States Constitution for California
teacher certification. May be taken to satisfy a portion of the
six units history general education requirement. Fee: $12. For
spring and fall only.
PosC 230 Perspectives on american Government ......................1-2
Contemporary issues in American government and politics as
seen from a Christian perspective.
PosC 301 fundamentals of Public administration .........................3
Fundamentals of public administration; overview of the
concepts, nature and scope of the field. Role of government
in modern society and the nature of public business.
PosC 303 Great Political Thinkers ..........................................................3
Selective readings in major political thinkers from classical to
modern times; analysis of recurring themes including: justice,
natural law, human nature, social class, order, consent, com-
munity, property, constitutionalism, social change, revolution,
and war. Offered alternate years.
PosC 304 organizational Theory & Behavior ....................................3
Key concepts central to organizing and changing public
agencies to meet public social needs. Review of theories,
144 Undergraduate Programs B I O L A U N I V E R S I T Y