Undergraduate - Clarion University

126 Clarion University of Pennsylvania
College of Arts
and Sciences
Political Science
Department of Political Science, Sociology and
Philosophy (PSSP), Julia Aaron, Ph.D., chair
313 Founders Hall
Telephone: 393-2357
E-mail address: jaaron@clarion.edu
Website: www.artsci.clarion.edu/philosophy
Associate Professors: Rourke, Sweet;
Assistant Professor: Yenerall
Twenty-four centuries ago, the great philosopher
Aristotle argued that politics was “the master science”
because it determined how the knowledge obtained in all
other disciplines is socially used. In our era of globalization,
in which decisions made by the government of one country
have increasing political, economic, and social ramifications
in others, the validity of Aristotle’s argument is even more
glaring. Moreover, the demand for graduates who
understand local, national, and global politics is greatly
increasing. The political science major provides students
with the tools necessary to understand the range of factors
shaping the local, national, and global environments in
which we live, to think critically and independently
concerning pressing political issues, and to come to
critically reasoned conclusions as to how we can organize
the life we share with our fellow citizens and millions of
people around the world.
Clarion University provides an especially favorable
environment for the study of political science. An energetic,
dedicated, and involved faculty instructs students in small
classroom settings which permits a significant degree of
faculty-student interaction. A favorable faculty-student ratio
also permits considerable student access to faculty for the
purposes of consultation, advising, and career planning. The
small size of the program contributes to a sense of
camaraderie and guarantees the individual attention students
need. The political science faculty offer robust courses
spanning a broad range of contemporary political science:
American politics, constitutional law, state and local
politics, international and comparative politics, political
philosophy, politics and film, public administration, and
political methodology.
POLITICAL SCIENCE, B.A. .................................................. 51 credits
Required: PS 210, 211, 352, 365, or 366 and 18 credits of
political science electives. In addition to these 30 credits in
political science, the following courses are required: ECON 211,
212; SOC 211; and 12 credits from history, anthropology, or
psychology. Students must demonstrate competence in either a
foreign language or computer competency.
POLITICAL SCIENCE, MINOR ............................................... 18 credits
Required: PS 210, 211, 352 and nine additional credits to be
selected at the 300- or 400-level.
Political Science Courses
PS 210: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE 3 s.h.
Introduces students to the study of politics by examining the ideas of selected major political thinkers. Each semester.
PS 21: AMERICAN GOVERNMENT 3 s.h.
Study of the general principles of the American system of constitutional government emphasizing the organization of functions
of the national government—legislative, executive, and judicial. Examines the rights and duties of citizenship, the electorate,
political parties, civil rights, and the growing regulatory function of government. Each semester.
PS 250: SPECIAL TOPICS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE
Offered occasionally.
PS 302: POLITICS AND FILM 3 s.h.
Explores the relationship between movies, political attitudes, and the real world of American politics and government. Examines
Hollywood’s depiction of the presidency, campaigns and candidates, the mass media, cold war politics, conspiracy theories, and
the struggle for civil rights and social justice. Introduces students to seminal political films and relevant readings that help place the
movies and their messages in the context of important political events. Prerequisite: PS 210 or 211 or permission of the instructor.
Every year.
PS 31: COMPARATIVE POLITICS 3 s.h.
Considers the central issues of comparative political inquiry, emphasizing both developed and developing nations. On demand.
PS 325: POLITICS AND RELIGION 3 s.h.
Investigates the ways in which politics and religion interrelate, using theoretical and behavioral approaches. Examines issues
in both domestic and international politics. Prerequisite: PS 210 or 211 or permission of the instructor. Every other year.
PS 351: STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT 3 s.h.
Detailed study of how our state and local governments function. Emphasizes Pennsylvania government. Requires independent
study through outside projects. Every other year.
PS 352: INTERNATIONAL POLITICS 3 s.h.
Presents a framework for analyzing the behavior of states, the basic factors which motivate and affect international policies,
and the techniques of resolving international conflicts. Every other year.
PS 354: CONSTITUTIONAL LAW OF THE UNITED STATES 3 s.h.
A study of the development of the Constitution through the interpretations of the Supreme Court. Includes a study of the
separation of governmental powers, political and judicial processes, federalism as a legal device, and the relationship of liberty and
authority to the individual living under government. Prerequisite: PS 21. Fall, alternate years.