• Department of Political Science

    The Department of Political Science is devoted to the study of politics and government, domestically and abroad. This includes the study of political institutions that exercise government authority, including legislatures, courts, and administrative agencies; political organizations through which individuals and groups seek to reshape the political landscape, including parties, interest groups, and social movements; public policies that reflect governmental efforts to regulate the actions of individuals and corporations, including civil rights, immigration, and environmental policy; and the interactions between and among nation-states and transnational organizations that shape patterns of trade and development, conflict and cooperation, war and peace.

    At the undergraduate level, political science majors will be exposed to political inquiry across a broad array of substantive topics, while also concentrating in one of the following areas: American Politics & History, Law & Politics, Political Economy, Political Participation & Mobilization, Global Governance & Foreign Policy, Political Violence & Conflict, Public Policy, Parties & Elections, Comparative Politics, Citizenship & Democracy, or Political Thought & Philosophy.

    At the graduate level, doctoral students receive broad training in quantitative and qualitative methods of social science research, while also concentrating in two of the following substantive fields: American Politics, Comparative Politics, International Relations, Political Theory, Public Administration & Policy, Law & Courts, or Security Studies.

  • Politcal Science News RSS Feed

    Barkun writes about failed prophecies, Trump in Foreign Policy

    "Failed Prophecies Won’t Stop Trump’s True Believers," written by Professor Emeritus Michael Barkun, was published in Foreign Policy. Barkun discusses how conspiracy theorists are bringing apocalyptic beliefs into the political mainstream and examines the willingness of people to stay loyal to their beliefs even in the face of a world that contradicts them.
     

    Bybee discusses post-election well-being with Thrive Global

    Keith Bybee was interviewed for the Thrive Global article "5 Ways To Prioritize Your Well-Being After the Election." No matter where you fall on the political spectrum, accept your temporary defeats and get involved in local or national affairs, says Bybee. Studies indicate that volunteering — participating in a cause greater than yourself — is a surefire way to boost your well-being.
     

    Reeher discusses impact of Dems winning NY State Senate in AP

    Democratic lawmakers, Grant Reeher says, "have already made pledges to constituents about what their agenda will be. Now it’s real. I think the governor is going to be put in the position of applying the brakes on some of these things." Read more in the Associated Press article "NY Senate win gives Democrats a lock on Albany. So now what?"
     
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