Political Science/International Relations
Joseph Blasdel, M.A., Instructor of Political Science,
Director or the Forensics Program;
Brian Frederking, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Political Science;
The Political Science Department offers a major in political science and an interdisciplinary major in international relations. The department teaches courses that present competing perspectives on politics. Given the pervasive influence of politics on the daily lives of all citizens, it is indispensable for well-educated persons to gain an understanding of politics to enable them to critically analyze the world around them and to more effectively exercise their civic responsibilities.
Both the political science and international relations majors include introductory courses in each of the subfields of political science. Upper level courses build on the theory and framework provided by the 100 and 200-level courses. The major in international relations is interdisciplinary, requiring courses in a variety of disciplines. Both majors culminate with a capstone experience which provides students with the opportunity to do extensive research and present their findings in a seminar setting.
Degrees in political science and international relations are a strong foundation for careers in a number of areas, including local, state or national government, law, transnational governmental or non-governmental organizations, labor and industrial relations, city management and urban planning, political consulting and campaign management, interest groups and social interest lobbying, and journalism.
The majors in political science and international relations require a minimum of 36 credit hours. At least 18 credit hours must be at the 300 level or higher. At least 18 credit hours must be taken at McKendree University. Only grades better than D in a major course will be accepted. The interdisciplinary requirements for the international relations major must include courses from at least two different departments.
The minor in political science requires a minimum of 21 credit hours, including three of the following: PSI 101, PSI 210, PSI 220, and PSI 230. At least 12 credit hours must be at the 300 level or higher. At least 12 credit hours must be taken at McKendree University. Only grades better than D in a minor course will be accepted.
| POLITICAL SCIENCE MAJOR REQUIREMENTS |
36 crs. |
PSI 200
PSI 490 |
RESEARCH METHODS
SENIOR SEMINAR
|
(3)
(3) |
At least 9 credits from the following:
PSI 101
PSI 210
PSI 220
PSI 230 |
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY
|
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3) |
At least 12 credits from among the following:
PSI 102
PSI 300
PSI 301
PSI 305
PSI 307
PSI 308
PSI 309
PSI 310
PSI 331
PSI 339 |
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
CONGRESS
PRESIDENCY
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS
PARTIES AND INTEREST GROUPS
PUBLIC POLICY
TOPICS IN AMERICAN POLITICS
SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
TOPICS IN POLITICAL THEORY
|
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3) |
At least 9 credits from among the following:
PSI 311
PSI 312
PSI 313
PSI 314
PSI 315
PSI 319
PSI 329 |
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
INTERNATIONAL LAW
INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY
UNITED STATES FOREIGN POLICY
GENDER AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS
|
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
|
Supplementary requirements
| INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS MAJOR REQUIREMENTS |
36 crs. |
PSI 200
PSI 490 |
RESEARCH METHODS
SENIOR SEMINAR
|
(3)
(3) |
At least 9 credits from the following:
PSI 101
PSI 210
PSI 220
PSI 230 |
AMERICAN GOVERNMENT
INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS
INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY
|
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3) |
At least 12 credits from among the following:
PSI 311
PSI 312
PSI 313
PSI 314
PSI 315
PSI 319
PSI 329 |
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
INTERNATIONAL LAW
INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY
UNITED STATES FOREIGN POLICY
GENDER AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS
|
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3) |
At least 9 credits in two different departments from among the following:
ENG 253
ENG 310
HIS 241
HIS 242
HIS 343
HIS 363
MGT 340
REL 320
SPC 353 |
LITERATURE OF POST-COLONIAL CULTURES
WORLD LITERATURE II
ASIAN CIVILIZATIONS
AFRICAN CIVILIZATIONS
HISTORY OF LATIN AMERICA
HISTORY OF THE MIDDLE LEAST
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
RELIGIONS OF THE WORLD
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
|
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
(3)
|
Supplementary requirements
PSI 101 AMERICAN POLITICS (3)
A survey course focusing on the development, organization and dynamics of American political processes and institutions. This course examines how the public, interest groups, the media, political parties and the constitutional branches of government work together to produce public policies. Each semester.
PSI 102 STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (3)
Introductory course providing an understanding of the way in which state and local governments function and their place within the American political system. Annually, Spring.
PSI 200 RESEARCH METHODS (3)
This course provides an introduction to how political scientists study political phenomena. The course examines the philosophy of social science as well as a variety of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including single and comparative case studies, statistical analysis and survey research. This course is not intended as a substitute for MTH 310. Annually, Fall.
PSI 201 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE (3)
A comprehensive introduction to the discipline of political science, including political theory, American politics, comparative politics and international relations. Recommended for Social Science Education majors. Alternate years, Spring ‘07.
PSI 210 INTRODUCTION TO INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3)
A study of the dynamics of the modern nation state in its relationships with other members of the international community. Annually, Fall.
PSI 220 INTRODUCTION TO COMPARATIVE POLITICS (3)
A comparative study of the organization and operation of both Western and non-Western governments. Alternate Years, Spring ‘07.
PSI 230 INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL THEORY (3)
An introduction to the classical theorists, including Plato, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Mill and Marx. Alternate Years, Spring ‘08.
PSI 300 CONGRESS (W) (3)
A study of the organizational structure of Congress, the nature of its processes, and the behavior of its members. Specific topics include Constitutional powers, the role and importance of the committee and party systems, congressional decision making, and Congressional interaction with other parts of the political system. Prerequisite: PSI 101.Alternate years, Fall ‘07.
PSI 301 THE PRESIDENCY (W) (3)
This course examines the historical development, organizational structure, and function of the Presidency. Specific topics include presidential leadership in foreign and domestic policy and the relationship between the President and other political actors, including the public, the media, Congress and the bureaucracy. Prerequisite: PSI 101. Alternate years, Spring ‘08.
PSI 305 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (3)
Analyzes the role of the judiciary by examining constitutional decisions about civil rights, civil liberties, federalism, contracts, property, and the relative power of the executive and legislative branches. Prerequisite: PSI 101. Alternate years, Fall ‘08.
PSI 307 CAMPAIGNS AND ELECTIONS (3)
This course examines the American electoral process for both Congress and the Presidency. Topics covered include voting behavior, public opinion, the nomination and general election process, and the role of interest groups, the media, and political parties in modern elections. Prerequisite: PSI 101. Alternate years, Fall ‘08.
PSI 308 POLITICAL PARTIES AND INTEREST GROUPS (3)
This course focuses on the origin, organization, and function of political parties and interest groups in American politics. The course will review the dynamics of their development, theories of party identification and interest group membership, and each actor’s role in influencing elections and policy outcomes. Prerequisite: PSI 101. Alternate years, Fall ‘07.
PSI 309 PUBLIC POLICY (3)
Analyzes how American public policy is formulated and how public policies can be evaluated. Includes a series of case studies to show how the policy process works and to develop a fuller understanding of contemporary public policy issues. Examples of policy areas include the federal budget process, social security reform, welfare reform, education reform, environmental policies and criminal justice policies. Prerequisite: PSI 101. Alternate Years, Spring ‘07.
PSI 310 TOPICS IN AMERICAN POLITICS (3)
Offers specialized topics not covered in standing courses. As needed. Prerequisite: PSI 101.
PSI 311 INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS (W) (3)
A study of the attempt to construct “global governance” through international organizations. Focuses on the United Nations, the European Union, and non-governmental organizations. Prerequisite: PSI 210.Alternate years, Spring ‘08.
PSI 312 INTERNATIONAL LAW (3)
An analysis of contemporary international law. Specific topics include the laws of war, arms control treaties, human rights law, environmental law, and the global commons. Prerequisite: PSI 210. Alternate years, Fall ‘07.
PSI 313 INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY (W) (3)
Analyzes the relationship between states and markets, the nature of capitalism and globalization, international trade and finance regimes, international development and the problem of global inequality. Prerequisite: PSI 210.Alternate Years, Spring ‘07.
PSI 314 UNITED STATES FOREIGN POLICY (3)
An analysis of post-World War II United States foreign policy from a variety of perspectives, including international relations theory, domestic politics, and group decision making. Prerequisites: PSI 101.Alternate years, Fall ‘06.
PSI 315 GENDER AND INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3)
An analysis of feminist understandings of the major areas of international relations, including war and conflict resolution, globalization, development, and human rights. . Prerequisite: PSI 210. Alternate years, Fall ‘07.
PSI 319 TOPICS IN INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS (3)
Offers specialized topics not offered in standing courses.. Prerequisite: PSI 210. As needed.
PSI 329 TOPICS IN COMPARATIVE POLITICS (3)
Offers regional concentrations. Topics vary from Middle East Politics, African Politics, Latin American Politics, European Politics, etc. As needed. Prerequisite: PSI 220.
PSI 331 SOCIAL AND POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY (W) (3)
Same as PHI 331. Alternate years, Fall ‘07.
PSI 339 TOPICS IN POLITICAL THEORY (3)
Offers topics not covered in standing courses. Topics include American Political Thought, Contemporary Political Theory, and Critical/Postmodern Theory. Prerequisite: PSI 230. As needed.
PSI 470 INTERNSHIP IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (W) (3-8)
PSI 480 INDEPENDENT STUDY IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (W) (1-4)
PSI 490 SEMINAR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (W) (3)
Selected topics to change yearly. Provides students with the capstone opportunity to do extensive research and present their findings in a seminar setting. Annually, Spring. Prerequisite: PSI 200.