Political Science
Women's College
Overview
Major in Political Science
Major in Political Science/International Relations
Major in Political Science/Public Service
Major in Political Science/Law and Civic Engagement
Minor in Political Science
Minor in Law and Civic Engagement
Minor in Public Leadership
Directed Leadership Experience
Political Science Four-Year Plan
International Relations Four-Year Plan
Public Service Four-Year Plan
Law and Civic Engagement Four-Year Plan
Course Descriptions
E. Susan Barber, Ph.D., Chair
Therese Marie Dougherty, SSND, Ph.D.
(Joint Appointment with Language Dept.)
Alison Dray-Novey, Ph.D.
Anne E. Henderson, Ph.D.
David G. Hoovler, Ph.D.
The history/political science department of the School of Arts and Sciences offers a major and minor in political science to students in the Women's College. Students in the program may specialize in international relations, public service, law and civic engagement, or public leadership. History and political science provide an important bridge between the humanities and the social sciences. Together they invite students to develop a wide perspective on humanity and its institutions in the past, the present and the future. They also offer students a rich variety of career preparations in academic, public or private sector opportunities.
The program in political science is designed to introduce students to the concepts and theories for understanding a broad range of political problems and to develop analytical skills for thinking and acting responsibly in the diverse field of political affairs. The program provides preparation in four broad fields of political science: American politics, comparative politics, international affairs and political theory.
The student also is encouraged to seek practical experience in politics and law through internships in federal, state and local agencies arranged through consultation with the department advisor. The department also sponsors a chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha (Alpha Delta Nu) for students who meet the membership requirements for this national honor society in political science.
The emphasis throughout is to plan a program with experiences to develop the student's potential, whether her interests and talents direct her toward graduate or professional study or toward employment in the public or private sector upon graduation. Political science graduates have earned advanced degrees at institutions such as the University of Notre Dame School of Law, University of Maryland School of Law, University of Maryland School of Social Work, The Catholic University of America and George Washington University. Graduates are employed by organizations such as Sinai Hospital, MBNA Corporation, Primerica Financial Services, Legg Mason and Catholic Relief Services.
The general education requirement in social science may be fulfilled by the following political science courses: POL-101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 253, 324 or 370.
Political science courses that satisfy the general education requirement in cross-cultural studies: POL-101, 102, 103, 105, 253, 325, 351, 370, 401, 430, 440.
Political science course that satisfies the general education requirement in gender studies: POL-324.
Students are strongly encouraged to take MAT-215 to satisfy their general education requirement in mathematics and ECO-211 to meet the social science general education requirement.
Students must earn a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in all courses taken to complete the requirements of the political science major.
Programs of Study
Required Courses for a Major in Political Science (Credits)
POL-101 Introduction to Politics (3)
POL-102 Introduction to American Politics (3)
POL-103 Introduction to International Affairs (3)
POL-105 Comparative Politics (3)
POL-312 Legal Reasoning (3)
POL-317 Civic Participation and Leadership (3)
POL-361 Methods in Political Science Research (3)
POL-401 Political and Economic Globalization (3)
Internship (3)
Two of the following:
POL-351 Politics of Developing Nations (3)
POL-430 International Organizations and World Politics (3)
POL-440 Global Issues (3)
One of the following:
HIS-330 European Foreign Relations Since 1815 (3)
HIS-404 U.S. Foreign Relations in the 20th Century (3)
One of the following:
POL/HIS-319 The American Presidency (3)
POL-412 Constitutional Law (3)
Required Courses for a Major in Political Science/International Relations
HIS-404 U.S. Foreign Relations in the 20th Century (3)
HIS-330 European Foreign Relations Since 1815 (3)
POL-103 Introduction to International Affairs (3)
POL-312 Legal Reasoning (3)
POL-351 Problems of Developing Nations (3)
POL-361 Methods in Political Science Research (3)
POL-401 Political and Economic Globalization (3)
POL-430 International Organizations and World Politics (3)
POL-440 Global Issues or HIS/POL-325 Revolution and Terrorism (3)
Internship (3)
Four of the following:
HIS-209 History of Central America (3)
HIS-214 Pre-Colonial Africa (3)
HIS-252 Latin American History (3)
POL-253 Latin American Politics (3)
HIS-328 Post-Colonial Africa (3)
HIS-331 Modern China (3)
HIS-335 Modern Japan (3)
Required Courses for a Major in Political Science/Public Service
POL-101 Introduction to Politics (3)
POL-102 Introduction to American Politics (3)
POL-312 Legal Reasoning (3)
POL-317 Civic Participation and Leadership (3)
POL-361 Methods in Political Science Research (3)
Internship (3)
One of the following:
POL/HIS-319 The American Presidency (3)
POL-412 Constitutional Law (3)
One of the following:
HIS-208 The United States, 1900-1945 (3)
HIS-316 The United States, 1945 to the Present (3)
One of the following:
BUS-394 Organizational Behavior (3)
BUS-302 Principles of Management (3)
One of the following:
COM-331 Public Relations (3)
COM-403 Organizational Communication (3)
Three other political science or history courses of student's choice
(9)
Recommended electives: BUS-211 and BUS-212 Principles of Accounting
I and II.
Major in Political Science/Law and Civic Engagement
The Political Science major with a law and civic engagement track introduces students to the principal fields of inquiry and intersection within legal systems and political institutions. The program explores the special relationships of women to law and government—as lawmakers, leaders, and policymakers. Accordingly, the major helps prepare students to assume positions of leadership in their communities.
Students interested in attending law school should consider taking a broad undergraduate program in the liberal arts, with a particular focus on courses in English, history, political science and philosophy. Successful law school applicants should have a broad understanding of history, including the various factors that have influenced the development of society in the United States. They should possess a fundamental understanding of political thought and of the contemporary American political system. Through strategic selection of courses fulfilling general education requirements they should also acquire mathematical and financial skills, such as an understanding of pre-calculus mathematics and an ability to analyze financial data. Finally, they should possess an understanding of human behavior and social interaction as well as an understanding of diverse cultures within and beyond the United States, of international institutions and issues, of world events, and of the increasing interdependence of the nations and communities within our world.
Required Courses for Major in Political Science/Law and Civic Engagement
HIS-101 Dynamics of History (3)
HIS-401 History and the Historical Narrative (3)
HIS-410 Law and Society (3)
POL-102 Introduction to American Politics (3)
POL-312 Legal Reasoning (3)
POL-317 Civic Participation and Leadership (3)
POL-361 Methods in Political Science Research (3)
POL-412 Constitutional Law (3)
POL-440 Global Issues (3)
One course in Civil Liberties/Civil Rights (3)
Two internships or one internship/one study abroad experience (6)
Four additional courses at the 300/400 level (12)
At least three must be from disciplines other than history or
political science. Courses fulfilling this requirement include, but
are not limited to:
BIO-308 Geology and Ecology of the American West
IDS-369 Genethics
PHL-471 Morals and Mortality
SOC-371 Social Problems
BUS-304 Legal Environment of Business I
BUS-305 Legal Environment of Business II
COM-441 Mass Communication Law
ECO-311 Applied Macroeconomics
ECO-342 Introduction of Public Finance
ECO-402 Money and Banking
ECO-404 International Economics
PHL-310 Logic
PHL-322 Social and Political Philosophy
PHL-324 Critical Theories of Race
PHL-330 Ethics
PHL-334 Business Ethics
PHL-339 Medical Ethics
RST-331 Comparative Religious Ethics
RST-345 Justice and Peace
RST-403 Problems in Discrimination and Prejudice
Minor in Political Science
The department also offers a minor in political science consisting of a minimum of 18 credits of course work in political science. Students who wish to minor in political science should consult the department chair. POL-101, 102 and 103 are required.
Minor in Law and Civic Engagement
The minor in law and civic engagement is an 18 credit course of
study designed to deepen understanding of the structures and
functions of American government and the role of law in contemporary
society. The minor particularly seeks to explore the special
relationships of women to law and government—as lawmakers, leaders,
and policymakers. When coupled with the student's major, the law and
civic engagement minor prepares students to assume positions of
leadership in their communities. For those interested in attending
law school, the minor provides a focused set of courses aimed at
providing relevant skills and knowledge. The minor includes the
following courses:
HIS-410 Law and Society
POL-102 Introduction to American Politics
POL-312 Legal Reasoning
POL-317 Civic Participation and Leadership
POL-412 Constitutional Law
One internship (Typical sites include state and federal courts, the
Maryland State Legislature, state agencies, local government bodies,
law firms, advocacy groups, and other organizations.)
Minor in Public Leadership
The department also offers an interdisciplinary minor in public leadership designed to meet the needs of students who are interested in preparing for leadership roles (professional or voluntary) after graduation. This minor should also be useful for students active in student government by providing academic experiences related to effective leadership. The nature of this minor makes it an effective complement to many majors. The requirements are as follows: 18 credits consisting of 9-12 credits in academic courses and 6-9 credits in experiential components.
Required courses: POL-102 Introduction to American Politics; POL-317 Civic Participation and Leadership; and POL-319 The American Presidency or POL-324 Women, Politics and the Law. Students taking 12 credits in academic courses will select one course from the following: HIS-208 The United States, 1900-1945 or HIS-316 The United States, 1945 to the present.
Students must also participate in two or three experiential components under faculty supervision: POL-411 Women and Public Policy: A Washington Seminar; POL-370 Honors: Model OAS; POL-462.
Directed Leadership Experience
Students interested in this minor should consult the department chair.
Political Science Four-Year Plan
Sample program of study for the political science major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | |||
| IDS-100 Perspectives in Education | 3 | POL-102 American Government | 3 |
| POL-101 Introduction to Politics | 3 | Natural Science | 4 |
| Foreign Language | 3 | Philosophy or Religious Studies (200) | 3 |
| ENG-101 College Writing | 3 | General Education/Electives | 6 |
| History | 3 | [16 credits] | |
| [15 credits] | |||
| Second year | |||
| POL-103 Introduction to International Affairs | 3 | POL-105 Comparative Politics | 3 |
| ECO-211 Macroeconomics | 3 | Philosophy or Religious Studies (300) | 3 |
| Philosophy or Religious Studies (200) | 3 | COM-106 Fundamentals of Oral Comm | 3 |
| MAT-215 Statistics | 3 | Fine Arts | 3 |
| English Literature | 3 | General Education/Elective | 3 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
| Third year | |||
| POL-361 Methods in Research | 3 | POL-312 Legal Reasoning | 3 |
| POL-430 International Organizations | 3 | HIS-330 European Foreign Relations | 3 |
| Philosophy or Religious Studies Values | 3 | POL-319 or 412 | 3 |
| Physical Education | 1 | General Education/Electives | 6 |
| General Education/Electives | 6 | [15 credits] | |
| [16 credits] | |||
| Fourth year | |||
| HIS-404 U.S. Foreign Relations | 3 | POL-401 Political & Economic Globalization | 3 |
| General Education/Electives | 12 | POL-317 Civic Participation & Leadership | 3 |
| [15 credits] | General Education/Electives | 9 | |
| [15 credits] |
Political Science/International Relations Four-Year Plan
Sample program of study for the political science major, with a concentration in international relations. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | |||
| POL-103 Introduction to International Affairs | 3 | ECO-211 Macroeconomics | 3 |
| ENG-101 College Writing | 3 | Natural Science | 4 |
| IDS-100 Perspectives in Education | 3 | Fine Arts | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3 | History | 3 |
| MAT-215 Statistics | 3 | General Education/Electives | 3 |
| [15 credits] | [16 credits] | ||
| Second year | |||
| COM-106 Fundamentals of Oral Communication | HIS-209 History of Central America | 3 | |
| English Literature | 3 | Philosophy or Religious Studies (200) | 3 |
| Philosophy or Religious Studies (200) | 3 | General Education/Electives | 6 |
| General Education/Electives | 6 | [15 credits] | |
| [15 credits] | |||
| Third year | |||
| Study abroad recommended OR | HIS-330 European Foreign Relations | 3 | |
| POL-312 Legal Reasoning | 3 | POL-440 Global Issues | 3 |
| POL-361 Methods in Research | 3 | HIS-335 Modern Japan | 3 |
| Philosophy or Religious Studies (300) | 3 | HIS-252 Latin American History | 3 |
| POL-430 Intl Organizations | 3 | General Education/Electives | 3 |
| General Education/Electives | 3 | [15 credits] | |
| [15 credits] | |||
| Fourth year | |||
| Philosophy or Religious Studies Values | 3 | POL-401 Political & Economic Globalization | 3 |
| HIS-404 U.S. Foreign Relations | 3 | POL-351 Problems of Developing Nations | 3 |
| POL-elective | 3 | POL-328 Post-Colonial Africa | 3 |
| General Education/Electives | 6 | General Education/Electives | 6 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] |
Political Science/Public Service Four-Year Plan
Sample program of study for the political science/public service major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | |||
| IDS-100 Perspectives in Education | 3 | ECO-212 Microeconomics | 3 |
| ECO-211 Macroeconomics | 3 | ENG-101 College Writing | 3 |
| POL-101 Introduction to Politics | 3 | Natural Science | 4 |
| Foreign Language | 3 | Fine Arts | 3 |
| MAT-215 Statistics | 3 | Philosophy/Religious Studies (200) | 3 |
| [15 credits] | [16 credits] | ||
| Second year | |||
| POL-102 American Government | 3 | HIS/POL-elective | 3 |
| BUS-211 Accounting I | 3 | BUS-212 Accounting II | 3 |
| Philosophy or Religious Studies (200) | 3 | Philosophy/Religious Studies (300) | 3 |
| English Literature | 3 | General Education/Electives | 6 |
| Fundamentalsof Oral Communication | 3 | [15 credits] | |
| [15 credits] | |||
| Third year | |||
| COM-331/403 PR/Organizational Communication | 3 | POL-317 Civic Participation & Leadership | 3 |
| BUS-302/394 Mgt/Organizational Behavior | 3 | POL-312 Legal Reasoning | 3 |
| POL-361 Methods in Research | 3 | Philosophy/Religious Studies (300) | 3 |
| HIS-208/316 U.S. History | 3 | HIS/POL-elective | 3 |
| Physical Education | 1 | General Education/Elective | 3 |
| General Education/Elective | 3 | [15 credits] | |
| [16 credits] | |||
| Fourth year | |||
| POL-319/412 American Presidency or Positional Law |
3 | HIS/POL-elective | 3 |
| General Education/Electives | 12 | General Education/Electives | 12 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] |
Political Science/Law and Civic Engagement Four-Year Plan
Sample program of study for political science/law and civic engagement major. Students should select courses with the assistance of a faculty advisor.
| Fall | Spring | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| First year | |||
| IDS-100 Perspectives in Education | 3 | HIS-101 Dynamics of History | 3 |
| POL-101 Introduction to Politics | 3 | POL-102 Introduction to American Politics | 3 |
| ENG-101 College Writing | 3 | RST-201 Introduction to Biblical Studies | 3 |
| Foreign Language | 3 | COM-106 or COM-206 | 3 |
| MAT-215 Statistics | 3 | DRM-240 Acting Techniques | 3 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
| Second year | |||
| PHL-201 Introduction Philosophy | 3 | Religious Studies 300/400 | 3 |
| HIS gen ed 200/300-level | 3 | 300/400-level elective for major | 3 |
| POL-317 Civic Participation & Leadership | 3 | English Literature | 3 |
| Natural Science | 4 | Elective courses (2) | 6 |
| Elective | 3 | Physical Education | 1 |
| [16 credits] | [16 credits] | ||
| Third year | |||
| POL-361 Methods in Political Science Research | 3 | PHL values course | 3 |
| Civil Rights/Civil Liberties | 3 | POL-312 Legal Reasoning | 3 |
| HIS-410 Law and Society | 3 | POL-440 Global Issues | 3 |
| 300/400-level elective for major | 3 | Internship | 3 |
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 |
| [15 credits] | [15 credits] | ||
| Fourth year | |||
| HIS-401: History & Historical Narrative | 3 | POL-440 Global Issues | 3 |
| 300/400-level elective for major | 3 | 300/400-level electives for major | 3 |
| Internship | 3 | Electives (3) | 9 |
| POL-412 Constitutional Law | 3 | [15 credits] | |
| Elective | 3 | ||
| [15 credits] |
Course Descriptions
POL-101 Introduction to Politics
Introduces students to major historical and contemporary belief
systems and ideologies as well as major aspects of political
systems. Fulfills general education requirement in social science
and cross cultural studies. [3 credits]
POL-102 Introduction to American Politics
Introduces students to the nature and structure of the American
political process. It gives special attention to the presidency, the
congress and the courts, as well as elections, interest groups, and
foreign and domestic policy. Fulfills general education requirement
in social science and cross cultural studies. [3 credits]
POL-103 Introduction to International Affairs
Introduces students to different perceptions of power, conflict,
international economics and the environment. The role of
international organizations and especially the United Nations will
also be a focus of the class. Fulfills general education
requirements in social science and cross-cultural studies. [3
credits]
POL-105 Comparative Politics
Analyzes political systems of a variety of rich and poor countries
and democratic and non-democratic countries. Fulfills general
education requirements in social science and cross-cultural studies.
[3 credits]
POL-253 Latin American Politics
Traces the political systems of several Latin American countries
from dictatorship to imperfect democracy. We watch the change from
protectionism to free market economies, and now back to nationalism
and protectionism. We look at progressive income inequality, the
changing role of women and religious developments. We find that the
more societies change, the more they are the same. Fulfills general
education requirements in social science and cross-cultural studies.
[3 credits]
POL-312 Legal Reasoning
Introduces students to the structure of the American legal system
and the sources of legal authority. Students learn how to read and
analyze cases and statutes and how to communicate their analysis by
writing memoranda, letters to clients and briefs. The course also
includes some basic instruction in legal research and citation form.
[3 credits]
POL-317 Civic Participation and Leadership
Examines citizenship at the local, state, national and international
levels. Offers alternative leadership models to help students in
their civic engagement. [3 credits]
POL/HIS-319 The American Presidency
Examines presidential power, presidential elections, foreign and
domestic policy, presidential decision-making, and relations with
Congress, illustrated with historic and contemporary examples.
Fulfills general education requirement for history. [3 credits]
POL-324 Women, Politics and the Law
Analyzes the changing legal status and political role of women in
the United States. Focuses on issues related to marriage and family,
women's employment and political participation. Studies Supreme
Court decisions related to women. Fulfills general education
requirements in social science and gender studies. [3 credits]
POL/HIS-325 Revolution and Terrorism
Traces the causes, patterns and outcomes of the French, Russian,
Cuban and Iranian Revolutions, and analyzes the similarities and
differences between revolutionary movements and guerrilla and
terrorist groups. The course looks at the ideological, ethnic and
religious terrorist groups with a special emphasis on religious
terrorism and its worldwide impact. Fulfills general education
requirements in history and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]
POL-351 Problems of Developing Nations
Introduces students to economic, political and cultural issues of
development and underdevelopment in Asia, Latin America, Sub-Saharan
Africa, the Middle East and North Africa. Fulfills general
education requirement in cross-cultural studies. Prerequisite:
ECO-211. [3 credits]
POL-361 Methods in Political Science Research
Examines political science research including theory construction,
data generating techniques and data analysis. Students learn to
match appropriate methodologies with relevant research questions in
the field. Prerequisite: MAT-215. [3 credits]
POL-370 Honors: Model Organization of American
States (OAS)
Prepares students to participate in a Model Organization of American
States (OAS) competition, which takes place at OAS
headquarters in Washington, D.C., during the spring term. A team of
10 Notre Dame students represents an assigned country and debates
other colleges and universities from the United States, Latin
Americ, and the Caribbean on issues such as democratization,
regional integration, poverty, environmental problems and human
rights issues. Students learn leadership, cooperation, persuasion
and diplomatic skills. Morrissy scholar or permission. (Offered
every spring.) Fulfills general education requirements in social
science and cross-cultural studies. [3 credits]
POL/HIS-390 Environmental Policy at the U.S. State and National
Level
Focuses on U.S. state and national environmental policies regarding
air and water pollution, use of public lands, climate change and
alternative energy sources. The course will also focus on risk
assessment and environmental justice issues. Students will analyze
the historical development of policies as well as current and
evolving political processes. Fulfills general education requirement
in history [3 credits]
POL-401 Political and Economic Globalization
Introduces students to the political implications of trade, aid,
investment, technology and energy relations along with their impact
on relations between rich as well as poor countries. Fulfills
general education requirement for cross cultural studies. Prerequisite:
ECO-211. [3 credits]
POL-411 Women and Public Policy: A Washington Seminar
Provides a unique opportunity to participate in a one-week seminar
in Washington, D.C. that focuses on women's role in policy formation
and implementation. Includes visits to key government agencies and
presentations by women leaders from Congress, the courts, executive
agencies, the media and special interest groups. Offered in Winterim
only. Permission required. Additional fees. [3 credits]
POL-412 Constitutional Law
Examines the evolving interpretation of the provisions of the U.S.
Constitution. Considers current issues and benchmark cases important
to understanding Constitutional law. [3 credits]
POL-430 International Organizations and World Politics
Introduces students to past, present and future international
organizations. Emphasizes evaluation of the operations of the United
Nations as an arena for conflict resolution and attention to social
welfare concerns in the international system. Fulfills general
education requirement for cross cultural studies. [3 credits]
POL-440 Global Issues
Examines five to six major topics that interconnect or divide the
contemporary world. Democracy, the global economy, religion and
ethnicity, global migration, population trends, women, the
environment, and technology and communicationare some of the issues
we visit. Fulfills general education requirement in cross-cultural
studies. [3 credits]
POL-462 Directed Leadership Experience
Allows individual students an opportunity to undertake a specific
leadership project under the guidance of a member of the
department.[2-6 credits]
POL-463 Independent Study
Focuses on an independent research project of the student's choosing
with direction and guidance by a faculty member of the department.
[2-6 credits]
POL-465 Directed Readings: Selected Topics in Political Science
Offers an opportunity to focus on extensive examination of a topic
of special interest to the student under the guidance of a faculty
member of the department. [3-4 credits]