Political Science B.A.

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Program Director: Bret Kincaid, Ph.D.

Overview

The political science major provides students with an increased understanding of the political world—both inside and outside of the United States. It does so through a program of study that introduces them to the discipline of political science, engages them in political analysis and enables them to develop a critical understanding of politics and its place in human society. The exploration of things political is rigorously engaged in and informed by a Christian/Anabaptist worldview. Upon completion of the major, students will be prepared to pursue advanced study or a career for which political science is an appropriate background, and to provide service to society reflective of the values expressed in the Fresno Pacific Idea.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Recognize and describe the major issues and debates within the discipline of political science.
Explain the role and impact of governmental entities in contemporary state, national and international settings.
Communicate effectively and appropriately in both oral and written forms, especially through the use of critical analysis in articulation and support of political ideas.
Judge the impact of historical and contemporary social, political and economic movements on the shape of state, national or international policies.
Evaluate political issues in the light of biblical principles, use ethical values to appraise political behavior and governmental policies, and participate discerningly in the political process.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

General Education Prerequisites

Required Courses (10 Courses, 31-34 Units)

Core Program (5 courses, 16 units)

Select three of the following:

Breadth Program (18 units minimum)*

Select a minimum of five of the following:

BUS 475 - Law and the Business Environment 3
CRIM 375 - Criminal Justice in America 4
FIN 452 - Public Finance 3
PS 300 - California History and Politics 4
PS 371 - American Law and Legal System 3
PS 373 - Nature, Law and Policy 3
PS 380 - Social Problems and Public Policy 4
PS 385 - Urban Society and the Welfare State 3
PS 400 - Comparative Politics 3
PS 410 - Modern Latin America: History, Politics and Culture 3 Units
PS 412 - Modern Africa: History, Politics and Culture 3
PS 414 - Modern Asia: History, Politics and Culture 3
PS 416 - Modern Middle East: History, Politics and Culture 3
PS 420 - International Relations 3
PS 425 - Global Economics and Sustainable Development 3
PS 430 - US Foreign Policy: History and Contemporary Issues 4
PS 476 - Internship 3 (Recommended for graduate study.) *
PS 450 - History of Political Theory and Ideas 3
PS 465 - Organizational Behavior 3
PS 483 - Project in Political Science 1-3 (Recommended for graduate study.)
SOC 461 - Introduction to Social Science Research 3 (Recommended for graduate study.)

*American Studies Program (15-16 Units)

The American Studies Program (CCCU) in Washington, D.C., may be taken in place of PS 390 , PS 476 and two breadth courses.

Recommended Courses

SOC 462 - Statistics 4 (Recommended for graduate study.)