326 Department Political Science and Philosophy Chair: Dr. Frank Guliuzza Location: Social Science Building, Room 280 Telephone Contact: Sally Taylor 801-626-6694 Professors: Frank Guliuzza III, Thomas C Kuehls, T. R. Reddy; Associate Professors: Nancy N. Haanstad, Peter J. Vemezze; Assistant Professors: Margaret Curran, Richard Greene; Instructor: Leah Murray Political Science Political Science, in the broadest sense, is the study of politics particularly as it relates to governments and people. Political scientists study governments: The origins and preconditions for governments, the growth and evolution of governments, and the decline and conflict among governments. Political scientists also are interested in how governments are structured, how governments make decisions, the policies that result from political decisions and the consequences of these policies, and how governments manage societal and international conflicts. Political scientists also study people: Their values and positions on issues, their preferences among candidates, their support for public officials, and their appraisals of their government. True to their oldest academic traditions, political scientists retain their concern with the fundamental questions of how governments ought to be constituted, and how they can best serve their citizens. The study of political science has value in several different ways. First, it contributes to a solid liberal arts education and preparation for citizenship. The Greek word "idiot" was used to refer to one who took no interest in the affairs of state. Today, no less than twenty centuries later, it is incumbent upon all useful citizens to learn something about the political system in which they will spend their lives. Educated people ought to know something of the nature of government even if they have no professional interest in political science. Second, a degree in political science furnishes an excellent background for graduate study in political science, law, administration, business, and international relations. Political science helps students develop reasoning and analytical skills and build competence in oral and written expression. In addition, the department of political science requires students to acquire basic skills in statistical analysis and computer competency. Third, there are some careers for which an extensive training in political science can be most useful. This is true especially for those planning to seek careers in higher education, the legal profession, state and local government, urban planning, the federal bureaucracy, journalism, the military, law enforcement, teaching, the civil service, or in any of the proliferating organizations that seek to monitor the political processes to influence content of public policy. Further, the training students receive in political science will be useful to students no matter what their ultimate career choices. The comprehensive career guide, Careers and the study of Political Science, is available from the department chair. Internships Special projects and internship programs are offered to provide students practical understanding of political processes in governmental organizations. Many students have received practical training and gained valuable knowledge by working with United States senators, members of Congress, and Utah State senators and representatives. Moreover, some students work as interns in City and County administrations and in the Utah Legal Services office in Ogden. Pre-Law The pre-law advisement program is designed to assist students in scheduling courses, in preparing for the law school admissions test, and in obtaining admission at one of the nationally recognized law schools. Data on the placement of graduates in law schools show the success and the immense value of the program to students (Dr. Frank Guliuzza acts as the Pre-Law Advisor.) Political Science Major and Political Science Teaching Major BACHELOR DEGREE (B.S. OR B.A.) » Program Prerequisite: Not required for Political Science major. Political Science Teaching majors must meet the Teacher Education admission and certification requirements (see Teacher Education Department). Teaching Majors are also required to take Hist 4500, Teaching Social Studies in Grades 5-12, for a total of 46 semester hours including Hist 4500. » Minor: Required » Grade Requirements: Political Science majors must have an overall GPA of 2.00 and a "C" or better grade in courses used toward the major (a grade of "C" is not acceptable). Political Science Teaching Majors must achieve an overall GPA of 3.00 for admission to the Teacher Education program. » Credit Hour Requirements: A total of 120 credit hours is required for graduation; 40 upper division credit hours are required (courses numbered 3000 and above). Political Science majors are required to take 43 credit hours within the major; teaching majors must also take Hist 4500, Teaching Social Studies in Grades 5-12, for a total of 46 credit hours. A minimum of 30 upper division hours are required within the major. Advisement All Political Science students are required to meet with a faculty advisor at least annually for course and program advisement. Call 801-626-6694 for more information or to schedule an appointment. Teaching majors are encouraged to also consult with advisors in the Jerry and Vickie Moyes College of Education (call 801-626-6269). Admission Requirements Declare your program of study (see page 18). There are no special admission or application requirements for the Political Science major. Teaching majors must meet the Teacher Education admission and certification requirements (see Teacher Education Department). General Education Refer to pages 36-41 for either Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts requirements. The following courses will fulfill both general education and program requirements: PolSc SS2100, PolSc SS2200, and PolSc SS2350. Consult with a department advisor for specific general education guidelines. Students majoring or minoring in Political Science or Philosophy who transfer from another institution and who intend to graduate from WSU will be requted to take, in the case of the minor, at least one class, and in the case of the major, at least two classes at WSU. These classes must be taken during the calendar year immediately preceding graduation. AP credit for high school American Government courses will be accepted for Political Science All 100. It will count toward the total hours requted for graduation, but may not count toward the total of 43 credit hours requted for a Political Science major. A score of "4" or above is requted. WEBER STATE UNIVERSITY 2 0 04-2005 CATALOG