Politics Major

Learning Outcomes

Students who have completed the Politics major will be able to do the following:

Learning Outcome 1 - Substantive Knowledge:  Politics (POL) students will graduate with substantive knowledge of basic political concepts and systems.  It is our goal that POL students will understand the institutions, processes and values that shape politics within and among states and be able to apply that knowledge to the world.  It is also our goal that students understand the major theories, concepts, foundations, and methodologies used in the study of politics.

Learning Outcome 2 - Critical Thinking, Writing, And Research Skills:  POL students will graduate with the ability to think critically about political concepts and systems.  It is our goal that POL students will demonstrate the ability to apply their knowledge of politics by using the major analytic and theoretical frameworks in several subfields of politics.  It is also our goal that students be able to formulate questions and evaluate arguments and hypotheses based on these frameworks.

Learning Outcome 3 - Engagement in Politics:  It is our goal that POL students are prepared for active citizenship and begin to develop an ongoing interest in national and global politics.