Oct 04, 2024  
2023-2024 Undergraduate Bulletin 
    
2023-2024 Undergraduate Bulletin [ARCHIVED BULLETIN]

Department of Political Science


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The study of politics is the study of power and change, stability and continuity, leadership and authority. In short, it is the study of our collective existence together and the struggle to establish-or disrupt-order.

We study political science for many reasons. It is a source for hints, suggestions, and direction that might help to explain the instability we feel around us. It helps us uncover insights into the ideas that have driven history forward. It helps us make sense of various societal and cultural trends or developments. It helps us locate the intersecting causes of conflict and cooperation, whether on a global, national, or local scale.

Political science is essential to the preservation and maintenance of democracy; for this reason, it is as essential as ever. A democratic society is a wonderful engine of innovation, but these innovations are constantly under challenge. For some, change is desirable, and analysis of power and authority will enable them to establish strategies for transformation. To others, the past is a source of wisdom, and understanding that past will give insights into its preservation. Understanding both the proponents and opponents of change-broadly conceived-is essential to ensuring that we can coincide peacefully.

As no career is untouched by politics, political science also makes a good second major or minor. For majors, political science is one of the grand entrances into law, government service, teaching, the nonprofit sector, or business. Political science leads to many different career paths, as a political science degree is built upon a foundation of critical thought, clear communication, and problem-solving.

Undergraduate Academic Programs

The faculty of political science offers courses leading to the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in political science .

The faculty encourages students to study abroad.

Teacher Education Program

Students seeking secondary teacher certification in social studies must declare education as a second major. This double major leads to teacher certification in Oklahoma (and preparation for certification in other states). In order to qualify, students must complete all the tasks listed on the Department of Education page of this Bulletin, including acceptance into the Teacher Education Program and to the Student Teaching Semester.

In addition, social studies education majors must include the following courses as part of their political science major:

Social studies education majors are assigned two faculty mentors, one in the Department of Political Science and one in the Department of Education .

Programs

    MajorMinor

    Courses

      Political Science

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