The Political Science major provides students with a comprehensive understanding of political life from a distinctly Christian perspective. Specifically, students will learn the history and development of fundamental political ideas, the evolution of American political thought, and an examination of the current institutions and political behavior. Students will also gain an international perspective by exploring theories and structures of international relations and political systems in other countries, understanding the reasons and effects of political systems. The rigorous standards, knowledge, and skills acquired in these classes will prepare students for a range of careers directly or indirectly related to the political system, including law, politics, journalism, teaching, international business, and government service.
Faculty are committed to working with students to identify and pursue their vocational calling. At graduation, a Political Science major will have the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. They will also demonstrate a core understanding of each of the four areas of political science (Political Philosophy, International Relations, American Politics, and Comparative Politics) and the ability to think historically, philosophically, and empirically in these areas.
To earn a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, students must earn 122 hours, including the university’s core curriculum. The Political Science major requires 48 hours of coursework, with an additional 18 hours of free electives, allowing students to choose a minor if they wish. Students must also complete 12 hours in foreign language courses of one language, which may be wholly or partially fulfilled by a satisfactory score on a recognized proficiency examination.
In order to graduate with a major Political Science, the student must have:
- an overall minimum 2.0 GPA.
- a grade of C or higher in all Political Science courses including Political Science electives.
Core Curriculum
First Year Experience, Choose 1 (1 Credit)
Communication, Choose 1 (3 Credits)
Required
Literature, Choose 1 (3 Credits)
Required
Fine Arts, Choose 1 (3 Credits)
Required
| HIST-1385 | Western Civ in a Global Context Since 1517 | 3 |
Math, Choose 1 (3 Credits)
| - | Any 1000-level math course 1310 or higher | 3 |
Required
| PSYC-2310 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| BIOL-1310 | Scientific Inquiry in a Living World | 3 |
| PHSC-1430 | Scientific Inquiry in a Physical World | 4 |
| PHSC-1431 | Scientific Inquiry in a Physical World Lab | 0 |
Civic Awareness, Choose 1 (3 Credits)
| PLSC-2310 | American National Government | 3 |
| HIST-2310 | United States History to 1865 | 3 |
| HIST-2320 | United States History Since 1865 | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 44 |
Major Requirements
Foreign Language: Choose twelve-credit hours of the same foreign language from ASLA, FREN, GERM, GREK, HEBR, or SPAN.
Major Electives
Policy and Law Electives, Choose 1 (3 Credits)
American Politics Electives, Choose 2 (6 Credits)
Global Politics Electives, Choose 2 (6 Credits)
Political Philosophy Electives, Choose 2 (6 Credits)
Political Science Electives, Choose 3 (9 Credits)
| - | Choose three PLSC courses not taken in Policy and Law Electives, American Politics Electives, Global Politics Electives, or Political Philosophy Electives | 9 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 48 |
| Total Free Elective Requirements |
18 |
| Total Degree Requirements |
122 |
Mission Statement
The Political Science program at North Greenville University combines a comprehensive understanding of political systems and processes with solid Christian foundation and Christ-centered. Through rigorous coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and engagement with diverse perspectives, we seek to cultivate in our students a commitment to Christian values, critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and civic responsibility, preparing them to be informed, engaged, and effective leaders in their communities and the world.
Political Science SLO’s
- Students will be able to explain the foundational principles of the American political system as well as the role of Christianity in American political culture.
- Students will be able to describe the purpose and operation in democratic political systems of elections, political parties, and interest groups.
- Students will be able to identify and evaluate basic concepts in political philosophy such as liberty, equality, justice, and individual rights.
- Students will be able to identify and analyze the fundamental principles of international relations and how these are reflected in thinking about the history and conduct of war and diplomacy.