Political science is the search for knowledge and understanding of the processes by which the values of public life are established for human communities. In a world of interdependent nations, political movements that are far reaching, and national political decisions that affect all aspects of society and economy, political knowledge is essential. To be liberally educated means to be able to think critically and independently about politics. The body of knowledge and the methods of analytical thought that compose the discipline help to prepare students for diverse vocations in government service, law, journalism, management, commerce, finance, and scholarship. Graduated Elmhurst College political science majors have become lawyers, judges, city managers, teachers, federal and state public administrators, policy consultants, congressional legislative assistants, and business men and women.

Goals of the Department:

• To guide students in the acquisition of knowledge of the structures, systems, and processes of political life;

• To introduce students to the great literature of political theory;

• To encourage the development of analytical, critical, and creative thinking;

• To teach the diversity and the interdependence of political systems in the world;

• To nurture students' ability to explain and evaluate political phenomena independently;

• To encourage a lifelong interest in public participation;

• To provide sufficient preparation for postgraduate study;

• To enhance and encourage clear, exact, and persuasive expression;

• To emphasize the relation of political science to other intellectual traditions and disciplines.

Major in Political Science
In order to achieve these stated goals, the major in political science consists of a minimum of 11 courses. Six courses are the core for the major. Five or more courses from the listed elective courses may be taken, but only one of these electives is to be less than a 300-level course. The senior seminar on topics of American politics should be taken in Fall Term prior to graduation.

Core
The National Political System
POL 201 American Federal Government or its equivalent
POL 445 Seminar: Topics on American Politics

World Political Systems
Choose two courses from the following:
POL 301 Comparative Politics: The New Europe
POL 302 Politics of Developing Nations
POL 303 Politics of the Middle East
POL 304 Latin American Politics
POL 306 Politics of International Relations

Political Thought
Two courses from the following:
POL 314 Classics of Political Theory
POL 315 Modern and Post-Modern Political Theory
POL 319 Foundations of American Political Thought

Electives (4 of 5 electives must be numbered as 300 or above.)

POL 202 American State and Local Government
POL 240 Public Law
POL 300 Metropolitan Government and Politics
POL 303 Politics of the Middle East
POL 304 Latin American Politics
POL 306 Politics of International Relations
POL 307 American Foreign Policy
POL 314 Classics of Political Theory (if not taken for the Core)
POL 315 Modern and Post-Modern Political Theory (if not taken for the Core)
POL 319 Foundations of American Political Thought (if not taken for the Core)
POL 360 Public Policy and Administration
POL 406 Politics of International Economic Relations
POL 412 Constitutional Law
POL 450 Independent Study
POL 460 Internship

Minor in Political Science
The minor in political science consists of a minimum of five courses, three of which must be above the 200 level. One course must be in political thought. At least three courses must be taken at Elmhurst College.

Certification for Secondary Teaching
Students who plan to pursue teacher certification must complete one course in world history, one course in geography, and one course in economics in addition to course work in professional and general education. See Director of Secondary Education for further information.