Political Science (BA, Minor)

The study of political science entails much more than an analysis of current events, the activities of politicians, or the workings of governmental institutions. In a broad sense, political science is concerned with the nature of power and with its uses and abuses. Because this definition encompasses all of human activity, the study of politics must attend to a vast range of human endeavors. The sheer breadth of the field is what makes the study of politics so intriguing and so important. Moreover, the study of politics is a vital component of an authentic liberal arts education with which students learn to identify, analyze, and evaluate critically significant aspects of the human condition. The Political Science program at Dominican University of California is distinguished not only by its commitment to a genuine liberal arts education, but also by its commitment to promoting the development of skills requisite for informed, active, and responsible citizenship. The Political Science major prepares students for a variety of careers in the areas of policy analysis, teaching, law, diplomacy, business, government, non-governmental organization, campaign management, and journalism. Each Political Science major takes a sequence of introductory courses designed to provide a broad foundation of understanding of the discipline. Then, each major takes a set of upper division courses including one in political philosophy, a requirement designed to cultivate a greater awareness of what is ultimately at stake for humans in their moral and political lives. Students choose elective courses in at least two subfields: American Politics and Society, Law and Society, Political Philosophy, or International Politics and Policy.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students will demonstrate:

Ability to identify, analyze, and critically evaluate basic moral and political concepts.
Ability to identify, analyze, and critically evaluate significant political institutions and practices.
Writing, analysis, and oral presentation skills that conform to the scholarly expectations of the discipline.